There are plenty of reasons to watch Detective Conan. Few anime have captivated audiences for as long—or as cleverly—as Detective Conan. With over 1100 episodes, dozens of movies, and a legacy dating back to 1996, this series is more than just a whodunit; it’s a cultural institution. But with such a vast episode count, new viewers often wonder: Is it really worth diving in? Here are five solid reasons Detective Conan deserves a spot on your watchlist, and one fair warning for those unsure about long-form storytelling.

What is Detective Conan about?

While investigating a shady deal, Shinichi is attacked by two men in black, agents of the secretive Black Organisation and forced to ingest an experimental poison called APTX 4869, meant to kill him. Instead of dying, Shinichi’s body shrinks to that of a 7-year-old, though his intelligence remains fully intact. To keep his identity—and survival—secret, he adopts the alias Edogawa Conan. He moves in with his childhood friend and crush, Ran Mouri, whose father, Kogoro Mouri, is a bumbling private detective. Using Kogoro as a front, Conan begins solving cases from the shadows, hoping to gather information about the Black Organisation and eventually return to his original form.

5 Reasons to watch Detective Conan

1. Intricate, Mind-Bending Mystery Writing

Each episode is a fresh, tightly crafted puzzle. While some are simple closed-room mysteries, others are multi-part thrillers featuring clever twists, psychological mind games, or impossible alibis. The creators clearly did their homework; the case construction feels meticulous. The sheer variety of motives and murder methods keeps you constantly guessing. When you think you’ve figured out the formula, the show flips the script.

2. A Cast as Vast as the Suspect List

At the story’s heart is Shinichi Kudo, the brilliant high school detective turned child (Edogawa Conan) by a mysterious drug. But the surrounding characters, Ran Mouri, the karate-champion childhood friend; Kogoro Mouri, the bumbling private eye unknowingly taking credit for Conan’s genius; and the evolving ensemble of police, kids, rivals, and secret agents, make for a deeply engaging character tapestry. Special shoutout to Kaito Kid, the gentleman thief whose appearances are as iconic as they are unpredictable.

3. Memorable Music and Voice Talent

From classic openings like “Truth A Great Detective of Love” to emotionally resonant endings, the Detective Conan soundtrack is a standout. Its long history means it’s had the time to develop a rotating catalogue of OP/EDs reflecting both the mystery and the heart of the story. Voice actors Minami Takayama (Conan) and Kappei Yamaguchi (Shinichi) have lent consistent depth and charisma to their roles for over two decades, no small feat!

4. The Evolving Long-Term Plot

The overarching story of the Black Organisation, the shadowy crime syndicate responsible for Conan’s transformation, is deeply intriguing. Episodes tied to this arc are often tense, high-stakes showdowns with FBI agents, double agents, assassins, and hints at a larger conspiracy. These episodes connect subtle threads laid down much earlier, rewarding attentive viewers. This will be your jam if you love a slow-burn mystery that unravels over time.

5. It’s a Time Capsule of Anime History

Watching Detective Conan is like flipping through a living history book of anime. From the rounded, charming ’90s designs to today’s sleek digital animation, you witness how art, tech, and storytelling evolve. It’s not just visually nostalgic, it’s socially reflective too. Flip phones become smartphones. Fashion, tech, and societal norms shift with each generation. Despite that, its core values, justice, truth, and love, never change.

One Reason Not to Watch Detective Conan:

It’s (Extremely) Long Running

There’s no sugar-coating it: with over 1,000 episodes, Detective Conan is a massive time investment. The main plot advances slowly, with long stretches of episodic content in between. While that’s a blessing for casual viewing, it can be daunting for those chasing tight, fast-paced narratives. But think of it this way: instead of a quick sprint, Detective Conan offers a companion for the long haul. A show to return to. A world that’s always growing.

Will you watch Detective Conan?

Detective Conan is available on Crunchyroll, bilibili, Netflix and iQIYI