What is the difference between anime and a cartoon?

Anime is animation produced in Japan with a distinct visual style (large eyes, exaggerated expressions, detailed backgrounds). The storytelling tends to be more serialized with ongoing plots, compared to Western cartoons that often have self-contained episodes. In practice, the line has blurred. Shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender borrow heavily from anime traditions.

Is all anime appropriate for kids?

No. Anime covers the full spectrum from preschool shows (Pokemon, Doraemon) to extremely graphic adult content (Berserk, Elfen Lied). The genre label gives you a starting point: kodomomuke is always safe, shonen and shojo are usually fine with previewing, and seinen/josei should be off-limits for kids. Always check individual shows before letting your child watch.

How can I check the age rating for a specific anime show?

Three quick ways. MyAnimeList.net shows a rating field for every show (G through R+). Common Sense Media gives parent-specific reviews with age recommendations. IMDb parent guides break down specific content concerns scene by scene. For a curated list with parent notes, try our Anime Finder tool.

What do sub and dub mean in anime?

Sub means subtitled: the original Japanese audio with English text on screen. Dub means dubbed: English voice actors replace the Japanese audio. For kids under 10 who cannot read fast enough, dubbed is better. Around age 12-13, many kids prefer subtitles because the original voice acting is often more expressive. Both are fine. It is a preference, not a quality issue.

Are Studio Ghibli movies different from anime series?

Ghibli films are anime movies, not series. They are standalone stories (90-130 minutes each) rather than multi-episode commitments. Most Ghibli films are family-friendly and beautifully animated. They are often a great introduction to anime for families. See our complete Studio Ghibli Age Guide for ratings on all 25 films.

What does filler mean in anime?

Filler episodes are stories not based on the original manga source material. Studios create them when the anime catches up to the manga and needs to stall for time. Filler episodes are usually lower quality and do not advance the main plot. Naruto is famous for having roughly 40% filler. You can safely skip filler episodes using online filler guides without missing any important story.

What anime genre is Pokemon?

Pokemon is kodomomuke (aimed at children), though it is sometimes grouped under shonen because of its action elements. Either way, it is safe for all ages. The show has been running since 1997 and remains one of the most accessible anime series for young kids.

Is manga the same as anime?

No. Manga is Japanese comics (printed books read right to left). Anime is Japanese animation (TV shows and movies). Many anime series are adapted from manga, but they are different formats. Some kids prefer reading manga because they can go at their own pace. Others prefer watching anime for the voice acting and music. Often the manga came first and the anime follows the same story.

Anime - The Books Review

Anime · Mar 26, 2026

Anime Genres Explained for Parents: Shonen, Shojo, Isekai and More

My son came home from school last month and told me he needed to watch “a seinen anime” because his...

Category: <span>Anime</span>

Anime Genres Explained for Parents: Shonen, Shojo, Isekai and More