This is one of those rare finds that's genuinely delightful without being cloying. Little Witch Academia (the 2013 short film) is essentially a proof-of-concept that worked so well it spawned a full series—and for good reason.

At just 26 minutes, it's a perfect low-commitment introduction to anime for kids who've been living in the Disney/Pixar universe. The animation is stunning, the protagonist is likeable without being annoying, and the message about passion and perseverance lands without feeling like a Very Special Episode.

The only real caveat is that if your kid loves it (and they probably will), they're going to want more—which means you'll be diving into the 25-episode series next. But honestly? That's not a bad problem to have. This is quality stuff that's actually worth your family's screen time.