If you only use Max for one thing, let it be the Studio Ghibli library. For the uninitiated, Ghibli is the Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki. These aren't just "cartoons"; they are hand-drawn masterpieces that deal with environmentalism, growing up, and the complexity of good and evil.

Ages 4+ This is the ultimate "gentle" movie. There is no villain. There is no high-stakes world-ending plot. It’s just two sisters moving to the countryside and meeting some forest spirits. It’s the perfect antidote to the high-decibel, fast-cut editing of modern shows that leave kids feeling overstimulated.

Ages 9+ This won the Oscar for a reason. It’s a bit weirder and can be slightly scary for younger kids (parents turning into pigs, a faceless spirit that eats everything), but for the 9-12 crowd, it’s a profound story about bravery and identity.

Ages 5+ A young witch moves to a new town to start a delivery business. It’s a great way to talk about independence and the "burnout" that can come when you turn your hobby into your job—a surprisingly relevant topic for the Roblox generation.

Learn more about why Studio Ghibli is great for sensitive kids

Max is the home of the "Cartoon Network Renaissance." These shows are famous for starting out as silly episodic comedies and slowly turning into deep, serialized epics.

Ages 9+ At first glance, it’s about a boy and a magical dog in a land made of candy. It looks like "random" humor (very "Ohio" as the kids might say about its weirdness). But as the seasons progress, it builds a massive lore about a post-apocalyptic world, the nature of memory, and complex relationships. It’s a show that grows with your child.

Ages 8+ If you want a show that teaches empathy, this is it. Steven is a boy raised by three magical aliens (The Crystal Gems). While there is plenty of action, most conflicts are resolved through communication and understanding rather than just punching things. It’s also a landmark show for LGBTQ+ representation, handled with incredible grace and normalcy.

Ages 7+ This is the rare show that parents will actually laugh at. It’s incredibly meta, referencing internet culture and tropes in a way that’s genuinely clever. It’s fast-paced, yes, but the writing is top-tier.

Max has a lock on the classics, which is a relief when you can't handle another episode of whatever neon-colored nursery rhyme channel is trending this week.

Ages 2+ It’s the gold standard for a reason. Max is the current home of new episodes, and while the format has changed over the years (shorter episodes, more Elmo), the core educational value remains untouched. It’s safe, it’s researched, and it won't make you want to throw your TV out the window.

Ages 3+ Produced by the Sesame Workshop, this show is specifically designed to teach "mindfulness" and emotional regulation to toddlers. When the "monsters" Esme babysits get overwhelmed, they use "belly breaths" and other strategies to calm down. It’s basically a digital wellness starter kit for three-year-olds.

Ages 8+ This is a 10-episode mini-series that feels like a classic folk tale. It’s atmospheric, slightly spooky, and beautifully scored. It’s the perfect "fall" watch, but honestly, it’s a masterpiece any time of year. It’s a great example of how animation can be used to tell a complete, sophisticated story without 500 episodes of filler.

Ages 6+ Three bear brothers trying to fit into human society in the Bay Area. It’s charming, low-stress, and often pokes fun at our obsession with social media and tech.

In 2026, the biggest struggle for intentional parents isn't necessarily how much screen time kids are getting, but the quality of that time. We see a lot of kids coming into school talking about Skibidi Toilet or YouTube shorts that are designed specifically to hijack their dopamine systems.

The shows on Max are generally "story-first." They have beginnings, middles, and ends. They have character arcs. Watching a 22-minute episode of Adventure Time requires a different kind of focus than scrolling through 60-second clips. It encourages longer attention spans and deeper engagement.

While the kids' content is great, Max is also the home of Game of Thrones and The Last of Us. The "walled garden" is only as good as your password.

Check out our guide on setting up parental controls for Max

Instead of just "putting on a show," try using these picks as a bridge. Max shows often tackle heavy themes:

Max is arguably the best value for parents who want high-quality, artistic, and "smart" content for their kids. It’s less about the sheer volume of content (like Netflix) and more about the curation of legendary animation.

If your kid is currently stuck in a loop of "brain rot" content, a "Studio Ghibli Saturday" might be the perfect digital palate cleanser.

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