[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too
By the age of three, children gradually start to understand characters and stories and enjoy narratives.
You may feel their growth as you watch them view anime.
On the other hand, as adults, it can be hard to know which anime suits their age or to find shows you can let them watch with peace of mind.
For those in that situation, we’ve put together a list of anime for three-year-olds.
Teachers and guardians will likely find some titles they already know.
Please use this as a reference and a chance to discover new works.
- [Age 4] Fun for grown-ups too! A roundup of anime for four-year-olds
- [Age 2] A Special Feature on Anime to Enjoy with Your Child!
- [Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy
- [Anime] For toddlers! A roundup of anime works to enjoy with your kids
- [Age 5] A roundup of anime for 5-year-olds that will draw them into the story
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March
- Anime recommendations for 1-year-olds: Let’s use them as support for childcare
- [For 3-year-olds] A roundup of craft ideas to enjoy in summer! Introducing various motifs and techniques
- [Quiz] Recommended for preschoolers! A collection of fun quiz ideas
- Let’s make it with 3-year-olds! Fun handmade toy ideas
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- For 3-Year-Olds! Indoor & Outdoor Physical Play and Game Ideas
[Age 3] A roundup of anime for 3-year-olds that adults can enjoy too (1–10)
Nintama Rantarō
The anime Nintama Rantarō began airing in 1993 and has been loved for a long time.
Centered on the trio of Rantarō, Kirimaru, and Shinbei, a variety of characters drive the story forward.
It also offers a chance to learn about ninjas and the historical setting, making it a perfect show to enjoy with children.
There are also feature-length films, so it’s great for movie time at home.
It’s recommended for three-year-olds who are starting to think about characters’ feelings and the meanings of stories.
Adults might find themselves hooked, too.
The Lion King
Released by Disney in 1994, The Lion King is a work that continues to be loved by many people.
Its appeal also lies in the variety of ways to enjoy it, from live-action adaptations to stage musicals.
Simba, a young lion, is driven out of his kingdom as a child, but he confronts his past and battles the villain Scar to reclaim his home.
With its cast of unique animals, it can also be used as a way to learn about nature.
Why not enjoy it along with its wonderful songs?
Nontan
The animated series Nontan that aired on TV for about two years starting in 1992.
Nowadays, with digital broadcasting, you can watch works with a different flavor, made in 3D.
Many children are probably familiar with the original Nontan picture books.
The gentle drawing style is soothing, isn’t it? The heartwarming stories are not only safe and comforting to watch, but also lead to insights and learning in everyday life.
This is an anime I’d definitely recommend choosing as one that adults can enjoy together with children.
Pingu
Pingu is a stop-motion animation created in Switzerland.
Many adults probably watched it when they were children.
There are no spoken lines; the story unfolds entirely through sound effects and the vocalizations of Pingu and his friends.
Its charm is sure to captivate many children.
New episodes have also been produced since 2017.
Pingu’s expressive faces—laughing, getting angry—somehow mirror the way children are.
It’s a delightful series that kids are sure to love.
Baby Bus
“Baby Bus” is a children’s animated series distributed in 12 languages worldwide.
Through animation, it teaches kids essential information and knowledge about early learning, daily habits, social skills, and disaster preparedness.
A variety of characters appear in “Baby Bus,” but the panda duo Kiki and Miumiu, as well as Chief Labu the Labrador Retriever police officer, are especially popular with children.
There are also many story-driven episodes where Kiki and Miumiu help people as a rescue team, and Chief Labu solves cases through detective work.
