Top Ten Best Anime for Kids

Paige Geis Bradshaw

When I was little, I didn’t watch much anime. In fact, I didn’t have much of an interest in it at all until I was an adult! Once I finally got around to watching Avatar: The Last Airbender last year, I was hooked.

What I’ve learned is that anime is for all ages! While some anime is made specifically for adults, there are numerous anime movies and TV shows made with kids in mind.

If you’re looking for something new to watch with your family, check out these top ten best anime for kids! Most are available in English—and if they’re not, most anime have English-dubbed versions or English subtitles to help you understand what’s going on.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

  • TV series
  • Rated TV-Y7*
  • For ages 7+

One hundred years into the war between the world’s four nations—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—a young boy discovers he is an Avatar, or the only one who can master all four elements. This playful, positive, and uplifting series follows the Avatar and his friends on their journey to restore peace for all!

*This series contains mild fantasy violence.

Haikyu!!

  • TV series
  • Rated TV-14
  • For ages 14+

After watching a high school volleyball team play in the national competition on TV, a middle school student joins his school’s volleyball club. Despite his short stature, he’s determined to become a volleyball superstar!

Little Witch Academia

  • TV series
  • Rated TV-Y7
  • For ages 7+

After being inspired by a witch, a young girl attends a prestigious academy for witchcraft. She struggles in her training because of her non-magical background, but her optimistic attitude and strong spirit help her succeed!

My Neighbor Totoro

  • Movie
  • Rated G
  • For ages 4+

This wholesome movie follows two sisters who’ve just moved to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers from illness in the local hospital. As these little ladies explore the nearby forest, they make friends with enchanting creatures—the cuddly Totoro being one of them!

Naruto

  • TV series
  • Rated TV-PG*
  • For ages 10+

Naruto, a mischievous young ninja, yearns for respect and recognition from his peers. To earn both, he pursues his dream of becoming the Hokage—the village leader and strongest ninja.

*This series contains mild language, potty humor, and mild fantasy violence.

Pokémon

  • TV series
  • Rated TV-Y7*
  • For ages 7+

With his friends and yellow Pokémon pet by his side, a young boy embarks on a quest to become the greatest Pokémon Master in the world!

*This series contains mild fantasy violence.

Ponyo

  • Movie
  • Rated G
  • For ages 4+

A little boy builds a friendship with Ponyo, a goldfish princess who wants nothing more than to be human! As their friendship grows, Ponyo develops more human-like traits. When Ponyo’s father forces her to return to sea, her human desires throw off nature’s balance. Will Ponyo’s dream ever come true?

Sailor Moon

  • TV series
  • Rated TV-PG
  • For ages 10+

Sailor Moon—the alter ego of a teen girl who’s struggling in school—is tasked with tracking down the moon princess. With her friends, she fights the forces of the Dark Kingdom to defend the Earth!

Spirited Away

  • Movie
  • Rated PG*
  • For ages 8+

A young girl and her parents wander into an abandoned amusement park. After her parents are turned into pigs, night falls and she starts to become transparent. With a boy’s help, she discovers she must work at this park to survive. Will she ever be human again?  

*This movie contains depictions of smoking and drinking.

Your Name.

  • Movie
  • Rated PG
  • For ages 12+

Two teenagers—a Tokyo boy and a girl from the Japanese countryside—start swapping bodies magically and inexplicably. When they decide to meet, their connection becomes even more complicated.

Which of these family-friendly flicks and shows will your crew watch?

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