Anime has gained massive popularity over the years. With amazing shows like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball out there, it's hard not to see why. Still, not all of these staples of animation are the best choices to put on television with kids in the room, and there are arguably more suitable children's anime out there.
The Highest-Grossing Anime Movies Ever (& Where To Stream Them)
Studio Ghibli, Pokemon, and Demon Slayer; which anime movies have earned the most at the box office? Where can these films be streamed?
A lot of parents or older siblings may be looking for shows they can watch with the younger people in the house, but this is easier said than done. Most anime for kids do not cross over to Western nations, at least in relation to series crafted specifically for preschoolers. However, slightly older kids are spoiled for choice.
Every season contains young kids anime shows that are rarely released outside of Japan. These series will generally be ignored.
Updated October 28, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Seasonal anime tend not to contain too many shows designed with children in mind, at least when it comes to Western releases. From the Fall 2025 lineup, Spy x Family is the top pick for kids, although this season has its share of heavy moments. Digimon Beatbreak is a safe bet, too.
We've updated this article with new images, along with two new entries: Studio Ghibli Movies and Yo-kai Watch.
Spy x Family
Hilarious Comedy With Hints Of Action & Drama
Spy x Family
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2022 - 2025-00-00
- Studio
- Wit Studio, CloverWorks
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Tatsuya Endo
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.48 (Season 1, Part 1)
Twilight is a special agent on a vital mission that could result in a violent war if he fails. To get close to a powerful figure, the spy must infiltrate an exclusive school. So, naturally, he creates a family in the span of a week and enrolls his adopted daughter, Anya, into the academy. As Loid Forger, Twilight pretends to be an "ordinary" guy to keep his identity hidden from his new wife and child; however, he is not the only one keeping secrets.
Spy x Family is hilarious. While the premise has potential for drama and action, the anime dedicates most of its energy to comedy, and the punchlines rarely miss the mark. All three leads have their moments, but Anya is undoubtedly the main attraction as her shenanigans regularly produce monster laughs.
Pokemon
The Ultimate Anime For Children
Pokémon
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1997 - 2023
- Studio
- OLM
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.40
Pokemon transcends anime. Even if someone has never owned a Nintendo system or watched a second of Japanese animation, they likely still know of Pikachu. The property is simply that massive. As far as kids' anime are concerned, Pokemon is probably the most obvious recommendation since the show is not only tailored for younger viewers but also one of the most famous gateway series of all time. The thing is, the anime deserves this reputation.
Pokemon: Ash Ketchum’s 10 Best Pokemon If He Chose To Evolve Them
Ash Ketchum could have had an insane roster of Pokemon if he decided to keep and evolve all of his Pokemon.
The story chronicles Ash's comprehensive journey to become a Pokemon Master, an endeavor that takes him to various regions that each have their own monsters, trainers, and aesthetics. While repetitive at times, Pokemon delivers a sense of adventure that very few anime can match, at least ones that are suitable for children.
Moomin (1990)
Charming & Well-Written
Moomin
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1990 - 1992
- Japanese Title
- Tanoshii Muumin Ikka
- Studio
- Telescreen
- Based On
- Moomin by Tove Jansson and Lars Jansson
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.28
Starting in novels, Tove Joansson's Moomins have been starring in TV shows and movies since the late '50s. One of the best adaptations of the books, 1990's Moomin does a splendid job of capturing the blend of wander and normalcy synonymous with this franchise. The show revolves around mythical creatures known as Moomin that live within Moominvalley alongside humans, focusing on their daily adventures that are typically lighthearted and relatable.
Moomin simply oozes magic out of every scene, even if the episodic storylines are mostly mundane. The characters are lovable, the animation is dated but charming, and the lessons are timeless. While the full series can be difficult to find, some of Moomin's episodes are on YouTube, so you can just start watching with your kids whenever you want.
Digimon
An Anime Childhood Classic That Has Aged Pretty Well
Digimon Adventure
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- March 7, 1999
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.77
Alongside a myriad of other '90s series, Digimon Adventure helped introduce a generation of kids to the magic of anime. A group of children find themselves teleported to a digital world rife with danger; thankfully, they each receive a digital monster as a partner, all of which can digivolve into stronger forms. Known as the DigiDestined, the kids go on a long and exciting journey to save two worlds.
Digimon Adventure strikes a great middle-ground between Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z, telling a darker story than the former that should entertain older kids while not containing the latter's violence or slow pacing. Even though the show is fairly old by this point, Digimon's opening season is nevertheless a fun watch thanks to its memorable villains, likable heroes, and engaging fights. The subsequent seasons are a mixed bag, although Digimon Tamers is great.
Studio Ghibli Movies (Not All, But Quite A Few)
Whimsy, Depth, And Beauty
My Neighbor Totoro
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio
- Studio Ghibli
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
While this discussion primarily focuses on TV shows, we should not neglect anime movies. Studio Ghibli's filmography is packed with some of the greatest animated productions of all time, and most of them are not only timeless but suitable for most ages. Hayao Miyazaki's movies tackle universal and heavy themes like war and environmental conservation, but they are generally framed as accessible fables and fairy tales. Isao Takahata's films are more adult-oriented, and parents should definitely avoid showing Grave of the Fireflies to their kids.
I'd say these are the best Studio Ghibli movies for young kids:
- My Neighbor Totoro
- The Cat Returns
- Ponyo
- Arrietty
While too much for really young children, the following films should be perfect for older kids:
- Spirited Away
- Castle in the Sky
- Pom Poko
- Kiki's Delivery Service
- Porco Rosso
- Princess Mononoke
- Howl's Moving Castle
- When Marnie Was There
Little Witch Academia
A Truly Magical Anime
Little Witch Academia
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2017 - 2017
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Trigger
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.81
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
Little Witch Academia originally began as a movie, but it gained so much popularity that it was adapted into an episodic series. The show follows Atsuko and her adventures in learning witchcraft at the Luna Nova Magical Academy. It features a colorful cast of characters that make the story incredibly endearing to all who watch it. It's also simple to find for anyone with a Netflix account, making it an easy show for potential viewers to see if it follows the three-episode rule.
With cute humor, a sense of wonder, and a slow-building overarching story that provides some tension and action, Little Witch Academia is a good all-around option for pretty much all ages, but especially children who enjoy things like Harry Potter.
School Babysitters
Cute & Wholesome
School Babysitters
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2018
- Japanese Title
- Gakuen Babysitters
- Studio
- Brain's Base
- Creator
- Hari Tokeino
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.90
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
A tragedy-laden backstory aside, School Babysitters is the definition of wholesome and cute. The Kashima siblings are accepted into an academy at no additional cost, with the only requirement being that Ryuichi helps out at its daycare. Considering his brother, Kotaro, will be spending most of his days at this facility, it is not a bad deal for Ryuichi, and he also gets to meet a bunch of fellow students who leave their siblings at the daycare.
School Babysitters is a slice of life comedy with a lot of heart. The show does an impressive job of fleshing out its rather large cast, granting both the teenagers and children time to shine. As long as they are not expecting action, most kids will probably not stop smiling as they watch these characters.
Yo-kai Watch
For A New Generation
Yo-kai Watch
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2014 - 2018
- Japanese Title
- Youkai Watch
- Studio
- OLM
- Based On
- Yo-kai Watch Games
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hoopla
- MyAnimeList Score
- 6.74
Although not quite as recognizable (and nostalgic) as Pokemon and Digimon, Yo-kai Watch is a great alternative that can also keep your children busy for a long time, as it has a huge number of episodes spread across multiple shows and seasons. Focusing on spirits/ghosts, the story follows Keita Amano, a kid who acquires a watch that lets him keep previously encountered youkai for future battles.
Tonally, Yo-kai Watch is closer to Pokemon than Digimon. The anime is lighthearted and moves at a relaxed pace, while offering some continuity but not punishing people who do not watch every episode in order. While nothing too amazing, this is a solid children's anime.
Laid-Back Camp
Iyashikei Fun For The Whole Family
Laid-Back Camp
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2024-00-00
- Japanese Title
- Yuru Camp
- Studio
- C-Station, 8bit
- Creator
- Afro
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.27 (Season 1)
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Although not as exciting as some other anime for kids, Laid-Back Camp is a great all-around family pick that should be able to entertain children, teenagers, and adults; that said, the show might be too slow-paced for very young viewers. This anime is about camping, and it presents a grounded (if slightly idolized) look into the hobby. Ever since she was introduced to the activity by her grandfather, Rin has planned regular solo trips, allowing her an escape from the world and some solitude. One day, she befriends an energetic student named Nadeshiko, who quickly falls in love with camping and joins their school's outdoor club.
Laid-Back Camp goes from one excursion to the next, showing the characters preparing for the journey before embarking on it. While mostly free from conflict or tension, the anime goes out of its way to realistically depict the effort that goes into planning each trip and the risks of poor preparation. That said, the show mainly revolves around likable characters basking in beautiful vistas while engaging in endearing banter. Laid-Back Camp is comfort food for the soul.
Chi's New Address
Slice Of Life Comedy With An Endearing Protagonist
Chi's New Address
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- March 30, 2009
- Japanese Title
- Chi's Sweet Home: Atarashii Ouchi
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Kanata Konami
- Number of Episodes
- 104
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
With over 100 episodes, Chi's New Address is the perfect choice for anyone searching for a longer series to sink their teeth into. It's impossible to watch the adventures of this adorable cat and not have a massive smile. This slice-of-life anime is light enough for kids while still being funny for the adults in the room. Plus, there's also Chi's Sweet Adventure for fans who want even more fantastic feline adventures.
As the episodes are short, this series can be completed fairly quickly, but it also means that none of the segments overstay their welcome. They generally all revolve around a family and their eponymous cat, the latter of which is the definition of adorable.