10 best kids anime (kodomomuke anime) of all time

Kids anime, also known as kodomomuke anime in Japanese, has delighted children around the world for decades. From emotional stories to thrilling adventures, some of the most iconic and influential animated series have been made keeping kids' interests in mind.

Spanning a variety of genres like comedy, fantasy, sci-fi, and more, kids anime offers imaginative worlds where anything is possible. Many explore timeless coming-of-age themes of friendship, courage, and growing up that resonate strongly with young audiences.

Some teach valuable life lessons, while others provide laugh-out-loud humor or heart-pounding action. If you’re looking for great anime to enjoy with your children or relive childhood favorites, here are 10 of the best kids anime of all time.

10 kids anime every child should watch

1. Sazae-san

Running continuously since 1969, Sazae-san holds the Guinness World Record for longest running animated television series. Centered around the daily life of suburban housewife Sazae and her eccentric family and friends, this comedy slice-of-life is a cultural institution in Japan.

Despite its old-fashioned animation and setting, Sazae-san’s gentle pace and focus on universal family themes like household dynamics, generational gaps, work-life balance, and more make it charmingly timeless.

Multiple generations have grown up watching the Fuguta family's humorous antics and relatable struggles. With over 7700 episodes and counting, Sazae-san’s longevity proves its enduring multi-generational appeal as a classic kids anime.

2. Doraemon

Arguably Japan’s most famous kids anime character, the earless robotic cat Doraemon, has captured hearts globally since his 1969 debut. Sent from the 22nd century, the clumsy robot cat Doraemon helps pre-teen Nobita Nobi with futuristic gadgets but often creates as many problems as he solves.

Combining sci-fi, comedy, and heart, the long-running Doraemon series explores universal struggles like poor school performance, lack of confidence, and bullying. Doraemon’s secret gadgets give imaginative and often morality-based solutions, teaching valuable life lessons.

Despite issues caused by their futuristic devices, Nobita and friends always fix troubles with courage, empathy, and teamwork. With over 1500 anime episodes and dozens of movies, Doraemon’s timeless coming-of-age tale continues to gain new young fans, solidifying its status as a beloved kids anime.

3. Crayon Shin-chan

Crayon Shin-chan (Image via Shin-Ei Animation)

Five-year-old kindergartener Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohara, better known as Shin-chan, has delighted Japanese children since 1990 with his irreverent humor. Unintentionally funny and highly candid, the bright but rude Shin-chan comments openly on everything, frankly expressing whatever enters his mind.

Crayon Shin-chan’s chaotic comedy comes from Shin’s silly adventures, causing constant trouble. Though his actions frustrate his short-tempered parents, teachers, and neighbors, Shin remains lovably naive about the mayhem he leaves behind.

His adorable appearance contrasts hilariously with his mature speech patterns and mannerisms, satirizing adult culture. With over 1000 anime episodes plus spin-offs, Crayon Shin-chan remains a hugely popular kids anime today.

4. Pokémon

No list of iconic kids anime is complete without the global phenomenon Pokémon. First launched in Japan in 1997 as Pocket Monsters, the expansive multimedia Pokémon franchise about catching and battling creatures called Pokémon has since taken the world by storm.

Earning over $100 billion to date, Pokémon’s anime series follows eternally 10-year-old Ash Ketchum and his loyal Pikachu on adventures battling gym leaders across different regions as Ash pursues his dream of becoming a Pokémon master.

With over 1000 episodes spanning 24 seasons so far and dozens of movies, the animated Pokémon series captures hearts with an imaginative world, exciting battles, and an emphasis on bonds between people and Pokémon.

5. Cardcaptor Sakura

Widely considered a magical girl masterpiece, 1998’s Cardcaptor Sakura follows young Sakura Kinomoto, who discovers a book containing a set of magical cards and accidentally scatters them across her hometown.

Empowered by the guardian beast Cerberus, Sakura becomes the Cardcaptor, using her magical staff and costume designs to retrieve the missing cards. Blending fantasy adventure with school life drama and heartwarming coming-of-age themes, Cardcaptor Sakura became a cultural sensation in Asia.

This kids anime series deftly balances high-stakes fantasy action with Sakura's everyday struggles in school and young friendships. With recent sequels continuing the story, Cardcaptor Sakura’s legacy as a magical girl icon endures thanks to its universal themes and emotional storytelling.

6. Ninja Hattori-kun

Ninja Hattori-kun (Image via Shin-Ei Animation)

Among Japan’s most iconic kids anime mascots, Ninja Hattori debuted in manga in 1964 before becoming an anime series. Follow Kenichi Mitsuba, an ordinary young boy who forms a funny friendship with Hattori, a ninja boy his age who helps Kenichi solve everyday problems using hilarious ninja techniques.

Blending ninja action, samurai comedy, and school drama, Ninja Hattori-kun became a hugely influential kids anime and one of the first anime exports to many countries.

Though old, its slapstick physical comedy, cute characters, and simple stories about school life and friendship maintain a nostalgic retro charm. Many fans, now parents themselves, are introducing their children to classic Ninja Hattori-kun episodes and keeping its legacy alive.

7. World Masterpiece Theater

World Masterpiece Theater (Image via Nippon Animation)

Airing yearly between 1969 to 1997, animation producer Mushi Production’s World Masterpiece Theater series brilliantly adapted beloved children’s literature into animated TV series.

Spanning classics like Swiss author Johanna Spyri’s Heidi, Girl of The Alps (1974) and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novels Little Princess Sara (1985) and Little Lord Fauntleroy (1988), World Masterpiece Theater immersed several generations worldwide into emotional, dramatic stories packed with life lessons.

Mostly following young heroines, these kids anime series capture hearts through intimate character struggles, resonant coming-of-age themes and warm depictions of familial love triumphing over hardship.

8. Chibi Maruko-chan

Chibi Maruko-chan (Image via Nippon Animation)

Manga creator Momoko Sakura charmingly encapsulates universal childhood experiences through mischievous every-girl Maruko in this comedy drama premiering in 1990.

An elementary school student raised in Shimizu City in the 1970s, stubborn young Maruko navigates homework, chores, friendships, and family. Despite her cute, doll-like appearance, cheeky Maruko keenly observes and comments on everything from school trips to family squabbles.

While Maruko’s stubbornness causes trouble, Chibi Maruko-chan’s warm, nostalgic portrayal of suburban Japanese family life in a simpler time resonates with viewers young and old. As Maruko matures across 1500 anime episodes, this kids anime series maintains a sweet outlook on childhood’s ups and downs.

9. Anpanman

Debuting in 1988, beloved Japanese icon Anpanman has entertained preschool children for over 30 years as one of Japan’s most famous anime heroes. The series follows the adventures of Anpanman, a superhero with a head made of anpan (a sweet roll with red bean paste filling).

Anpanman fights the evil Baikinman and helps the people of his town. His head is easily damaged in battles, but kindly baker Uncle Jam always bakes him a new one, embodying themes of self-sacrifice, helping others, and

With nearly 1300 anime episodes featuring stories adapted from the Anpanman picture books, this kids anime series retains a nostalgic retro appeal even for parents. Short episodes with simple stories, catchy songs, and repetitive imagery make this a memorable anime.

10. Kiteretsu Daihyakka

Based on Fujiko Fujio’s manga, 1988’s kids anime series Kiteretsu Daihyakka follows boy genius inventor Kiteretsu and his friends building imaginative creations in rural Japan during the Showa era.

Kiteretsu can expertly construct anything from handy gadgets to advanced machinery described in his magical Encyclopedia. However, his childlike naivety about science applications causes trouble, often inadvertently aiding antagonists with inventions before realizing his mistakes.

Despite outdated visuals, Kiteretsu Daihyakka retains nostalgic retro charm. Kiteretsu’s ingenious but quirky inventions showcase early science fiction themes that fascinate young viewers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kids anime offers imaginative escapism alongside relatable stories reflecting real childhood.

Spanning classic literature adaptations to original tales of magical adventures or funny school life, iconic series like Doraemon, Crayon Shin-Chan, and Cardcaptor Sakura thoughtfully tackle childhood struggles with wisdom and heart.

Their lasting appeal across generations worldwide proves that great anime made for children holds truly universal themes, making them timeless classics.