Looking for Anime for Kids? These 12 Movies and Series Keep It PG

Studio Ghibli movies set the gold standard, and "My Neighbor Totoro" leads the list. This gentle tale follows two sisters adjusting to a new life in the countryside, where a little girl befriends fantastical creatures in a mystical world.

With no inappropriate language and a focus on everyday life, it is perfect anime for most kids watching anime for the first time.

Another standout among anime movies, "Kiki's Delivery Service" centers on a young witch who suddenly finds independence in a seaside town. Like a softer cousin to Harry Potter, it highlights self discovery, hard work and confidence.

The film is rated G and remains a favorite for young anime fans exploring magical girl themes without intense battles.

Set at Luna Nova Magical Academy, this magical girl anime follows a young girl determined to become a great witch. She bonds with fellow students while learning magical powers and resilience.

"Little Witch Academia" mixes humor with positive messages about effort and friendship, making it ideal for young teens.

"Spy x Family" blends action and comedy in a surprisingly wholesome package. A spy, an assassin and a telepathic child form a fake family that grows into something real.

Despite a premise involving secret missions, the tone stays light and funny. It is one of the best anime series for families who want clever storytelling without heavy content.

"Cardcaptor Sakura" remains a classic anime series in the magical girl tradition. A young girl captures enchanted cards while balancing school and daily life.

The colorful cast and gentle love story elements keep it sweet rather than overwhelming. Many English dubs make it accessible to kids anime audiences worldwide.

"Sailor Moon Crystal" reintroduces the iconic magical girl team to modern audiences. A lonely girl discovers she has magical powers and must protect the world alongside other guardians.

This version updates animation while preserving the spirit of the original "Sailor Moon," a pillar of the anime industry.

"Digimon Adventure" sends a group of kids into a digital world filled with monsters and teamwork challenges. A young boy and his friends learn courage and responsibility as they protect both worlds.

Compared to other anime like "Dragon Ball" or "Demon Slayer," the action stays more age-appropriate while still delivering adventure.

"Yo-kai Watch" follows a child who gains the ability to see spirits causing everyday problems. Each episode offers light lessons wrapped in comedy.

The series works well for younger viewers who enjoy fantastical creatures without darker horror themes.

"Chi's Sweet Home" focuses on a small kitten adjusting to a new family. Its short episodes and simple plots suit kids and even parents looking for a calm slice of life option.

The simple style of each daily adventure makes it easy to follow for early readers.

"Yu-Gi-Oh!" centers on a strategic card game that blends friendship and competition. The card game format encourages problem solving and teamwork

While intense battles appear, the tone remains suitable for young teens compared with more mature other anime.

"Pretty Cure" delivers high energy magical girl action with teamwork at its core. Each season introduces new warriors who fight evil while juggling school life.

The franchise balances martial arts flair with strong friendship themes, making it a solid pick for older kids.

"K-ON!" offers a gentle slice-of-life look at high school student musicians forming a band. The focus stays on friendship, music, and small daily triumphs rather than conflict.

For families seeking family friendly anime without demons, demon school settings or heavy drama like "Fruits Basket" or "My Hero Academia," this calm series rounds out the list.

Whether your child prefers magical girl stories, digital adventures, or quiet tales of everyday life, these picks represent some of the best anime for kids in the modern era.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.