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 kids’ animation especially consistently ranking among the most-viewed shows on the streamer. Kids’ animation, especially, is good with repeat viewing compared to other Netflix Originals and licensed series. Which ones have been the top performers so far in 2026? Here’s our rundown.
Netflix’s animated projects have been smashing it out of the park in recent years; look no further than Kpop Demon Hunters, which is the single biggest movie in the streamer’s history. So far in 2026, we’ve already seen Swapped enter Netflix’s all-time top 10. We’ve covered the most popular animated movies on Netflix so far in 2025 here. In this article, we’re turning to all of the most-watched animated series of the year, which remains dominated by key licensed pickups, many of which have been pillars on Netflix for several years now.
Note: These are grouped entries, meaning the viewership data includes combined hours and views across seasons.
Bebefinn
Produced by South Korean company Pinkfong, the creators of viral sensation song Baby Shark, Bebefinn first landed on Netflix back in 2022, where it has since expanded into five seasons as well as several spinoff projects. The CGI animated show is a certified hit among children.
Following the success of the TV show, Netflix released the IP’s first feature Bebefinn Sing-Along Movie: Into the Pinkfong World in April 2026.
Despite its surge in popularity thanks to Netflix, the Bebefinn IP continues to grow through both its YouTube channel and an agreement with Amazon Kids+, which will debut the release of The Big Book of Bebefinn.
Bebefinn squeezes into the top 10 with 26,500,000 views on Netflix so far in 2026.
Paw Patrol
One of Nickelodeon’s most recognisable titles, Paw Patrol began its journey in 2013 and has since spawned a kids’ entertainment empire, spanning over 250 episodes and expanding into movies, toys, and games. The series headed to Netflix US for the first time in Summer 2025 after streaming in several regions for a few years. Before that deal was in place, Netflix partnered with the show on spinoffs, and became the streaming home of Paw Patrol: The Movie in many regions.
Suffice it to say, the show was a gigantic success on Netflix US, comfortably breaking into the top 10 most-watched animated series. It holds 27,500,000 views on Netflix so far in 2026.
Lottie Dottie Chicken
It’s fair to say that Lottie Dottie Chicken isn’t quite as recognisable an IP as Paw Patrol, but the Brazilian animated series, which became famous after going viral on YouTube, has been on Netflix in various regions, especially for Latin American audiences, for over a decade. Netflix has continued to invest in the series, acquiring the rights to spinoff Lottie Dottie Mini in 2019. Years later, the series remains a staple for young Netflix viewers, especially in Brazil where it’s known as Galinha Pintadinha.
Lottie Dottie Chicken has 31,500,000 views on Netflix so far in 2026.
Booba
The flagship show of British animation studio 3D Sparrow, comedy Booba follows a tiny, wildly curious hobgoblin who wanders the world in search of adventure and thrills. Despite his age, he jumps into everything with childlike enthusiasm and wonder. It features no dialogue, chronicling his adventures through movement and expression only, giving the series a wide appeal, not bogged down by language barriers.
Booba was initially developed through a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign. It first debuted in 2016. After strong initial reactions, it was licensed by Netflix in 2018. In 2026, four of the six available seasons are streaming on Netflix US. So far this year, it has 32,700,000 views on Netflix.
Little Angel
Coming in at 38,100,000 views so far in 2026 is Little Angel, a sister show of the global phenomenon CoComelon brand. Having its origins as a YouTube success, Little Angel follows main character Baby John and his small group of friends who navigate the playground, with musical intervals. The series is available on Netflix in numerous regions, and it has also been licensed to other streamers including Disney+ and Prime Video.
Cocomelon
CoComelon is a multi-record-breaking series in many different ways. Perhaps most notably, CoComelon became the first YouTube channel to surpass one billion weekly views — an achievement it made while we were all locked indoors during the 2020 pandemic. Soon after, Netflix licensed the show later in 2020, where it ended up spending a then-record-breaking 100 consecutive days in the U.S. Top 10 list. To date in 2026, it has surpassed 39,400,000 views.
Interestingly, in 2025, Netflix did not renew its licensing deal for CoComelon, and in 2027 the show will subsequently move to Disney+. Netflix will still retain streaming rights to spinoffs CoComelon Lane and Blippi.
Masha and the Bear
Like other licensed shows on this list, preschool cartoon Masha and the Bear first exploded in popularity on YouTube — it holds a Guinness World Record for the most-watched 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. In fact, in June 2026, Deadline reported that Netflix landed Seasons 8 and 9 of the show, as well as continued rights to Seasons 1 through 7 and spin-off series. The Netflix license spans over 100 countries, including the US and Canada.
Masha and the Bear was viewed on Netflix 40,400,000 times so far in 2026.
Masha and the Bear isn’t without its controversies, however. In fact, earlier this month a report from The Guardian mentioned that over 50 British MPs wrote to the UK Culture Secretary to ban the show due to concerns over Russian propaganda.
Rick & Morty
Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, adult animated sci-fi sitcom Rick & Morty follows mad scientist Rick and his grandson Morty who embark on wacky and whimsical adventures across the cosmos and in other realms. It’s the only animated series in the top 10 that’s strictly for adults. The series was viewed 46,300,000 times so far in 2026.
The position of Rick and Morty in the top 10 makes a lot of sense; it’s one of the most instantly recognizable IPs here. Outside of Netflix, the show is still airing its 10-episode ninth season, which debuted back in May 2026.
The Creature Cases
Coming in at 49,300,000 views is The Creature Cases, the only Netflix Original preschool series in the top 10. The series follows special agents Sam and Ki, who hop the globe with their sleuthing skills, solving cases from within the animal kingdom. Preschool animated shows on Netflix may be dominated by licensed titles, but Netflix cracked the code with this one.
Peppa Pig
Does Peppa Pig need an introduction? Not really. The British animated phenomenon is among the biggest children’s shows to ever air, expanding not only into toys and games, but entire theme parks.
Netflix UK first picked up the series in 2015, renewing the licence after it expired in 2021. Most regions have the show, but at Netflix US, deals become murky due to rights. Netflix US picked up seasons 3-6 in 2024. In 2025, 6 seasons (3-8) were streaming on Netflix US.
Peppa Pig has reached a staggering 81,800,000 views so far in 2026, making it the best-performing by quite a margin.
Other big animated series on Netflix in 2026
While children’s shows naturally dominate the top 10 thanks to increased repeat viewership, a wider 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 & Cat Noir — 22,500,000 views — A kids’ superhero series about teens who take on the personas Ladybug and Noir Cat to protect Paris.
- CoComelon Lane —22,200,000 views— A CoComelon spinoff series.
- Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous — 17,500,000 views —An animatedJurassic World spinoff headlined by Jenna Ortega, who voices Brooklynn.
- My Hero Academia — 17,100,000 views — Based on the beloved manga, My Hero Academia takes place in a world where superpowers are a normal profession, and our protagonist vies to become one.
- Demon Slayer — 17,100,000 views —A dark fantasy anime based on the seminal manga by Koyoharu Gotouge.
- Solar Opposites — 16,300,000 views — From Rick & Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, this 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 byMasashi Kishimoto, this is a direct sequel to the original Naruto series.
- Hot Wheels Let’s Race — 16,100,000 views — An animated series based on the original, belovedHot Wheels toys by Mattel.
