The expansive anime universe offers many tales with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver outstanding and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines, characters, and events that will excite people more.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime to watch with kids. From memorable adventure series to exhilarating action series, there’s enough anime on here to whet your and your children’s appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro is a timeless gem that’s beloved in many households. This enchanting film by Studio Ghibli impresses audiences with its magical storytelling, likable characters, and joyous atmosphere. Our tale follows Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who move to the countryside with their father. They meet a friendly forest spirit named Totoro, who becomes their guide in their adventure.
This anime will encourage children to explore the outdoors. It also captures childhood innocence and joy well through Satsuki and Mei’s perspective. Many kids will relate to Satsuki and Mei’s fascination with Totoro and the rest of the critters they encounter during their expedition. Through their eyes, kids will learn to value family and friendship too.
In addition to inspiring kids to think creatively and to express themselves in distinct ways, My Neighbor Totoro is worth putting on your children’s television screens.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura is a great magical girl anime that everyone, including young boys, can enjoy. Its features an empowering lead protagonist named Sakura. After opening a magic book in her parent’s basement, many cards start to fly out and scatter across her town. Suddenly, she meets a little lion-like creature named Keroberos. He tells Sakura to reclaim every card that flew out of the book and arms her with a magical wand. This leads to a magical fetch quest involving Sakura, Keroberos, and other cast members.
Sakura’s a perfect role model for children, as she represents courage, kindness, and determination. Her journey teaches kids the importance of believing in themselves and never-giving-up. Sakura’s friends Tomoyo and Syaron assist Sakura many times throughout Cardcaptor Sakura. They represent the show’s themes of cooperation, understanding, and friendship well.
On top of having some stylish magical duels and creative enemy designs, Cardcaptor Sakura is a must-watch anime for children.
Little Witch Academia
Doraemon
Doraemon is a childhood classic for most anime fans. This child-friendly sci-fi series follows a futuristic, robotic feline named Doraemon and his human friend Nobita as they go on multiple adventures. Each chapter presents Nobita and Doraemon with a new problem to solve as they find a way to overcome each hurdle in a satisfying and entertaining manner.
This anime promotes friendship, determination, honesty, and kindness. However, it’s not afraid to tackle some relatable subjects regarding bullying, self-confidence, and academics. By watching Doraemon, your children will develop better problem-solving skills and learn to become respectable people.
Secondly, Doraemon is a great source of inspiration and creativity. His gadgets ooze originality from his iconic telephone booth to his wide array of tools. By seeing Doraemon solve issues with his gadgets, kids will learn how to think outside the box. Therefore, if you’re looking for a silly and charming sci-fi anime with a great cast and splendid storytelling, watch Doraemon.
Pokémon
Who hasn’t heard of Pokémon? It’s one of the most popular gaming franchises of all time. Due to the success of its first generation of titles, the franchise spawned much merchandise and media alike. That includes a fun anime series featuring its original protagonist Ash Ketchum.
Ash’s goal is to become a Pokémon Master. With his partner Pikachu and a slew of comrades at his side, Ash will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. Through Ash and Pikachu, children will develop a fondness for friendship and teamwork. Through his journeys, Ash will battle multiple Pokémon trainers and villains who’ll assist him in breaking his limits as a Pokémon trainer.
Furthermore, Pokémon encourages exploration and discovery. Through Ash and other trainers’ experiences, children will embrace their surroundings and will develop a desire to escape the house or step out of their comfort zone for a while to see what’s out there.
On top of encouraging children to dream big and to never-let go of their desires, Pokémon is a great gateway anime for your kin to enjoy.
Chi’s Sweet Home
Chi’s Sweet Home is an adorable series that’s perfect for children. It’s a bit long with its 100+ episode count, but it’s sure to leave them entertained with its comedy, comforting art style, and fun characters.
This story is about a mischievous cat named Chi and her adventures with her human family. The characters are relatable and will instantly capture your hearts. Chi’s playful nature makes her an easy character for kids to connect with and root for. The interactions between Chi and her human family, along with the other animals she meets, provide a sense of familiarity and entertainment for young audiences. I
n addition to having a simple plot brimming with humorous antics and valuable life lessons, Chi’s Sweet Home is a great anime to put on for kids.
Digimon: Digital Monsters
Digimon: Digital Monsters is a great adventure series with minor depth. It aired alongside other 90s anime at the time and was often compared with Pokémon. Digimon revolves around a group of children who team up with digital creatures called Digimon to save the human and digital world.
The kids in this anime are relatable and well-defined. They form tight connections with their Digimon companions and kids will adore seeing these characters embark on numerous adventures. Through these characters, the anime explores concepts such as teamwork, friendship, and courage. Kids will learn to befriend people and treat them with respect after seeing how it benefits our protagonists.
If you’re looking for a fabulous adventure series with great writing and characters, Digimon: Digital Monsters is a must-watch!
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh! is a splendid anime with great themes, characters, and an interesting world. The series follows Yugi Muto, a boy who becomes a skilled duelist after solving the ancient Millenium Puzzle. Yu-Gi-Oh! promotes strategic thinking and problem-solving skills since the series’s heart lies in the duels our characters compete in. The duels require players to think critically, strategize, and make tactical decisions.
Children watching Yu-Gi-Oh are exposed to concepts such as probability, planning ahead, and adapting to different scenarios. The emphasis on strategic thinking encourages children to develop their problem-solving abilities, which can have a positive impact on their cognitive development.
On top of offering valuable lessons on friendship, trust, and determination, Yu-Gi-Oh! is an iconic series that deserves to be watched by a newer generation.
Hamtaro
Following Chi’s Sweet Home’s path of delivering an adorable and adventurous animal series is Hamtaro. Instead of a playful cat, kids will be following a group of cute hamsters, led by the colorful hamster, Hamtaro.
This anime promotes friendship and teamwork. Hamtaro and his friends work together to solve problems, teaching kids the importance of teamwork and collaboration. This theme of friendship resonates with young viewers, helping them understand the importance of building relationships and working as a team.
Hamtaro also encourages kids’ curiosity and exploration. The hamsters embark on exciting questions in various locales from gardens, parks, and other places. Through Hamtaro, kids will ask their parents if they can go on journeys of their own.
On top of having colorful and cheerful animation, Hamtaro is a great anime for kids to watch.
Kirby: Right Back At Ya!
Kirby: Right Back At Ya! is a great video game-themed anime featuring Nintendo’s favorite pink hero, Kirby. In it, Kirby must protect his friends and Dream Land from various threats from evildoers, especially the mildly evil King Dedede.
This anime promotes great themes such as friendship, loyalty, and bravery. Kirby’s sheer determination will inspire kids to face their fears head-on. Further, Kirby: Right Back At Ya encourages creativity. Kirby’s unique copy abilities from the games make an appearance in the anime, opening up children’s imaginations.
Each episode of Kirby: Right Back At Ya delivers a new moral message for kids from forgiveness to the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions. On top of having colorful animation and epic battles, Kirby: Right Back At Ya is a great video game anime, and one your kids should watch.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime for children through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!