Best Anime To Watch With Kids: 2025 List

If you think anime is just loud battles and spiky hair, you are in for a surprise. While some shows fit that bill, the medium is packed with heartwarming stories, complex characters, and beautiful art. Much of it is not only child-appropriate but genuinely beneficial for kids.

I used to be skeptical. Then my youngest daughter showed me a clip, and we fell in love with this unique storytelling style. Now, we watch it together all the time.

25 Kid-Friendly Anime Shows

My daughter turned me into a superfan, so I’ve spent countless hours vetting shows to see what is safe and what isn’t. I combined my parental experience with expert input to bring you these top recommendations for the best anime for kids.

I have also listed the U.S. age rating and a “parent-approved” age range to help you decide.

1. Naruto

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 11 years and older.
• Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix, Tubi TV, Vudu, Crunchyroll, and The Roku Channel.

Naruto is the ultimate underdog story. It follows a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. It is packed with action and mischief, but it also dives deep into themes like loneliness, acceptance, and the value of grit.

The series is split into two parts. In the first half, he is a pre-teen; in the second, he is a teenager. Parents should know there is some mild language (words like “damn”) and brief references to “adult” vices like drinking or gambling, but the core message is fantastic for tweens.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

• Type: Television series and movies.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Cardcaptor Sakura (sometimes called Cardcaptors) defines the “magical girl” genre. An elementary school student accidentally releases a set of magical cards and discovers she has powers of her own.

Sakura is a stellar role model. She is kind, determined, and brave as she tries to seal the cards back away. The violence is very mild, similar to what you see in Pokemon battles. It is visually beautiful and very safe for younger viewers.

3. My Neighbor Totoro

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 4 years and older.
• Where to watch: HBO Max, Netflix, YouTube, and Vudu.

If you only watch one movie on this list, make it this one. My Neighbor Totoro follows two sisters who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother.

While exploring, they meet Totoro, a giant, cuddly forest spirit. There are no villains here, just a gentle exploration of childhood wonder and family bonds. It is a Studio Ghibli masterpiece that is perfect for a calming family movie night.

4. Haikyu!!

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 10 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and HiDive.

You do not need to like sports to love Haikyu!!. Shōyō Hinata is a short kid inspired to play volleyball after watching a pro player called “The Little Giant.” He joins a club, finds out he is the only member, and works tirelessly to build a team.

The show focuses heavily on teamwork, rivalry, and self-improvement. The character development is top-tier, and it teaches kids that physical limitations can be overcome with strategy and heart.

5. My Hero Academia

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 12 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.

Imagine a world where 80 percent of people have superpowers called “quirks.” Izuku is born without one, but he still dreams of attending U.A. High Academy to become a hero.

We watch Izuku grow from an insecure boy into a brave leader. It’s like a Japanese take on The Avengers or X-Men. Be aware that it gets darker in later seasons, with some blood and intense cartoon violence, so it is best suited for the middle-school crowd.

6. Hikaru No Go

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 10 and older.
• Where to watch: Hulu and Crunchyroll.

Hikaru No Go is a hidden gem about a strategic board game. 12-year-old Hikaru finds an old Go board haunted by a ghost from the Heian period. The ghost, Sai, wants to achieve the “perfect move” and mentors Hikaru.

It sounds niche, but the tension and lessons about respect, history, and friendship are universal. It is a cerebral show that respects the intelligence of its audience.

7. A Silent Voice

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: Not rated.
• Age range: 10 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix and Vudu.

This movie is an emotional rollercoaster. It revolves around Shouko, a girl who is bullied because she is deaf, and Shôya, the boy who bullied her. Years later, Shôya is tormented by his past actions and sets out to apologize and make amends.

It deals with heavy themes like bullying, social anxiety, and redemption. It is beautiful and necessary, but have a box of tissues ready. Seriously, everyone cries during this one.

8. Little Witch Academia

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix.

Think Harry Potter meets anime. Akko enrolls at Luna Nova Academy, a prestigious school for witches, even though she doesn’t come from a magical family.

The animation is fluid and fun, with plenty of fantasy battles and broom flying. It avoids the dark, scary elements of some fantasy shows, keeping things light and adventurous. It’s rated for 8+, but younger kids who can handle mild peril will likely enjoy the colorful visuals.

9. Barakamon

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 12 years and older.
• Where to watch: YouTube.

Handa Seishu is an arrogant city calligrapher who punches a critic and gets exiled to a rural island to cool off. He expects peace and quiet but gets nosy neighbors and kids who use his house as a playground.

This is a “slice of life” comedy. It is about Handa lowering his walls and learning to enjoy the simple chaos of rural life. It’s funny, heartwarming, and a great break from action-heavy shows.

10. Girls Und Panzer

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: TV-14.
• Age range: 14 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and HiDive.

The premise is wild: high school girls participate in “Senshado,” the art of tank warfare. Miho tries to escape her family’s strict tank-driving legacy but gets pulled back in to save her new school.

It explores friendship and strategy. The “battles” are sporty rather than violent war depictions. However, the rating is higher because the character designs feature short skirts typical of some anime tropes. If that isn’t a deal-breaker, the action is actually quite wholesome.

11. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

• Type: Television series and movies.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 14 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Crunchyroll.

Fullmetal Alchemist (specifically the Brotherhood version) is widely considered one of the best anime of all time. Brothers Edward and Alphonse pay a terrible physical price for trying to use alchemy to resurrect their mom.

They travel the world seeking the Philosopher’s Stone to fix their bodies. It is complex, philosophical, and features some intense body horror and violence. It is strictly for teens, but the story is a masterpiece.

12. Last Exile

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: YouTube and Hulu.

Set on the planet Prester, Last Exile features retro-futuristic airships and sky battles. Claus and Lavie are a pilot-navigator duo who get swept up in a war while trying to deliver a mysterious orphan.

The visuals are stunning, blending early CGI with traditional art. It’s a great adventure story that focuses on loyalty and the freedom of flight.

13. Fairy Tail

• Type: Television series and movie.
• Rating: TV-14.
• Age range: 14 years and older.
• Where to watch: Tubi, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Netflix.

Lucy, a 17-year-old celestial wizard, joins the famous (and destructive) Fairy Tail guild. The show is massive, spanning hundreds of episodes about friendship, magic, and fighting evil guilds.

Why the 14+ rating? There is a fair amount of “fan service” (characters in skimpy outfits or suggestive poses) and slapstick violence. If you have a teen who loves high-energy fantasy, this is a staple, but screen it first if you are worried about innuendo.

14. Pom Poko

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, HBO Max, and YouTube.

The Tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) are losing their forest home to human construction. To fight back, they use their legendary shapeshifting powers to scare the humans away.

It is funny and quirky but has a serious environmental message. Warning for parents: Tanuki in Japanese folklore are depicted with prominent testicles (called “pouches” in the English dub), which they use for magical shapeshifting. It is cultural, not sexual, but it might prompt some awkward questions!

15. Spirited Away

• Type: Movie.
• Rated: PG.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Max.

This film won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and rightfully so. 10-year-old Chihiro becomes trapped in a bathhouse for spirits after her parents turn into pigs.

She has to be brave and hardworking to free them. The imagery is surreal and occasionally frightening (like the No-Face spirit), which might scare very sensitive kids. For everyone else, it is a magical journey about growing up.

16. Ponyo

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 4 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, HBO Max, and YouTube.

This was the first anime I showed my kids. Ponyo is essentially Studio Ghibli’s version of The Little Mermaid. A goldfish princess wants to become human after meeting a boy named Sosuke.

It is pure joy. The colors are bright, the water animation is breathtaking, and the story is simple enough for preschoolers to follow. There are no scary villains, just a wild magical storm and a lot of love.

17. InuYasha

• Type: Television series and movies.
• Rating: 14.
• Age range: 13 and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Crunchyroll.

Kagome, a modern high schooler, falls down a well and lands in feudal Japan. She teams up with InuYasha, a half-demon, to collect shards of a powerful jewel.

This is a classic “isekai” (transported to another world) adventure. It mixes romance, horror, and action. There is plenty of monster-slaying blood and some mild cursing, making it a better fit for teenagers than young kids.

18. Yo-Kai Watch

• Type: Television series and movies.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 7 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, DirecTV, Hoopla, YouTube, and Disney XD.

Often compared to Pokemon, this show features a boy who uses a special watch to see and befriend mischievous spirits (Yo-kai) that cause daily annoyances.

Instead of battling, he summons friends to solve problems. It is very episodic and funny, with catchy songs. It captures that “collect-em-all” excitement without being too intense.

19. Avatar: The Last Airbender

• Type: Television series and movies.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 5 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, Nickelodeon, and CBS.

While technically an American production, the style is heavily influenced by anime. Aang is the Avatar, the only one who can master all four elements (Air, Water, Earth, Fire). He wakes up from a 100-year sleep to stop a war.

It is widely considered one of the best animated shows ever made. It tackles genocide, totalitarianism, and redemption in a way kids can understand, all wrapped in humor and amazing action.

20. Inazuma Eleven

• Type: Television series and movie.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 7 years and older.
• Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Hoopla.

Soccer meets superpowers. The Raimon Middle School soccer club is on the verge of disbanding until they recruit a mysterious new player.

The players use special moves like “Fire Tornado” to score goals. It’s over-the-top, energetic, and emphasizes the power of never giving up. It is very safe for elementary school kids.

21. The Legend Of Korra

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: Netflix, CBS, and Nickelodeon.

Set 70 years after Avatar: The Last Airbender, this sequel follows Korra, the next Avatar. While Aang was a peacekeeper, Korra is a warrior.

The setting is more modern (think 1920s steampunk), and the themes are more mature, dealing with political unrest, PTSD, and complex villains. It’s a fantastic watch for kids who are ready for slightly deeper storytelling.

22. Kiki’s Delivery Service

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: G.
• Age range: 4 years and older.
• Where to watch: HBO Max, Vudu, and YouTube.

This is a gentle coming-of-age story about a young witch, Kiki, who leaves home for a year of independent training. She starts a delivery service using her broomstick.

There are no battles here. The conflict comes from Kiki losing her confidence and having to find it again. It is sweet, inspiring, and features a hilarious talking cat named Jiji.

23. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 10 years and older.
• Where to watch: Vudu and YouTube.

Makoto discovers she can literally leap backward in time. At first, she uses it for petty things, fixing grades, avoiding awkward conversations, and singing karaoke for hours.

But she soon learns that changing the past has consequences. It is a brilliant mix of sci-fi, comedy, and drama that teaches kids to take responsibility for their actions.

24. Fruits Basket

• Type: Television series.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 11 years and older.
• Where to watch: Hulu and Crunchyroll.

Tohru Honda is an orphan who moves in with the mysterious Soma family. She discovers their secret: when hugged by the opposite sex, they turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac.

Fruits Basket is beloved for a reason. It is funny, but it also deals with trauma and healing. It is better suited for tweens and teens who enjoy character-driven dramas rather than action fests.

25. Howl’s Moving Castle

• Type: Movie.
• Rating: PG.
• Age range: 8 years and older.
• Where to watch: HBO Max, YouTube, Vudu, and Netflix.

A young hat-maker is cursed by a witch to look like an old woman. She seeks help from the wizard Howl, who lives in a chaotic, walking castle.

The visuals are bursting with imagination, from the fire demon Calcifer to the magical doors that open to different locations. The plot can be a bit abstract for very young kids, but the sense of adventure is universal.

Anime on YouTube

If you want to pick a series or movie for a specific platform, here are my top picks on YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix. Note that availability can change!

• A Silent Voice.
• Spirited Away.
• Howl’s Moving Castle.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender.
• My Neighbor Totoro.
• Barakamon.
• Last Exile.
• Pom Poko.
• Ponyo.
• Yo-Kai Watch.
• Inazuma Eleven.

Anime on Hulu

• Naruto.
• My Hero Academia.
• Haikyuu!!
• Hikaru No Go.
• Girls Und Panzer.
• Fullmetal Alchemist.
• Last Exile.
• Fairy Tail.
• InuYasha.
• Yo-Kai Watch.
• The Last Airbender.
• Fruits Basket.

Anime on Netflix

• Naruto.
• Cardcaptor Sakura.
• My Neighbor Totoro.
• Haikyuu!!
• My Hero Academia.
• A Silent Voice.
• Little Witch Academia.
• Girls Und Panzer.
• Fullmetal Alchemist.
• Fairy Tail.
• Pom Poko.
• Spirited Away.
• Ponyo.
• InuYasha.
• Yo-Kai Watch.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender.
• The Legend Of Korra.
• Howl’s Moving Castle.

What Is Anime?

“Anime” (pronounced ah-nee-may) is simply the Japanese word for animation. In Japan, it refers to all cartoons. Outside of Japan, it specifically refers to the distinct art style originating from that region, think large expressive eyes, colorful hair, and vibrant emotional storytelling.

It covers every genre imaginable. While Western cartoons are often comedy-focused and aimed solely at kids, anime spans everything from sci-fi and horror to romance and historical drama.

Because it reflects Japanese culture, you might see things that differ from American cartoons. For example, death is often treated more directly, and characters might bleed from the nose to show they are excited or embarrassed (a classic trope!).

Parents should know that ratings matter. “Shonen” anime is aimed at teen boys and often features fighting, while “Shojo” is aimed at teen girls and focuses on relationships. Always check the rating, as some “cartoons” are definitely made for adults.

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Benefits of Watching Anime for Kids

Some parents worry about screen time, but anime offers some unique benefits that standard cartoons might miss.

Cultural Exposure

Anime is a window into Japan. Kids learn about school traditions (like changing shoes at the door), food (onigiri and ramen), and holidays. It builds curiosity about the world outside their own neighborhood.

Creative Inspiration

The art styles are distinct and beautiful. Many kids, including my own, get inspired to start drawing or writing their own stories after getting hooked on a show. It’s a gateway to creating graphic novels or manga.

Community Building

The fanbase is huge and passionate. My daughter has made instant friends just by spotting someone wearing a Demon Slayer or Naruto shirt. It gives them a shared language and something to bond over.

Handling Tough Topics

Anime respects a child’s intelligence. Shows often tackle complex themes like grief, war, anxiety, and moral gray areas. These stories can spark great conversations between you and your kids.

Reading Skills

This is a big one. Watching “subbed” anime (Japanese audio with English subtitles) forces kids to read fast to keep up with the story. It is a sneaky way to improve reading fluency without it feeling like homework.

FAQs

What is the best anime to start with for young kids?

For absolute beginners under age 7, Studio Ghibli movies are the gold standard. Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro are gentle, magical, and have no scary villains. For TV series, Pokemon or Little Witch Academia are great entry points.

Is anime violent?

It depends entirely on the genre. Shows aimed at young kids (Kodomomuke) are very safe. However, “Shonen” anime (like Naruto or My Hero Academia) often features fantasy violence and battles. Always check the specific age rating, just like you would for a movie.

Should my child watch subs or dubs?

“Dubs” are voiced by English actors, while “Subs” keep the Japanese voice acting with subtitles at the bottom. Dubs are easier for younger children who can’t read fast yet. Subs are great for older kids to preserve the original emotional tone and practice reading skills.

Anime May Surprise You

Anime isn’t just one thing. It’s a medium that can be loud and silly or quiet and profound. The best shows for kids offer meaningful storylines that stick with you long after the credits roll.

If your child is interested, sit down and watch an episode or a movie with them. You might just find yourself asking to watch “one more episode” right alongside them.