Top 10 Anime for Kids You Can Stream Right Now

When people think of anime, they often picture action-packed series or dramatic storylines aimed at teens and adults. But anime isn’t just for grown-ups there’s a wide world of kid-friendly shows filled with colorful adventures, gentle humor, and meaningful lessons.

Whether it’s about friendship, courage, or exploring magical worlds, anime for kids blends fun and education in a way that sparks imagination and encourages positive values. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best anime for kids classics and modern favorites that are safe, wholesome, and filled with heart. Each entry includes a description, IMDb rating, and where to watch, so parents can easily choose what fits best for family viewing.

1. Pokémon

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
• Age Group: 6+
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Pokémon TV (free)

Pokémon is the ultimate starter anime for kids, and its global popularity proves its timeless charm. The story follows Ash Ketchum and his loyal Pikachu as they journey across different regions, meeting friends, challenging gym leaders, and battling with imaginative creatures called Pokémon. Each adventure emphasizes perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of treating creatures with kindness. With hundreds of episodes and movies, there’s always something new to discover. Kids are hooked by the colorful battles, catchy theme songs, and fun character personalities, while parents love the positive messages hidden behind the action.

2. Doraemon

• Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
• Age Group: 5+
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video

Doraemon, the robotic cat from the future, has captured children’s hearts for decades. Sent back in time to help the clumsy and unlucky Nobita, Doraemon uses magical gadgets from his “fourth-dimensional pocket” to solve everyday problems—often with hilarious consequences. From shrinking torches to time machines, the gadgets spark kids’ curiosity and imagination. The episodes balance slapstick comedy with heartwarming life lessons about responsibility, friendship, and kindness. Parents will appreciate its innocence and gentle humor, making it a safe choice for younger viewers.

3. My Neighbor Totoro (Movie)

• Genre: Fantasy, Slice of Life
• Age Group: 5+
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Where to Watch: Max (HBO), digital purchase on Amazon

Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro is one of the most beloved children’s films worldwide. It follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside while their mother is ill. There, they meet Totoro, a giant yet gentle forest spirit, and experience magical adventures like flying in a cat-shaped bus. The film stands out for its calm, cozy pace—perfect for kids who may find action-heavy films overwhelming. Its themes of family, nature, and wonder resonate with audiences of all ages. Parents will love how it promotes empathy, appreciation for the environment, and sibling bonds.

4. Yo-Kai Watch

• Genre: Comedy, Adventure
• Age Group: 6+
• IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Disney XD (older seasons), Prime Video

Yo-Kai Watch follows Nate, a boy who discovers a magical watch that lets him see mischievous Yo-Kai—spirits causing small everyday troubles, like making you forget things or get cranky. With the help of his Yo-Kai friends, Nate solves these problems, often with humor and charm. Kids adore the show’s colorful characters, silly antics, and collectible vibe, similar to Pokémon but with a ghostly twist. It’s fast-paced and lighthearted, making it perfect for elementary school-aged children. Parents can feel comfortable knowing the conflicts are solved through creativity and teamwork, not violence.

5. Chi’s Sweet Home

• Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
• Age Group: 4+
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll

This heartwarming anime follows Chi, an adventurous and curious kitten who gets adopted by a kind family. Each short episode (about 3 minutes long) explores her daily discoveries—like using the litter box, exploring the neighborhood, or meeting other animals. The simple storytelling, cute animation, and gentle humor make it ideal for very young children. Parents will appreciate how Chi’s little lessons about belonging, curiosity, and affection mirror the experiences of kids discovering the world. It’s one of the sweetest introductions to anime for preschoolers and early elementary kids.

6. Hamtaro

• Genre: Adventure, Comedy
• Age Group: 5+
• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video (select regions), DVD collections

Hamtaro follows an adorable hamster and his group of furry friends who embark on small but exciting adventures. While the hamsters’ world is tiny compared to humans, their challenges feel big and important—teaching kids that even small heroes can make a difference. The show is full of cheerful songs, positive morals about teamwork and friendship, and simple humor that kids easily connect with. Its gentle pacing and light stories make it a relaxing watch, while the bright characters keep younger audiences engaged.

7. Cardcaptor Sakura

• Genre: Magical Girl, Adventure
• Age Group: 8+
• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (in some regions), Blu-ray

Cardcaptor Sakura is a classic magical girl anime full of charm and adventure. It follows Sakura, an ordinary girl who accidentally releases magical Clow Cards and must capture them to prevent chaos. With the help of her best friends and guardian beast Keroberos, she learns responsibility, courage, and teamwork. The series blends fantasy with relatable school life moments, making it appealing for slightly older kids. Themes of friendship, determination, and kindness run throughout the show, while its colorful battles and gorgeous outfits capture the imagination.

8. Anpanman

• Genre: Adventure, Educational
• Age Group: 3+
• IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
• Where to Watch: Tubi TV (free), Prime Video (Japan imports)

Anpanman is a Japanese cultural phenomenon, especially beloved by preschoolers. The superhero Anpanman has a head made of red bean bread and helps people by sharing pieces of himself (literally giving food to those in need). He battles Baikinman, a germ villain, but always with kindness at the core of his actions. The stories are simple, colorful, and uplifting ideal for very young children. Its educational value lies in teaching compassion, generosity, and the joy of helping others. Parents will appreciate its wholesome simplicity.

9. Spirited Away (Movie)

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Age Group: 9+
• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
• Where to Watch: Max (HBO), Amazon Prime Video

One of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces, Spirited Away is a magical coming-of-age tale perfect for slightly older kids. It follows Chihiro, a girl who accidentally enters a spirit world and must rescue her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. Along the way, she shows courage, resourcefulness, and kindness, meeting unique characters like No-Face and Haku. Its themes—identity, resilience, and bravery make it an unforgettable experience for children transitioning into preteens. With stunning visuals and a layered story, it’s a film kids and parents will revisit again and again.

10. Little Witch Academia

• Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure
• Age Group: 8+
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Where to Watch: Netflix

This modern anime follows Atsuko “Akko” Kagari, a cheerful girl who dreams of becoming a great witch like her idol. Enrolling at Luna Nova Magical Academy, she struggles at first but grows with the support of her friends and her never-give-up spirit. The series blends Harry Potter-style magic school fun with empowering messages about perseverance, friendship, and believing in yourself. Kids love the whimsical magic and comedic moments, while parents enjoy its uplifting themes and strong female lead.

Tips for Parents: Choosing the Right Anime for Kids

• Check the Age Rating: Always consider maturity levels before starting a series.
• Preview Episodes Together: Watching the first episode as a family helps set expectations.
• Encourage Discussion: Ask kids about their favorite characters and lessons they learned.
• Focus on Positive Themes: Pick shows that highlight teamwork, creativity, and kindness.
• Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Disney+, and Max all carry a wide range of safe, child-friendly anime.

Anime can be a magical doorway for children to explore new worlds, values, and friendships. From the adventurous journeys of Pokémon to the quiet wonder of My Neighbor Totoro, each series offers something special for young viewers. With thoughtful choices, parents can ensure their kids enjoy safe, wholesome, and inspiring stories while creating family bonding moments along the way.