Anime offers a colorful world of storytelling, and there’s something special for kids to enjoy. From adventures filled with magic to life lessons woven into exciting tales, here’s a selection of the best 10 family-friendly anime for kids that will captivate the hearts and minds of children. These anime are not only entertaining but also offer valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself. Let’s embark on a journey through these fantastic stories that are perfect for kids of all ages.
1. Naruto
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: PG.
- Age range: 11 years and older.
- Where to watch: Hulu, Netflix, Tubi TV, VuDu, Crunchyroll, and The Roku Channel.
In 2002, a fantastic anime named Naruto first aired. It’s about a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki. He wants to be the best ninja and protect his village. But there’s something special about Naruto – he has a powerful fox spirit inside him!
Naruto makes many friends, like Sasuke and Sakura. They train together and go on exciting adventures. There are cool fights with other ninjas and missions to complete. Naruto never gives up, and that’s a great lesson for kids.
Naruto Shippuden comes next in 2007. Now, Naruto and his friends are older. They face bigger challenges and even bigger enemies. But Naruto’s determination and kindness never change. He still wants to protect his village and friends.
Naruto is an anime for kids that teaches kids about friendship, hard work, and never giving up on your dreams. The characters are amazing, like Kakashi, a wise ninja, and Jiraiya, a fun teacher. There’s also Sakura, a strong girl who shows that girls can be ninjas too!
What makes Naruto and Naruto Shippuden great for kids is the exciting story, the cool ninja powers, and the important lessons about life. It’s an adventure that teaches kids to believe in themselves and never stop trying. It’s fun, it’s heartwarming, and it’s an anime the whole family can enjoy together.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
- Type: Television series and movies.
- Rating: G.
- Age range: 8 years and older.
- Where to watch: Netflix and Crunchyroll.
In 1998, a magical anime called Cardcaptor Sakura began. It’s about a girl named Sakura Kinomoto. One day, she finds a magical book and accidentally releases powerful cards into the world. These cards have amazing abilities!
Sakura becomes a cardcaptor, which means she must catch all the cards. Her friends, like Tomoyo and Syaoran, help her. They go on adventures to capture the cards, each with its own special magic.
What’s wonderful about Cardcaptor Sakura is that it’s a story of friendship and bravery. Sakura is a kind and strong girl. She teaches us to be brave and do the right thing, even when things are tough.
The characters are lovable. Kero, the cute guardian beast, guides Sakura. Tomoyo is her best friend, always ready with her camera. And Syaoran, a fellow cardcaptor, becomes her friend too.
Cardcaptor Sakura is great for kids because it’s full of magic and fun. The cards’ magic is incredible, and Sakura’s adventures are exciting. It also teaches kids about kindness, courage, and the importance of helping friends.
This anime is a perfect family choice because it’s a sweet and magical adventure that brings joy and valuable life lessons to kids and their parents. It’s a heartwarming journey through the world of magic and friendship.
3. My Neighbor Totoro
- Type: Movie.
- Rating: G.
- Age range: 4 years and older.
- Where to watch: HBO Max, Netflix, YouTube, and Vudu.
In 1988, a lovely movie called My Neighbor Totoro came to life. It’s about two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their dad. Their mom is sick, and they hope the fresh air will help her get better.
One day, while exploring, Mei discovers a magical creature named Totoro. Totoro is big, fluffy, and very friendly. He can’t talk, but he can show his feelings with big grins and dances!
The sisters and Totoro have amazing adventures together. They fly on a magical tree, and they even help the trees grow with Totoro’s special umbrella. It’s all about the wonder of nature and the joy of friendship.
What’s fantastic about My Neighbor Totoro is how it captures the beauty of everyday life. It’s a gentle story that teaches kids about love, family, and the magic of the world.
Totoro, Satsuki, and Mei are characters you’ll fall in love with. Totoro’s cuddly appearance makes him a favorite, and the sisters’ courage and curiosity inspire kids.
My Neighbor Totoro is perfect for kids because it’s a heartwarming tale of wonder and joy. It’s a movie that will make them smile and want to explore the world around them. It’s a timeless classic that the whole family can enjoy.
4. Haikyu!!
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: G.
- Age range: 10 years and older.
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and HiDive.
In 2014, an exciting anime named Haikyu!! started. It’s all about volleyball and the thrill of teamwork.
The story is about a young boy named Hinata who’s super short but loves volleyball. He dreams of being a great player despite his height. He joins a volleyball team and becomes a spiker.
What’s awesome about Haikyu!! is that it shows how hard work and teamwork can help you reach your goals. It’s not just about winning; it’s about doing your best and never giving up.
Hinata has many friends on the team, like Kageyama, who is an amazing setter, and Tsukishima, who’s tall and really smart. They all work together to become the best team they can be.
The matches in Haikyu!! are super exciting. They show the power of determination and the fun of playing with friends. It’s not just about sports; it’s also about growing up and learning from your mistakes.
Haikyu!! is great for kids because it’s full of energy and teaches important lessons about teamwork and perseverance. It also shows that even if you’re small, you can achieve big things with hard work and a positive attitude.
This anime for kids is fantastic for families because it’s a sports adventure that’s full of heart and inspiration. It’s a great way to learn about sports and life values while having tons of fun.
5. My Hero Academia
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: PG.
- Age range: 12 years and older.
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.
In 2016, a super cool anime called My Hero Academia started. It’s all about a world where people have amazing powers, and it’s full of heroes and villains!
The story follows a boy named Izuku Midoriya. He’s born without powers, but he dreams of becoming a hero. One day, he meets the greatest hero, All Might, and gets a special power.
My Hero Academia is great because it’s all about believing in yourself and never giving up. Izuku, or “Deku,” shows us that even if you face challenges, you can be a hero too.
There are lots of characters with incredible powers. Like Bakugo, who has explosive blasts, and Todoroki, who can control fire and ice. They all go to U.A. High School to learn how to be heroes.
The battles in My Hero Academia are awesome. Heroes use their powers to save the day, and villains try to cause trouble. It’s like a big, exciting puzzle of good versus bad.
My Hero Academia is perfect for kids because it’s full of action and important lessons about courage, friendship, and doing the right thing. It’s like a big adventure where you can imagine having superpowers.
This anime is fantastic for families because it’s thrilling and teaches kids about heroism and the strength that comes from within. It’s a story that shows anyone can be a hero, no matter where they come from.
6. Hikaru No Go
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: G.
- Age range: 10 and older.
- Where to watch: Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Hikaru No Go, which started in 2001, is an anime for kids, that brings together a regular kid and a game of strategy called Go. It features Hikaru, a young boy, who stumbles upon a dusty Go board in his grandpa’s attic, and things get exciting from there.
Our protagonist meets a ghostly Go master named Sai, who is super smart and loves playing Go. Sai teaches Hikaru how to play, and together, they dive into the world of this ancient board game.
What’s outstanding about this family-friendly anime is how it takes something simple like a board game and turns it into an adventure. It’s not about fighting or superpowers; it’s about using your brain and learning from your mistakes.
Hikaru makes friends like Akira, a Go genius, and together, they compete in Go tournaments. The anime is full of challenges, strategy, and the spirit of never giving up.
This anime for kids is great for kids because it’s like a puzzle game coming to life. It shows that you can become better at something with practice and passion. It’s also a fantastic lesson in respecting your opponents and working hard to achieve your goals.
This anime is excellent for families because it’s a story about self-discovery and the joy of playing games. It teaches kids that even a simple game like Go can be an incredible adventure that helps you grow and learn.
7. Little Witch Academia
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: G.
- Age range: 8 years and older.
- Where to watch: Netflix.
Back in 2013, a spellbinding anime known as Little Witch Academia came to life. It’s all about a girl named Akko Kagari, and she’s just an ordinary kid with an extraordinary dream – she wants to be a witch!
Akko starts her magical journey at Luna Nova Magical Academy, where she makes friends like Lotte and Sucy. Together, they learn the secrets of magic, ride broomsticks, and even discover mystical creatures.
The special thing about Little Witch Academia is that it reminds us that even if we don’t have magic in our blood, we can still achieve remarkable things with hard work and determination. Akko’s story is a great example for kids to follow their dreams.
The characters in the anime, like the kind teacher Ursula, the mischievous Sucy, and the gentle Lotte, bring the magical world to life. And don’t forget the cute yet quirky magical items like the shiny rod and the ghostly fish!
Little Witch Academia is fantastic for kids because it’s a tale of adventure and self-discovery. It shows them the power of self-belief and the magic of friendship.
For families, this anime is a delightful journey full of enchantment, laughter, and important life lessons. It’s a reminder that every child has the potential to do extraordinary things and that dreams are there to be chased.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist
- Type: Television series and movies.
- Rating: PG.
- Age range: 14 years and older.
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Crunchyroll.
In 2003, a fascinating anime for kids called Fullmetal Alchemist captured our screens. It’s about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone to get their bodies back. They tried to bring their mom back to life with alchemy but lost their bodies in the process. Now, they have cool metal bodies!
The Elric brothers travel the land, meeting friends and foes. Edward, the older brother, is a brilliant alchemist, and Alphonse is inside a big suit of armor. Together, they explore the mysteries of alchemy and the world.
What’s awesome about Fullmetal Alchemist is how it teaches us that even in tough times, family bonds and doing the right thing are super important. Edward and Alphonse show kids the value of never giving up and always being there for each other.
The characters are fantastic, like Winry, their mechanic friend, and Colonel Mustang, who is a powerful fire alchemist. They all play a part in the Elric brothers’ journey.
Fullmetal Alchemist is great for kids because it’s not just about adventure and magic; it’s about lessons in bravery, kindness, and the meaning of family.
This anime is perfect for families because it’s a tale of sacrifice and love. It teaches children about doing good and the strength of sibling bonds. And it’s a thrilling adventure that both kids and parents can enjoy together.
9. One Punch Man
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: PG.
- Age range: 14 years and older.
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll.
One Punch Man is a superhero anime that started in 2015. It’s about a superhero named Saitama who can defeat any enemy with just one punch. He’s incredibly strong, and he’s searching for a real challenge.
Saitama becomes a hero for fun and joins the Hero Association. He meets other heroes like Genos, who is part-robot, and they fight many villains and monsters. They face bad guys, aliens, and even giant lobsters!
What’s cool about One Punch Man is how it’s funny and exciting. Saitama’s bored because he’s too strong, and he tries to find meaning in his hero life. It teaches kids that even when you’re superb at something, you can still have challenges.
The characters are interesting and fun. Genos is determined to get stronger, and there are heroes with strange powers like Mumen Rider, who fights on a bicycle. Villains like the Deep Sea King and the Mosquito Girl make it more thrilling.
One Punch Man is good for kids because it’s full of action and humor. It also has a message about not underestimating others and the importance of hard work.
This anime is great for families because it’s a mix of action, comedy, and life lessons. It shows that being a hero is not just about power but also about kindness and determination. Plus, it’s enjoyable for both kids and adults.
10. Fairy tail
- Type: Television series.
- Rating: TV-14.
- Age range: 14 years and older.
- Where to watch: Tubu, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Netflix.
In the magical world of anime, there’s a fantastic show called Fairy Tail that began in 2009. It’s all about a group of wizards who are part of a guild called Fairy Tail. They love going on adventures and doing quests to help people and protect their world.
The main character, Natsu Dragneel, is a fire wizard. He’s strong and gets even stronger by eating fire. He’s on a quest to find his lost dragon dad, Igneel.
Lucy Heartfilia is a celestial wizard who can summon spirits. She’s a great friend to Natsu and the other members of the guild. Together with Natsu, Happy the talking cat, Gray who controls ice, and Erza who’s super tough, they make an outstanding team.
What’s truly special about Fairy Tail is how it’s all about friendship and never giving up. The Fairy Tail guild is like a big, supportive family. They stick together through thick and thin, which is a great lesson for kids.
The adventures in Fairy Tail are full of magic, epic battles, and tons of fun. They face all sorts of challenges, from dark guilds to fearsome dragons, making it super exciting.
Fairy Tail is ideal for kids because it’s a mix of magic, action, and the power of friendship. It shows that when you have friends by your side, you can overcome any obstacle.
For families, this anime is a delightful journey that brings everyone together. It teaches kids about loyalty, teamwork, and the importance of never leaving a friend behind. Plus, it’s a world of magic that’s captivating for both kids and their parents.
Final Thoughts
In the world of family-friendly anime for kids, these 10 series are a treasure trove of adventure and life lessons. They provide children with exciting stories, valuable values, and unforgettable moments. These anime are more than just entertainment; they are windows to imagination and learning. Enjoy the journey with your family through these fantastic tales that leave a lasting impact on young hearts and minds.
