Welcome to our top 50 recommendations for anime for kids!
As every fan knows, anime is a pretty versatile medium, but it has gained a reputation for being a little... mature. It’s not uncommon to see some scantily clad ladies and barely censored fan service, with a dash of gore here and there — and that’s fine if you’re an adult who has no problem with that.
But if you’re looking for more kid-friendly anime for your children or younger siblings, you’ll probably want to opt for safer options, and that’s what we’re here for!
Children’s anime is a unique educational adventure for kids that introduces them to new ideas, situations, and so much knowledge about Japanese culture. But as you surely know, kids can be pretty picky about their entertainment time. They tend to gravitate toward cartoons that feature characters their age and appeal to their interests.
So, you’ll be happy to know there’s a whole world of family-friendly anime out there that is just as magical and exciting as their more adult-targeted counterparts, just with a decidedly lighter tone!
Children and younger teenagers deserve to discover the greatest anime Japan has to offer, so you’ll have to suggest some good series. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best anime for kids. But don’t think they won’t be as exciting or well-made just because they’re kid-friendly.
Whether you’re looking for an anime for 10-year-olds or a good show for teenagers, these titles are packed with action, humor, and heart, making them just as enjoyable for adults as they are for kids. And with so many great titles to choose from on our anime shows list, you’re sure to find one family anime you’ll love watching together!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1 A Silent Voice
2016 | 2h 10m
Based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yoshitoki Oima, A Silent Voice follows a former bully turned outcast who decides to reconnect and befriend the deaf girl he had tormented when he was a kid. The movie weaves themes like disability, bullying, social alienation, and the pursuit of redemption. A Silent Voice is a little gem among anime movies and deserves all its recognition!
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38points
#2 Pokémon
1997-Present | 1000+ episodes
Oh, this is such a classic anime for kids! Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum, who sets out on a journey through the beautiful region of Kanto, determined to fulfill his dream of becoming the greatest Pokémon trainer of all time. The show has spawned several sequels and spin-offs over the years, but they all share the same basic premise — the main character wants to get strong enough to beat the greatest trainers and become the champion. Ready to catch ’em all?
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37points
#3 Spirited Away
2001 | 2h 5m
Here we are with Hayao Miyazaki’s classic anime movie, where a young girl finds herself lost in a world of spirits. This classic film is the first and only Japanese movie to receive an Oscar award for Best Animated Feature. For many years, Spirited Away held the title of the highest-grossing film in Japanese history, earning over $395 million globally. However, this record was broken by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, released in 2020.
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37points
#4 Chi's Sweet Home
2008-2009 | 208 episodes
Chi’s Sweet Home is a lovely anime about a kitten who gets separated from her mother and siblings during a walk outside. She gets adopted by a kid and his family, despite their housing complex’s strict no-pets policy. The story is told through Chi’s eyes as she learns about the world through her new family, people, and other pets.
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33points
Is There Any Kid Friendly Anime?
Of course! Plenty of kid-friendly anime series are suitable for children of all ages. Even kids under ten years of age can watch these shows. They have colorful visuals, simple storylines, and positive themes, making them an excellent choice for young anime fans. These anime often emphasize friendship, teamwork, and the value of perseverance, making them not only enjoyable but also educational for children.
Some well-loved examples of kid-friendly anime include Pokémon, where young trainers embark on adventures with their beloved creatures, the heartwarming, sentimental masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro by Studio Ghibli, and the timeless Doraemon, featuring a helpful robotic cat from the future.
These shows will provide your kids with a safe and enjoyable introduction to the world of anime for kids.
#5 Hikaru No Go
2001-2003 | 75 episodes
A young boy, Hikaru Shindo, accidentally awakens the spirit of a deceased Go prodigy while exploring his grandfather’s shed. This ghost, Fujiwara-no-Sai, still harbors aspirations of achieving the “Kami no Itte,” a perfect move in the Go game, and chooses to aid Hikaru in developing his Go skills. In case you don’t know, Go is believed to be the oldest board game ever, still played to the present day by more than 20 million people worldwide.
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32points
#6 Silver Spoon
2013-2014 | 22 episodes
Silver Spoon is the story of Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy who relocates to a rural area to attend an agricultural high school and escape the strained relationship with his parents. He has no idea what’s in store, but he soon realizes this isn’t just any ordinary school year. The series is based on a manga by Hiromu Arakawa, creator of Fullmetal Alchemist. Although it may not be as popular as other shows on this list, it’s worth checking out!
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31points
#7 Glitter Force
2012-2013 | 48 episodes
When a kingdom where characters from fairy tales reside is attacked by the evil Pierrot, the Queen sends the messenger Candy to Earth to form a group of five magical girls. The series follows the team’s birth and the girls’ adventures as they battle their enemies, collect powerful tokens, and grow their abilities to try and save the kingdom.
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31points
#8 Doraemon
1979-Present | +2000 episodes
Doraemon’s plot revolves around the life of Nobita, who is frequently bullied by other kids. Despite his best efforts, he often finds himself in trouble, resulting in Doraemon, a cat from the future, saving the day using his futuristic gadgets. The show tackles themes relevant to childhood — most episodes introduce moral lessons, teaching the importance of taking responsibility for your actions, as well as showing the negative effects of bad habits, like neglecting one’s studies or resorting to violence to solve problems.
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30points
What Anime Are Suitable For 10-Year-Olds?
Whether you’re looking for an anime for 10-year-olds or anime for 12-year-olds, these series will deliver a mix of entertainment and age-appropriate lessons:
- Digimon Adventure: Similar to Pokémon, this series features a group of children who partner with digital creatures to save their world.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service: Another Studio Ghibli gem. This film follows a young witch as she navigates life, responsibility, and friendship.
- Star Twinkle Pretty Cure: A magical girl anime that promotes teamwork and self-confidence as young girls transform into heroes to save the universe.
- Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: This series combines humor and martial arts adventures.
- Dragon Ball Z: This anime is suitable for older kids and teenagers. It features powerful martial arts battles and adventures.
#9 Flying Witch
2016 | 12 episodes
Flying Witch is a slow-paced, slice-of-life anime about a young witch named Makoto Kowata who moves in with some relatives after living on her own for most of her life. This family-friendly anime has plenty of heartwarming moments and some of the most adorable characters ever to grace anime screens. It also features delicious food scenes that will satisfy any food lover and breathtaking landscapes to leave you in awe!
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25points
#10 Haikyuu!!
2014-2020 | 85 episodes
This series falls into the spokon genre, a type of anime focused on sports and competition. Haikyuu!! follows a high school student, Shouyo Hinata, and his journey to becoming a professional volleyball player. It’s not the easiest dream considering Hinata is pretty short for a volleyball player, but his impressive determination and ability to jump higher than most of the other characters balance it perfectly. When he meets his new teammate Kageyama Tobio, the tyrannical but talented setter who defeated him in middle school, his dream begins to feel a little more achievable. Two anime movies have been announced in 2022 and will serve as the series finale.
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23points
#11 Sailor Moon
1992-1997 | 200 episodes
One of the most emblematic examples of the majokko genre — focused on young girls with magical powers — and a great representation of the emotional maturation of a careless teenager with a heart of gold, Usagi. The series chronicles the adventures and growth of five schoolgirls reborn as the incarnations of princesses with powerful abilities.
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22points
#12 Snow White With The Red Hair
2015-2016 | 24 episodes
Shirayuki, always taught to hide her unusual red hair from the world, is noticed by Prince Raji, who wants to make her a concubine. With nowhere to go, she flees to another kingdom, where she meets Prince Zen. It’s the beginning of a new life at the royal palace of Clarines! A refreshing fantasy story about a cheerful heroine and a prince who cannot help but fall in love with her.
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21points
What Are The Big Three in Anime?
The Big Three is a term used to describe the three most popular anime of all time that have gained worldwide popularity and have a massive fan following:
Naruto
Naruto is a ramen-loving ninja with big dreams and an even bigger appetite. He’s got a spirit as fiery as his bright orange jumpsuit. This show follows his quest to become Hokage (the top ninja in the village). Naruto’s journey from an underdog to a hero is a wild rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss!
One Piece
One Piece is a pirate-filled odyssey that follows the adventures of pirate Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy’s not just after treasure; he’s hunting for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece! He’s got a motley crew, including a sharpshooter, a swordsman, and a ship’s cook with a serious nosebleed issue. This anime is full of epic battles, laughs, and the search for adventure on the high seas.
Bleach
This show is for the older teen audience. Bleach follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who can see ghosts. One day, he gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and is tasked with protecting the living world from evil spirits. It’s a ghostly adventure like no other!
#13 Tamako Market
2013 | 12 episodes
Tamako Market is a sweet and heartwarming anime that follows the daily life of Tamako, a cheerful and clumsy girl who works in her parents’ mochi (sweet rice cake) shop in a busy shopping district. Along with her friends, family, and a diverse cast of characters, Tamako navigates the ups and downs of growing up, all while maintaining her love for mochi and her strong sense of community. With its lovable characters, lighthearted storytelling, and wholesome themes, Tamako Market is an ideal choice for viewers looking for a feel-good anime.
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20points
#14 ReLife
2016 | 13 episodes
ReLIFE follows the life of 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki, who is given a chance to relive his high school years through a mysterious program called “ReLIFE.” With the help of a pill that makes him look like a 17-year-old student, Arata returns to high school, where he tries to figure out what went wrong in his life. The series explores themes of growth and coming of age, making it a touching and inspiring anime for teenagers.
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20points
#15 Sweetness And Lightning
2016 | 12 episodes
Sweetness and Lightning is a heartwarming anime about a teacher and single father named Kouhei, who is struggling to raise his daughter, Tsumugi, after the loss of his wife. When one of his students convinces him to try cooking for the first time, Kouhei and Tsumugi discover the joys of homemade meals, and their bond becomes stronger than ever.
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19points
#16 K-On!
2009-2010 | 39 episodes
K-On! is a slice-of-life comedy anime that follows the lives of four teenagers (later five) as they join their school’s music club to keep it from disbanding. Join Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Tsumugi, and Azusa as they navigate high school and make memories that will last a lifetime! With a mix of humor, sweet moments, and an infectious soundtrack, K-On! is a must-watch for fans of the genre and those looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable show.
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19points
What Is A Kid-Friendly Anime On Netflix?
Netflix offers a variety of anime for kids. Check out these current anime titles on Netflix for Kids:
- Spirited Away
- Molang
- Whisper of the Heart
- Howl’s Moving Castle
- Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
- The Cat Returns
- Child of the Kamiari Month
- Ponyo
- Only Yesterday
- Stand By Me, Doraemon
#17 My Neighbor Totoro
1988 | 1h 26m
Produced by Studio Ghibli, My Neighbor Totoro follows two sisters as they move to the countryside to stay with their sick mother and then meet the magical spirits who live in the nearby forest. It’s not only a classic of Japanese animation, but the movie is also partially autobiographical. When Hayao Miyazaki and his brothers were children, their mother suffered from spinal tuberculosis for years and spent much of her time hospitalized. He once said the movie would have been too painful for him to make if the two protagonists were boys instead of girls.
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19points
#19 Your Name
2016 | 1h 47m
If you’re an active member of the anime community, there’s a 100% chance that you’ve heard about this movie. It follows a high school boy from Tokyo and a high school girl from the Japanese countryside who suddenly and inexplicably begin to swap bodies and live each other’s lives. This is the perfect anime for teenagers and has everything you can look for — outstanding graphics, a catchy soundtrack, and a breathtaking plot.
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17points
#20 How To Keep A Mummy
2018 | 12 episodes
The last gift Sora Kashiwagi ever expected to receive from his adventurous father was… a mummy! Not the scary type, though — Mii-kun is so adorable and is tiny enough to fit in the palm of a hand! As he struggles to look after this miniature creature, Sora discovers the joys of caring for someone and the challenges that come with it. With a cast of quirky characters, this anime will surely leave kids and adults smiling!
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16points