In an organic EL element, an organic EL layer is interposed between anodes and cathodes formed on a substrate. Each of the cathodes is made of a first conductive film that comes into contact with the organic EL layer and a second conductive film that constitutes a laminated structure together with the first conductive film. The first conductive film contains any one of an alkaline metal and an alkaline earth metal. The second conductive film contains any one of at least one type metal selected from a group consisting of Ru (ruthenium), Rh (rhodium), Ir (iridium), Os (osmium) and Re (rhenium) and its oxide.