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The protagonists for the three anime series for kids
The protagonists for the three anime series for kids (Image via GamesHorizon)

11 Anime Series for Kids

Stuart RayBy 10 Mins Read Anime

Are you a weeb in your 30s looking to share your love of Japanese media with your child so that you keep looking for the perfect anime series for kids? Over the years, anime has seen tremendous growth in popularity. This genre of entertainment has something to offer everyone, whether they are 6, 16 or 65 years old. However, not all of these animation mainstays are appropriate to watch while children are present. While we are aware of more mature programmes like Monster and Parasyte, they aren’t suitable for children.

Many parents or elder siblings may be looking for programmes they can watch with the younger members of the family, but it can be difficult to find such programming. In terms of shows made exclusively for preschoolers, the majority of anime series for kids do not make it to Western countries. However, slightly older children have a lot of options although there are several available anime narratives for young kids as well if they know where to look.

Pokémon and 10 other anime series for kids to enjoy

1. Dinosaur King is a show for the entire family

Dinosaur King is the ideal anime series for kids if you want to inculcate in them a love for dinosaurs, anime and family-time. The majority of the show is devoted to epic card battles, featuring friendships between humans and dinosaurs while a Team Rocket-esque evil villainous gang attempt to capture the same for their own nefarious purposes. In fact, viewers of the show can find themselves egging their parents to buy the next encyclopaedia and learning the names of their own on their own.

The relationship between Max, Rex, Zoey, the three main characters and their dog-like dinosaurs (who can transform into giant fighting machines with elemental powers) serve as the foundation for the remainder of Sweetness and Lightning. It describes how they manage to grow up and fight crime. Like other anime of the battling-monster-companions genre, this one depicts the highs and lows of interactions with family and friends.

2. My Hero Academia delivers epic superheroes mixed with shonen formula

My Hero Academia is really simple to entice younger people to watch because of the current craze for superhero tales brought on by the MCU films. The anime, as its name suggests, follows a group of kids as they enrol in a school for young superheroes, albeit the focus is rarely on their education. The fragile peace that results from a society that depends on people with superpowers to keep it safe is explored in My Hero Academia, which has become an interesting anime series for kids.

This show has broad appeal, and its message of giving to those in need is one that all children watching it can relate to. Just a fair warning that some of the fights can be fairly intense, just to make sure that whatever youngsters are viewing is mature enough to handle some blood and violent animation.

3. Doraemon features everyone’s favourite talking robotic cat

Whether it was the ’70s original or the 2005 remake, Doraemon is a beloved anime character. The fact that it has inspired more than forty films demonstrates that it has the kind of absolutely long-lasting staying power to keep spectators enthralled by the exploits of this tiny cat-like robot. 

Whatever futuristic devices he takes out of his four-dimensional pocket will undoubtedly spark wonderful wild antics and adventures. The Doraemon cartoons are hard to locate online, but Netflix has two excellent films. The character Doraemon is a robot cat that has arrived from the future who helps a little kid who is being bullied and fails in life. Doraemon wishes to assist this young man so that his progeny will prosper, and this anime series for kids is sure to motivate kids who are struggling in school to find hope in their future.

4. Pokemon is the quintessential anime series for kids

To say that Pokemon is good for kids and animal-lovers is to remark that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Did you know that this is the biggest franchise in the world, triumphing over even the biggest names in Western comics? Pokemon has something to offer everyone, from the motivational anime series on Cartoon Network to the darker Pokemon Adventures manga for older audiences, not to mention video games, fan animation, stop-motion, films, and even a live-action adaptation!

As Ash Ketchum trains his Pokémon and faces off against the unique and varied enemies that stand in his way, the story chronicles their ongoing adventures. This series is not only family-friendly, but it also tackles heavy subjects in a way that both children and adults can understand. Since Pokemon is not only geared towards younger audiences but is also one of the most well-known gateway series of all time, it is undoubtedly the most obvious choice when it comes to kids’ anime. The truth is that this notoriety belongs to the anime.

5. Digimon is an anime series for kids that does not hesitate to go dark

Too many ‘mons’ on the list, eh? Of course, this is a mixed bag as some of the later series like Ghost Game and Tamers might be too dark for kids, but the perfect recipe for fun and life-lesson, that delivers on heart-warming moments and high-stakes action is the first story that began it all – Digimon Adventure. The best part about the story was that during its original release, the kids who were watching it grew to see their favourite characters get older on screen in the sequels. As such, the lessons of separation, the pain associated with adulthood and the sheer confusion related to the choice of careers are envisioned on screen.

A group of kids are accidentally teleported into a dangerous digital world; fortunately, each of them is given a digital monster partner that can digivolve into a stronger version. The children, also known as the DigiDestined, go on a protracted and thrilling mission to preserve two worlds. A fantastic compromise between Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z, Digimon Adventure has a darker plot than the former that should amuse older children without having the violence or plodding pace of the later. Due to its enduring villains, endearing protagonists, and exciting battles, Digimon’s first season is still enjoyable to watch and a fantastic anime series for kids despite the show’s advanced age. 

6. Sherlock Hound is set in a world filled with anthropomorphic dogs

Imagine the Studio Ghibli director working with the same animation company that produced programmes like the zany, weird universe of Animaniacs. In fact, Sherlock Hound is exactly the perfect anime series for kids that combines “Sherlock” with “hound”. These humorous stories have anthropomorphic animal characters that are loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s well-known works. 

One of the absolutely best things about this old, and kind of forgotten classic anime is that its original producer TMS made the English dub available for free viewing on YouTube. For anyone who wants to watch it, this makes the classic incredibly accessible.

7. Sailor Moon is a classic for young children, especially girls

The American version of the show is well-liked by a sizable portion of the viewing population, despite the fact that the uncensored version of the show has its moments. Sailor Moon’s rise to fame during its run on Cartoon Network’s Toonami programme is to blame for this. However, it is a perfect anime series for kids with its portrayal of friendship, family and magic.

The narrative belongs to the Magical Girl subgenre and is based on a well-known manga. Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who learns she can transform into a superhero, serves as the story’s major protagonist. She joins a group of female combatants known as the Sailor Soldiers to battle evil powers. Magic, humour, and relatable family issues are all mixed together in Sailor Moon.

8. Chi’s Sweet Home features a cute cat

Chi’s New Address is the ideal option for anyone looking for a longer series to get lost in because it has more than 100 episodes. Therefore, thanks to its animal characters and vibrant surroundings, this anime series is ideal for children. It’s absolutely impossible to watch the exploits of this cute cat without grinning ear to ear. This slice-of-life anime is humorous enough for adults in the room while still being light enough for youngsters. 

For fans who want even more spectacular feline adventures, there is also Chi’s Sweet Adventure. It was made by Kanata Konami, who is also known for the feline-themed video game FukuFuku: Kitten Tales.  Chi, the film’s star, goes on adventures with her friends and neighbours in the neighbourhood, making it the perfect anime series for kids who love animals.

9. Rilakkuma and Kaoru features a unique art style

The unique style that pops out is the most notable aspect of this series, but that is more of a good thing than a detriment especially with its plushie-like characters. Rilakkuma and Kaoru started off as an ONA, or an anime series for kids that was exclusively available online. It is now available on Netflix, making it simple for new fans to watch. Each episode is only eleven minutes long, making it a perfect length for children given their waning attention spans. It’s also very short and sweet. 

The programme focuses on Kaoru’s life as she shares a residence with Rilakkuma, a huge plush bear. Not just the show’s striking aesthetics and distinctive sound design set it apart. Additionally, it is prepared to address more mature issues like financial hardships and mental hygiene in a style that appeals to younger audiences, making it a great anime series for kids to immerse themselves in and learn lessons from in order to prepare themselves for life. Although occasionally strange, it is well worth watching.

10. Silver Spoon is a comedic delight for all ages

Gin no Saji, popularly known as Silver Spoon, is a 2013 anime adaptation of the manga. Many people still appreciate and watch it years after because of the intriguing plot, outstanding animation, and excellent soundtrack.

Silver Spoon‘s lead character is Yuugo Hachiken. His experiences in an agricultural high school are chronicled in this anime series for kids. Yuugo is supposed to be knowledgeable about and skilled in subjects like farming and animals. However, as a novice, he frequently finds himself in absurd circumstances. Even if there are a few violent scenes in the anime, they are done in a way that everyone of any age may enjoy and watch it.

11. Hikaru No Go is for all you competitive game lovers

If you love Yu-Gi-Oh! and want to share your love for the same, but think it is too complicated for your younger siblings, turn to this anime series for kids. An anime called Hikaru No Go is based on the Go board game. The objective of this two-player strategy game is to advance further than your opponent. 

The anime uses the game of Go, which has been played for many thousands of years, adding a supernatural twist in the narrative to present a humorous tale of a child who aspires to make the ideal move in the game. The main character’s development from a newbie to a competitive, giant threat is shown in the anime. A family can enjoy and also watch the story together because it has engaging characters and situations, making it the perfect anime series for kids, teenagers and young adults wanting to relive the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons and games.

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Stuart loves anime, writing, and writing about anime. Someday, he hopes to illustrate his own manga from his novel!