[Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
Just as anime has many adult fans, there are plenty of works with complex, profound stories and themes.
Once children turn five, they can start to appreciate the depth of anime as well.
It can be a good idea to choose titles with a different flavor from what they’ve watched so far.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of anime suitable for five-year-olds.
Not only will kids enjoy watching them, but they might also discover new favorite characters and scenes.
Teachers and guardians, please consider watching together with the children and sharing your thoughts afterward.
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
- [Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Anime recommendations for 1-year-olds: Let’s use them as support for childcare
- I want to sing it at the senior class recital! A choral piece that 5-year-olds can sing with all their heart
- [Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection
- Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
- [For 3-year-olds] Songs to sing at nursery schools and kindergartens! Popular and recommended songs
- Sing and dance along to popular songs! Recommended hits from kids’ TV shows.
- [Preschool] Recommended choral pieces for 3-year-olds
- [Childcare] Songs we want 6-year-old kindergarten seniors to sing! Perfect songs for recitals and graduation ceremonies.
[Age 5] A roundup of engaging anime for 5-year-olds (21–30)
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
Dai no Daibouken (Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai) is a grand adventure tale about Dai, a boy who dreams of becoming a hero, as he faces powerful foes alongside his companions.
Set in a world of swords and sorcery, it features thrilling battles and a growth-driven drama, making it a great recommendation for upper elementary school kids.
Through clashes with enemies, the story teaches the value of friendship and courage, and each character’s unique personality is part of the appeal.
Beyond the fights, many scenes portray trust among comrades and inner conflicts, making it easy to become emotionally invested.
The original work has been beloved for many years, and its anime adaptation has brought it renewed attention from today’s children.
It’s especially recommended for fans of action and adventure, and it’s sure to spark lively conversations with friends—an exciting, adventure-filled series that fires the imagination.
Hanakappa
Hanakappa is an anime mainly aimed at preschoolers and lower elementary school children, but plenty of older kids like it too.
The protagonist is Hanakappa, an elementary school kappa who can make flowers bloom on his head.
The story unfolds in Yamabiko Village, where Hanakappa lives.
The adventures and commotions he experiences are full of appeal for kids! When Hanakappa is in a pinch or needs to solve something, he makes various flowers bloom, so children naturally learn about flowers as well.
The everyday elementary school moments and interactions with friends are also highlights.
Space Something-or-Other Kotetsu-kun
‘Space Something Kotetsu-kun’ follows Kotetsu, who dreams of becoming an astronaut, and his friends as they grow through their experiences at a space training facility.
Within the cute characters’ interactions, important messages about friendship, hard work, and pursuing one’s dreams are woven in naturally.
You’ll enjoy both the realistic trials of various animals—like fennec foxes, dogs, and bears—aiming for space and taking exams, and the youthful camaraderie among the group.
It can spark interest in science and space, fostering curiosity with educational elements.
With its bright, briskly paced story, it keeps children engaged and is packed with uplifting, positive content.
Dragon Ball GT
Dragon Ball GT, which began airing in 1996, is the sequel to the anime Dragon Ball Z that had been broadcast up to that point.
Since the original manga’s story ends with Dragon Ball Z, people were also interested in what new developments would unfold from there.
The series follows Son Goku, who has been turned back into a child, as he embarks on a space-traveling adventure with his granddaughter Pan and Trunks.
This adventure-centric storyline evokes the early days of the original series.
With encounters with unique characters on various planets, the show offers appeal beyond just the battles.
Mysterious Candy Shop Zenitendo
An anime that feels nostalgic yet exciting, featuring Beniko, the shopkeeper who sells mysterious traditional sweets.
The dagashi lined up at Zenitendo each have effects tailored to their owners’ troubles, but using them the wrong way can lead to unexpected turns.
Each episode is self-contained with a brisk pace, conveying warmth and kindness throughout the stories.
The Japanese-style worldbuilding is striking, and children will be drawn in by the characters’ expressions and the direction.
The captivating atmosphere—born from the curious premise and charming characters—is addictive, keeping your eyes glued to the end.
It’s a work with richly flavorful stories that can spark imagination and critical thinking.
Go! Go! Beecle Zoo
It’s an animated series set in a lively, cheerful world where cars and animals take center stage.
Each character combines traits of an animal with elements of a car, highlighted by bright colors and a pop-inspired design.
The story follows a self-contained, episodic format, and through the characters’ interactions, viewers naturally learn the importance of kindness and cooperation.
The plots are easy for children to understand, making it a safe and enjoyable watch.
The dialogue and movements are clear, and the music and sound effects enhance the fun atmosphere.
With energetic pacing and a brisk tempo, it keeps viewers entertained to the end.
It’s especially recommended for children who enjoy dynamic, high-spirited shows.
Miraculous Ladybug
A stylish hero anime set in Paris where Ladybug and Chat Noir fight against evil.
With standout transformation sequences, action, and meticulous world-building, it draws you into its briskly paced story.
The sense of exciting developments comes through vividly on screen, so kids will stay engaged without getting bored.
The protagonist, Marinette, is an ordinary student, yet her role as a righteous hero is relatable, striking a perfect balance between the everyday and the extraordinary.
Themes of friendship, compassion, and courage shine through, offering many heartwarming moments.
Its vibrant, beautiful backgrounds and appealing character designs are also major highlights.
This dazzling, dreamlike world makes it a highly recommended series for children.