Pictured: Peppa Pig, The Creature Cases, Rick and Morty and Masha and the Bear
Animated series are one of Netflix’s most popular divisions, with children’s animation in particular consistently ranking among the most-watched shows on the streamer. Children’s animation, in particular, holds up well for repeat viewings compared to other Netflix originals and licensed series. Who have been the top performers so far in 2026? Here is our list.
Netflix’s animated projects have been hitting it out of the park in recent years; look no further than this kpop demon hunterWhich is the biggest film in the history of the streamer. So far in 2026, we have already seen cloudy Enter Netflix’s top 10 of all time. We’ve covered the most popular animated movies on Netflix so far in 2025 here. In this article, we’re turning to the most-watched animated series of the year, dominated by major licensed pickups, many of which have been pillars on Netflix for years now.
Note: These are grouped entries, meaning audience data includes hours and views combined across all seasons.
10.
babefin
The viral sensation song is produced by South Korean company Pinkfong baby shark, babefin It first landed on Netflix in 2022, where it has since expanded to five seasons as well as several spinoff projects. The CGI animated show is a certified hit with kids.
After the success of the TV show, Netflix releases the first feature IP Babefin Sing-Along Movie: Into the Pinkfong World In April 2026.
Despite its rise in popularity thanks to Netflix babefin The IP continues to grow through its YouTube channel and a deal with Amazon Kids+, which will be its first release big book of babefin.
babefin got into the top 10 26,500,000 views on Netflix so far in 2026.
9.
paw Patrol
One of Nickelodeon’s most recognizable titles, paw Patrol Started its journey in 2013 and has since given birth to a children’s entertainment empire consisting of over 250 episodes and expanding into movies, toys, and games. The series arrived on Netflix US for the first time in the summer of 2025 after streaming in multiple regions for a few years. Before that deal went into effect, Netflix partnered with the show on a spinoff, and became the streaming home Paw Patrol: The Movie In many areas.
Suffice it to say, the show was a huge success on Netflix US, and comfortably broke into the top 10 most watched animated series. it holds 27,500,000 views so far on Netflix in 2026.
8.
Lottie Dottie Chicken
it is fair to say Lottie Dottie Chicken It is not as recognizable as an IP paw PatrolBut the Brazilian animated series, which became famous after going viral on YouTube, has been on Netflix in various regions for more than a decade, especially for Latin American audiences. Netflix continues to invest in the series, acquiring the rights to spinoffs lottie dotty mini In 2019. Years later, the series remains a staple for young Netflix viewers, especially in Brazil where it is known as Galinha Pintadinha.
Lottie Dottie Chicken Is 31,500,000 views on Netflix so far in 2026.
7.
Buba
British animation studio 3D Sparrow’s flagship show, Comedy Buba It follows a small, extremely curious Hobgoblin who travels around the world in search of thrills and adventure. Despite his age, he jumps into everything with childlike enthusiasm and wonder. There is no dialogue, with their adventures described only through movement and expression, giving the series a broad appeal that does not struggle with language barriers.
Buba was initially developed through a highly successful crowdfunding campaign. Its first launch was in 2016. After strong initial reactions, it was licensed by Netflix in 2018. In 2026, four of the six seasons available are streaming on Netflix US. This has happened so far this year 32,700,000 views on Netflix.
6.
little angel
but am coming 38,100,000 views so far in 2026 little angelA collaborative show of global phenomenon commelan Brand. It started as a YouTube success, little angel Follows the main character Baby John and his small group of friends as they tour the playground accompanied by a musical interlude. The series is available on Netflix in multiple regions, and is also licensed to other streamers including Disney+ and Prime Video.
5.
cocoamelon
commelan A multi-record breaking series in many different ways. Perhaps most notably, commelan Became the first YouTube channel to surpass one billion weekly views – a feat that was achieved while we were all stuck indoors during the 2020 pandemic. Shortly thereafter, Netflix licensed the show later in 2020, where it remained in the US Top 10 list for a record-breaking 100 consecutive days. As of today it has moved ahead in 2026 39,400,000 views.
Interestingly, Netflix in 2025 not renewed licensing deal for commelanAnd the show will move to Disney+ later in 2027. Netflix will still retain streaming rights to the spinoff Comelan Lane And Blippi.
4.
Masha and the Bear
Like the other licensed shows on this list, Preschool Cartoon Masha and the Bear It exploded in popularity when it first appeared on YouTube – it set a Guinness World Record for the most-viewed cartoon on the service. The show follows the adventures of a young girl and a retired circus bear. Netflix initially licensed the Russian comedy in 2018, and after years of success, the streamer still has a long-term vision for the show. Actually, in June 2026, deadline It was reported that Netflix picked up seasons 8 and 9 of the show, as well as the rights to seasons 1 to 7 and the spin-off series. Netflix licenses extend to over 100 countries, including the US and Canada.
Masha and the Bear watched on netflix 40,400,000 times so far in 2026.
Masha and the Bear However, it is not without controversies. In fact, earlier this month there was a report Guardian It is noted that over 50 British MPs had written to the UK Culture Secretary to ban the show due to concerns over Russian propaganda.
3.
rick and morty
Adult animated sci-fi sitcom, created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon rick and morty The Mad Scientist follows Rick and his grandson Morty as they embark on wacky and crazy adventures across the universe and other realms. It is the only animated series in the top 10 that is solely for adults. series watched 46,300,000 times so far in 2026.
Status of rick and morty A lot matters in the top 10; This is one of the most instantly recognizable IPs here. Outside of Netflix, the show is still airing its 10-episode ninth season, which debuted in May 2026.
2.
zoological matters
creature matter 1000
but am coming 49,300,000 views zoological mattersThe only Netflix Original preschool series in the top 10. The series is as followsSpecial Agents Sam and Key travel the world using their investigative skills to solve cases within the animal kingdom. Preschool animated shows on Netflix may be dominated by licensed titles, but Netflix cracked this code.
1.
Peppa Pig
does Peppa Pig Need an introduction? Not necessary. The British animated phenomenon is one of the biggest children’s shows ever broadcast, expanding not just into toys and games, but entire theme parks.
Netflix UK first purchased the series in 2015, renewing it after the license expired in 2021. Most regions have the show, but in Netflix US, deals have become questionable due to rights. Netflix US launches seasons 3-6 in 2024. In 2025, 6 seasons (3-8) streamed on Netflix US.
Peppa Pig has reached a shocking state 2026 has garnered 81,800,000 views so far, making it the best performer by a considerable margin.
Other big animated series on Netflix in 2026
While children’s shows naturally dominate the top 10 due to repeat viewership growth, a wide range of genres make up additional top performers.
- Jujutsu Kaisen — 24,800,000 views – Based on the best-selling manga by Gege Akutami, the first two seasons of this supernatural series are available on Netflix US and UK.
- teen Titans Go! — 23,400,000 views – This animated series follows young DC heroes including Robin, Cyborg and Raven.
- Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir — 22,500,000 views – Children’s superhero series about teenagers who adopt the personas of Ladybug and Noir Cat to protect Paris.
- Comelan Lane — 22,200,000 views – A commelan Spinoff series.
- jurassic world camp cretaceous — 17,500,000 views — an animated jurassic world The spinoff is headlined by Jenna Ortega, who voices Brooklyn.
- my hero academia — 17,100,000 views — Based on the beloved manga, my hero academia It takes place in a world where superpowers are a common profession, and our hero competes to become one.
- demon slayer — 17,100,000 views — A dark fantasy anime based on the original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge.
- solar contrast — 16,300,000 views — From rick and morty Co-created Justin Roiland, the series follows a family of aliens who move to Earth after their home planet is destroyed.
- Naruto Shippuden — 16,200,000 views – based on the comic by Masashi Kishimoto, it is a direct sequel to the original Naruto series.
- hot wheels let’s run — 16,100,000 views – an animated series based on the original, beloved hot wheels Toys by Mattel.
