Family-friendly anime shows that are a must-watch include My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Naruto, and Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo. Anime fans seeking shows enjoyable for younger audiences and adults alike will adore these selections.
Turning on anime in front of parents can sometimes prove risky.
One moment, everything appears normal, but in the next scene, an uncomfortable situation may suddenly cause embarrassment for both the child and their caregivers.
Family-Friendly Anime You Won’t Want to Miss
Many legal anime streaming sites provide an extensive range of anime choices regardless of location. You may be curious about which anime titles are perfect for shared enjoyment between children and parents.
We introduce over 20 top-notch anime selections for kids, featuring titles for toddlers (Ages 0-6) and elementary school students (Ages 6-10), ensuring you’ll also enjoy watching them.
22My Neighbor Totoro (Ages 4+) – A Whimsical Adventure Awaits!
Welcome to the enchanting world of “My Neighbor Totoro”! Join Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who move to a new home in the countryside, as they uncover the magical realm of Totoro – a giant, lovable creature. This Studio Ghibli classic is a must-watch for families with little ones.
With its stunning visuals and heartwarming tale, this 1988 film is perfect for kids aged four and up. So, pop some popcorn, snuggle up with your kiddos, and let Totoro whisk you away on a whimsical adventure that’s sure to delight!
21Kiki’s Delivery Service (Ages 6+)
Looking for an anime that’ll sweep you off your feet? “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is just the ticket! This charming tale follows Kiki, a young witch-in-training, as she embarks on her mandatory year of independence. With her trusty black cat Jiji, Kiki starts a delivery service using her broomstick for transportation.
Suitable for kids six and older, this Studio Ghibli gem teaches valuable lessons about growing up, self-reliance, and friendship. Buckle up and join Kiki on her enchanting journey of self-discovery!
20Spirited Away (Ages 10+) – A Fantastical Odyssey of Epic Proportions
Step into a world of wonder and mystery with “Spirited Away”! This Academy Award-winning masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who gets lost in a magical land filled with spirits and mythical creatures.
To save her parents and return home, Chihiro must work in a bathhouse owned by the witch Yubaba. This breathtaking adventure is ideal for kids aged ten and up, weaving a rich tapestry of themes like love, courage, and the power of resilience.
19Pokémon (Ages 7+)
Who can resist the charm of Pokémon? This beloved franchise has captured the hearts of millions, making it the perfect family-friendly anime. Join Ash Ketchum and his loyal Pikachu as they explore the world of Pokémon, meeting new friends, overcoming challenges, and catching their favorite pocket monsters along the way.
With its colorful, engaging world and charming characters, Pokémon is suitable for kids aged seven and older.
18Little Witch Academia (Ages 8+) – Magical Education and Unwavering Friendship
Ready to enroll in a spellbinding school of magic? “Little Witch Academia” follows the misadventures of Akko, a young girl who enrolls at the Luna Nova Magical Academy to become a witch, just like her idol, Shiny Chariot.
Despite her lack of magical abilities, Akko’s unwavering determination and the help of her friends make for an enchanting and inspiring experience. This delightful series is perfect for kids aged eight and up, exploring themes of friendship, determination, and overcoming adversity.
17Glitter Force
Glitter Force, a 2015 Netflix adaptation, breathes new life into the older anime Smile PreCure!, which first aired in 2012. Drawing inspiration from the magical girl anime Sailor Moon, it primarily features five magical girl warriors known as “Pretty Cures.”
These five heroines hold the key to saving the realm all fairy tale characters inhabit. Glitter Force bursts with color and heartwarming moments to make viewers smile and cheer. A second series called Glitter Force Doki Doki is also available for fans craving more.
16Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo (Ages 5+)
Dip your toes into the whimsical world of “Ponyo,” another Studio Ghibli masterpiece that’ll have your family splashing with delight! This charming tale of love and friendship follows Ponyo, a magical fish who longs to become human. When she meets a young boy named Sosuke, they form an unbreakable bond that transcends the boundaries between land and sea.
With its captivating story and breathtaking visuals, “Ponyo” is suitable for kids aged five and up. Dive into this enchanting underwater adventure, and let Ponyo’s magical journey fill your heart with love and wonder!
15Digimon Adventure (Ages 8+)
Ready to enter the Digital World? “Digimon Adventure” transports you to a realm where digital monsters, known as Digimon, coexist with humans. Join seven kids as they’re whisked away to this mysterious world and paired with their Digimon partners.
Together, they embark on thrilling adventures, battling evil forces and forging unbreakable bonds. Perfect for kids aged eight and older, “Digimon Adventure” offers action-packed excitement and valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and courage. Gear up for a digital adventure with your family, and let the power of Digimon inspire you!
14Cardcaptor Sakura (Ages 8+)
Unveil the magical world of “Cardcaptor Sakura,” a charming anime that’ll capture your heart! Sakura Kinomoto, a seemingly ordinary girl, stumbles upon a mysterious book filled with magical cards. When she accidentally releases them into the world, it’s up to her to recapture the cards and prevent chaos from ensuing.
With the help of her best friend Tomoyo and a magical guardian named Keroberos, Sakura embarks on enchanting adventures filled with friendship and love. Perfect for kids aged eight and up, “Cardcaptor Sakura” showcases the power of teamwork, courage, and believing in oneself.
13Sweetness And Lightning ( Ages 3+)
Sweetness and Lightning is the perfect recipe if you’ve always wanted to blend your passion for anime and cooking. The show primarily centers on the recipes that widower dad Kohei prepares for his daughter, Tsumugi. Viewers can even follow the process themselves to create simple meals.
The remainder of Sweetness and Lightning delves into the relationship between Kohei and his kindergarten-aged child, depicting how they navigate life without a mother’s assistance. As with other non-powered anime, this show captures the highs and lows of family experiences.
12Doraemon (Ages 5+)
Join the time-traveling escapades of “Doraemon,” a lovable robot cat from the future! Sent back in time to help Nobita Nobi, a young boy who constantly finds himself in trouble, Doraemon uses his futuristic gadgets to teach valuable life lessons and get Nobita out of sticky situations.
With its heartwarming stories and endearing characters, “Doraemon” is an excellent choice for children five and older. Embark on a thrilling time-traveling adventure with your family, and let Doraemon’s wisdom and love guide you!
11Naruto (Ages 12+)
Step into the exhilarating world of “Naruto,” an epic anime that’ll have your family hooked! Follow the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest in his village. Despite facing numerous challenges and adversaries, Naruto’s unwavering determination and the support of his friends help him overcome all odds.
With its gripping storylines and inspiring themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery, “Naruto” is perfect for kids twelve and up.
10Chi’s Sweet Home (Ages 4+)
Get ready to melt your hearts with “Chi’s Sweet Home,” a delightful anime that’s purr-fect for young viewers! This endearing series follows the misadventures of Chi, a lovable and curious kitten, who gets separated from her family and is taken in by a kind-hearted human couple.
Watch Chi navigate her new life, forming heartwarming friendships and discovering the joys and challenges of being a domestic cat. Ideal for kids aged four and up, “Chi’s Sweet Home” is a gentle, uplifting tale that teaches love, empathy, and responsibility. So snuggle up with your little ones, and let Chi’s sweet adventures warm your hearts!
9Flying Witch (Ages 3+)
Flying Witch captivates audiences with its adorable, entertaining slice-of-life narrative, stunning animation, and memorable characters. The show centers around Makoto Kowata, an inquisitive young witch with her charming little black cat sidekick.
Makoto relocates to a new town to commence her witch training and sharpen her skills. As she befriends new people, she encounters various challenges of being a witch. This delightful anime is an excellent choice for fans of magical and fantastical worlds.
8Barakamon (Ages 10+)
Embrace the beauty of self-reflection and growth with “Barakamon,” an inspiring anime that’ll resonate with viewers of all ages. The story follows Seishu Handa, a talented calligrapher who moves to a remote island village after a public outburst. There, he learns to embrace the simple joys of life while finding inspiration and friendship in the island’s quirky inhabitants.
Suitable for kids aged ten and up, “Barakamon” offers valuable life lessons about self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of human connections. Gather your family and embark on a heartfelt journey with Seishu as he rediscovers his passion and learns to appreciate the world around him.
7Bananya (ANY)
Recognizing that not all children have a lengthy attention span, a cute, quirky, and amusing show like Bananya might be what they need. This series offers three-minute episodes chronicling the adventures of irresistibly cute feline-fruit hybrids. Bananya isn’t merely an obscure show either — renowned clothing brand Gucci has even created fan gear for it.
6A Silent Voice (Ages 13+)
Delve into the emotional and thought-provoking world of “A Silent Voice,” a powerful anime film that’ll leave a lasting impression. The story revolves around Shoya Ishida, a young man seeking redemption after bullying a deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya, during their elementary school years. As they reconnect in high school, Shoya and Shoko navigate the complexities of guilt, forgiveness, and the transformative power of friendship.
Recommended for kids aged thirteen and up, “A Silent Voice” is an honest portrayal of the challenges faced by those with disabilities and the impact of bullying. Gather your family and experience the unforgettable journey of Shoya and Shoko as they learn to heal, forgive, and grow together.
5Your Name (Ages 12+)
Prepare to be captivated by “Your Name,” a visually stunning and emotionally charged anime film that has taken the world by storm. The story follows Mitsuha and Taki, two teenagers who mysteriously switch bodies and find themselves connected by an inexplicable bond.
As they navigate their new lives, they discover a deeper connection transcending time and space. With breathtaking visuals, poignant themes, and an enthralling narrative, “Your Name” is perfect for kids twelve and up. Gather your family and embark on a heart-stirring journey of love, destiny, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together.
4The Secret World of Arrietty (Ages 7+)
Step into the enchanting “Secret World of Arrietty,” a Studio Ghibli adaptation of the beloved children’s novel “The Borrowers.” This beautifully crafted tale follows Arrietty, a tiny girl who lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a human home.
When Arrietty is discovered by Shawn, a young boy living in the house, their worlds collide, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. Suitable for kids aged seven and up, this mesmerizing film explores themes of courage, friendship, and the beauty of coexistence.
3Haikyuu!! (Ages 10+)
Get ready to spike your way into the exhilarating world of “Haikyuu!!”, an action-packed anime that’ll have your family cheering for more! This thrilling series follows Shoyo Hinata, a passionate and determined young volleyball player who dreams of becoming a star athlete despite his small stature.
Alongside his teammates at Karasuno High School, Hinata learns the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and self-improvement. Perfect for kids aged ten and up, “Haikyuu!!” serves valuable life lessons while keeping viewers on edge.
2Moomin (1990) – Family-Friendly Anime
Originating from Tove Jansson’s novels, Moomins have graced TV shows and movies since the late ’50s. The 1990 adaptation, Moomin, masterfully captures the enchanting blend of wonder and everyday life synonymous with this franchise. Centered around mythical creatures called Moomins living in Moominvalley alongside humans, the show focuses on their daily, lighthearted, relatable adventures.
Moomin exudes magic in every scene, even when the episodic storylines primarily feature mundane events. With lovable characters, charming albeit dated animation, and timeless lessons, Moomin captivates viewers of all ages.
1Hamtaro (Ages: ALL)
Little hamsters embarking on grand adventures can entertain kids and the young at heart for hours. With over 290 episodes, some of which aired on Toonami in the United States, this series offers long-lasting engagement.
Critics regard this show as one of the best children’s animes ever, even though it never received an English release. Regrettably, the English dub remains incomplete, so fans may eventually need to switch to reading subtitles. At that juncture, consider exploring a similar hamster anime called Pui Pui Molcar.