The 15 Best Cartoons for Kids to Learn English
Created: Dec 16, 2024
Last Updated: Dec 16, 2024
Researching the best cartoons to learn English from to help your little one improve their fluency? You’re in luck, as we’ve put together a list of some of the top animated TV shows to get your child started.
Choose from different levels of English proficiency, themes and vocabulary content in the list of cartoons below to find something that your kids will love!
Can children really learn English with cartoons?
We know that it might sound too good to be true, but movies and TV shows are a hugely popular and highly effective way to learn languages.
It’s true that it’s crucial to get the basic grammar rules and English proficiency in place first through more structured learning. But once you have the basics, television shows can provide an excellent way for children and adults alike to pick up new vocabulary, learn slang terms and hear English as it’s really spoken.
In fact, if you want to help your child learn English with a TV series, cartoons and animations are often the best choice. They're voiced by professional artists who give their characters clear and unique voices, making them easy to understand and tell apart.
They’re also a brilliant way to get your children excited about learning English. After all, watching cartoons is far more fun than doing homework the old fashioned way.
Our pick of the best cartoons for kids learning English
1. Peppa Pig
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Family Animation
- Summary of learnings: British accents, everyday vocabulary, family relationships
This charming British cartoon has become a global phenomenon and it's easy to see why. The show follows the daily adventures of Peppa and her family. This means children will naturally pick up common English phrases and British pronunciation while learning about everyday activities like going to school, visiting grandparents or playing at the park.
The simple educational storylines delivered in clear British English make it one of the best cartoons to learn English from for beginners.
Get a preview of Peppa’s endearing animation style and content in the video below.
2. Word Party
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Family Animation
- Summary of learnings: Basic vocabulary, emotional expression, social skills
This colorful show follows four baby animals who learn new words and concepts while playing together. Word Party uses simple, repetitive language and encourages viewers to participate by repeating words and phrases, making it perfect for absolute beginners to start picking up words. The show's focus on basic vocabulary and emotional expression makes it an ideal starting point for very young English learners.
3. Octonauts
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Adventure Animation
- Summary of learnings: Simple science vocabulary, teamwork phrases, British English
Dive into the world of the Octonauts, where a team of underwater heroes explore the ocean and help sea creatures in need. Kids love following Captain Barnacles and his crew on their missions, picking up marine science words and British English along the way. The repeated episode format following a new rescue mission makes it simple to follow for beginners.
4. Masha and the Bear
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Comedy Animation
- Summary of learnings: Basic phrases, physical comedy, international appeal
Unlike most shows that teach English, this charming series uses very few words. But that's what makes it special.
As mischievous Masha wreaks havoc in her friend Bear's peaceful life, the simple English phrases that pop up feel more meaningful because they're not lost in constant chatter. If you have a child who gets overwhelmed by learning English, this could be the perfect approach.
5. Dora the Explorer
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Educational animation
- Summary of learnings: Basic vocabulary, Spanish-English connections, interactive phrases
Dora's famous catchphrases have helped millions of children learn English. Each episode takes kids on an adventure where they have to speak, point, and move along with Dora and her friend Boots. This interactivity means better engagement and ultimately word retention.
The bilingual format also makes this show a good bridge for Spanish speakers starting their English journey, or those who plan to teach their child more than one language.
6. Bob the Builder
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Construction Animation
- Summary of learnings: Basic phrases, problem-solving vocabulary, British English
Bob the Builder might still have one of the most globally famous catchphrases: "Can we fix it? Yes we can!" This legendary show has certainly stood the test of time and still has enduring appeal.
The episodes follow Bob and his loveable team of machines as they work on projects around town. While kids are entertained by the construction adventures, they're also picking up everyday English phrases and problem-solving language in clear British English.
7. Paw Patrol
- English proficiency level: Beginner
- Genre: Adventure Animation
- Summary of learnings: Action vocabulary, problem-solving phrases, emergency services
This cartoon TV series could be a great option if you have an active little one who needs high-stakes adventures to keep them absorbed. Paw Patrol combines simple English with exciting rescue missions by a team of brave dogs.
As you might expect, the show features vocabulary related to helping others, emergency services and problem-solving while following the adventures of the heroic pups of the Paw Patrol.
8. Bluey
- English proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Genre: Family Animation
- Summary of learnings: Australian English, daily routines, emotional expression
This beloved Australian cartoon offers more than just entertainment - although it’s often a favourite show of parents as well as children.
Through seven-minute episodes following Bluey and her family's imaginative games, children will naturally absorb authentic Australian English. Each episode teaches vocabulary about daily routines, family relationships, and emotional intelligence through playful, relatable situations. The show's warm humor and fun approach to everyday life will keep children thoroughly engaged while they learn.
9. Arthur
- English proficiency level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Genre: Educational Animation
- Summary of learnings: School vocabulary, friendship dynamics, diverse American accents
Arthur follows the daily life of an aardvark and his other animal friends as they attend school, socialise outside of class and spend time with their families. The show's school setting provides excellent exposure to classroom vocabulary while its diverse cast of characters helps children learn about friendship, problem-solving, and typical American social situations.
This series is one of the best cartoons to learn English if you want your child to be exposed to American culture. The relatable storylines about homework, siblings, and school projects mean that young learners will naturally pick up everyday American English phrases and expressions.
10. Word Girl
- English proficiency level: Intermediate
- Genre: Adventure Animation
- Summary of learnings: Advanced vocabulary, word origins, superhero action
Meet Becky Botsford, a fifth-grade student with a secret - she's really WordGirl, a superhero who fights crime using her super strength and incredible vocabulary. Each episode follows her as she battles villains while teaching viewers the meanings of advanced words like "cumbersome" or "inadequate." The show's clever mix of action and education helps kids expand their vocabulary far beyond basic English.
11. SpongeBob Squarepants
- English proficiency level: Intermediate
- Genre: Adventure Animation
- Summary of learnings: Slang and idioms, casual conversation, American humor
If there’s one word to describe Spongebob Squarepants it would be crazy! After all, the show follows a talking sea sponge who works at an underwater fast food restaurant.
This colourful and wacky show has lots of laughs as Spongebob and his underwater pals have plenty of misadventures. This surreal comedy is one of the best cartoons for capturing the attention of older children learning English. The unexpected jokes, different volumes of speech and American slang are great for helping children learn more advanced English.
12. Martha Speaks
- English proficiency level: Intermediate
- Genre: Animation
- Summary of learnings: Advanced vocabulary, word origins, conversational English
Martha is a family dog who gains the ability to speak after eating alphabet soup. The show cleverly introduces kids to increasingly complex vocabulary and word origins through Martha's amusing attempts to understand human language.
While Martha learns what new words mean and how to use them properly, young viewers learn right alongside her. Each episode even includes segments that break down word meanings and root words in a way that's genuinely fun. You won’t find many cartoons that are quite so perfect for learning the ins and outs of English!
13. Phineas and Ferb
- English proficiency level: Intermediate
- Genre: Comedy Adventure Animation
- Summary of learnings: Creative vocabulary, science terms, American humor
If you have a child who loves shows about mischief and mayhem, this is the show for them. This cartoon follows two genius stepbrothers who spend every day of their summer break building outrageous inventions - from backyard roller coasters to time machines. All while trying not to get caught by their parents or sister Candace.
This show is a wild ride, perfect for keeping older children engaged by the crazy humor and inside jokes. Along the way, they’ll pick up American teen slang, science vocabulary as well as lots of fast-paced dialogue.
14. Adventure Time
- English proficiency level: Advanced
- Genre: Fantasy Adventure Animation
- Summary of learnings: Creative wordplay, modern slang, abstract concepts
How do we explain Adventure Time? The best way would be this: surreal. But that’s exactly why it’s so loved worldwide. This gloriously chaotic show follows Finn and his shape-shifting dog Jake through adventures in a world where candy people can explode, cats sound like Korean businessmen and bananas are bodyguards.
The varied plotlines, rapid dialogue and range of complex words make it excellent for expanding an advanced English vocabulary.
15. Daria
- English proficiency level: Advanced
- Genre: Teen Comedy Animation
- Summary of learnings: Sarcasm, sophisticated vocabulary, American high school culture
This is one of the best cartoons for teens who want to perfect their advanced English. This satire cartoon follows Daria, a cynical high school student who sees right through the nonsense around her.
Through deadpan one-liners and witty observations, the show teaches advanced English that most courses miss - like sarcasm, wordplay, and social commentary. It's perfect for understanding how American teens really talk, though it includes some mild adult themes.
Learn English from these shows using Flurret
Many of the movies on this list are available through the Flurret platform.
What does this mean?
Flurret is our innovative solution for learning English through TV shows and movies. Simply pick a show at the perfect level for you or your child, learn any new vocabulary needed and then sit back and watch. There will be no need to pause to look words up because you’ll already have learnt them.
That means less frustration and a better experience of watching English content. It’s a whole new generation of language learning.
Tips for helping your child learn English with TV shows
Here are a few practical ways you can help your child in their language learning journey.
You might think that watching a TV show is a completely independent way of learning, but there are actually lots of little things you can do to help your child absorb the new vocabulary they’re hearing, such as:
- Start with TV shows that your child already knows in their native language - This can help establish familiarity with the storyline and characters, helping your child feel less overwhelmed to start with.
- Use English subtitles for older children who can read- Learning a language with subtitles can help to reinforce the new vocabulary as they’ll hear and read the words at the same time. This means improvement to both speaking and reading English.
- Watch favorite scenes multiple times – After all, repetition helps with learning!
- Pause at key moments to practice new words - Make sure you join in with the practice so your child doesn’t feel self-conscious. You can even make it into a game to incentivize them.
- Make it interactive by asking questions about what's happening - This helps to test your child’s comprehension and expose vocabulary they might need extra help with.
Can adults learn English through cartoons too?
Absolutely! Cartoons can be an excellent starting point for adults learning English, even if they were designed for children. The short episodes with clear narratives and simple dialogue make them an ideal resource for getting more fluent.
So whether you’re 5 or 55, add some cartoon TV shows into your learning journey and watch your confidence grow.