Anime to Watch With Your Kids? There are lots of anime that are not suitable for children, and if you are unfamiliar with anime, or just looking for shows you can watch with the younger ones in the house it can be a daunting task especially with so much to do this holiday season.
Well, we’ve got you covered with 25 of the best anime to watch with your kids in no particular order, with honorable mentions. These shows are silly and fun, and most will teach a life lesson to you and your children in some capacity.
Here are the 25 Best Kids Anime to Watch With Your Kids!
25.
The Legend of Hei
Luo Xiao Hei Zhan Ji (Movie)
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Bilibili, Beijing HMCH Anime Co.,Ltd, Alibaba Pictures
- Aired: Sep 7, 2019
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Starting our list of 25 best anime to watch with your kids is The Legend of Hei, the series is heart-wrenching, sweet, and funny. It has a Ghibli vibe to it with lots of well-illustrated greenery, landscapes, and emotional build. It’s a must-see for fans of Ghibli or any fans of great art.
The plot follows Xiaohei, a black cat spirit who has been displaced from his home in the forest by humans. He finds himself in a new place, with themes of nature, humans coexisting with other species, and a child with a father-like figure. Xiaohei embarks on an uncertain journey.
24.
Cardcaptor Sakura
- Episodes: 70
- Studios: Madhouse
- Aired: Apr 7, 1998 to Mar 21, 2000
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, School
Another kid-friendly anime is the classic Cardcaptor Sakura, an anime that breathed new life into the magical girls’ genre and anime as a whole. It’s a series that has both entertaining and sometimes thought-provoking plots. And another bonus is its very inclusive LGBTQ+ cast also.
The premise itself is fairly typical for a mahou shoujo (magical girl) anime. A happy-go-lucky girl Sakura Kinomoto, suddenly comes across magical power and begins her quest alongside a cute lion-like creature serving as her guardian and mentor. Her quest is to capture the fifty-three magical cards of Clow Reed, each inhabiting a unique power that affects Sakura and the people around her in some way.
23.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl no Ugoku Shiro
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Studio Ghibli
- Aired: Nov 20, 2004
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Howl’s Moving Castle is a great kid-friendly steampunk fairy-tale, I have honestly watched it more than once. It is a series that leaves the viewers in awe at the magical world that unfolds in front of us, filled with splendid surroundings, fantastic devices, and creatures.
The story is about a girl named Sophie who gets turned into an old woman. In her attempt to return to normal, she ends up living with a wizard named Howl and a group of eccentric companions in his moving castle.
22.
Naruto
- Episodes: 220
- Studios: Studio Pierrot
- Aired: Oct 3, 2002 to Feb 8, 2007
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Martial Arts, Super Power
Naruto takes our next spot, it’s a series with a lot of episodes that center around action, fighting, drama, and suspense. It has humor that the kids may find funny, as well as lots of fights that appeal to teenagers and adults. Characters are also really relatable and it teaches how hard work can eventually beat a natural talent which is a great message for kids.
The story follows Naruto mainly but sometimes other ninjas of the Hidden Leaf Village, as he grows as a ninja, from being childish to becoming a fine ninja. Along the way, he interacts with and makes friends with many fellow ninjas, fighting his way towards his dream of becoming Hokage (the leader of his village) all the while not letting a demon fox spirit take over his body.
21.
A Silent Voice
Koe no Katachi
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Kyoto Animation
- Aired: Sep 17, 2016
- Genres: Drama, School
A Silent Voice is a beautiful redemption tale and love story all in one. It deals with complex issues and will leave you and your kids with questions to ponder over and draw different lessons from the emotional roller coaster of a plot.
The story is told mostly through the perspective of Shouya Ishida, who with his friends used to bully Shouko Nishimiya, a deaf person. Years later after suffering from being bullied himself. Regretting his actions, Shouya tries to make amends with everyone he has hurt, all the while being continually haunted by the shadows of his past.
20.
Pokémon
- Episodes: 276
- Studios: OLM
- Aired: Apr 1, 1997 to Nov 14, 2002
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Starting our list of twenty-five best anime to watch with your kids is Pokémon. It’s a series that has a warm place in most old viewers’ hearts. Pokémon story is all about adventure, friendship, and silliness, It’s also a harmless, fun anime that’s just perfect for kids, too. So I totally recommend it.
Pokémon story follows Ash (Satoshi) Ketchum, who has a dream of one day becoming a Pokemon Master. Now with his very first pokemon, Pikachu. They will go on an epic journey, meeting up with many different friends who all have different dreams as well. While the story might not seem so original by today’s standards, it is a pretty well-done story you and the little ones will love if you give it a chance. It’s a series with a lot of games, sequels, side stories, and spin-offs.
19.
Bananya
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: Gathering
- Aired: Jul 4, 2016 to Sep 26, 2016
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Bananya is a kids anime that is universally loved, that feels almost magical. It’s a series that is entertaining and soothing for those bad days. And even though it’s a kids’ show, it doesn’t feel like it’s dumbed down or talking down to its older audience, some jokes have some hidden humor for an older audience.
Bananya is a slice-of-life comedy about an adorable cat-banana and his friends going on adventures, finding love, and chasing their dreams. It’s a 3 minutes anime with more character development than most 20 something episode anime series.
18.
Flying Witch
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: J.C.Staff
- Aired: Apr 10, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Flying Witch is a relaxing watch, and its real magic is in giving its viewers the chance to reflect on the smallest moments in daily life and realize that those can be the most enchanting of all. And also about how humans and nature should coexist peacefully. It’s a colorful anime series you and your kids can get lost in and not worry about them seeing anything inappropriate.
The plot is very slice-of-life, following 15-year-old Makoto Kowata who moves to the countryside in pursuit of magical knowledge and training. Living with her second cousins, Kei Kuramoto and his little sister Chinatsu and doing daily everyday things but ordinary activities for a young witch are usually magic-filled.
17.
Powerpuff Girls Z
Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z
- Episodes: 52
- Studios: Toei Animation
- Aired: Jul 1, 2006 to Jun 30, 2007
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, School, Slice of Life, Super Power
Powerpuff Girls Z takes our next spot, the classic great show has been reimagined. Though some have complained most episodes feel more like filler and its loosely based plot off the original, you will either love or hate it. It’s a series you can watch with your kids after seeing the original.
The story follows three girls, Kaoru Matsubara, Momoko Akatsutsumi, and Miyako Gotokuji normal girls who are hit by chemical Z made by Professor Utonium and his young son Ken, which turns them into the Powerpuff Girls. Now they fight to protect their city from monsters and evil villains.
16.
Inazuma Eleven
- Episodes: 127
- Studios: OLM
- Aired: Oct 5, 2008 to Apr 27, 2011
- Genres: Sports, Super Power
You will find watching Inazuma Eleven with your kids a pleasure that will be fun for them and reminiscent of childhood for you if you played sports as a kid or a soccer fan. It’s an exciting series throughout and with the addition of the cool power moves it makes it one of the best sports anime out there.
The story in Inazuma Eleven follows goalkeeper captain, Mamoru Endou, and his rag-tag teammates as they grow and battle to become formidable and shake up the soccer world.
15.
Sailor Moon
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
- Episodes: 46
- Studios: Toei Animation
- Aired: Mar 7, 1992 to Feb 27, 1993
- Genres: Romance, Demons
Sailor Moon is one of those anime shows that people fondly remember. That popularized magical girl titles and for good reason, it has a great cast of characters, epic clashes between good vs. evil, a well-developed plot, and love. Sailor Moon is easily one of the more enjoyable shows for both the young and old.
From the start of Sailor Moon, we are introduced to Usagi Tsukino, who becomes Sailor Moon and is forced to fight monsters with other sailor warriors. We get to learn more about the origins of the sailor warriors and the reasons for the villain’s attacks. While learning life lessons from Usagi and other characters’ growth as a character, and the romance also treats us to a serious and realistic feeling relationship.
14.
Sweetness & Lightning
Amaama to Inazuma
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: TMS Entertainment
- Aired: Jul 5, 2016 to Sep 20, 2016
- Genres: Comedy, Gourmet, Slice of Life
Another kid-friendly anime is Sweetness & Lightning. It is a light-hearted series with some phenomenal character stories. It’s an anime for anyone who wants to watch parenting themes, or characters coming together to build strong friendships and unite to accomplish a goal.
Sweetness & Lightning is a slice-of-life about a father, his young daughter, and his pupil, Kotori. Together the three form a mutual friendship centered around their need to cook different kinds of dishes, as well as a means to keep each other company.
13.
K-On!
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: Kyoto Animation
- Aired: Apr 3, 2009 to Jun 26, 2009
- Genres: Comedy, Music, Slice of Life, School
Taking our number thirteen spot for Kid friendly anime is K-On! a series that brings out the little kid in us older viewers. It’s a series with the proper balance of a funny story, with funny characters and fun music.
The story follows Yui Hirasawa and the rest of the Light Music Club members. It is a series with cute and silly characters and stories. Just don’t expect any real seriousness, except for when they prepare for concerts. The anime makes watching easy; you don’t have to know anything nor be there the entire episode to enjoy the series.
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12.
Natsume’s Book of Friends
Natsume Yuujinchou
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: Brain’s Base
- Aired: Jul 8, 2008 to Sep 30, 2008
- Genres: Demons, Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Though Natsume’s Book of Friends can be a bittersweet series, It is very thought-provoking and very well thought out, carrying a deep message that focuses on the bonds between humans, as well as the bonds between humans and youkai (spirits). It’s a series that will leave you both with a warm feeling at the end.
Natsume’s Book of Friends is episodic. The most common, unifying theme is Takashi Natsume’s goal to return all the youkai names that his Grandmother Reiko took and stored in the Book of Friends. Madara, a powerful spirit, protects him in return for having the Book of Friends when Takashi is no more. Each episode teaches an invaluable lesson.
11.
Little Witch Academia
- Episodes: 25
- Studios: Trigger
- Aired: Jan 9, 2017 to Jun 26, 2017
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, School
Considered one of the best anime of its year, Little Witch Academia is a beautifully crafted series in a magical world with a strong likable cast, great visuals, and animation. It’s an anime perfect for you and your kids.
The story follows Atsuko Kagari who aspires to be a great witch like her idol Shiny Chariot even though she has no witch blood in her. Akko sets off to go to Luna Nova Magical Academia where she can achieve her dream. Along the way, she befriends two other witches Sucy and Lotte. Now their magical adventures in Luna Nova Magical Academy begin as Akko tries to achieve her dream.
10.
Voltron: Defender of the Universe
Hyakujuu-Ou GoLion
- Episodes: 52
- Studios: Toei Animation
- Aired: Mar 4, 1981 to Feb 24, 1982
- Genres: Adventure, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Voltron is the perfect kid anime to watch if you two love Power Rangers, Mecha anime, any of the Voltron series, including the reboot, or just seeing robots destroying evil monsters with a giant sword.
Voltron is an over-the-top sci-fi action series that follows five youths that return to Earth after a space voyage, only to find it ravaged by nuclear war. After encountering the alien race known as the Galra, the five youths go in search of five lion robots that together can transform into Golion, a powerful sentient robot. The only hope for humanity.
9.
Delightful Moomin Family
Tanoshii Muumin Ikka
- Episodes: 78
- Studios: Telescreen
- Aired: Apr 12, 1990 to Oct 3, 1991
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life
No matter what age you are, you can’t go wrong with the Delightful Moomin Family. It is a series that has aged well visually. The Moomin Valley feels like a believable world with characters that feel realistic. And is a very wholesome series with a touch of fantasy, and strong outdoors present throughout.
Delightful Moomin Family is a slice-of-life story in a fantasy world, full of fantastic creatures and stories, it is light-hearted and centers around a small village’s day-to-day activities. Based on the children’s stories by Tove Jansson. Young Moomin and his family experience many strange adventures, both magical and mundane.
8.
Shugo Chara!
- Episodes: 51
- Studios: Satelight
- Aired: Oct 6, 2007 to Sep 27, 2008
- Genres: Comedy, School
Shugo Chara! For most viewers, it is a breath of fresh air in the magical girl genre. It’s a series that’s sweet, brightly animated, and looks at how humans are not always true to themselves.
Our heroine, Amu Hinamori, finds herself thrown into a magical world when she wakes up one morning with eggs in her bed. We soon find out that everyone has these eggs in their hearts as a representation of their hopes and dreams for the future. Amu becomes friends with others who have hatched these eggs and battles against the evil organization called Easter, to protect everyone’s heart egg and find the mysterious one known as the embryo.
7.
My Hero Academia
Boku no Hero Academia
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: Bones
- Aired: Apr 3, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
- Genres: Action, Comedy, School, Super Power
My Hero Academia is a series inspired by American superhero comics, it has elements you both will be accustomed to from the superhero genre like fights that are more tactically focused, being able to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, and having cool characters with ridiculous but creative powers.
In the world of My Hero Academia, it’s usual for people to have superpowers which are called quirks. With that, evil villains and heroes emerged. Our protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, wants to become the best hero in the world like All Might. But he discovered that he is quirkless. But thanks to a chance encounter his journey to becoming the world’s strongest hero begins.
6.
Planetes
- Episodes: 26
- Studios: Sunrise
- Aired: Oct 4, 2003 to Apr 17, 2004
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Space
If you or your kids love space and want an anime centered around it, Planetes is just what the doctor ordered. The series looks at themes of isolation and the social effects of science and technology on our surroundings. It also has strong female lead characters and an eccentric but down-to-earth cast.
Planetes is a slice of life in space telling the tale of space garbage men and women. Portraying the vastness of space as a backdrop for the personal lives of ordinary people—people who may have been born on Earth, but whose hopes and dreams lie amongst the stars.
5.
My Neighbor Totoro
Tonari no Totoro
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Studio Ghibli
- Aired: Apr 16, 1988
- Genres: Adventure, Supernatural
At number five on our list of 25 best anime to watch with your kids is My Neighbor Totoro, it’s a heartwarming and whimsical series that every viewer who has watched it loves. The series has no violence, is slow-paced, and has a very detailed world design.
When a family moves into an old vacant house in a rural area. Satsuki, the older, responsible girl who takes care of household responsibilities while her mother is sick, and little Mei, a veritable firecracker whose curiosity knows no limits get to go on magical adventures in nature and meet fantastical creatures of the woods.
4.
A Place Further Than The Universe
Sora yori mo Tooi Basho
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: Madhouse
- Aired: Jan 2, 2018 to Mar 27, 2018
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
A Place Further Than The Universe is an amazing anime for kids and you. The series can be very motivational showing the struggles and hardships required to achieve one’s dreams. And encourages the viewers to better themselves, which is a good message.
The story follows a high school student named Mari Tamaki who wants to make the most of her youth, but she is afraid to do it. One day she encounters a girl named Shirase Kobuchizawa who has been saving up, so she can travel to Antarctica to find her missing mother. Together with two other girls Hinata and Yuzuki, they join an expedition headed towards the Antarctic.
3.
Barakamon
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: Kinema Citrus
- Aired: Jul 6, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life
Another great anime for kids is Barakamon, an excellent slice-of-life anime with great character development and emotions. Though the comedy may not be a strong point of the series, the country setting is enough to make you and your kids relax.
When Sei Handa is forced to move to the countryside to break free from the hustle and the bustle of everyday city life. Thanks to his wacky neighbors who are entirely incapable of minding their own business, the arrogant calligrapher begins to grow more as a person, so much more than he ever hoped to.
2.
Snow White with the Red Hair
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: Bones
- Aired: Jul 7, 2015 to Sep 22, 2015
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Snow White with the Red Hair is a series that absorbs its viewers into a magical fairy tale world. It gives a wholesome vibe throughout the show. If you or your kids like romance, princes, and knights you will definitely love this series. Also, the protagonist is a good role model, who is not just a damsel in distress or a heroine who is on a mission to slay dragons but to obtain a rightful place in the world where she belongs.
The series focuses on a young woman named Shirayuki. She is born with her trademark red hair that catches the eye of almost anyone she meets, including prince Raji who orders her to become his concubine. With nowhere else to go, Shirayuki cuts her hair and escapes to a neighboring country where her adventure begins.
1.
Silver Spoon
Gin no Saji
- Episodes: 11
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
- Aired: Jul 12, 2013 to Sep 20, 2013
- Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life, School
And last but not least is Silver Spoon a slice-of-life series that is a well-constructed coming-of-age story about the process of self-discovery and self-acceptance with friendship being the main catalyst. The anime misses no opportunities to put the main character, Yuugo Hachiken, into situations far outside of his comfort zone, thus leading to hilarious developments.
In Silver Spoon, we follow Yugo Hachiken, a young student as he embarks on a comedic story as he tries to fit into a completely new environment, meeting many unique people along the way. As he struggles to appreciate his surroundings, Hachiken hopes to discover his dreams, so that he may lead a fulfilling life on his terms.
Honorable Mentions
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Studio Ghibli
- Aired: Jul 20, 2001
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Supernatural
Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Episodes: 61
- Studios: Nickelodeon Animation Studios
- Aired: Feb 21, 2005 to Jul 19, 2008
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Ponyo (Gake no Ue no Ponyo)
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Studio Ghibli
- Aired: Jul 19, 2008
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Shelter
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
- Aired: Oct 18, 2016
- Genres: Music, Sci-Fi
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo)
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Madhouse
- Aired: Jul 15, 2006
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, School
Wolf Children (Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki)
- Episodes: 1
- Studios: Studio Chizu
- Aired: Jul 21, 2012
- Genres: Fantasy, Slice of Life
So that’s my 25 Best Anime to Watch With Your Kids with honorable mentions! It wasn’t supposed to be this long but my list kept growing. Hope you enjoy them with the little ones. Have you seen any of them yet, what did you think? Think I should have added one? Hope I helped.
Till next time…Remember you’re doing the best you can and happy holidays.
Thanks for reading!
