10 Longest-Running Animated Superhero Shows Of All Time

Animated superhero shows have long been a staple of television, with some spanning many years and episodes. From Marvel to DC, these shows have cemented themselves in pop culture, often defining how entire generations perceive their favorite heroes and villains. With epic stories and beloved characters, these shows have brought superheroes into homes around the world, building passionate audiences that span decades. Just like the longest-running live-action superhero shows, these animated counterparts have deftly delivered compelling comic book narratives for generations.

While the MCU timeline has revolutionized how superhero stories are told in cinema, and the DC timeline continues to experiment with multiverse storytelling, animated series have maintained their steady influence in the background. Many of these shows predate the cinematic universes, providing a blueprint for the characters and themes explored on the big screen. Animated series offered episodic adventures that allowed creators to dive deep into the essence of these characters, introducing intricate plots and rich character arcs.

10

X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997)

Episodes: 76

Launching in 1992, X-Men: The Animated Series was one of the first animated shows to tackle mature themes like prejudice, discrimination, and identity. Running for 76 episodes, it explored the struggles of mutants as allegories for real-world issues, giving it a depth rarely seen in children’s programming at the time. This Marvel masterpiece is celebrated for its faithful adaptations of iconic comic book arcs, including the Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past.

Its dynamic storytelling, complex characters, and dramatic themes cemented its place in superhero history. For many, this show was their first introduction to the X-Men and remains the definitive portrayal of the mutant team. With Disney’s revival series, X-Men ’97 recommencing the story, revisiting X-Men: TAS today is a reminder of its immense cultural impact and how it shaped the perception of Marvel’s beloved mutants for generations.

9

Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)

Episodes: 85

Widely regarded as one of the greatest animated superhero shows of all time, Batman: The Animated Series redefined the Dark Knight for a new generation. With its noir-inspired visuals, Emmy-winning storytelling, and unforgettable performances (including Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker), the series ran for 85 episodes and left an indelible mark on the genre. Its striking art deco style, often referred to as “dark deco,” gave Gotham City an atmospheric and timeless quality.

Related

10 Most Forgettable DC Characters In Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: TAS offered some of the best versions of classic DC characters, but others were forgettable and failed to gain a comparable legacy.

Batman: TAS frequently delved into Batman’s psyche, offering nuanced takes on his rogues’ gallery, including iconic episodes like “Heart of Ice,” which reinvented Mr. Freeze. Its influence extended far beyond television, shaping how Batman is portrayed in comics, games, and films. The series’ mature themes, psychological depth, and cinematic storytelling remain unparalleled, making it a timeless classic in the world of animated superheroes.

8

Super Friends (1973-1985)

Episodes: 93

Super Friends

Cast

• 

  Danny Dark

  Scarecrow (voice)

• 

  Casey Kasem

  Wonder Woman (voice)

• 

  Olan Soule

  Superman (voice)

• 

Super Friends brought DC’s Justice League to Saturday morning cartoons, introducing a generation of young fans to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more. Running for 93 episodes across various iterations, the show was a product of its time, blending lighthearted adventures with moral lessons that resonated with its youthful audience. While its tone may feel dated compared to modern superhero narratives, Super Friends was groundbreaking in its depiction of superhero teamwork, laying the groundwork for future Justice League adaptations.

Super Friends is also notable for introducing original characters like the Wonder Twins, Zan, and Jayna, along with their pet monkey, Gleek. These each became pop culture icons in their own right. Despite its simplicity, the show’s charm and accessibility made it a quintessential part of the 1970s and 1980s pop culture, and its nostalgic legacy continues to endure among longtime viewers.

7

Young Justice (2010-2022)

Episodes: 99

Young Justice

Release Date

2010 – 2021

Network

Cartoon Network
, HBO Max

Showrunner

Brandon Vietti
, Greg Weisman

Writers

Brandon Vietti
, Greg Weisman

Young Justice is a standout series that blends coming-of-age drama with superhero action, making it one of the most sophisticated entries in the genre. Spanning 99 episodes over four seasons, the show follows a group of sidekicks and young heroes, including Robin, Superboy, and Miss Martian, as they navigate personal growth, team dynamics, and larger conspiracies. Praised for its intricate plotting, character development, and willingness to tackle complex themes such as identity, politics, and loss, Young Justice resonated with older audiences while still appealing to younger viewers.

The serialized storytelling sets Young Justice apart, with each season exploring multi-layered narratives that unfold over time. Though it faced cancellation after two seasons, an impassioned fan campaign led to its revival, showcasing the enduring passion for the series. Young Justice remains a benchmark for how animated superhero shows can deliver emotional depth and compelling stories.

6

Ultimate Spider-Man (2012-2017)

Episodes: 104

Ultimate Spider-Man brought a fresh, comedic take to Marvel’s iconic web-slinger while embracing his classic charm. With 104 episodes, the series followed Peter Parker as he balanced life as a high school student and a superhero under the mentorship of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury. The show introduced a rotating cast of Marvel heroes, including Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and White Tiger, creating an ensemble dynamic that showcased the interconnected Marvel Universe.

Related

10 Things About Spider-Man: The Animated Series That Have Aged Poorly

Spider-Man: The Animated Series might be one of the best animated shows ever, but that doesn’t mean certain aspects are jarring in hindsight.

Known for its fast-paced storytelling and frequent fourth-wall breaks, Ultimate Spider-Man offered a unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments. While it leaned towards a younger audience, its sharp writing and action-packed episodes ensured broader appeal. Though it may not have reached the legendary status of some earlier Spider-Man adaptations, it remains a beloved chapter in the character’s animated history, highlighting Spidey’s enduring appeal.

5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017)

Episodes: 124

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Release Date

2012 – 2016

Network

Nickelodeon

Directors

Alan Wan
, Sebastian Montes
, Michael Chang
, Rie Koga
, Juan Jose Meza-Leon

Writers

Brandon Auman
, Peter Di Cicco
, Gavin Hignight
, Mark Henry
, Randolph Heard
, Kevin Burke
, Chris Wyatt
, Todd Casey
, John Shirley
, Eugene Son
, Jeremy Shipp
, Doug Langdale
, Henry Gilroy
, Jase Ricci
, Todd Garfield
, Stan Sakai
, Jed MacKay
, Johnny Hartmann
, Nicole Dubuc
, Joshua Hamilton
, Christopher L. Yost
, Andrew Robinson
, Thomas Krajewski
, Greg Weisman

The 2012 reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series brought the heroes in a half shell to a new generation, combining humor, action, and emotional depth. Spanning 124 episodes, the series reimagined classic villains like Shredder and the Kraang while introducing new layers to the Turtles’ relationships and personalities. With its innovative CGI animation and a mix of episodic adventures and serialized arcs, the show appealed to both new and longtime enthusiasts.

Its ability to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling earned praise from critics and viewers alike. The 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series stands out for its exploration of family dynamics and the Turtles’ brotherly bonds, which added an emotional resonance to their crime-fighting escapades. Whether revisiting iconic storylines or creating new ones, this iteration solidified the Turtles’ place as cultural icons in a contemporary landscape.

4

Avengers Assemble (2013-2019)

Episodes: 127

Capitalizing on the success of the MCU, Avengers Assemble ran for 127 episodes, providing animated adventures of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. The series featured core team members like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Black Widow, often mirroring the dynamics of their live-action counterparts. While the show initially leaned heavily on the popularity of the MCU, it gradually carved its own identity, with original storylines and a focus on team dynamics.

Episodes explored the Avengers’ relationships and individual struggles while introducing a rotating cast of heroes and villains from Marvel’s vast library. The series served as a spiritual successor to Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, bridging the gap between comic lore and cinematic popularity. Though its reception was mixed among longtime audiences, Avengers Assemble succeeded in introducing younger audiences to the Avengers’ legacy, ensuring its place in Marvel’s animated history.

3

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003-2009)

Episodes: 155

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Release Date

2003 – 2009

Directors

Chuck Patton
, Roy Burdine
, Susan Blu

Writers

Kevin Eastman
, Peter Laird
, Lloyd Goldfine

Cast

• 

  Michael Sinterniklaas

  Leonardo (Voice)

• 

  Wayne Grayson

  Foot Elite Guard (voice)

• 
• 

The 2003 iteration of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles delivered a darker, more action-oriented take on the franchise. Spanning 155 episodes, it drew heavily from the original comic books, offering a grittier portrayal of the Turtles’ adventures. This version explored deeper lore, including the Turtles’ origins, Shredder’s complex backstory, and their ongoing battles with a wide array of foes.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003) is often praised for its mature storytelling and complex character development, standing as a fan favorite among the many adaptations of the Turtles. Its longer arcs allowed for richer narratives, delving into themes like honor, family, and redemption. For many, this series is the definitive animated take on the Turtles, combining action-packed sequences with emotional weight. Its impressive run is a testament to its quality and the enduring popularity of the TMNT franchise.

2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)

Episodes: 193

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Release Date

1987 – 1995

Network

Nickelodeon

Directors

Bill Wolf

Writers

Kevin Eastman
, Peter Laird
, David Wise

The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is a cultural phenomenon, running for an impressive 193 episodes over nearly a decade. This version introduced the Turtles to mainstream audiences, blending humor, action, and unforgettable catchphrases that defined the late 1980s and early 1990s. The series established the iconic personalities of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael, creating a template that subsequent adaptations would follow.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ vibrant animation and lighthearted tone made it a massive hit with children, spawning a multimedia empire of toys, video games, and feature films. While the show’s episodic structure and comedic focus feel dated by today’s standards, it remains a beloved cornerstone of animated superhero history. For many fans, this series was their introduction to the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, cementing their status as enduring pop culture icons.

1

Teen Titans Go! (2013-)

Episodes: 387

Teen Titans Go!

Release Date

April 23, 2013

Network

Cartoon Network

Showrunner

Aaron Horvath

Directors

Peter Rida Michail

Writers

Aaron Horvath

As of 2025, Teen Titans Go! holds the title of the longest-running superhero show ever, with a staggering 387 episodes and counting. A comedic spin on the beloved Teen Titans series, this show embraces absurdity, self-referential humor, and over-the-top antics. While its tone differs dramatically from its predecessor, Teen Titans Go! has garnered a massive viewership, particularly among younger viewers.

Its irreverent take on superhero life often parodies classic tropes while delivering laugh-out-loud moments. Critics may deride its sillier approach, but its success is undeniable. The show has also gained recognition for its clever writing and meta-commentary on superhero culture. Its longevity speaks to its ability to reinvent itself and stay relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape. Love it or hate it, Teen Titans Go! has cemented its place in the pantheon of animated superhero shows, proving that comedy and longevity can go hand in hand.