Last updated on October 13th, 2024 at 06:55 am
Anime is beloved by many, and it’s no wonder why. It can teach kids valuable lessons and spark their imagination. However, not all anime is suitable for young viewers, so it’s important for parents to choose carefully. In this post, I’ve selected some wonderful anime that are perfect for kids. These shows are not only entertaining but also educational, offering plenty of opportunities for children to learn and grow. Parents can enjoy watching these anime alongside their kids too. I hope this list helps you find the perfect anime for your child. Let’s dive in!
Little Witch Academia
Little Witch Academia is a delightful anime suitable for kids aged 7 and up. It’s about Akko, a determined but clumsy girl who dreams of becoming a witch, even though she’s not from a magical family. The show is packed with thrilling adventures, vibrant animation, and quirky characters. Through Akko’s journey, children learn important lessons about not giving up, believing in themselves, and the power of friendship. It inspires them to pursue their dreams, no matter what challenges they face.
Chi's Sweet Home
Chi’s Sweet Home is an adorable anime that is perfect for children of all ages. It’s about a curious kitten named Chi who gets lost and is taken in by a kind family. The series follows Chi’s mischievous adventures as she explores her new surroundings and learns about the world around her. Through Chi’s experiences, children learn about love, responsibility, and the importance of home. There are also sequels to this series, like Chi’s New Address and Chi’s Sweet Adventure, both are also recommended to watch.
Tanoshii Muumin Ikka
Tanoshii Muumin Ikka, or Moomin, is a beautiful anime for children of all ages. It follows the adventures of Moomintroll and his family and friends in the enchanting Moomin Valley. Each episode brings heartwarming stories and funny moments that highlight the importance of family, friendship, and enjoying nature. With its colorful characters and peaceful setting, Moomin teaches valuable lessons about kindness, acceptance, and finding happiness in simple pleasures.
Sherlock Hound
Sherlock Hound is an exciting adventure anime great for kids aged 7 and up. It puts a fun spin on Sherlock Holmes stories by featuring characters who are dogs! Sherlock Hound, the clever detective, and his loyal friend Watson solve mysteries and solve crime in a steampunk-style Victorian world. While there’s some animated action when they solve crimes, it’s not intense or frightening. This lively series teaches important lessons about using your brain to solve problems, working together with friends, and having the bravery to do what’s fair and just.
Alfred J. Kwak
Alfred J. Kwak is about a young duck named Alfred who goes on adventures to promote peace and justice among animals. Raised by a mole after losing his parents, Alfred faces challenges but remains hopeful. The show mixes humor with important lessons about friendship, caring for the environment, and overcoming challenges. It teaches children about being kind, standing up for what’s right, and accepting others who are different. It is suitable for children of all ages.
Mirai
Mirai is a heartwarming fantasy movie great for kids aged 8 and up. It’s about a boy named Kun who feels jealous of his new baby sister. But everything changes when a girl named Mirai, who says she’s his future sister, appears mysteriously. Through their adventures, Kun learns important lessons about family, empathy, and valuing the connections we have. Mirai is a beautiful tale that celebrates family and teaches children to cherish their loved ones.
Rilakkuma and Kaoru
Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a slice-of-life anime perfect for kids ages 6 and up. It tells the story of Kaoru, a young office worker who lives with a lazy bear named Rilakkuma. Each episode shows their everyday adventures, filled with humor and heartwarming moments. The show has simple plots but gently teaches valuable lessons about friendship, appreciating the simple things in life, and handling everyday challenges. With its calming atmosphere and adorable characters, Rilakkuma and Kaoru offers a relaxing escape for viewers of all ages.
Aikatsu!
Aikatsu! is a fun and exciting anime great for kids ages 5 and up. It follows Ichigo Hoshimiya, a regular girl who enters the world of idols. With help from her friends, she works hard to get better at singing, dancing, and fashion to become a top idol. This anime teaches kids the importance of hard work, teamwork, and not giving up. It encourages them to follow their dreams, improve their skills, and support their friends.
Miyori's Forest
Miyori’s Forest is a heartwarming fantasy movie for kids 8 and up. It follows Miyori, a young girl who feels lonely after moving to live with her grandmother near a forest. In the forest, she meets magical creatures and spirits who help her feel better and appreciate nature. The film teaches children about overcoming loneliness, caring for the environment, and the importance of friendship and courage. It’s a beautiful story about growing up and finding the magic in the natural world.
Inazuma Eleven
Inazuma Eleven is a fun and exciting sports anime great for kids aged 8 and up. It follows Mamoru Endou, a goalkeeper who loves football (soccer). He and his friends work hard to build a strong team and compete in national tournaments. Each episode has exciting matches with cool special moves and teamwork. Through their journey, Inazuma Eleven teaches important lessons about not giving up, the value of friendship and good sportsmanship, and always following your dreams.
Polar Bear Cafe
Polar Bear Cafe is a calm and enjoyable anime suitable for kids of all ages. It follows the daily lives of a polar bear who owns a cafe and his animal customers. Each episode showcases funny and heartwarming interactions among the diverse characters, including a relaxed panda and an energetic penguin. This anime teaches children about the value of friendship, kindness, and appreciating simple joys in life. It emphasizes the importance of community and finding humor in everyday situations.
Kemono Friends
Kemono Friends is a charming adventure anime with a surprising twist, perfect for children aged 7 and up. The story follows Serval, a curious and energetic girl, who encounters Kaban, another young girl with amnesia, in a world called Japari Park. This park is inhabited by talking animal-human hybrids called Friends. Each episode features Serval and Kaban exploring the park together, learning about the different Friends and the mysteries Japari Park holds. While lighthearted and funny, the show has a touch of mystery, with hints about the park’s past and the girls’ connection to it. Overall, Kemono Friends offers a delightful adventure filled with exploration, friendship, and the importance of curiosity.
Yo-kai Watch
Yo-kai Watch is an engaging anime suitable for children aged 7 and up. It follows a young boy named Keita who frees Whisper, a ghost-like youkai, from 190 years of imprisonment. Whisper pledges to protect Keita from supernatural dangers and gives him a watch that allows him to see other youkai. Along with the twin-tailed cat spirit Jibanyan, they encounter and solve many youkai-related problems. Through their adventures, the show teaches important lessons about friendship, teamwork, and understanding others. With its colorful characters and lighthearted humor, Yo-kai Watch is perfect for entertaining young viewers.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of Studio Ghibli’s best works and a great anime for kids aged 5 and up. It tells a heartwarming coming-of-age story about Kiki, a young witch who spends a year living on her own as part of a magical tradition. She arrives in a charming seaside town and starts a flying delivery service using her broomstick. The movie shows Kiki’s challenges and successes as she deals with self-doubt, makes new friends, and learns important life lessons. Kiki’s Delivery Service teaches kids about being independent, responsible, and believing in themselves.
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved classic from the famous Studio Ghibli. It is a delightful fantasy adventure perfect for kids aged 5 and up. The story follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father. There, they meet a friendly giant forest spirit named Totoro. The movie shows the girls’ adventures as they explore their new home, interact with Totoro, and learn important life lessons. My Neighbor Totoro teaches kids about the importance of imagination, loving nature, and the power of family. It is a charming and heartwarming story that celebrates the wonder and magic of childhood.
Remi, Nobody's Girl (Sans Famille)
This is an alternative version of Nobody’s Boy Remi. Both are good, and perfect for kids aged 8 and up. I prefer this one as it came out later, and the animation is better than the original. Remi, Nobody’s Girl tells the story of Remi, a kind and cheerful girl who finds out she’s adopted. When her family faces money problems, she’s sold to a traveling entertainer. Despite many difficulties, Remi stays hopeful and goes on an adventure of self-discovery. This anime teaches kids about being strong, kind, and valuing family and friends. It shows that even in hard times, bravery and caring for others can help overcome challenges.
The Cat Returns
This movie is a spin-off of Whisper of the Heart. Both movies are wonderful and can be enjoyed by children aged 8 and up, but here we’ll focus on the lesser-known one. The Cat Returns follows Haru, a kind but easily flustered girl who saves a cat from being hit by a truck. To her surprise, the cat is a prince from the Cat Kingdom! As thanks, Haru is taken to their magical world and finds herself slowly transforming into a cat. Through her adventures, Haru must face challenges and find a way to break the spell before she becomes a cat forever. The Cat Returns teaches important lessons about kindness, self-confidence, and staying true to yourself, even in strange situations.
The Secret World of Arrietty
The Secret World of Arrietty is an enchanting fantasy adventure for kids aged 6 and up. It tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny borrower who lives secretly under the floor of a human family’s house. Borrowers are small people who “borrow” little items from humans to survive. When Sho, a kind and curious boy, discovers Arrietty, they form an unexpected friendship. Together, they face challenges and learn about each other’s worlds. This anime teaches kids the importance of respecting the environment, the value of friendship, and appreciating even the smallest things. It’s a heartwarming story with beautiful animation that celebrates the magic of friendship and understanding.
Yume-iro Pâtissière
Yume-iro Pâtissière is a sweet and enjoyable anime suitable for kids aged 10 and up. It follows Ichigo Amano, a girl whose passion for cake leads her to dream of becoming a top pastry chef. Her adventure begins when she discovers St. Marie Academy, a prestigious school for aspiring bakers, where she faces challenges and learns the secrets of baking with the help of her quirky classmates. Alongside baking delicious treats, the show teaches important lessons about never giving up, working hard, and the strength of friendships.
Pom Poko
Pom Poko is a unique and thought-provoking animated movie suitable for kids aged 10 and older. It follows a group of tanuki (raccoon dogs) who use their magical ability to change shape to defend their forest home from human development. Alongside its humor and fantasy, the film tackles serious themes like protecting the environment and how human actions affect nature. Some parts might be a bit intense or scary for younger viewers. Overall, Pom Poko is a compelling and enjoyable movie that encourages children to value nature and think about why it’s essential to take care of our planet.
Ninja Hattori-kun
Ninja Hattori-kun is a joyful anime ideal for kids aged 5 and older. It tells the story of Hattori, a young ninja who becomes roommates with his human friend Kenichi. They embark on funny and sometimes crazy adventures together, where Hattori’s ninja abilities come in handy for helping Kenichi and his family. The anime teaches children about friendship, teamwork, and why it’s important to assist others. It also highlights values like being truthful and kind. With its playful humor and charming characters, Ninja Hattori-kun is a delightful choice for young viewers.
Wolf Children
Wolf Children is a touching and thought-provoking anime movie suitable for kids aged 10 and older. It follows a single mother raising two children with a unique ability: they can turn into wolves. The story delves into themes of love, family, and the challenges of parenting children who are different. While it’s a beautiful and uplifting tale, it also tackles serious subjects like loss and the complexities of raising kids in a world that may not understand them. Due to these themes, it may be helpful for parents to watch with younger viewers. Overall, Wolf Children is a moving film that celebrates resilience and the unconditional love between a parent and child.
Binchou-tan
Binchou-tan is a warm and comforting anime for children of all ages. It explores the daily life of a young girl named Binchou-tan who lives alone in a quiet mountain home. Each episode shows her simple routine, filled with delightful moments and gentle humor. The anime encourages values like independence, self-reliance, and finding happiness in everyday experiences. With its calming atmosphere and charming characters, Bincho-tan is an ideal choice for a relaxing and enjoyable viewing experience.
Hanamaru Kindergarten
Hanamaru Kindergarten is a heartwarming anime perfect for kids of all ages. It follows a group of charming kindergarteners and their caring teachers through their daily adventures filled with laughter, friendship, and the simple joys of being young. The show teaches children about sharing, teamwork, and the importance of kindness towards others through the children’s interactions. While there are some subtle romantic elements among the adult characters, they don’t overshadow the main focus on childhood innocence and wonder. Overall, Hanamaru Kindergarten is a wholesome and enjoyable anime that celebrates the magic of childhood.
Jungle Taitei (1989)
Jungle Taitei (1989), also known as The New Adventures of Kimba the White Lion, is a great show for children aged 5 and up because it teaches important lessons about courage, friendship, and respect for nature. The story follows Kimba, a young white lion who becomes king of the jungle after his father is killed. As Kimba grows up, he learns to lead with kindness and wisdom, showing that even in tough times, doing the right thing is important. Children can learn about the importance of taking care of the environment and understanding that everyone, no matter how different, deserves to be treated with respect.
Beyblade
Beyblade is suitable for children aged 7 and up. It’s a fun and exciting show that teaches important lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The story follows groups of kids who compete in intense battles using spinning tops called Beyblades. As they face different challenges and opponents, they learn the value of working together, staying determined even when things are tough, and always playing fair. Plus, the action-packed scenes and unique characters keep the adventure thrilling and engaging for young viewers.
Since Beyblade is a pretty big series, if you need a watch guide, I have one here to help you get started!
That’s the end of my list. I’ve included a variety of anime here to make it easier for you to choose for your kids. There are many other great anime for kids that I didn’t mention, which I might add in the future. While I’ve highlighted some Studio Ghibli movies, there are plenty more that are equally fantastic. I highly recommend exploring all Studio Ghibli films—they’re perfect for children. If there are any mistakes, I apologize, and I hope you and your little ones enjoy these anime together!