Look, IMDb's top-rated kids' shows list is... a trip. It's part nostalgia bomb, part "wait, that counts as a kids' show?", and part genuine insight into what makes quality children's television. We're talking about shows that hit ratings of 8.5+ out of 10, which in TV terms is basically perfection.
The list includes everything from Avatar: The Last Airbender (consistently #1 or #2) to Bluey (the Australian import that makes parents cry more than their kids). You've got anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, classic Nickelodeon like SpongeBob SquarePants, and newer hits like Gravity Falls.
But here's the thing: high IMDb ratings don't automatically mean "appropriate for your 6-year-old." These ratings reflect quality storytelling, animation, and cultural impact—not whether your kid can handle the themes. IMDb users skew older and are rating these shows through an adult lens of appreciation, not a parent lens of "will this give my child nightmares?"
The shows that dominate IMDb's kids' TV rankings share some common DNA:
They don't talk down to kids. Avatar: The Last Airbender tackles war, genocide, and moral complexity. Bluey explores parental exhaustion and sibling dynamics with shocking honesty. These shows trust that kids can handle nuance.
They're rewatchable for adults. This is huge. A show that makes it to the top of IMDb has been voted on by people who genuinely enjoyed it, not just parents who tolerated it. Gravity Falls has mystery layers that adults obsess over. Adventure Time has existential humor that flies over kids' heads but lands perfectly for parents.
The storytelling is legitimately good. We're talking character development, plot arcs, emotional payoff. The Clone Wars (the animated Star Wars series) has better character work than some of the movies. Hilda builds a world so rich you want to live in it.
They balance entertainment with meaning. These aren't just distraction machines. They're teaching emotional intelligence, problem-solving, friendship dynamics—but through actual stories, not heavy-handed lessons.
Here's where it gets tricky. Let me break down some of the top-rated shows by actual age appropriateness:
Ages 3-6:
- Bluey (genuinely perfect for this age, also perfect for you)
- Puffin Rock (gentle, nature-focused, Irish accents for bonus points)
That's... kind of it from the top IMDb list. Most highly-rated "kids' shows" skew older.
Ages 7-10:
- Hilda (adventurous but not scary, great for sensitive kids)
- Gravity Falls (some spooky moments, but mostly mystery and humor)
- The Dragon Prince (fantasy adventure, some battle violence)
- Early SpongeBob seasons (absurdist humor that's actually clever)
Ages 11+:
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (truly deserves the hype, but deals with war and loss)
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (anime with heavy themes—death, sacrifice, body horror)
- Adventure Time (weirder and darker than it looks, existential themes)
- The Clone Wars (war violence, character deaths)
The "technically for kids but really for teens" category:
- Arcane (stunning animation, mature themes, violence)
- Invincible (extremely violent, definitely not for younger kids despite being animated)
IMDb ratings reflect quality, not safety. A 9.0 rating means it's excellent television. It doesn't mean it's appropriate for all kids or even most kids. Check out our full guide to age ratings to understand how different systems work.
Animation ≠ young kids. This is the biggest misconception. Some of the highest-rated "kids' shows" are anime or adult animation that happens to have broad appeal. Invincible is a superhero cartoon with extreme gore. Not exactly Peppa Pig.
Your kid's maturity matters more than their age. A sensitive 10-year-old might not be ready for Avatar's heavier episodes (the one about Zuko's mom still hits hard). A mature 8-year-old might handle it fine. You know your kid.
Co-watching is your superpower. These highly-rated shows are actually good to watch with your kids. You're not just supervising—you're genuinely entertained. And you can gauge reactions, pause for questions, and process themes together. Here's how to make co-watching actually work.
The "brain rot" concern is real but nuanced. Not all screen time is equal. Twenty minutes of Bluey where your kid is engaged with storytelling and emotional content? Totally different from two hours of YouTube shorts or mindless scrolling. Want to understand what actually counts as quality screen time?
IMDb's top kids' shows list is actually a solid starting point for finding quality content—with the massive caveat that you need to do your own age-appropriate filtering. These shows earned their ratings because they're genuinely good television that respects young viewers' intelligence.
Start with Avatar: The Last Airbender for tweens and teens—it's earned its legendary status. Try Bluey for younger kids and prepare to have feelings about parenting. Explore Hilda or Gravity Falls for that sweet spot of elementary to middle school.
But please, for the love of everything, preview before you let your 7-year-old watch Invincible just because it's animated and highly rated. That way lies trauma.
Want personalized recommendations? Screenwise can help you find shows that match your family's values and your kids' ages—not just what's popular on IMDb. Check out alternatives to whatever they're currently obsessed with.
Concerned about screen time limits? Learn how to set boundaries that actually stick without constant battles.
Curious about what other parents are allowing? Our community data shows what's actually happening in your kid's grade and school—because sometimes you just need to know if you're the only one saying no to certain shows.