Let's be real: when you're scrolling through streaming services at 6 PM on a Tuesday, desperately trying to find something that won't make you want to claw your eyes out while also not rotting your kid's brain, you need a filter that actually works. Enter IMDB ratings—not perfect, but a decent starting point for finding shows that have some substance.
The thing is, high IMDB ratings don't automatically mean "good for kids." Plenty of critically acclaimed shows are absolutely not age-appropriate (looking at you, Breaking Bad with your 9.5 rating). So we're looking for that sweet spot: shows with solid IMDB scores that are actually made for or suitable for younger viewers, and that won't make you want to flee the room when your kid asks you to watch "just one more episode."
IMDB ratings give you a crowd-sourced quality check. A show with a 7.5+ rating generally means it's well-written, well-produced, and has actual storytelling. But here's the catch: IMDB skews toward adult viewers and film buffs, so genuinely great kids' content sometimes gets overlooked or rated lower simply because fewer adults are rating it.
That said, when a kids' show does score high on IMDB, it usually means it's got crossover appeal—the kind of show where parents aren't secretly checking their phones every thirty seconds.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (IMDB: 9.3) Ages 7+. This is the gold standard. If you haven't watched it yet, stop reading and go start it. Incredible world-building, character development that puts most adult dramas to shame, and themes about war, loss, and redemption that work for kids and adults. Three seasons, complete story, no filler. It's basically perfect.
Bluey (IMDB: 9.5) Ages 2-8 (but honestly, all ages). Yes, it's a show about a cartoon dog family. Yes, it will make you cry. Yes, it's one of the highest-rated shows on IMDB period—not just kids' shows, all shows. Each 7-minute episode is a masterclass in storytelling, and it actually models healthy parenting in a way that doesn't feel preachy. Parents love it as much as kids do.
Gravity Falls (IMDB: 8.9) Ages 8+. Mystery, humor, genuinely clever writing, and a complete two-season story arc. It's spooky without being too scary for most elementary-aged kids, and the sibling relationship between Dipper and Mabel is refreshingly realistic. Plus, there are enough hidden jokes and Easter eggs to keep adults engaged.
The Mandalorian (IMDB: 8.6) Ages 8+. Look, it's Star Wars, but you don't need to have watched all 47 hours of previous Star Wars content to enjoy it. It's essentially a space Western with a taciturn bounty hunter and an adorable green puppet that everyone calls "Baby Yoda." Some action violence, but generally less intense than the movies.
Hilda (IMDB: 8.6) Ages 6+. A blue-haired girl has adventures in a world full of Scandinavian folklore creatures. Gorgeous animation, genuinely sweet without being saccharine, and the main character is brave, curious, and kind. It's cozy fantasy at its best.
Carmen Sandiego (IMDB: 8.0) Ages 7+. The 2019 Netflix reboot is actually really good—slick animation, globe-trotting heist adventures, and a protagonist who's a thief with a moral code. Educational without being obvious about it (kids learn geography and cultural facts through the stories).
The Dragon Prince (IMDB: 8.4) Ages 9+. From some of the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, so you know it's going to be good. Fantasy world, complex characters, themes about war and peace. The animation style takes some getting used to in the first season, but the storytelling is top-notch.
The Owl House (IMDB: 8.7) Ages 9+. A human girl ends up in a magical realm and becomes a witch's apprentice. Genuinely funny, great character development, and features Disney's first bisexual protagonist in a major role (which, depending on your family, is either a selling point or something to be aware of—no judgment, just facts).
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (IMDB: 8.3) Ages 8+. Post-apocalyptic world where animals have mutated into "mutes" and humans live underground. Sounds dark, but it's actually incredibly optimistic and colorful. Great music, diverse characters, and themes about finding common ground with people (and mutant animals) who are different from you.
The Worst Witch (IMDB: 7.4) Ages 6+. British series about a witch academy. Think Harry Potter but younger and less intense. Cozy, low-stakes magic school adventures. Perfect for the elementary crowd who isn't quite ready for the darker turns of the Potter series.
IMDB ratings don't tell you everything. A high rating doesn't mean it's age-appropriate, and a lower rating doesn't mean it's bad—it might just mean it's niche or genuinely made for younger kids. Always cross-reference with Common Sense Media
or check out our media pages for more detailed breakdowns.
"Educational" doesn't have to mean boring. Some of the best kids' shows teach emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and empathy through storytelling rather than hitting you over the head with lessons. Shows like Bluey and Avatar are doing serious emotional work while keeping kids entertained.
Watch the first episode with them. Seriously. You'll know within 10 minutes if this is something you can tolerate for the next three months of your life. And if you're going to be in the room anyway (which, let's be honest, you probably will be), you might as well find something you don't actively hate.
IMDB ratings are a useful starting point, but they're just one tool in your parenting toolkit. The best show for your kid is the one that matches their maturity level, interests, and your family's values—not just the one with the highest number next to it.
That said, if you're looking for quality content that's actually well-made, starting with highly-rated shows is a pretty solid strategy. You're less likely to end up with the kind of hyperactive, poorly-written garbage that makes you question your life choices.
And hey, if you find a show you both actually enjoy? That's not just good parenting—that's a straight-up win.
Start with one show. Pick something from this list that matches your kid's age and interests, watch the first episode together, and see how it goes.
Check out our full media pages. We've got detailed breakdowns, parent reviews, and WISE scores for all of these shows and hundreds more at screenwiseapp.com/media.
Need help deciding? Ask our chatbot about your specific situation—age, interests, what they've already watched and loved—and get personalized recommendations.