One of the best things about anime is that it can appeal to fans of all ages. While most series cater to adults, plenty of titles are available for the youngest viewers. However, finding age-appropriate series for young teens and tweens can sometimes be a challenge. It's an awkward age demographic, where young viewers are looking to get into more mature themes but still aren't quite old enough for many of the intense anime series available.

Fortunately, anime is a versatile medium with a vast assortment of titles that fit this bill. Ranging from various genres and categories, many anime series manage to be serious and mature while still keeping things PG for younger audiences. It's important to preview such anime before giving kids the okay to view, as a series' popularity among that age group may not guarantee it's actually appropriate.

Updated by Alexandra Locke on April 14, 2024: As anime has grown more popular over the years, younger fans are becoming interested in the genre. A lot of anime is geared toward older teens and adults, but some would make great starter series for tweens and teens. This article has been updated to include even more anime perfect for tweens and teens, as well as to adhere to CBR's most current standard for formatting.

25 Dr. Stone Teaches & Entertains

Dr. Stone is an atypical slice-of-life anime, as it focuses on groups of people trying to survive on a primitive, future Earth. When everyone on modern-day Earth is petrified for an unknown reason, they awaken thousands of years later to an unrecognizable planet. Now the people of modern society have to blend in with the new native people, while Senku Ishigami takes it upon himself to bring modern science back into the world.

Dr. Stone Rating Scores

• IMDb: 8.1/10
• MyAnimeList: 8.3/10

Dr. Stone is very educational but never feels like it’s overly preachy. Instead, Senku and the others present scientific concepts and experiments as they apply to their situations to make them part of the story. At the heart of the show is also a war between the indigenous people and the scientists, versus those who think only the young and strong should survive. It’s a gripping tale that will have audiences thirsting for Senku’s next project and wanting to know what comes next.

24 Silver Spoon Is A Coming-Of-Age Slice-Of-Life

Silver Spoon is a coming-of-age story about Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy who attends an agricultural high school. Haciken decides to go to Ooezo Agricultural High School after the pressure of his elite middle school becomes too much for him to bear. While learning about what it takes to run a farm, Hachiken learns a lot about life, hard work, and sacrifice.

Silver Spoon Rating Scores

• IMDb: 7.9/10
• MyAnimeList: 8.1/10

Silver Spoon is perfect for any teen or tween who feels a little lost in the world. While they may not do something as extreme as attending a farming school, fans can be inspired to make incremental changes in their lives to give them a new perspective. Additionally, the original Silver Spoon manga was created by Fullmetal Alchemist author, Hiromu Arakawa. Arakawa grew up on a dairy farm, and she uses much of her knowledge in the story. Silver Spoon is a great slice-of-life show that helps people learn about farming, while also gaining new appreciation for stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

23 School Rumble Is A Hilarious Love Polygon

School Rumble is an older anime, but no less hilarious. Viewers who love romantic tension and love triangles are sure to embrace this tangled web of a love polygon. Tenma Tsukamoto loves Ooji Karasuma, but Kenji Harima - the school delinquent - loves Tenma. Various permutations of crushes and miscommunications occur throughout this ridiculous, over-the-top anime that will have fans in stitches.

School Rumble Rating Scores

• IMDb: 7.8/10
• MyAnimeList: 7.9/10

Teens and tweens looking for a good laugh should pick up this anime. The show is full of tropes and typical anime scenarios, but it never feels forced. Instead, the anime seems to be making fun of itself more than anything. Plus, the central love triangle will have audiences on the edges of their seats. It’s a wonderful show that any fan can enjoy.

22 Haikyuu!! Delves Into High School Sports

Over the years, sports anime have become more popular than ever, and Haikyuu!! is undoubtedly the most popular of all. The series follows an aspiring high school volleyball team as they rise through the ranks and compete in various competitions.

Haikyuu!! Rating Scores

• IMDb: 8.7/10
• MyAnimeList: 8.4/10

Shoyo Hinata is the story's protagonist, and he dreams of nothing more than making it big like his idol, known by most as the "Little Giant." This beloved title is wildly popular with fans of all ages, but it especially appeals to younger audiences. The trials of Hinata and his teammates are inspiring and encourage youthful fans to get out there and work hard for their own dreams.

21 Death Note Highlights The Dangers of Power

Death Note is one of the most popular shonen series of the 2000s, and though it's been over a decade since its initial release, it remains a beloved classic to this day. The series offers a dark and suspenseful story that has helped pioneer the dark shonen subgenre as fans know it. It was the perfect series for tweens and teens back when it was first released, and it's still a great choice for them today.

Death Note Rating Scores

• IMDb: 8.9/10
• MyAnimeList: 8.6/10

Not only does Death Note have all the edge young viewers want, but it also gives them a much deeper and thought-provoking storyline than the usual kids' series. The story is mature and sometimes even disturbing, but it never takes things too far, so most young teens can easily handle it.

20 Ouran High School Host Club Is A Shojo Satire

Ouran High School Host Club is a satirical anime that pokes fun at the shojo genre while being a compelling shojo itself. Although it features some outdated tropes, the show’s positivity towards gender fluidity made the anime ahead of its time when it debuted in 2006.

Ouran High School Host Club Rating Scores

• IMDb: 8.2/10
• MyAnimeList: 8.2/10

The story of Haruhi Fujioka’s interactions with the Ouran Host Club is both humorous and heartwarming. The anime is comedic as a whole but also makes room for poignant moments. The romance between Haruhi and club president Tamaki Suoh is sure to make any new fans swoon. Ouran High School Host Club is an all-around great anime that is perfect for a younger audience.

19 Naruto is a Story That Follows a Young Boy's Dreams

As one of Shonen Jump's Big Three, it's hard to deny the appeal of Naruto. Even years after its conclusion, it remains a popular series for fans of all ages. The series is a great go-to for any young fans looking to get into anime, as it has a perfect balance of action, comedy, and emotion.

Naruto Rating Scores

• IMDb: 8.4/10
• MyAnimeList: 8.0/10

Naruto takes its audience seriously but never pushes the story too far, making it a very family-friendly series overall. Some teens might consider Naruto a bit dated nowadays, but considering it influenced many modern favorites, it's likely they'll still enjoy it if they give it a chance.

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