They say that anime isn't for kids, and most of the time, it isn't. A vast majority of series contains themes just a bit too mature for the younger fans. That doesn't mean there aren't any kid-friendly series, though. In fact, some of the greatest anime series around are generally aimed at kids.
While they may not be as intense as the series made for older audiences, kids' anime can be just as compelling. Surprisingly, these series often have very touching and well-written romances. Despite being aimed at a younger audience, the romance in kids' anime is thought-provoking and entertaining for all ages.
10 Cardcaptor Sakura Made Waves With Its Progressive Take On Romance
Cardcaptor Sakura is a beloved anime classic, adored by magical girl fans, shojo fans, and even shonen fans. It was a groundbreaking series for its time, paving the way for many others. While the main plot is unique and interesting on its own, one of the greatest aspects of the story is how it handles romance.
It portrays many different love stories, including LGBT relationships that were unheard of at the time. In fact, many of the romances in the series were LGBT, from Tomoyo's crush on Sakura, Syaoran's rivalry with Sakura for Yukito's heart, and the love between Yukito and Touya. While the eventual romance between Sakura and Syaoran is one of the most iconic, every romance in this series is excellent and done respectfully.
9 Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Has A Big Emphasis On Love
Romance is an integral part of Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, the main plot revolving around protagonist Lucia and her love for a human boy. Though this relationship is the most vital to the story, the side romances in Mermaid Melody are where the series really shines, one great example being the romance between Hippo and Yuri. Their love is probably the most wholesome and pure and is strong enough to overcome evil.
While it's only featured on a few occasions, Hippo and Yuri's relationship is one of the most memorable of the series, more compelling even than the main romance between Lucia and Kaito.
8 Shugo Chara's Romance Plays A Big Part
In Shugo Chara, magical beings known as Guardian Characters their owners the power to become their true selves. Amu Hinamori and her friends use this power to transform and protect the Heart's Eggs of the kids at their school. Despite this innocent, childlike premise, Shugo Chara has a pretty big emphasis on romance throughout the series. Many different love stories pop up as the series progresses, with most of the student council members getting paired up along the way.
Of course, Amu herself becomes the object of many of the boys' affection, including the school's prince Tadase Hotori and the mysterious Ikuto Tsukiyomi. At its peak, Shugo Chara's fandom was abuzz with talk of relationships and love. Everyone wanted to know who Amu would choose, and it's a topic that gets fans fired up still to this day.
7 Tokyo Mew Mew Has A Lot Of Interesting Love Rivals
Love is a central part of Tokyo Mew Mew, especially with the emphasis on Ichigo's crush on Masaya Aoyama. However, the main couple is honestly one of the least interesting relationships in the series. The rival romances are much better, Ryou and Kish matching much more naturally with Ichigo than Masaya.
However, the relationship between Ichigo and Kish is arguably the best in the entire series. Though the two start as enemies, Kish slowly begins to fall for Ichigo, enamored by her pure heart and kindness.
6 Sailor Moon Features Groundbreaking Romances That Pave The Way For Others
The love between Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion is a driving force throughout Sailor Moon and is one of the most important plot points. However, theirs isn't the only amazing relationship in the series. Many of the romances in the series were groundbreaking and never before seen by anime fans, paving the way for better representation in the future.
One of the most popular couples of all is Haruka and Michiru, who are already together at their introduction but quickly became fan favorites due to their strong love and trust in each other. Along with them, many other anime-exclusive couples are still adored by fans decades later, showing the long-lasting impact of their stories.
5 Kiki's Delivery Service Shows The Innocence Of First Love
Kiki's Delivery Service is a beloved classic from the esteemed Studio Ghibli. The studio is well-known for its beautiful films that the whole family can enjoy, and Kiki's Delivery Service is no different. Though Ghibli fans love watching Kiki on her journey to become a full-fledged witch, the romantic subplot between her and Tombo is equally as enjoyable.
They may not be an official couple by the end, but Kiki and Tombo are the definition of a wholesome and innocent first love. From Tombo's awkward attempts at flirting to the bond they form over their love for flying, their cute relationship is enough to make anyone believe in magic.
4 Kodocha's Romance Is Surprisingly Serious For A Kids' Anime
Kodocha is a classic series featuring child-actress Sana Kurata and her complex relationship with Akito Hayama. Though it's primarily a comedy series aimed at younger audiences, Kodocha covers some heavy subjects. As the series progresses, romance becomes a big factor.
The love stories start out fairly innocent since the characters are all so young. However, that doesn't stop the series from portraying the pain of heartbreak, a feeling entirely new to young lovers. Despite its comedic tone, romance is treated in a very mature and respectful way throughout the anime, showing an accurate depiction of love at such a tender and impressionable age.
3 Princess Tutu's Love Story Comes With A Satisfying Twist
At the start of Princess Tutu, the audience is led to believe that the most important romance of the story is between protagonist Ahiru and Prince Mytho. However, about halfway through, fans begin to see that there's more to the story than meets the eye.
Though she initially loves Mytho, Ahiru finds herself becoming closer to Fakir. They understand each other and relate in ways she and Mytho never could. However, the most surprising romance comes when Mytho chooses Rue as his princess. What seemed like a love shrouded in darkness becomes the purest love of all in this classic tale.
2 Avatar: The Last Airbender Features Some Of The Best Romances In Kids' Media
Fans have raved about the romance in Avatar: The Last Airbender since its debut. During its original run, the fandom was crazy about relationships, everyone passionately defending their favorite ship. It's no surprise fans love the couples in Avatar so much. The relationships between each character are so well-written, each with a compelling and unique dynamic.
From Katara and Aang's love at first sight to Sokka's many brushes with romance, Avatar: The Last Airbender gives kids a look at love and romance like they've never seen before. To this day, many fans still adore the relationships in Avatar, the impact they left on them still holding up as adults.
1 Fruits Basket Has Complex And Deep Relationships
The biggest fans of anime know that Fruits Basket is much more than meets the eye. It's one of the best examples of deep, meaningful relationships in anime, each impacting the story in different ways. The series delves deep into the complexities of every character and how their trauma affects their relationships with others.
It is a rare sight in anime, especially for a series that starts out so lighthearted. Fruits Basket shows both the good and bad of love in a way that is easily understandable for younger fans. It never talks down to them and is completely honest as it shows the hardships of every character.