If you are looking for popular shows that your children will enjoy, which will hopefully instill in them a love for animation, keep reading. You won’t need to look any further from the anime world. Anime has a wide variety of tales, ranging from pure sentimental moments to crazy hilarious ones, all presented in gorgeous visuals.
After all, having so many options to choose from, it may become pretty hard, even impossible, to find a truly right anime for your children. Worry not, fellow parent!
The list below is a collection of Top 10 Anime shows that are certain to make you and your child fun both times.
Here are some of the many benefits of introducing your children to the world of anime:
- Sparks Imagination and Creativity: Anime’s unique blend of storytelling, animation styles, and rich characters can spark a child’s imagination and inspire them to create their own stories and artwork.
- Promotes Cultural Understanding: Anime offers a window into Japanese culture and values. By watching anime, children can learn about different customs, traditions, and ways of life.
- Encourages Emotional Intelligence: Many anime explore complex emotions and social issues, helping children develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Strengthens Reading Skills: Subtitled anime can help improve a child’s reading comprehension skills, especially as they progress from simpler stories to more complex narratives.
Top 10 Anime Shows To Watch With Kids
My Neighbor Totoro (Movie)
In Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro,” two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, find solace and wonder in a new countryside home. They befriend Totoro, a giant, furry forest spirit who embodies the magic of childhood imagination. With him, they share adventures filled with playful spirits and a giant, grinning catbus. This heartwarming film celebrates the beauty of nature, the resilience of family, and the power of a child’s belief in a world teeming with fantastical wonder.
Pokémon (Series)
Pokémon started as a simple quest to catch them all, but it’s become a global phenomenon. These adorable pocket monsters, from Pikachu’s electric spark to Charizard’s fiery blasts, come in hundreds of types, each with unique abilities. You can train them to battle, explore vibrant regions, and forge lifelong friendships.
The world of Pokémon isn’t just about competition – it’s about the power of companionship and the thrill of discovery, all wrapped up in a catchy theme song that’s been stuck in our heads for decades.
Cardcaptor Sakura (Series)
In Cardcaptor Sakura, a seemingly ordinary fourth-grader named Sakura Kinomoto unlocks a magical destiny. After accidentally freeing a set of powerful Clow Cards that control the elements, Sakura becomes a Cardcaptor, tasked with capturing them before they wreak havoc.
With her winged companion Keroberos and a magical staff, Sakura embarks on exciting adventures, transforming into a vibrant kimono-clad heroine to seal the cards and unravel the mysteries they hold. This magical girl anime is a delightful blend of action, friendship, and a touch of romance, with Sakura using her wits and growing powers to keep the world safe.
Yuru Yuri (Series)
Ditch the magical girls and world-ending threats! YuruYuri flips the script on anime tropes, offering a hilarious slice-of-life experience. This anime revolves around the Amusement Club, a haven for four energetic middle school girls who are more interested in video games, questionable tea ceremonies fueled by pure silliness, and celebrating the joy of cute things.
Packed with inside jokes, wacky antics that push the boundaries of relaxation, and a generous helping of moe – the endearing cuteness often associated with anime characters – YuruYuri is a delightful watch for anyone who wants to unwind, giggle, and revel in the simple pleasures of friendship and everyday fun.
Chi’s New Address (Series)
“Chi’s New Address” isn’t just about finding a new home for an adorable lost kitten. It’s a heartwarming tale seen from the perspective of Chi herself, a tiny ball of fluff navigating the big world. Though the Yamada family loves her dearly, their “no pets allowed” apartment forces a tough decision.
Chi embarks on a new adventure, finding a loving family and a whole cast of quirky animal neighbors. Each episode is a delightful exploration of everyday life through Chi’s curious eyes, filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and the beauty of finding friendship in the most unexpected places.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (Movie)
In “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” a young witch named Kiki trades in comfy home life for a solo adventure. At thirteen, it’s tradition for witches to find their way in the world. With her sassy black cat Jiji by her side, Kiki zooms off on her trusty broomstick, seeking a town that needs a flying delivery service. But this newfound independence comes with growing pains.
Self-doubt creeps in, and her magic sputters. Can Kiki rediscover her confidence and find her place in a bustling seaside town filled with quirky characters? This Studio Ghibli gem is a charming coming-of-age story that celebrates self-reliance, the importance of community, and the enduring power of friendship.
Haikyu!! (Series)
Haikyuu!! It isn’t your typical sports anime. Sure, there are intense matches with heart-stopping rallies, but it’s the underdog journey that truly sets it apart. Hinata, a fiery volleyball enthusiast despite his short stature, joins the once-proud Karasuno High team determined to rebuild its glory days.
Alongside his rival-turned-teammate Kageyama, a setter with pinpoint accuracy but a terrible temper, Hinata faces off against powerhouse teams and his limitations. Hilarious training montages, awe-inspiring spikes, and the power of teamwork fuel this series, making Haikyuu!! A must-watch for anyone who loves an underdog story with infectious energy and a healthy dose of laughs.
Mushishi (Series)
Mushishi isn’t your typical monster-of-the-week anime. Instead, it delves into a world where nature thrums with a mysterious life force called Mushi. Invisible to most, these primal beings can cause strange and beautiful phenomena but also wreak havoc on human lives. Ginko, a lone traveler with emerald eyes, acts as a bridge between these worlds.
With a deep understanding of Mushi and a calm demeanor, he journeys across a hand-painted landscape, solving problems caused by these enigmatic life forms. Mushishi is a meditative and melancholic series exploring the delicate balance of nature, the beauty and strangeness of existence, and the quiet heroism of one man seeking to maintain harmony.
Rilakkuma and Kaoru (Series)
Unlike most anime roommates, Kaoru doesn’t share her apartment with another student or a hyperactive spirit. Her companions are a laid-back brown bear named Rilakkuma, a mischievous white bear named Korilakkuma, and a tiny, diligent yellow bird named Kiiroitori.
This slice-of-life series follows Kaoru’s everyday struggles with work and finances, all while these adorable, fuzzy roommates bring a dose of chaos and unexpected comfort. Watch them relax in their onesies, eat copious amounts of pancakes, and navigate the complexities of modern life in a way that’s both relatable and utterly heartwarming.
Ponyo (Movie)
In Ponyo, a magical goldfish named Ponyo longs to experience the human world. After a chance encounter with Sosuke, a kind five-year-old boy, Ponyo uses stolen magic to transform into a human girl. Their newfound friendship sparks an adventure that disrupts the balance of nature.
Ponyo’s father, a powerful sorcerer of the sea, must choose between the ocean’s well-being and his daughter’s happiness. This beautifully animated Studio Ghibli film explores themes of environmentalism, the transformative power of love, and the wonder of childhood imagination, all set against a backdrop of a fantastical ocean world.
What are some benefits of watching anime with kids?
- Sparks, Imagination, and Creativity: Anime’s unique visuals and storytelling can inspire kids to create their own stories and artwork.
- Promotes Cultural Understanding: Anime offers a window into Japanese culture and values, helping kids learn about different customs and traditions.
- Encourages Emotional Intelligence: Many anime explore complex emotions and social issues, helping kids develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Strengthens Reading Skills: Subtitled anime can help improve a child’s reading comprehension skills.
FAQs
Is anime appropriate for kids?
Anime encompasses a wide range of genres and content. There are many anime that are perfectly safe and enjoyable for children, like the ones listed in this article. However, it’s important to check the age rating and read reviews before letting your child watch any new anime.
Where can I watch these anime with my kids?
Many of the anime listed in this article are available on popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, and HiDive.
What if my child is interested in a specific genre of anime?
This list focuses on a variety of genres, but there are many other kid-friendly anime out there! If your child has a specific interest, like sports anime or magical girl anime, do some research online to find recommendations and reviews for shows that cater to their taste.