Top 20 Anime Movies for Kids (Recommendations)

Are you bored of Disney and want a change? Here, these Top 20 Anime Movies For Kids will take you on a magical journey. Anime movies for kids have a perfect blend of new concepts, energetic characters, music, and unforgettable tales. The best anime movies for kids have a kaleidoscope of themes. You have a pool of themes, styles, and art, and it takes effort to pick the least favorite among them. 

Animated movies for kids, especially from Japanese culture, have a delicate and thorough way of storytelling. So, today I have brought a little list of anime movies for kids as a present. This list will give you movies from every famous and infamous studio in Japan, including Studio Ghibli movies. So, what’s the wait? Let’s dig in.  

 Best 20 Anime Movies That Will Take You To Magical Worlds

20. Panda Go Panda 

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
6/10	7/10	7/10	20/30

Panda Go Panda is an anime movie for toddlers. It means that it is so soft, pure, and innocent in terms of plot, characters, and music that even they will enjoy it. In terms of animation, it is quite flat. The characters appear very plain at times, yet they fit the natural flow of the movie. It is a short anime movie that refreshes you a lot. 

The story gives you the vibes of Home Alone, only that it is set in a village and it follows a little girl Mimiko. When her grandmother left on a trip, Mimiko was left alone. She decided to cope with life along with her two Panda friends. This anime movie has a musical theme so you are surely going to enjoy watching it. 

19. Bubble

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
9/10	7/10	6/10	22/30

If you are looking for anime movies with the best animation, then you can watch this one. Aside from animation, the story itself doesn’t attract much, but at the same time, the characters do the opposite. It kind of lies on the boring side, yet it is a befitting anime movie for kids. 

The plot follows a fantasy where Tokyo is now uninhabitable because of giant bubbles of unknown origins. It is only a playground for children who want to explore the bubbles and enjoy themselves. Hibiki becomes the center of the story when he encounters a mysterious girl, Utta. The story then traverses a typical path yet is entertaining.  

18. Drifting Home

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	7/10	7/10	22/30

In terms of animation, this movie is all cool. When it comes to characters and stories, you may find it boring at times. Still, it manages to have its own place among the Top 20 anime movies for kids. 

The story revolves around two childhood friends, Kousuke and Natsume. They grew up together as siblings, but with time, they became distant. A fateful event brings them together again as they visit their old apartment building. Now, facing the flooding, the duo overcomes their odds and starts anew. 

 17. A Letter to Momo

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
7/10	8/10	7/10	22/30

It indeed takes years for a masterpiece to come into existence. A Letter To Momo is one such piece of art that took director Okiura Hiroyuki about 7 years to make. The amount of effort that Studio Pierrot and Studio I.G, along with others, put into making this movie is commendable. You will fall in love with the development of the characters and the innocent plot. 

The story begins with our 11-Year-Old Momo when she moves to a remote island. Her normal life turns not so normal when she reads her father’s last letter to her, which states, “Dear Momo!”. Not only this, but the story gets its fairy tale touch when Youkai appears at her doorstep, and they all struggle to live together. 

16. Okko’s Inn

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	8/10	7/10	23/30

What’s a fun story if it does not have ghosts and witches in it. This one on our list is definitely fulfilling all the basics. Ghosts, supernatural events, and whatnot, this anime movie for kids has a lot more to it than it seems. Okko’s Inn is an award-winning movie for its story and characters. 

At first glance, the story seems typical. A young orphan girl, Okko trying to cope with life along with her grandmother. However, living at her grandmother’s Inn seems like a lot more interesting than she thought. The Inn has her own ghosts and Okko befriends them as she understands there is more to her life than it seems. 

15. My Neighbor Totoro

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
7/10	8/10	9/10	24/30

If you are looking for an anime movie for kids where you get magical adventures, magical creatures and thrill then this one’s for you. It is another award-winning triumph from Studio Ghibli. The animation is too good for its time, following the intriguing plot and the characters that are surely applauding.

The story follows two young sisters, Mei and Satsuki. They try to adjust to a new town by going through daily life chores. One day, Mei finds Totoro, a giant in the woods, and her life turns into a fairy tale. Soon, the sisters befriend Totoro, and the story progresses with their daily dose of magical events. 

14. The Cat Returns

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	8/10	8/10	24/30

Another masterpiece of Studio Ghibli in terms of animation. The story is an amazing blend of fantasy, adventure, drama, and thrill. So, you will enjoy every emotion while you watch this anime movie for kids that happens to be for all ages. 

The fantasy begins with a high school student, Haru. Her regular life changes the day she accidentally saves Prince Lune from the Cat Kingdom. Surprisingly, after a few events, Haru steps into the Cat Kingdom in order to reject a marriage proposal from the Prince. Unfortunately, things don’t go her way. So, how will she come out of all this?

13. Kiki’s Delivery Service

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	8/10	8/10	24/30

Let’s bring an old movie with a fantasy theme to the table. Coming from Studio Ghibli, there is no question about animation. The story itself is entertaining and has elements best suited for anime movies for kids. Witches and broomsticks are from old times, but this movie shows them in a new light. 

Kiki is a young witch trying to become a full-fledged witch. In order to fulfill her dream, she leaves her family and tries to settle in a regular village. She faces a lot of hurdles, from being homeless to being penniless. Soon after, she finds a way to balance her life and uses her broomstick to start a delivery service. Join her on her trials, since you are going to enjoy them alot. 

12. From up on Poppy Hill

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
10/10	8/10	7/10	25/30

Studio Ghibli anime movies have always been famous for their unique plot and animation. This one is no different. It was an award-winning movie for its animation back in 2012. With a touch of romance, the story adds a brilliant combination of intrigue and a bit of sadness. This adventure and romance anime follows an average high school girl, Umi Matsuzaki.

She has a lot going on in her life, including being a manager for her own boarding house and working for her club in high school. Umi meets Shun Kazama, a high school boy and the love of her life. The story develops interestingly when the duo decides to search for Shun’s origins. The bonding they share and the hurdles they face portray the depth of their bond.

11. Big Fish and Begonia

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	8/10	9/10	25/30

Big Fish and Begonia is a strong anime movie for kids in terms of theme, plot, and characters. This anime movie for kids will surely make them feel like adults for a few minutes. The plot is based on the fairytale theme. You may find the story fast-paced or a bit dark for a certain age, but it is worth a go. 

The story revolves around an immortal being, Chun. She ends up in the human realm, aka Earth, as a human for a short while. Chun experiences grief, love, sacrifice, and redemption. They are emotions unknown to immortal beings who oversee the natural order. Just a heads-up! It will leave you teary-eyed, so watch it at your own risk.

10. Castle in the Sky

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	8/10	9/10	25/30

Airships, pirates, mysterious crystals, and a flying castle, what is it that you want other than this in the best anime movie for kids? The plot of this one is surely for the ones who crave adventure and thrill with level-headed and daring characters. 

The eventful story begins with a young girl, Sheeta, as she tries to escape from an airship after being kidnapped. Her chance to escape comes in an unimaginable way when the pirates attack the ship. After her escape Sheeta encounters an ambitious boy, Pazu. The story traverses their relationship as the duo struggles to fulfill their dreams. 

9. Pokemon: The First Movie

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
8/10	9/10	8/10	25/30

This animated movie itself does not need any introduction. Of Course, who does not know about Pokemon? Anime fan or not, we all grew up watching Pokemon, and some of us still do. This short Pokemon movie has adventure in it. For those who are into games, this movie serves the purpose.

The story follows the lead, Satoshi, an energetic trainer. He, along with his friends, has to calm the wrath of a legendary Pokemon who came into existence because of technology. Fighting with the legendary Pokemon, Mewtwo, he overcomes hurdles along with his best friend, Pikachu. 

8. Ponyo

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
9/10	8/10	8/10	25/30

It is another animated movie for kids from Studio Ghibli that has won hearts. A true fairy tale in terms of story and characters. Its animation is obviously excellent and the plot only adds to its charm. Ponyo has the story that made it a famous animated movie for toddlers. The story focuses on a goldfish that reaches the Earth’s surface and makes a human friend named Sosuke. 

He calls this goldfish with magical healing powers Ponyo. The duo share a precious bond, and Ponyo decides to become a human. It isn’t a fairytale if there are no twists. Ponyo isn’t just a goldfish but a daughter of a human sorcerer, and that changes everything. So enjoy this one for a magical and enchanting adventure.

7. Grave of the Fireflies

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
7/10	10/10	9/10	26/30

This is an old one on the list, yet it is an anime movie everyone should watch. Japanese sure do bring forth ideas and themes that show their strong culture and upbringing. This award-winning anime movie focuses on preserving a child’s innocence. Still, at the same time, it portrays how war affects children.

The story is set in the post-war era and follows two orphaned siblings. After losing everything in world war Two, the duo strives to live a normal life. They learn the hard way to live, yet the innocence and the hope of a bright future do not fade. A must-watch if you want to resonate with children having a darker past.

6. Princess Mononoke

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
9/10	9/10	9/10	27/30

When we talk about the best anime movies for kids, we can not miss this one. Obviously, it is from Studio Ghibli, so the animation is unmatched with charming characters. The story, however, is a bit heavy for children yet focuses more on the struggles of a young princess protecting nature. It has a roller coaster of thrill and adventure, a perfect watch for the weekend. 

The story follows the headstrong and goal-oriented Princess Mononoke. She is desperately trying to protect the forest and the divine spirits in it against the modern world and humanity. During this battle, she meets Ashitaka, who has his own battle to fight. Ashitaka plays the part of a moderator and tries to solve the conflict. Whether he can or not is a secret for you to unfold.  

5. The Secret World of Arrietty

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
10/10	8/10	9/10	27/30

Best anime movies for kids have to have the element of fantasy, and this one does not fall behind that. It is another award-winning movie from Studio Ghibli, so expect nothing less for its animation. The plot is intriguing, with a lot of twists and turns with strong characters. The Secret World of Arrietty has calming music that makes it one of the best anime movies with musical themes. 

The tale of Arrietty begins when Shou, a regular human, discovers her existence. He finds that these miniature beings are called Borrowers, and they live off of small pieces of human belongings. The two become friends in no time, but obviously, this unique friendship has to face a lot of hurdles. Give this a try if you are a fan of strong bonds between friends. 

4. Belle

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
10/10	10/10	9/10	29/30

This one has to be on the list of best anime movies for kids. Belle was a phenomenal work from studio Chizu and even got a standing ovation at Cannes 2021. The story is built on the shadows of beauty and the beast, but only in a modern world. Everything about Belle was marvelous. Because of a classic music theme it became popular among kids as an anime movie about music. 

The anime movie tells the tale of a regular countryside girl Suzu, who could no longer sing because of a past trauma. After she joins an online platform, her life changes as she becomes famous for her voice as Belle. The story develops as Suzu encounters the evil Dragon of the online platform and discovers her reality. A must-watch if you are eager to watch a Japanese remake of Beauty and the Beast. 

3. Wolf Children

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
10/10	10/10	10/10	30/30

Talk about a heartwarming movie with a touching story line and top-notch animation. Wolf Children is not your typical anime movie for kids but surely it’s a good watch for teenagers with valuable life lessons. Winning the award for best animation, this movie still stands on top, along with its characters and plot. 

Hana, a college student, falls in love with Ookami, the last werewolf of his kind. Fighting all odds, the two start a life together and give birth to two children. Unfortunately, Hana is left alone to take care of her children after Ookami dies. The plot follows Hana’s efforts and her life as she raises her half-human, half-werewolf children in this modern world.

2. Spirited Away

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
10/10	10/10	10/10	30/30

This one’s a personal favorite and I can bet that every anime fan has watched this one at least once. If I say this is from Studio Ghibli, it’s no surprise, but it was once the highest-grossing film of the year it was released. The characters, plot, animation, and the element of fantasy are all exceptional. 

Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl, finds herself lost in a mysterious and abandoned amusement park. Soon, she realizes that this is the spirit world where she is all alone. Her struggles begin with living among spirits of all kinds and trying to save her parents. During her stay, she meets Haku, a mysterious boy and a bewildering spirit who helps her regain her normal life.  

1. Howl’s Moving Castle 

Animation	Characters	Plot	Total
10/10	10/10	10/10	30/30

Adding personal favorites to the list is not a crime, and Howl’s Moving Castle is another personal favorite. Between you and me, this is a movie that is hard to miss regardless of the age. It won numerous awards and stood atop one of the best Japanese animated movies for years. Hats off to Studio Ghibli for animation. If you are looking for anime movies with happy endings then this one’s for you. 

The story follows Sophie, a hard working regular girl trying to live her everyday life. It all changes when she meets the handsome magician Howl, and she ends up with a curse. Their lives entangle when they live together in Howl’s magical house to get rid of her curse. This is more than enough to intrigue you so watch it to know how their story ends. 

Final Notes:

With this, we bring an end to our list of Top 20 anime movies for Kids. The above list includes the best anime movies for kids with all elements, including fantasy, adventure, thrill, supernatural, and love. There is a lot that I am missing so I eagerly wait for your suggestions to add more to this list. 

If you enjoyed the anime movies recommendations above, then visit us again for more. 

Till next time!