Anime is incredibly popular and titles like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Demon Slayer have taken the world by storm. Some anime offer a diverse range of genres that appeal to people of all ages, including kids. Superhero adventures and heartwarming tales of friendship can be seen in every anime under the sun.
These shows are something you can watch with kids in the room, absent of too much violence and packed in with some much-needed kid-friendly aspects. Some of the best kid-friendly anime combine engaging storytelling with positive messages, ensuring hours of fun for young viewers. If you were a kid, and you grew up with one of these anime, you had a great childhood.
10Nichijou
Too Much Anime For Too Little
Nichijou is a hidden gem in the weird anime world. Its quirky humor and absurd take on everyday events make it a standout slice-of-life show. The story revolves around three high school girls, Mio, Yuuko, and Mai, whose seemingly ordinary lives take incredibly unexpected turns.
What makes it particularly good is its ability to present relatable and everyday struggles in such an outlandish way that it leaves viewers laughing out loud. Nichijou is essentially what you get when you have an unlimited budget for a simple slice-of-life anime.
9My Hero Academia
Superhero Style Anime With An Easy To Follow Power-scaling System
My Hero Academia taps into every child’s dream of becoming a superhero. The anime is set in a world where nearly everyone isborn with some form of superpower or Quirk. The show follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without any powers.
Despite this, he dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. My Hero Academia is special for kids for how it portrays Midoriya’s journey, from an underdog with no powers to a hero-in-training who gains strength through sheer will and determination, teaching children valuable lessons of hard work.
8Bocchi The Rock
Lessons For The Socially Anxious Type
Bocchi The Rock offers a different kind of story, one that might relate deeply to kids who might feel shy or struggle with social anxiety. The series centers around Hitori Gotoh, a high school girl who dreams of being a rock star but feels nervous about stepping into the spotlight.
Through music and friendship, she learns to open up and embrace her passion. The heart of the show is about overcoming personal fears, and its message is simple: everyone has their challenges, but with support and determination, you’re able to face them head-on. It’s not just an anime for kids though, you’ll even enjoy it as an adult.
7Digimon
Both Adventurous And Fun
Digimon offers a thrilling journey into an entirely different world. A group of kids gets transported to the Digital World, where they meet Digimon, digital creatures with unique abilities. They go on missions to protect both their world and the digital one from evil forces.
Each character forms a deep bond with their Digimon partner, teaching kids that working together and supporting one another can help them overcome even the toughest challenges. The adventures are exciting, but it’s the relationships and personal growth that make Digimon a standout classic in the world of anime.
6Little Witch Academia
The Anime Shows Exactly Why You Should Never Give Up
In Little Witch Academia, the magical world of witches is brought to life through the eyes of Akko, a girl who dreams of becoming a great witch despite having no magical background. Unlike her peers, Akko struggles with spellcasting but refuses to give up on her dream.
The show’s charm lies in its message that passion and effort to reach your dreams are more important than natural talent. Little Witch Academia is also available on Netflix, which means you can binge the show easily, and it is a wonderful show to watch with kids.
5Dragon Ball Z
The OG Childhood Anime Many Of Us Grew Up With
Dragon Ball Z is a legendary anime that has entertained audiences for decadesand is a show that most millennials watch as kids. Its action-packed battles and characters like Goku and Vegeta have become cultural icons.
The series follows Goku and his friends as they protect Earth from powerful villains, with each arc bringing bigger threats and more powerful enemies. Goku’s journey and the lessons you learn by just watching this anime are great, especially for kids. Though it is violent at times, Goku’s never give up personality is ideal, especially for kids who are at that impressionable age.
4Haikyu!!
The Best Sports Anime Out There
Haikyu!! is a high-energy, sports anime that dives deep into the world of volleyball, but it’s so much more than just a show about athletics. At the center of the story is Shoyo Hinata, a short but incredibly determined high school student who dreams of becoming a top volleyball player.
What makes Haikyu!! stand out for kids is its incredible portrayal of teamwork and perseverance through the toughest of times. It’s an anime that is suitable for all ages and if you want something energetic for the kids, then look no further and start with Haikyu!!.
3Spirited Away
The Highest Rated Studio Ghibli Film
Spirited Away, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, is a magical journey into the unknown. It tells the story of a young girl named Chihiro who accidentally enters a world of spirits and must find a way to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs.
This film is a visual masterpiece,filled with stunning animation, music, and rich storytelling. At its core, Spirited Away is about personal growth where Chihiro goes from a scared little girl to finding the strength and bravery to overcome her situation. The movie teaches kids that even when they’re scared or feel lost, they can find the strength within themselves to face challenges.
2Pokemon
A Decades-Long Franchise That Has Spanned Generations
No list would be complete without Pokemon, a franchise that has been a childhood anime for kids for generations. The show is not just about battles, it’s about the friendships and bonds formed along the way.
Ash’s determination to become a Pokemon Master teaches kids the importance of setting goalsand working hard to achieve them. With its ever-growing world and endless adventures, Pokemon continues to be a favorite among young audiences, and even older adults who have grown up with this decades-old franchise.
1Spy X Family
Fresh In The Anime Scene And Incredibly Kid-Friendly
Spy X Family is a fresh addition to the anime scene that blends action with dysfunctionally functional family dynamics. Loid Forger, a top-secret spy, must create a fake family for a mission, but things get complicated when his “wife” turns out to be an assassin and his adopted daughter is a telepath.
Despite the action-packed and often comedic plot, the heart of the show is about the unexpected connections that form within this unusual family. The humor is great, there are clever twists, and the connection the characters develop with one another, even as they try to keep their secrets hidden, is incredibly entertaining to watch.