Anime recommendations: 25 kid-friendly anime to watch with your kids

Kid-Friendly Anime Shows

Since my husband and I are huge anime fans, I often spend time watching, vetting, and approving or denying anime that are suitable for our six-year-old twin girls. I’ve used my experience and input from other parents to make these recommendations for the best anime for kids.

1. Spirited Away

This beautifully animated feature film is the tale of a young girl who finds herself immersed in a captivating world of magical creatures. Spirited Away takes you on a journey that’s a perfect blend of fantasy and reality, bringing to life an unforgettable adventure that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003. The film’s stunning animation and engaging storyline make it an all-time classic. However, certain scenes might be intense for sensitive children. Recommended for ages 8 and up, it’s available on Netflix, YouTube, and HBO Max.

2. Ponyo

Introduce your children to the wonder of anime with Ponyo, a delightful, gentle movie that’s a great fit for a family movie night. The story revolves around Ponyo, a goldfish princess who utilizes her magic to transform into a human. This sweet film, which shares a few parallels with The Little Mermaid, is ideal for kids 4 years and older. It’s an enchanting fairy tale that’s a perfect choice for children who are new to anime. Watch it on Netflix, HBO Max, and YouTube.

3. InuYasha

This classic anime series and movie introduces viewers to a time-traveling schoolgirl and a half-demon creature who embark on an epic journey in Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku Period. The pair must retrieve pieces of a shattered magical jewel before sinister forces seize them. The show, which is aimed at viewers aged 13 and older, offers an engaging narrative with a strong female lead. Some mild language and brief suggestive content might concern some parents, but they are infrequent. Find InuYasha on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Crunchyroll.

4. Yo-Kai Watch

This TV series and movie franchise offers an exciting spin on the monster-befriending genre popularized by Pokemon. Yo-Kai Watch introduces viewers to an array of supernatural creatures that need friendship rather than training. While some parents may find certain aspects suggestive, it’s generally no more so than classic cartoons like Bugs Bunny. It’s a good fit for children aged 7 and up and is available on Netflix, Hulu, DirecTV, Hoopla, YouTube, and Disney XD.

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender

This series is everything. The show and movie tell the story of Aang, a young boy discovered frozen in the ocean who could potentially be the missing Avatar. Avatar: The Last Airbender is an uplifting anime series, enjoyable for both children and adults, filled with positivity and inspiring messages. Suitable for kids aged 5 and older, you can watch this series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube, Nickelodeon, and CBS.