Overview
- While not all anime content is tailored for children, titles such as Little Witch Academia and School Babysitters are ideal for family-friendly viewing experiences.
- For those seeking a laid-back watch, Laid-Back Camp provides a tranquil depiction of camping adventures featuring compelling characters.
- Spy x Family merges comedy, action, and drama into a delightful storyline about a spy who forms a faux family for his mission.
Anime has surged in popularity in recent years, captivating audiences with iconic series like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. However, many of these well-known titles may not be appropriate for children, prompting parents to seek suitable viewing options.
Parents and older siblings often find it challenging to find anime that can be enjoyed by younger viewers. While the anime community boasts several series aimed at children, many are not familiar to Western audiences, especially those crafted for preschoolers. Nonetheless, content for slightly older kids is abundant.
Each anime season introduces new kids anime series, but many remain largely undiscovered beyond Japan. These shows often fall into obscurity despite their potential appeal.
Updated April 1, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As the Spring 2025 anime season unfolds, it’s still early for recommendations regarding simulcast shows for children. Meanwhile, titles like I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, Mono, and Yaiba: Samurai Legend are considered relatively safe options.
We have now included two additional anime for children to our list that are also enjoyable for older viewers. Discover these shows below.
21 Little Witch Academia
A Magical Action-Comedy
Little Witch Academia originated as a film before transforming into a beloved episodic series. It chronicles the journey of Atsuko as she attends the Luna Nova Magical Academy to pursue her dream of witchcraft. With its vibrant cast of characters, the show captivates audiences and is readily accessible on Netflix, making it easy for families to watch and evaluate its suitability after three episodes.
Filled with whimsical humor, a sense of adventure, and a captivating story arc, Little Witch Academia resonates particularly well with children, especially those who are fans of fantasy series like Harry Potter.
20 School Babysitters
Cute & Wholesome
Despite a sorrowful backstory, School Babysitters is the epitome of wholesome fun. The Kashima siblings gain admission to a prestigious academy under the condition that Ryuichi cares for the daycare, allowing his younger brother, Kotaro, to be with him during the day. This charming arrangement introduces Ryuichi to other students who also work at the daycare.
As a slice-of-life comedy rich in heart, School Babysitters skillfully develops its ensemble cast, creating a show that captures both children and teenagers’ hearts. Viewers can expect lots of smiles and light-hearted moments through the characters’ time together.
19 Silver Spoon
Mature Fun For The Whole Family
It’s a surprise to learn that Silver Spoon comes from the mastermind behind Fullmetal Alchemist. This series offers a gentle introduction to anime without the intensity or violence commonly found in many popular shows. The narrative centers around Yuugo Hachiken, a student at Ooezo Agricultural High School seeking an escape from the pressures of daily life.
Through its engaging storyline, viewers gain insight into the realities of agricultural life without sacrificing entertainment, making it a great watch for younger audiences.
18 Laid-Back Camp
Iyashikei Fun For The Whole Family
Although it may not pack as much excitement as other anime for kids, Laid-Back Camp is a delightful choice for families, offering a soothing experience for children, teens, and adults alike. This series, centered on camping culture, depicts the enjoyment and camaraderie that come from outdoor adventures.
Rin, after being introduced to camping by her grandfather, frequently embarks on solo trips until she makes friends with Nadeshiko, who joins her school’s outdoor club. The series unfolds with each camping trip, realistically portraying the preparations and joy of outdoor experiences, primarily focusing on character interactions in stunning landscapes. Laid-Back Camp is a warming balm for the spirit.
17 Chi’s New Address
Slice Of Life Comedy With An Endearing Protagonist
For those searching for a longer series, Chi’s New Address boasts over 100 episodes filled with charming adventures that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. This light-hearted slice-of-life anime provides plenty of laughs while following the exploits of an adorable cat in a familial context.
Each episode is short, ensuring that the experience remains fresh and enjoyable, typically revolving around a family and their endearing feline, Chi.
16 My Hero Academia
Superhero Action For Older Children
With the rise of superhero narratives in popular media, My Hero Academia easily attracts younger viewers. The series chronicles the adventures of students at a prestigious academy dedicated to producing heroes. It skillfully explores themes of heroism and responsibility within a superhuman society.
Although the show conveys powerful messages about helping others and friendship, parents should be aware that some action scenes can be intense, featuring violence that may not be suitable for all children.
15 How To Keep A Mummy
Adorableness Overload
When Sora receives an unusual gift from his globe-trotting father—a baby mummy—his life takes a hilariously adorable turn. As he navigates his newfound responsibilities caring for Mii-kun, other quirky creatures also join the mix, including a dragon and an oni adopted by his friends.
How to Keep a Mummy is imbued with light-heartedness and offers family-friendly themes centered around pet care. Its comedy appeals not just to kids but has the potential to entertain parents as well.
14 Haikyu!!
Great Action, Great Humor
Typically, sports anime appeal to a younger demographic, but many might not be suitable for children. However, Haikyu!! effectively balances action and humor, making it an excellent choice for younger audiences.
We follow Hinata, who, despite his small stature, pursues his passion for volleyball at a high school with an esteemed team. His collaboration with Kageyama, a gifted yet conceited player, leads to remarkable growth as they work towards their shared goal of excellence.
13 Doraemon Franchise
A Beloved Classic
The Doraemon franchise, whether from the original series or the 2005 remake, is an enduring classic. With over forty films to its name, it showcases a delightful array of adventures featuring the cat-like robot and his human friends.
Doraemon’s futuristic gadgets lead to entertaining hijinks, though finding episodes online might be challenging. However, two noteworthy films are available for streaming on Netflix.
12 Hamtaro
Timeless Humor
The heartwarming escapades of these endearing hamsters are sure to entertain both children and the young at heart. With over 290 episodes available, Hamtaro provides a long-lasting viewing experience.
While the English dub remains incomplete, audiences willing to switch to subtitles may enjoy a similar series featuring hamsters titled Pui Pui Molcar, often lauded as one of the greatest children’s anime but unfortunately not released in English.
11 Mysterious Joker
Entertaining Children’s Show
Spanning four seasons, Mysterious Joker successfully captivates young audiences with its straightforward premise: a master thief, Joker, who can steal anything he desires. His globe-trotting antics highlight his skill while showcasing various treasures alongside lighthearted moments.
The episodic structure emphasizes Joker’s blend of mischief and youthful hijinks, ensuring plenty of laughter along the way.
10 Sonic X
Mainly For Sonic Fans, But Fun Nonetheless
The appeal of Sonic X largely stems from nostalgia for Sega’s beloved franchise. Though many animated adaptations of children’s games struggle to maintain quality, Sonic X offers an engaging experience despite some mixed episodic storytelling aspects.
While it adopts elements from the games, the series primarily sticks to an episodic format featuring Sonic, Tails, Amy, and a human boy battling against Eggman’s latest inventions. Although the anime improves notably in its third season, it remains gentle and appropriate for younger viewers.
9 Moomin (1990)
Charming & Well-Written
Originating from novels, Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters have graced television screens since the late ’50s. The 1990 series stands out as one of the finest adaptations, blending whimsy with relatable storytelling. The series follows Moomintrolls and their friends in Moominvalley, engaging in their delightful everyday adventures.
Even if mostly grounded in mundanity, the magic permeates every scene, making Moomin an endearing experience for all ages.
8 Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun
A Cute and Kid-Friendly Battle Shonen Anime
While most battle shonen anime target older teens, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun stands out as a more family-friendly option within the genre. The colorful visuals and humorous characters, particularly Clara, appeal to younger audiences while steering clear of excessive violence or fanservice.
The series embraces lighthearted action, delivering kitchen sink humor intertwined with engaging plotlines, ensuring enjoyment for viewers of all ages.
7 Barakamon
Learning to Appreciate the Sillier Moments of Life
Challenging the notion that children’s anime must shy away from mature themes, Barakamon tells the story of Handa, a calligrapher with a short temper sent to a remote island to realize the importance of community. Though the first episode showcases serious undertones, the majority of the series is a heartwarming slice-of-life comedy.
Handa’s development throughout the show’s 12 episodes, alongside the delightful and quirky residents, especially Naru, creates a narrative that resonates across audiences. Barakamon is not only one of the best anime for kids but stands out as a top-tier series overall.
6 Pretty Cure (Series)
Magical Girl Juggernaut
As one of the longest-running magical girl animes, Pretty Cure features mesmerizing visuals and a diverse range of narratives that cater to younger audiences. With numerous spin-offs and movies, the franchise offers ample content for viewers to delve into.
The original series is available on Crunchyroll, widely praised as a standout within the beloved franchise.
5 Sherlock Hound
Awesome Twist on a Literary Classic
Collaborating with Hayao Miyazaki, the creative minds behind Sherlock Hound present light-hearted stories inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless works, reimagining the characters as anthropomorphic animals.
Its English dub is available for free on YouTube, making it easily accessible and an excellent choice for families seeking enjoyable content.
4 Digimon
Good For Older Kids Looking For Something With A Slight Edge
Along with other ’90s classics, Digimon Adventure introduced a generation to the enchanting world of anime, where children known as DigiDestined engage in thrilling adventures in a digital realm alongside their digital monster partners.
Offering a compelling mix between the lighter tones of Pokémon and the heavier narratives of Dragon Ball Z, the series provides excitement without excessive violence. Although the show’s age shows, the original season remains a captivating watch, featuring memorable characters and engaging plotlines, with later cycles mixing quality.
3 Pokemon
The Ultimate Kids Anime
Pokemon has transcended the realm of anime, becoming a cultural phenomenon. It is feasible that someone whose experience with Nintendo is limited still recognizes Pikachu. Among kids’ anime, Pokemon stands out as the quintessential recommendation tailored for young viewers while also serving as one of the most iconic entry points into the genre.
The narrative follows Ash’s thrilling journey to become a Pokemon Master as he traverses various regions filled with unique creatures and trainers. Though occasionally repetitive, the sense of adventure within Pokemon remains unparalleled in family-appropriate anime.
2 Rilakkuma And Kaoru
Accessible & Lovable
Rilakkuma and Kaoru, originally released as an ONA directly for streaming, has found a home on Netflix, making it straightforward for potential fans to experience. With a brief runtime of approximately eleven minutes per episode, the series is both charming and engaging.
Focusing on the life of Kaoru and her roommate, the plush bear Rilakkuma, the show offers a unique blend of visuals and sound design while addressing relatable themes like mental health and economic struggles. Its quirky nature adds an engaging layer that resonates with younger audiences while being insightful enough for adult viewers.