10 best anime with child protagonists that you should try watching

Anime with child protagonists can offer a refreshing and unique perspective. Children see the world differently than adults, with their vibrant imaginations, innocence, and positivity. Watching a child protagonist overcome challenges and grow can be incredibly inspiring and heartwarming.

Some of the most beloved and popular anime with child protagonists feature young heroes and heroines. From fantastical adventures to coming-of-age tales, these anime with child protagonists showcase the children's resiliency, courage, and goodness. Their small triumphs can resonate deeply with viewers.

This list explores 10 highly-rated anime with child protagonists that kids and adults will find entertaining and meaningful. The shows cover various genres and styles, but all feature impactful stories led by intelligent, dynamic young characters.

10 captivating anime with child protagonists leading the way

1. My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro (Image via Studio Ghibli)

Considered one of anime's most iconic fantasies, My Neighbor Totoro remains a landmark work of magical realism from acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. Set in 1950s rural Japan, it follows two young sisters whose mother falls ill. While they move closer to her hospital with their father, the girls discover whimsical spirits inhabiting the mystical forests nearby.

The most wondrous creature is the titular Totoro – a gentle, rotund giant who becomes their friend as they explore a realm seemingly lifted from picture books and dreams. Miyazaki's masterful animation and direction bring this ethereal world to life while underscoring themes of childhood joy and perseverance.

Despite hardship, protagonists Satsuki and Mei maintain their curiosity, optimism, and imagination. My Neighbor Totoro remains a profoundly simple fable that echoes across cultures. For audiences worldwide, its magic persists as a timeless tribute to embracing life's wonders against all odds.

2. Made in Abyss

This anime with child protagonists follows a brave orphan girl named Riko, who lives in an abyssal cave system filled with relics, creatures, and dangers. Searching for her lost mother, Riko descends into the progressively perilous layers of the Abyss alongside Reg, a mysterious boy with robotic characteristics.

Made in Abyss quickly subverts its initial charm and wonder with body horror, existential threats, and more. However, the show still presents an impactful coming-of-age story as Riko and Reg push themselves to grow in their harrowing journey into unknown depths.

The masterful worldbuilding and emotional element resonate strongly despite the brutal content. While it could be too intense for young kids, Made in Abyss qualifies as a child-led anime. It takes the audience through profound adventures alongside characters forced to mature rapidly in an unforgiving environment.

3. Digimon Adventure

Digimon Adventure (Image via Toei Animation)

This classic anime with child protagonists sparked the global Digimon franchise. In Digimon Adventure, an anime with child protagonists, seven kids at summer camp are transported to the Digital World, where they partner up with cool digital monsters.

These "Digimon" can talk, evolve into stronger forms, and battle viruses threatening the Digital World. Each child protagonist has a distinct personality that shapes their experiences. As they explore the virtual realm and defeat enemies, the kids learn about themselves and the value of teamwork.

Digimon Adventure elegantly balances fun monster battles with resonant themes about friendship, growth, and tackling adversity together. It captures a wish-fulfilling childhood fantasy—gaining super-powered digital creature friends and becoming heroes in a strange new world.

4. Pokémon

No list of anime with child protagonists is complete without the iconic Pokémon. This globe-conquering media franchise follows the journeys of Pokémon Trainers as they collect cute but powerful monsters and aim to become champion battlers.

Protagonist Ash Ketchum is an energetic 10-year-old who adventures across sprawling regions alongside his loyal Pikachu and a rotating cast of human and Pokémon friends. Every new episode brings fresh locations, battles, and Pokémon to discover.

While largely episodic, this anime with child protagonists still shows meaningful growth for Ash and other characters. Ash, in particular, embodies perseverance and passion for Pokémon training, continuing to improve each season until finally achieving his goal of becoming a Pokémon Champion in 2022.

5. The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland (Image via CloverWorks)

A dark fantasy thriller, The Promised Neverland follows orphaned children who make a horrific discovery—they are being raised as food for demons. Protagonists Emma, Norman, and Ray lead a desperate escape plan to free all their fellow orphans from their supposed caretakers and reach safety.

Despite its grim premise centering on child suffering, The Promised Neverland executes its cat-and-mouse suspense masterfully. Emma, in particular, shines with her determined leadership, tactical brilliance, and inspirational optimism when facing impossible odds.

Heart-pounding and thought-provoking, this anime with child protagonists keeps tensions high across its first season. Its child protagonists are far from helpless, using their intelligence, teamwork, and ingenuity to challenge a ruthless system designed to exploit them.

6. Crayon Shin-chan

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

In a major change of tone from the earlier animes, Crayon Shin-chan delivers ridiculous comedy focusing on a rude kindergartener. The antihero Shin-chan causes all sorts of chaos for his family, friends, and teachers with his bratty mischief and unfiltered honesty. His dog Shiro also joins in the dysfunction.

Thanks to Shin-chan's wacky antics and the reactions they provoke, hilarity ensues. This anime with child protagonists never really runs out of new ways to showcase Shin-chan accidentally infuriating people around him. Viewers experience secondary catharsis watching this troublemaker's chaotic adventures.

A long runner since 1992, Crayon Shin-chan offers continuous low-brow fun for those seeking a break and enjoy a rude child running amok. Shin-chan's popularity confirms that the inner rebel from childhood still lives strong in many adults.

7. Cardcaptor Sakura

For a quintessentially magical girl anime, look no further than the beloved classic Cardcaptor Sakura. This anime with child protagonists follows Sakura Kinomoto, chosen by the magical guardian Keroberos to capture Clow cards that contain powerful spirits accidentally released across her town.

With charm and determination, she pursues this massive task while dealing with rivals, friends, and her budding feelings for others. Playfully exploring the connections between people, Cardcaptor Sakura established major themes that the magical girl genre continues building on today.

Sakura beautifully represents unwavering optimism, bravery, and compassion. The series also juggles comedy, drama, and romance with impressive finesse for heavier emotional impact. With incredible animation, captivating whimsy, and emotional depth, it deserves its acclaimed status.

8. Barakamon

Calligrapher Seishuu Handa enters crisis mode after punching an elderly gallery owner for criticizing his work. His father then ships the melodramatic Seishuu off to a rural island to calm down and rediscover his artistic passion.

There, a boisterous village child named Naru Kotoishi inadvertently mentors the cynical Seishuu on enjoying life again through her infectious energy. Quirky, hilarious, and full of heart, Barakamon spotlights Naru's profound influence on the adults around her.

She pulls Seishuu out of his perfectionist funk with her curiosity, fun-loving antics, and insight into connecting better with people through calligraphy. The culture clash also breeds plenty of comedy. More importantly, Seishuu finds renewed meaning and inspiration through Naru's friendship and insights.

9. Tokyo Godfathers

In acclaimed director, Satoshi Kon's Tokyo Godfathers, three homeless people—middle-aged alcoholic Gin, flamboyant transwoman Hana, and teenage runaway Miyuki—come across an abandoned baby girl on Christmas Eve. With few clues about the child's origins, the group searches for her parents across the winter city.

This comedic drama deftly balances heavier themes of isolation and suffering with humor and moments of redemption. Young Miyuki is the emotional anchor holding the misfit "three wise men" together. Her tragic past and dreams of reconnecting with her family drive her and become a central mystery.

As the youngest protagonist among more broken adult leads, Miyuki brings a measure of innocence and optimism despite her hardships and being homeless. Her faith that the baby can have a happy family gives the story its bracing dose of heart and hope. Tokyo Godfathers remains an underappreciated holiday classic.

10. Ponyo

Renowned director Hayao Miyazaki infuses Ponyo with his trademark magic and environmentalism. The anime with child protagonists follows the friendship between young boy Sosuke and a bubbly sea creature named Ponyo after she becomes human through forbidden magic.

Breaking her wizard father's rules, Ponyo struggles between living as a human or sea creature while tampering with magic destabilizes the world's balance. Vibrant and imaginative, as expected from Studio Ghibli, Ponyo enchants viewers with its colorful art and simple yet moving story.

At its heart lies the innocent bond between Ponyo and Sosuke as they navigate rapidly escalating chaos. Their bond transcends species and ages, relying on mutual trust and understanding. With adorable characters and memorable visuals, Ponyo works beautifully as a whimsical yet meaningful family anime with child protagonists.

Conclusion

Protagonists come in all ages, and anime with child protagonists can sometimes make the most impact. Their resilience when overcoming challenges can inspire viewers of all ages to meet hardships with bravery, optimism, and growth. The 10 shows explored here spotlight diverse story genres led by precocious young protagonists.

From homecoming journeys to grand quests, their narratives remind viewers to face life's trials with courage and hope, no matter how small or powerless one may feel. Children's perspectives often cut through cynicism with emotional clarity.

So, viewers can try watching these acclaimed anime with child protagonists for laughs, life lessons, or thrilling adventures captured through youthful eyes. One will likely discover some gems with resonating messages worth sharing.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali