Look, we've all been there. You're scrolling through streaming services for the 47th time this week, your kid is getting restless, and you're trying to find something that won't make you want to gouge your eyes out while also not rotting their brain. So naturally, you think: "What if I just... checked IMDb?"
Here's the thing about IMDb ratings for kids' shows: they're actually pretty revealing. Unlike algorithm-driven "Top 10s" that just show what's popular right now, IMDb ratings reflect what people thought was genuinely good enough to go online and rate. And when it comes to kids' content, the highest-rated shows tend to share some interesting qualities: smart writing that works on multiple levels, genuine emotional depth, and the kind of storytelling that doesn't insult anyone's intelligence—kid or adult.
The top tier includes shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender (8.9/10), Bluey (9.5/10), Gravity Falls (8.9/10), and Over the Garden Wall (8.8/10). These aren't just "good for kids' shows"—they're legitimately excellent television that happens to be appropriate for younger viewers.
The shows that crack the top of IMDb's kids' rankings tend to do a few things really well:
They respect their audience. Bluey doesn't talk down to kids or parents. It presents real family dynamics—including parents who are tired, siblings who fight, and emotions that are messy and complicated. Meanwhile, Avatar: The Last Airbender tackles themes like war, genocide, and moral complexity without being heavy-handed.
They're rewatchable. This matters more than you think. Kids will watch their favorite shows on repeat, and if you're going to hear the same dialogue 47 times, it better be well-written. Gravity Falls is packed with Easter eggs and background details that reveal themselves on subsequent viewings. Bluey episodes are only 7 minutes long, which means you can rewatch them without losing your mind.
They work for multiple ages. The best kids' shows have different entry points. A 6-year-old might love Avatar for the bending battles and Appa, while a 12-year-old connects with Zuko's redemption arc, and parents appreciate the show's meditation on imperialism and identity.
Here's where IMDb ratings can actually mislead you a bit. A high rating doesn't automatically mean it's right for your kid at their current age.
Ages 3-5: Bluey is genuinely perfect for this age. Also consider Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (7.3/10)—it's not as highly rated overall, but that's partly because adults watching solo aren't the target audience. For preschoolers learning emotional regulation, it's gold.
Ages 6-8: This is where you can introduce Hilda (8.6/10), which has gentle adventure and beautiful animation. The Dragon Prince (8.4/10) works here too, though some kids might find certain episodes intense.
Ages 9-12: Go ahead with Avatar: The Last Airbender, Gravity Falls, and Adventure Time (8.6/10). These shows have genuine narrative arcs and character development that rewards sustained attention.
Ages 13+: Over the Garden Wall is technically for all ages, but its melancholy tone and existential themes land better with older kids and teens. Same with later seasons of Adventure Time, which get surprisingly philosophical.
The "kids' show" label is doing a lot of work here. Some of these highly-rated shows deal with mature themes. Avatar includes war, death of parents, and genocide. Gravity Falls has some genuinely creepy moments. This doesn't mean they're inappropriate—it means they're treating their audience with respect—but you should know what you're getting into.
IMDb ratings skew toward shows with passionate fandoms. Bluey's 9.5 rating is partly because exhausted parents are going online to express their gratitude for a show that doesn't make them want to throw the TV out the window. Avatar's rating reflects a devoted fanbase that's been rewatching for nearly two decades. This isn't a bad thing—passionate fans usually indicate quality—but it does mean more niche or newer shows might be underrated.
Streaming availability is a moving target. Avatar: The Last Airbender is on Netflix (along with the live-action remake, which... we don't need to talk about). Bluey is on Disney+. Gravity Falls is also on Disney+. Over the Garden Wall is on Hulu and Max. But these things change, so double-check before promising your kid a new show.
Some highly-rated shows are legitimately better than most adult TV. This isn't damning with faint praise. Bluey has better writing about parenting and marriage than most prestige dramas. Avatar has more thoughtful character development than half the stuff winning Emmys. If you find yourself actually enjoying these shows, that's not Stockholm syndrome—they're just good.
High IMDb ratings for kids' shows aren't just about nostalgia or parent relief (though both factor in). The top-rated shows earned their spots by doing something increasingly rare: creating content that respects everyone watching, regardless of age.
If you're looking for a new show and want to start with something that has a proven track record, IMDb's top-rated kids' shows are a solid place to begin. Just remember that "highest-rated" doesn't automatically mean "right for your family right now." A show can be objectively excellent and still not fit your kid's current developmental stage, sensitivity level, or interests.
The good news? There are enough highly-rated options that you can probably find something that works. And if your kid falls in love with Bluey or Avatar, you won't be suffering through it—you might actually find yourself watching episodes after bedtime just to see what happens next.
Want to dig deeper into specific shows? Check out our full guides for Avatar: The Last Airbender, Bluey, and other highly-rated kids' shows
. And if you're trying to figure out how much screen time is reasonable for your kid's age, let's talk about that too.