11-07-2025
Best Anime Movies For Kids: A Dad's Guide By Age
As a kid growing up in the '80s and '90s, I was hooked on anime before I even knew the word for it. Titles like My Neighbor Totoro, Kimba the White Lion, Astro Boy, The Adventures of the Little Prince, and Unico lit up my childhood. These weren't just cartoons—they felt magical. They introduced me to gentler storytelling, imagination without limits, and characters that didn't resemble the ones on Saturday morning TV. That early love of anime never left me.
Now, as a dad in his forties with three girls, ages 3, 7, and 13, and a 10-year-old son, I not only still watch anime, but I also share it with my children. Not everything is age-appropriate, though. Some anime movies hit hard emotionally or lean into darker themes. However, there's a lot out there that kids can enjoy and truly connect with, just as I did when I was young. A
This list of the best anime movies for kids is based on my family's personal experiences. These aren't just 'kid-safe' but instead they're the ones my kids love, talk about, and return to. I organized it by age, so you can find a movie that matches your child's emotional and developmental level. Whether they're starting their first movie night or are ready for something a little deeper, this list has something that fits most kids' preferences in some way.
What it's about: Ponyo is a goldfish who dreams of becoming human after meeting a five-year-old boy named Sosuke. When she escapes her underwater world, the magic she carries causes storms and sea surges. The friendship between Ponyo and Sosuke becomes the heart of a story that blends land and ocean, magic and childhood.
Why it works for kids (and my family): My 3-year-old is obsessed with Ponyo. The movement, the ocean creatures, and Ponyo's energy keep her glued to the screen. The visuals are soft and easy to follow, like a watercolor picture book in motion.
My 7-year-old still enjoys the themes of friendship and wonder, especially the way Sosuke protects Ponyo. There's no bad guy, no scary scenes, and the pace is slow enough for even the youngest kids to follow without getting overwhelmed.
Ponyo is a movie that feels safe, curious, and full of magic—one of the best anime movies for kids discovering animation for the first time.
What it's about: Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside while their mom recovers in the hospital. As they explore the forest near their new home, they meet Totoro, a gentle, magical creature who becomes their friend. The movie is a collection of quiet, magical moments with no big drama or fast-moving plot.
Why it works for kids (and my family): Totoro is a massive hit with my 3-year-old and 7-year-old. Totoro himself is an instant favorite—he's big, friendly, and doesn't talk much, which makes him easy for young kids to connect with.
The sisters feel real, and the way they play, argue, and imagine mirrors how my kids interact. The catbus is always a favorite moment.
It's one of the best anime movies for kids who love slow, dreamy stories that invite them to explore the world at their own pace.
What it's about: Totto-Chan is a curious girl who doesn't fit into her traditional school. After being expelled, she's sent to a new kind of school where learning takes place in train cars, kids explore freely, and differences are celebrated. The story is set in 1940s Japan and focuses on childhood wonder during a time of real-world challenges.
Why it works for kids (and my family): This one struck a chord with my 7-year-old, who's at that age where kids start noticing when they don't fit into every classroom rule. Totto-Chan is bold, quirky, and completely herself. That's empowering to watch.
Even though it touches on heavy themes like war and disability, it does so gently, through the lens of a child's perspective. The animation feels nostalgic and warm, and it moves slowly enough for younger elementary kids to follow.
This one earns its place among the best anime movies for kids who march to the beat of their own drum.
What it's about: After saving a cat from getting hit by a truck, Haru finds herself invited to the Cat Kingdom, where she's told she must marry the prince. With the help of the dashing Baron and other oddball allies, she tries to escape a world that becomes stranger by the minute.
Why it works for kids (and my family): This one's ideal for my 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. It's fast-paced, funny, and full of weird, lovable characters. The cats wear suits, talk with flair, and act like royalty, which always gets laughs.
It's quirky and full of charm, with just enough tension to keep it exciting. Kids who like slightly offbeat stories will find this one a fun ride, especially if they love animals or secret fantasy worlds.
It's one of the best anime movies for kids who are ready to step into more adventurous stories.
What it's about: Kai is a quiet boy in a fishing town who meets Lu, a playful mermaid who loves music. As their friendship grows, Kai begins to come out of his shell, while the town struggles to let go of old fears about mermaids and outsiders.
Why it works for kids (and my family): This one clicked with my 10-year-old. Lu is pure chaos in the best way—bouncing, singing, and breaking every rule. The musical scenes are wild and full of energy, which helps keep active kids engaged.
It's also an excellent movie for kids who feel shy or misunderstood. Kai's quiet nature and slow transformation feel relatable without being heavy.
The combination of music, movement, and emotion makes this one of the best anime movies for kids who thrive on sound and rhythm.
What it's about: Mary discovers a glowing flower that gives her temporary magical powers and whisks her to a floating school for witches. At first, the school dazzles her, but she soon uncovers a dark secret and must decide whether to speak up and take action.
Why it works for kids (and my family): My 13-year-old daughter loved Mary's character. She's clumsy and unsure at first, but takes control of her story in a way that feels empowering.
The action is fast enough to keep older elementary and middle-grade kids interested. There's just the right amount of tension for a 10-year-old or 11-year-old, enough to feel the stakes but not enough to be scary.
It's one of the best anime movies for kids who are just starting to explore the difference between doing what's easy and doing what's right.
Studio Ghibli
What it's about: Kiki is a 13-year-old witch who leaves home to start a new life in a seaside city. She opens a flying delivery service but quickly learns that independence isn't always easy. The story follows her emotional ups and downs as she navigates her identity and discovers what she truly wants.
Why it works for kids (and my family): My 13-year-old connected with Kiki right away. The idea of trying to be independent, getting burned out, and losing confidence hits hard at that age.
There's no villain here. Just Kiki, trying and failing and trying again. It's a quiet story, but one that sticks with you.
It's one of the best anime movies for kids navigating the complexities of growing up without needing all the answers yet.
What it's about: Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl, stumbles into a hidden spirit world where her parents are turned into pigs. To save them, she must work at a bathhouse for spirits, facing strange creatures, odd rules, and personal growth along the way.
Why it works for kids (and my family): This one is best suited for older kids. My 10-year-old son found the world to be both strange and fascinating. The visuals are packed with details and oddities that spark curiosity.
It's not an easy movie—it doesn't explain everything, and the pacing can feel unfamiliar—but that's what makes it work for kids who are ready for something more profound.
It's no surprise this is often named one of the best anime movies for kids ready to explore bigger emotions and big, imaginative worlds.
What it's about: This is an anthology of three short films about quiet acts of bravery. One story follows tiny underwater siblings looking for their dad. Another follows a boy managing a life-threatening food allergy. The last is about a man who feels invisible—until he decides to be seen.
Why it works for kids (and my family):
The short format helps. Each story feels different, and none of them overstay their welcome. My 10-year-old especially liked the first story because it was adventurous and fast-paced.
The allergy story hit harder for my 13-year-old. It shows real fear but balances it with warmth and support.
This anthology proves that the best anime movies for kids don't always have to be feature-length to leave a lasting impression.
What it's about: Miyo is a middle school girl who feels invisible at home and school. When she's given a mask that turns her into a cat, she uses it to get close to her crush. But the more time she spends hiding as a cat, the more she risks losing her human self for good.
Why it works for kids (and my family): This one hit with my 13-year-old. Miyo is loud and funny on the outside, but she's working through sadness and confusion beneath the surface. That's a familiar feeling for kids navigating the emotions of middle school.
The fantasy elements keep it light, but the message is strong. Hiding from your feelings doesn't make them go away.
Among the best anime movies for kids during the middle school transition, this one strikes a balance between fantasy and emotional truth in a way that resonates.
