As parents, it’s a given we want to bond over our interests with our children. If you are a lover of anime, I have compiled the perfect list of introductory anime to share with your kids for you!
10. Bananya
Bananya is a great introductory anime for children with shorter attention spans. The series is a compilation of 2-3 minute episodes that introduce social-emotional lessons, comedy, and just all around cuteness. How could you not love Bananya? His lifelong dream is to bathe in chocolate with all of his banana cat friends and live his best life in a normal household.
Rated: G
Watch on: Tubi, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation
9. Ponyo
Does your child love movies like The Little Mermaid? If so, Ponyo would be the perfect introductory anime for them! You will find when watching this adorable film there are a lot of similarities between the two. The story is based on Ponyo, a young goldfish princess who longs for the outside world befriends Sosuke, a five-year-old boy she falls in love with. In their meeting, Ponyo uses her father’s powerful magic to transform herself into a human to be with Sosuke. This causes an imbalance in the world, and the two set out on a crazy journey to make Ponyo’s dreams come true to stay human forever while restoring balance.
Rated: G
Watch on: HBO MAX, Amazon Prime Video
8. Digimon
If your child or teens love action with a slightly darker twist, Digimon is a great anime to share with them! The series follows a group of teens who were sent into the digital world paired with their very own morphing monster known as the Digimon to fight evil and save the world.
Rated: G-PG
Watch on: Crunchyroll
7. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service personally holds a special place in my heart as it was the first anime introduced to me by my grandmother. This film tells a heartwarming tale of a little witch in training named Kiki trying to find her way in the world with her familiar Jiji. In this film you will watch Kiki overcome her insecurities and find true power within herself.
Rated: G
Watch on: HBO MAX, Amazon Prime Video
6. Hamtaro
Have a child that loves animals, Hamtaro is an absolutely adorable anime to share with them! These little hamsters are on some seriously big adventures! I loved this anime so much growing up that I named my cat after the hamster Bijou.
Rated: G
Watch on: Crunchyroll
5. My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved movie by many anime fans, and is an excellent choice to share with the entire family. The film’s plot surrounds the lives of two small girls who are moved to the countryside by their father to be closer to their mother who is hospitalized. During their stay they discover the forest nearby is inhabited with magical creatures called Totoro. The two befriend the Totoros and have many adventures together.
Rated: G
Watch on: HBO MAX, Amazon Prime Video
4. My Hero Academia
Another action packed anime that’s great to introduce to your kids, especially teens would be My Hero Academia! This anime is jam packed with amazing heroes and villains who will steal your heart in their personal storylines and series’ progression. This anime is also a real tearjerker, as you follow young Deku to become the number hero.
Rated: PG
Watch on: Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll
3. Naruto
The series follows the life of Naruto, a young ninja who dreams of one day becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. You will also find that the series touches on many topics such as acceptance, loneliness, and the value of hard work.
Rated: PG
Watch on: Hulu
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Here’s another action packed anime to share with your child! Avatar: The Last Airbender series is described as a world divided into four nations represented by a natural element for which their nations are named. Benders have the ability to control and manipulate the elements from their nation, however, only the Avatar can control all four elements. Follow Katara and Sokka as they protect Aang, the Avatar, on his journey to master all four elements and save the world against the Fire Nation.
Rated: G
Watch on: Netflix, Paramount Plus
1. Pokémon
It is our duty as parents to introduce our children to Pokémon. For many of us growing up, this series was such a huge staple in our lives whether we watched the anime, collected the cards, or played the games. Following Ash on his journey to becoming a Pokémon master through the years has had a lot of heartfelt moments that can be shared by all.
Rated: G
Watch on: Hulu
If you found this article helpful, let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear about the first anime you were introduced to growing up too!
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