Since Robert Downey Jr uttered the iconic phrase “I am Iron Man” at the end of 2008’s movie of the same name, superheroes have dominated the pop culture lexicon. Movies, TV shows, books, comics, etc, have all deconstructed, parodied, reconstructed, and evolved the Superhero Genre in ways that couldn’t have been imagined a few short years before. And it’s not just live-action movies and TV shows, cartoons about superheroes have graced both small and big screens for decades.
In modern times, gone are the cheesy “men-in-tights, hands-on-hips” heroic moments, and in their place are diverse, complex stories about superheroes that explore what makes a hero who they are. This, of course, has led to a rise in interest in and properties related to superheroes (I can’t believe there are MULTIPLE Ant-Man movies) as audiences discover they are about more than just punching bad guys and saving the day.
Kids TV has always had a healthy dose of superhero content, but it’s practically the default landscape of the space today. Marvel and DC have long held the top spots for iconic, recognizable heroes, but there are just as many shows that teach kids valuable life lessons through the lens of superheroes. The list below contains some of the best of these shows, as well as a few Marvel and DC characters you and your kids may find familiar (or not!).
I’ve included recommended age ranges for each show along with the streaming services where they’re currently available in the United States. Streaming availability and age recommendations in this guide reflect platforms commonly used by families in the United States. International availability may differ based on regional licensing.
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends
Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends follows kid versions of Peter Parker (Spidey), Gwen Stacy (Ghost-Spider), and Miles Morales (Spin) as they protect their city from also-kid supervillains. Each “Spider” brings a new skill to the team as they all work on web-slinging, agility, and teamwork. The trio works to solve mysteries, help neighbors, and keep the city safe. The episodes are short, action-packed, and designed for little viewers, seamlessly blending superhero fun with bright animation and lively storytelling.
What Spidey and His Amazing Friends Teaches Kids: Above all, kids will learn core values such as teamwork, cooperation, and friendship. Spidey and his friends pool their strengths to face challenges and celebrate success together, fostering important social-emotional skills such as sharing, patience, empathy, and problem-solving. By portraying Spidey and his friends as people who listen to each other and help one another, the series encourages young viewers to apply those same values in their daily lives.
Recommended Ages: Ages 3–6
Where To Watch Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Disney+ / Disney Jr.
Hero Elementary
Hero Elementary stars Lucita Sky, AJ Gadgets, Sara Snap, and Benny Bubbles as they train under the guidance of their teacher, Mr. Sparks, to become community helpers and heroes. Notably, each episode features scientific experimentation, creative thinking, and action-oriented problem-solving. The students use their skills and extensive STEAM knowledge to help people and solve mysteries in their town.
What Hero Elementary Teaches Kids: Beyond classic superhero fun, Hero Elementary emphasizes science, critical thinking, and teamwork. There’s a strong emphasis on collaboration, with students working together to hypothesize, experiment, and solve problems. This shows kids how scientists think and how diverse skills contribute to success. It reinforces the idea that intelligence and creativity are superpowers in their own right and promotes kindness and a healthy dose of fun!
Recommended Ages: Ages 5+
Where To Watch Hero Elementary: PBS Kids
Powerbirds
Powerbirds follows Max and his pet parakeets, Ace and Polly. The twist is that Ace and Polly transform into superhero birds while Max is at school. Ace and Polly protect the city from a variety of animal-themed villains and help people in need, using their unique powers to outsmart troublemakers and save the day. The series blends humor, imaginative rescues, and bright visuals to create an engaging superhero world for young viewers.
What Powerbirds Teaches Kids: The Powerbirds show kids that heroes come in all shapes and sizes and that everyday challenges can be opportunities to show courage and kindness. Max’s birds model responsibility, empathy for others, and creative problem-solving. Through teamwork, they learn to combine their strengths to overcome obstacles, showing young viewers that cooperation and persistence are keys to success.
Recommended Ages: Ages 4–7
Where To Watch Powerbirds: Available to purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV
StarBeam
StarBeam follows second-grader Zoey, who transforms into the superhero StarBeam to defend her town from colorful villains. With flying superpowers, force-field bubbles, and heroic catchphrases, Zoey balances school life and superhero duties while learning about responsibility and community. Filled with adventure and energetic rescues, the show blends action with heart-warming lessons.
What Powerbirds Teaches Kids: Under the superhero fanfare, StarBeam is about learning to process emotions while promoting confidence, courage, and helping others. Zoey shows kids that courage isn’t the absence of fear but doing what’s right even when you’re unsure. The show also teaches how to be a hero. Heroes care about people’s feelings, encouraging young viewers to be kind and helpful in their everyday lives.
Recommended Ages: Ages 4–7
Where To Watch StarBeam: Netflix
DC Super Hero Girls
DC Super Hero Girls follows Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, and other iconic characters as they work through their superhero training while dealing with the biggest challenge of all: everyday high-school life. Supervillains, friendship drama, and academic responsibilities collide as the girls learn to harness their powers and make tough choices. The series blends action and humor through the lens of strong female leadership and friendship.
What DC Super Hero Girls Teaches Kids: This series emphasizes friendship, confidence, and leadership, encouraging tweens of all stripes to embrace differences and work through conflicts. By portraying these iconic Heroines as children who support one another while facing typical school and social challenges, the show models resilience, teamwork, and the importance of support. It also helps all viewers recognize the strength of kindness and persistence. I couldn’t in good conscience create a list of cartoons about superheroes without at least a few DC mentions, and this is a wonderful addition for even the older kids in your life.
Recommended Ages: Ages 7–12
Where To Watch DC Super Hero Girls: Amazon Prime
Kid Cosmic
Kid Cosmic follows a 9-year-old boy named Kid who discovers cosmic stones that grant their holders superpowers. Together with a band of friends, they battle alien threats while balancing everyday life in their small town. The show combines absolutely gorgeous retro comic-inspired visuals with rich storytelling, emotion, and deeper themes as the team evolves from local heroes to global defenders.
What Kid Cosmic Teaches Kids: Kid Cosmic is gorgeous to watch and an emotionally resonant ride, but above all, it teaches responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of using power wisely. The group learns that powers alone don’t make heroes; decisions, character, and community matter most. Lessons on trust, courage in adversity, and supporting others resonate with broader life themes suitable for older children, but Kid Cosmic gets there slowly. By the end, the show is somewhat different from when it started, but that, in and of itself, shows kids how things can grow beyond their origins.
Recommended Ages: Ages 8–12
Where To Watch Kid Cosmic: Netflix
Teen Titans Go!
Teen Titans Go! is a slapstick comedy-driven animated series that follows DC sidekicks Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg when they’re not busy saving the world. Unlike traditional superhero shows, this series isn’t always about adventures and focuses on exaggerated humor, everyday problems, and absurd situations that arise from living together as teen heroes. The show uses satire and slapstick comedy to parody superhero tropes while remaining accessible to younger viewers. Its bold animation style and energetic tone keep kids engaged while offering a lighter take on the superhero genre.
What Teen Titans Go! Teaches Kids: Despite its delightfully silly tone, Teen Titans Go! teaches kids important lessons about friendship, communication, and conflict resolution. The Titans frequently argue or make mistakes, showing that disagreements are normal but can be resolved through compromise and understanding. The show encourages self-expression and creativity, reminding kids that it’s okay to be different and embrace their quirks. It also demonstrates accountability, as characters often face consequences for selfish or careless behavior. Through humor, kids learn emotional awareness, cooperation, and the value of teamwork.
Recommended Ages: Ages 7–12
Where To Watch Teen Titans Go!: Max
Big Hero 6: The Series
Continuing the story from the hit film, Big Hero 6: The Series follows robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada and his inflatable healthcare companion Baymax as they protect the city of San Fransokyo. Joined by friends Go Go, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred, the team uses science, innovation, and teamwork to stop villains. The show blends action, humor, and emotional storytelling while expanding the film’s universe with new adventures and character development.
What Big Hero 6 Teaches Kids: Big Hero 6: The Series teaches key skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional growth. Much like the excellent movie, Hiro learns to manage grief, responsibility, and leadership while relying on his friends for support. Kids are encouraged to see creativity and intelligence as powerful tools for helping others. Plus, who doesn’t want a Baymax of their own?
Recommended Ages: Ages 7–12
Where To Watch Big Hero 6: The Series: Disney+
Super Why!
Super Why! follows a group of literacy superheroes who not only enter storybooks to solve problems and fix broken narratives, but live in them as well. Led by Wyatt (the titular Super Why), each hero in the group has a reading-related power, such as spelling, vocabulary, or sentence-building. Episodes are interactive, inviting children to read along, answer questions, and participate actively in the story. The colorful animation and familiar fairy-tale settings make early literacy engaging and accessible for preschoolers. Super Why! It isn’t just a great addition to this cartoons about superheroes list, it’s also a wonderful educational resource in general and is often sourced by our team for educational lists.
What Super Why! Teaches Kids: Super Why!’s colorful animation and familiar fairy-tale settings make early literacy engaging and accessible for preschoolers. The show focuses on early reading skills, comprehension, and confidence. Kids practice letters, spelling, and word recognition in a fun, low-pressure environment that encourages participation and builds a positive relationship with reading.
Recommended Ages: Ages 3–6
Where To Watch Super Why!: PBS Kids
Static Shock
A lesser-known but very awesome DC hero, Static Shock follows teenager Virgil Hawkins, who gains electromagnetic powers after a scientific accident. As Static, he balances school life, friendships, and superhero responsibilities while protecting his city from crime. The series blends action with real-world issues, addressing topics such as peer pressure and community responsibility. Its grounded storytelling and relatable hero make it stand out among superhero shows.
What Static Shock Teaches Kids: The show teaches responsibility, empathy, and social awareness. Virgil is one of the few Black leads in a superhero show, and the show’s diverse cast underscores the importance of inclusion. Static Shock’s episodes handle different issues, including heavy topics like gangs, homelessness, racism, and mental illness, amongst others. But it’s still an engaging show, with other episodes featuring themes as simple as Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations. The show also features cameos from other characters from the DC Animated Universe, like Superman, Green Lantern, the Justice League, and the Batman Beyond cast. The series encourages compassion, ethical decision-making, and understanding different perspectives.
Recommended Ages: Ages 8–13
Where To Watch Static Shock: Available to purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV
Batman: The Animated Series
I’ve spoken of it before, but Batman: The Animated Series is, in my mind, the gold standard for not just animated superhero shows, but possibly all shows. The show defines Batman as we know him today, following Bruce Wayne as he protects Gotham City from crime as the Dark Knight. Known for its distinctive Art Deco style and mature storytelling, the series features complex villains such as the Joker, Harley Quinn, Two-Face, and Mr. Freeze, each with rich backstories and emotional depth. Unlike many superhero cartoons, the show treats its audience with respect, offering thoughtful narratives and real insight. Its brilliant writing, atmospheric music, noir tone, and strong writing have made it one of the most influential animated superhero series of all time.
What Batman: The Animated Series Teaches Kids: The series teaches kids the usual lessons about justice, responsibility, and moral complexity, but it does so in a way that seems very real. Batman is portrayed as a hero who relies on intelligence, discipline, and compassion rather than superpowers, reinforcing the idea that choices define character. Many episodes highlight the consequences of actions, showing how fear, trauma, and poor decisions can shape a person’s path. The show encourages empathy by helping kids understand that right and wrong are not always simple. It also promotes perseverance, self-control, and standing up for others. Batman: The Animated Series shows kids that doing the right thing isn’t always easy and often requires courage, sacrifice, and thoughtful decision-making.
Recommended Ages: Ages 8–13
Where To Watch Batman: The Animated Series: Max
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is a pre-teen superhero soap opera. The show follows teenagers Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, who secretly transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir using magical jewelry called Miraculouses. Each episode blends superhero action with school life, friendships, and personal challenges, allowing the story to balance episodic adventures with ongoing character development. The show’s bright animation, strong female lead, and romantic tension appeal to tweens, while its emphasis on identity and responsibility adds emotional depth beyond typical superhero cartoons. My editor-in-chief says this show is among the most-watched cartoons about superheroes in his house, which is a pretty big achievement since his family is all obsessed with the superhero genre.
What Miraculous Teaches Kids: The series’s friendship-focused episodes teach kids about responsibility, empathy, and emotional intelligence. In a twist, Villains are often born of everyday feelings such as anger, jealousy, or sadness. This shows kids that while they may feel out of control with these feelings, there’s always a way back. Marinette’s journey highlights perseverance, self-confidence, and learning from mistakes. The anime-styled animation is gorgeous, and the slightly more mature tone makes the characters feel real and relatable.
Recommended Ages: Ages 7–12
Where To Watch Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Disney+
PJ Masks
For the preschool set, PJ Masks centers on Connor, Amaya, and Greg, three kids who wear PJ Masks that turn them into the heroes Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko when night falls. Together, they embark on nighttime missions to stop mischievous kid villains and protect their city. Each episode is short, bright, and structured around a simple lesson, combining colorful superhero action with relatable childhood problems such as sharing, listening, and patience.
What PJ Masks Teaches Kids: The key messages of PJ Masks are ones of self-control, teamwork, and emotional regulation. Characters often learn that rushing or acting alone leads to mistakes, while cooperation brings success. Kids are also taught to give second chances and show understanding, as several episodes find the PJ Masks working with their villains. The show’s predictable format, bright visuals, and short runtime make it ideal for younger viewers while still delivering exciting adventures that feel heroic and empowering.
Recommended Ages: Ages 3–6
Where To Watch PJ Masks: Disney+
The Powerpuff Girls
Sometimes shows from my youth just don’t hold up over time. The Powerpuff Girls is not one of these, as its characters, stories, and vibe are all still relevant and fun today. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are three kindergarten-aged sisters and superheroes who protect the city of Townsville from eccentric villains. While packed with action and humor, the series also explores everyday childhood experiences, such as sibling rivalry and learning responsibility. If you want to watch cartoons about superheroes with your kids and also want to bring up a bit of nostalgia, you can watch the original series and then follow it with the recent reboot.
What The Powerpuff Girls Teaches Kids: Individuality, teamwork, and resilience. Kids learn that everyone has different strengths and that working together leads to success. The sisters often face consequences for their actions, reinforcing accountability and growth. Powerpuff Girls also encourages standing up for others, managing emotions, and solving problems constructively, all within an entertaining superhero framework. The show’s fast-paced storytelling and playful animation keep viewers engaged while still delivering meaningful character moments.
Recommended Ages: Ages 6–10
Where To Watch The Powerpuff Girls: Hulu
WordGirl
WordGirl is a literary-focused Superman-type superhero whose greatest power is her extraordinary vocabulary. WordGirl’s alter-ego is ten year old student Becky Botsford. When villains threaten the city, she saves the day using intelligence, language, and quick thinking rather than physical force. Each episode introduces new vocabulary words that are integrated directly into the plot and dialogue. The show works superhero action in with comedy and education, making learning feel exciting rather than instructional..
What WordGirl Teaches Kids: The show emphasizes language development, confidence, and critical thinking, but also acceptance of those who are different. WordGirl is from a distant planet called Lexicon and was adopted and raised by human parents. From there, WordGirl encourages curiosity, reading, and self-expression. It also reinforces fairness, honesty, and the ability to stand up for yourself and others through thoughtful communication rather than aggression.
Recommended Ages: Ages 5–8
Where To Watch WordGirl: PBS Kids
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012)
There have been a dozen Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shows and films over the last 35 years, each presenting unique versions of the Turtles and their world. The 2012 reimagining is my favourite, reimagining the classic heroes Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael as teenage brothers trained in ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Splinter, in New York City’s sewers. The show combines action-packed martial arts, sci-fi elements, and humor with serialized storytelling that allows characters to grow and mature. With high-quality animation and strong character arcs, the show appeals to both children and longtime fans.
What Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teaches Kids: Each turtle offers something through their unique personalities. Raph struggles with his anger, while Donnie promotes the importance of using intelligence to solve problems. Mikey loves to have fun, and Leo struggles with the weight of being a leader. What they all have in common is each other, and through that, the show teaches kids about brotherhood, discipline, and personal growth. The series emphasizes loyalty, perseverance, and standing up for others, reinforcing that true strength comes from teamwork and self-improvement rather than aggression alone.
Recommended Ages: Ages 7–12
Where To Watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012): Paramount+
Super Wings
A word to the wise: this is a very preschool show; it doesn’t make much sense, but kids absolutely love it. Super Wings follows Jett, a friendly jet airplane who travels around the world delivering packages to children. With help from his transforming airplane friends, Jett solves problems and learns about different cultures and countries along the way. Each episode introduces young viewers to new locations, customs, and languages while maintaining a simple superhero-style rescue format. Bright animation and short episodes make it especially engaging for preschool audiences.
What Super Wings Teaches Kids: With its bright animation and short episodes, Super Wings is especially engaging for preschool audiences. As Jett travels around the world, the show teaches global awareness, cooperation, and problem-solving. Kids learn about diversity, kindness, and helping others across cultures. It encourages curiosity about the world and reinforces teamwork, patience, and adaptability when challenges arise.
Recommended Ages: Ages 3–6
Where To Watch Super Wings: Amazon Prime Video
SheZow
SheZow is a show I had not heard of until I started writing this list, but it quickly became one I really enjoyed. SheZow is a comedy superhero series about Guy Hamdon, a boy who unexpectedly inherits his aunt’s superhero identity, SheZow. When wearing the magical ring, Guy transforms into the flamboyant superheroine and takes on villains, protects the innocent, all while trying to keep his secret identity. Humor, exaggerated villains, and fast-paced action make the show a fun place to explore identity and responsibility. Its playful tone makes superhero tropes accessible and entertaining for kids.
What SheZow Teaches Kids: SheZow teaches kids concepts of self-acceptance, confidence, and responsibility. The show is bold in that It challenges stereotypes and encourages kids to embrace who they are, even when it feels uncomfortable. The show promotes adaptability, bravery, and empathy, reinforcing that heroism is defined by actions, not appearances. SheZow also has a modern, fresh look, with modern, fresh-looking characters and settings.
Recommended Ages: Ages 6–10
Where To Watch SheZow: Tubi
Glitch Techs
Glitch Techs follows teenagers Miko and Five, who secretly work for an elite organization that protects the world from video game characters that escape into reality. Sort of a reverse-Reboot. Blending gaming culture with superhero action, Glitch Techs features fast-paced animation, sci-fi technology, and episodic adventures with overarching storylines. Its energetic tone, clever writing, and modern references make it especially appealing to older kids and tweens.
What Glitch Techs Teaches Kids: Throughout the series, each character learns about the importance of teamwork, resilience, and embracing individuality. Miko and Five demonstrate that different strengths, like creativity and strategy or logic and empathy, are equally valuable. The show teaches kids the valuable lesson that persistence, learning from failure, and respecting diverse talents are key to healthy friendships. It also reinforces ethical responsibility in the use of technology and power.
Recommended Ages: Ages 8–13
Where To Watch Glitch Techs: Netflix