Best Kid-Friendly Animes on Netflix: A Parent’s Guide
Netflix offers a vast library of anime, but not all are suitable for younger audiences. As a parent, you may wonder: What animes on Netflix are suitable for kids? This guide will highlight the best family-friendly anime options, ensuring fun, adventure, and positive messages for children.
1. Pokémon: Indigo League (1997)
Genre:
Adventure, Fantasy
Age Rating:
TV-Y7
One of the most iconic anime series of all time, Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum and his loyal Pikachu as they journey through the Kanto region. With themes of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork, it’s perfect for young viewers.
Why Kids Love It:
- Simple, episodic storytelling
- Bright, colorful animation
- Positive life lessons
Where to Watch: Netflix offers multiple Pokémon seasons, including Pokémon Journeys .
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Genre:
Fantasy, Family
Age Rating:
G
From Studio Ghibli, My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale of two sisters who discover friendly forest spirits. The slow-paced, whimsical storytelling makes it ideal for younger kids.
Why Kids Love It:
- Gentle, non-violent plot
- Magical creatures and lush animation
- Emotional but uplifting story
Note: Other Ghibli films like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo are also great choices.
3. Little Witch Academia (2017)
Genre:
Fantasy, Comedy
Age Rating:
TV-Y7
This Netflix-original anime follows Akko, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch like her idol. With vibrant animation and a focus on self-improvement, it’s perfect for kids who love magic and adventure.
Why Kids Love It:
- Strong, relatable protagonist
- Zero inappropriate content
- School-life setting with fun spells
4. Doraemon (2005)
Genre:
Sci-Fi, Comedy
Age Rating:
TV-Y
A classic Japanese anime, Doraemon features a robotic cat from the future who helps a clumsy boy named Nobita. The stories are humorous and often carry moral lessons.
Why Kids Love It:
- Silly, lighthearted episodes
- Encourages problem-solving
- Minimal conflict
Where to Watch: Netflix has multiple seasons available.
5. Yo-Kai Watch (2014)
Genre:
Adventure, Comedy
Age Rating:
TV-Y7
Similar to Pokémon , Yo-Kai Watch follows Nate, a boy who befriends mischievous spirits called Yo-kai. The anime is funny, fast-paced, and full of imaginative creatures.
Why Kids Love It:
- Fun, supernatural adventures
- Easy-to-follow storylines
- Teaches responsibility
6. The Way of the Househusband (2021)
Genre:
Comedy, Slice-of-Life
Age Rating:
TV-14 (Mild Language)
While slightly older kids (10+) may enjoy this, it’s a hilarious anime about a former Yakuza boss who becomes a stay-at-home husband. The humor is clean, and there’s no graphic content.
Parental Note: Some mild crude humor, but no violence.
7. Haikyuu!! (2014)
Genre:
Sports, Comedy
Age Rating:
TV-PG
For kids who love sports, Haikyuu!! follows a high school volleyball team’s journey to the top. It promotes teamwork and perseverance without any mature themes.
Why Kids Love It:
- Fast-paced, exciting matches
- Inspirational underdog story
- Clean storytelling
8. Glitter Force (2015)
Genre:
Magical Girl, Adventure
Age Rating:
TV-Y7
A Western-friendly adaptation of Pretty Cure , Glitter Force is about a team of girls who transform into magical warriors to save the world. It’s colorful, fun, and empowering.
Why Kids Love It:
- Strong female characters
- Sweet, positive messages
- Simple, engaging plot
9. A Whisker Away (2020)
Genre:
Fantasy, Romance
Age Rating:
PG
This Netflix-original anime is a charming story about a girl who transforms into a cat to be closer to her crush. While slightly more emotional, it’s appropriate for tweens.
Parental Note: Some mild romantic themes but no inappropriate content.
10. Cardcaptor Sakura (1998)
Genre:
Magical Girl, Fantasy
Age Rating:
TV-Y7
A beloved classic, this anime follows Sakura, a girl who must recapture magical cards accidentally released into the world. The story is innocent, with mild fantasy action.
Why Kids Love It:
- Cute, well-animated adventures
- Strong moral lessons
- No scary or violent scenes
Parental Tips for Choosing Anime on Netflix
- Check the Age Rating – Look for TV-Y, G, or PG ratings.
- Read Reviews – Sites like Common Sense Media give detailed age recommendations.
- Pre-watch Episodes – Some anime may look kid-friendly but have unexpected mature themes.
- Avoid Shonen Anime – Many action-focused anime (e.g., Attack on Titan , Demon Slayer ) are too violent for kids.
Final Thoughts
Netflix has a great selection of kid-friendly anime that entertain while teaching valuable lessons. From Pokémon to Little Witch Academia , parents can find safe, fun options for their children. By using ratings and reviews, you can ensure a positive anime-watching experience.
What’s your child’s favorite anime? Let us know in the comments!