The longest arcs in manga that marked history

Last update: 10/03/2025

  • Some manga arcs have been so long that it affected the fan experience.
  • Series like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach have some of the longest arcs.
  • These arcs can either lengthen the content unnecessarily or add depth to the plot.
  • We analyze the longest arcs and their impact on the audience.
The longest arcs in manga and anime history

The world of manga is full of exciting and memorable stories that have captivated millions of readers around the world. However, Some narrative arcs have been extended longer than expected, generating so much admiration as frustration among fans. While some see them as an opportunity to delve deeper into the story, others believe that their excessive length can slow down the pace and make the plot lose impact.

Next, we will explore some of the longest arcs in manga history. We will analyze what made them so extensive, how they impacted the series in which they appeared and what fans think about it.

Wano Arc – One Piece

Wano Arc – One Piece

Without place to doubts When we talk about long arcs, One Piece comes to the fore. But there is an arc that every fan of the series knows for being very, very long. Specifically, the one of Wano has been the longest to date. It extended during 149 chapters in the manga and more than 150 episodes in the anime, making it the longest arc in the entire franchise.

Exclusive content - Click Here  Wake Up Dead Man: Everything about Knives Out 3 and its gameplay

Wano takes us to a feudal Japan in the One Piece universe, where Luffy and his allies fight against Kaido and his army of Beast Pirates. This arc is Packed with epic battles, emotional flashbacks, and crucial revelations about the history of the One Piece world.While many fans consider it one of the best arcs in the series, others believe it went on too long.

If you want to know more about how to watch One Piece, you can check out our guide on how to watch one piece.

The Fourth Great Ninja War – Naruto Shippuden

The Fourth Great Ninja War – Naruto Shippuden

One of the most controversial arcs of Naruto Shippuden is the Fourth Great Ninja War, which spanned 116 episodes. While this is a crucial event in Naruto's history, the number of battles on the war front and the Excessive use of flashbacks made many viewers feel that it went on too long.

The arc featured epic clashes between legendary shinobi, but also featured many fights that did not add great value to the main plotMany fans believe the story would have gained more impact if it had been told more concisely, highlighting only the most important fights and key revelations.

Exclusive content - Click Here  Rumors about a remastered Red Dead Redemption 2. Rockstar may be preparing a next-gen rerelease.

For those interested in the display order, you can read our post on How to watch Naruto in order.

Thousand Year Bloody War – Bleach

Thousand Year Bloody War – Bleach

In Bleach, the Thousand Year Blood War arc is the longest and the last in the series. It spans over 200 chapters in the manga, and in its anime adaptation it is divided into several parts..

This arch features the final showdown between Soul Society and the Quincy, with Ichigo and his allies fighting against Yhwach, the most powerful antagonist in the series. Despite his importance, Many fans felt that the ending for certain characters was rushed., despite the enormous length of the story.

The Frieza Saga – Dragon Ball Z

The Frieza Saga – Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is another anime known for the length of its battles, and the Frieza saga is a clear example of this. With a duration of 33 episodes, this story introduced us to one of the most iconic fights in the franchise: Goku vs Frieza.

Exclusive content - Click Here  EA hacks into your home Wi-Fi: This is how they've redesigned FC 26 to work better even without a cable.

While the fight between these two titans is memorable, it is undeniable that it was extended a lot, with dialogues and moments of energy charge that slowed down the action. Despite this, It remains one of the most memorable clashes in anime history..

Related article:
How to Watch Dragon Ball in Order

Chimera Ants – Hunter x Hunter

Chimera Ants – Hunter x Hunter

One of the most debated arcs is the Chimera Ants arc in Hunter x Hunter. With a duration of 61 episodes, this arc had a very different approach, with a complex story and a lot of character development.

While some fans feel that the plot dragged at certain points, others argue that these episodes were pivotal to delve deeper into the series' themes, such as morality, sacrifice, and the evolution of the main characters.

There is no doubt that Long arcs divide fansFor some, they are an opportunity to flesh out the world and give the characters more depth, while others feel they slow down the pace and affect the overall experience. Regardless, these arcs have left a lasting impression. mark in the history of manga and continue to be discussed by fans of each series.