Anime to Watch with Your Family
Anime
Finding an anime that you can watch with your family can prove to be a daunting challenge, for newcomers and veterans alike. Even wholesome anime sometimes has that one awkward surprise shower scene, and plenty of action-packed shounen have a fight scene that goes over the top in gore.
Some parents aren’t going to be interested in the more ‘family friendly’ anime however, and instead would want something with deeper or more adult themes. It may also be difficult to convince parents to watch a particularly long anime due the large time commitment, and if they are unused to foreign content, a dub in their native language may be a must.
This stack contains a variety of anime series and movies that may be suitable to watch with your family; some are pure wholesome fun while others have more adult oriented themes. Two of the main focuses of this list was to avoid awkward ecchi scenes, and to be mindful of any references to Japanese culture or popular anime troupes that aren’t inherently explained in the anime. Either of these could leave a parent feeling confused and/or uncomfortable and could put them off of anime for good.
Only you know your parents! Please use discretion while choosing from this list! I hope you enjoy~
(Feedback is appreciated! If you feel like something is missing from this list, please let me know! Thank you~ :3)
Some parents aren’t going to be interested in the more ‘family friendly’ anime however, and instead would want something with deeper or more adult themes. It may also be difficult to convince parents to watch a particularly long anime due the large time commitment, and if they are unused to foreign content, a dub in their native language may be a must.
This stack contains a variety of anime series and movies that may be suitable to watch with your family; some are pure wholesome fun while others have more adult oriented themes. Two of the main focuses of this list was to avoid awkward ecchi scenes, and to be mindful of any references to Japanese culture or popular anime troupes that aren’t inherently explained in the anime. Either of these could leave a parent feeling confused and/or uncomfortable and could put them off of anime for good.
Only you know your parents! Please use discretion while choosing from this list! I hope you enjoy~
(Feedback is appreciated! If you feel like something is missing from this list, please let me know! Thank you~ :3)
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
Rating: G – All Ages
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Polish, Swedish, Chinese
Availability: HBO Max
Studio Ghibli is the quintessential studio for family friendly anime, with My Neighbor Totoro being the most family friendly among their works. Said to be the Disney of Japan, most Studio Ghibli movies should be an easy sell to parents. My Neighbor Totoro in particular is suitable for all ages, however those looking for darker or more adult themes may want to look elsewhere.
Warnings: There is one family bath scene, but it will at most seem strange to those unfamiliar with the culture.
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Polish, Swedish, Chinese
Availability: HBO Max
Studio Ghibli is the quintessential studio for family friendly anime, with My Neighbor Totoro being the most family friendly among their works. Said to be the Disney of Japan, most Studio Ghibli movies should be an easy sell to parents. My Neighbor Totoro in particular is suitable for all ages, however those looking for darker or more adult themes may want to look elsewhere.
Warnings: There is one family bath scene, but it will at most seem strange to those unfamiliar with the culture.
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
Rating: PG – Children
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Russian, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Chinese
Availability: HBO Max
Another Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away offers a slightly more intensive experience than My Neighbor Totoro, if only by a little bit. It’s worth noting that, while it may seem like Studio Ghibli films were made with a younger audience in mind, they are still amazing works of animation, music, and storytelling, and can serve as a great jumping off point for those new to anime. Something to point out is that many Studio Ghibli movies have their roots in Japanese culture and draw from their folklore and mythologies. This does not affect the viewing experience however, and any Ghibli film can be enjoyed with little to no knowledge of Japanese culture.
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Russian, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Chinese
Availability: HBO Max
Another Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away offers a slightly more intensive experience than My Neighbor Totoro, if only by a little bit. It’s worth noting that, while it may seem like Studio Ghibli films were made with a younger audience in mind, they are still amazing works of animation, music, and storytelling, and can serve as a great jumping off point for those new to anime. Something to point out is that many Studio Ghibli movies have their roots in Japanese culture and draw from their folklore and mythologies. This does not affect the viewing experience however, and any Ghibli film can be enjoyed with little to no knowledge of Japanese culture.
Movie, 1997,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
Rating: PG-13
Dubbed: English, Korean, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Danish, Portuguese, Chinese
Availability: HBO Max
Princess Mononoke is where Studio Ghibli films start to become less child friendly. With a hefty helping of violence and intense scenes, this might be preferable to those disinterested in the previous Ghibli films, however if your family is on the squeamish side, maybe give this one a pass.
Warning: Fair amount of blood and gore.
Dubbed: English, Korean, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Danish, Portuguese, Chinese
Availability: HBO Max
Princess Mononoke is where Studio Ghibli films start to become less child friendly. With a hefty helping of violence and intense scenes, this might be preferable to those disinterested in the previous Ghibli films, however if your family is on the squeamish side, maybe give this one a pass.
Warning: Fair amount of blood and gore.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
Rating: PG-13
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese
Availability: Vudu
If My Neighbor Totoro is the most family friendly Studio Ghibli film, then Grave of the Fireflies is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Illustrating the horrors of war, and the depths of human apathy – from the perspective of children, no less – this film is not for the faint of heart.
Warning: Vivid depictions of the horrors of war.
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese
Availability: Vudu
If My Neighbor Totoro is the most family friendly Studio Ghibli film, then Grave of the Fireflies is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Illustrating the horrors of war, and the depths of human apathy – from the perspective of children, no less – this film is not for the faint of heart.
Warning: Vivid depictions of the horrors of war.
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Rating: PG-13
Episodes: 13
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese
Availability: Netflix
Similar to the previous entry, Violet Evergarden deals with themes of war, in particular it’s aftermath, and those who get left behind in its wake. Following an ex-child soldier and her path of self-discovery as she learns to understand and express human emotions, this one has some heavy emotional scenes, so be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
Warning: Infrequent depictions of blood and war, mild and infrequent fanservice.
Episodes: 13
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese
Availability: Netflix
Similar to the previous entry, Violet Evergarden deals with themes of war, in particular it’s aftermath, and those who get left behind in its wake. Following an ex-child soldier and her path of self-discovery as she learns to understand and express human emotions, this one has some heavy emotional scenes, so be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
Warning: Infrequent depictions of blood and war, mild and infrequent fanservice.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Rating: R-17+
Episodes: 12
Dubbed: English, Spanish, German,
Availability: Netflix, Funimation, hulu, HBO Max, VRV
Erased is a murder mystery with an element of sci-fi added in, so it may be a good pick for the mystery lovers of your family. It does, however, deal with some heavy child abuse themes, and can be pretty intense or emotional at times, so if you’re looking for something lighthearted you might want to pass on this one.
Warning: Themes of domestic and child abuse. Two brief and non-sexualized scenes of undergarments and bathing.
Episodes: 12
Dubbed: English, Spanish, German,
Availability: Netflix, Funimation, hulu, HBO Max, VRV
Erased is a murder mystery with an element of sci-fi added in, so it may be a good pick for the mystery lovers of your family. It does, however, deal with some heavy child abuse themes, and can be pretty intense or emotional at times, so if you’re looking for something lighthearted you might want to pass on this one.
Warning: Themes of domestic and child abuse. Two brief and non-sexualized scenes of undergarments and bathing.
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Rating: PG-13
Episodes: 21 (2 seasons)
Dubbed: English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Netflix, VRV
Cells at Work is a lighthearted anime following a ditzy red blood cell as she stumbles her way through the daily processes of the human body. Not only is this anime cute, wholesome, and comedic, it’s also very educational about human biology and the various tasks done by cells in our body.
Warning: Cartoonish levels of blood and violence, but the enemies are germs and viruses. Do not watch the spin-off Cells at Work: Code Black, as it is raunchier and has a lot of fanservice.
Episodes: 21 (2 seasons)
Dubbed: English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Netflix, VRV
Cells at Work is a lighthearted anime following a ditzy red blood cell as she stumbles her way through the daily processes of the human body. Not only is this anime cute, wholesome, and comedic, it’s also very educational about human biology and the various tasks done by cells in our body.
Warning: Cartoonish levels of blood and violence, but the enemies are germs and viruses. Do not watch the spin-off Cells at Work: Code Black, as it is raunchier and has a lot of fanservice.
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Rating: PG-13
Episodes: 12
Dubbed: English, Spanish, German
Availability: Crunchyroll, VRV
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is a comfortable slice of cold war life, with a dash of mystery and intrigue thrown into the mix. There’s not much action, and it’s a bit of a slow burn, but if you think your family would like more of a political drama with subtle storytelling, then this might be the pick for you.
Episodes: 12
Dubbed: English, Spanish, German
Availability: Crunchyroll, VRV
ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is a comfortable slice of cold war life, with a dash of mystery and intrigue thrown into the mix. There’s not much action, and it’s a bit of a slow burn, but if you think your family would like more of a political drama with subtle storytelling, then this might be the pick for you.
Movie, 2016,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
Rating: PG-13
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: Netflix
A Silent Voice is a coming-of-age high school drama about a former bully trying to make amends to the deaf girl he bullied in middle school. While this anime is overall rather heartwarming, it does have heavy emotional themes, and some scenes can be intense or uncomfortable. If you think these themes and topics would make your parents uncomfortable, you may want to go with something more lighthearted instead.
Warning: Heavy themes of bullying, harassment and suicide.
Dubbed: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: Netflix
A Silent Voice is a coming-of-age high school drama about a former bully trying to make amends to the deaf girl he bullied in middle school. While this anime is overall rather heartwarming, it does have heavy emotional themes, and some scenes can be intense or uncomfortable. If you think these themes and topics would make your parents uncomfortable, you may want to go with something more lighthearted instead.
Warning: Heavy themes of bullying, harassment and suicide.
