You can instantly spot the most popular anime among kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about.

Detective Conan

Tokyo Incidents – The Eternal Alibi of Absence

For today’s elementary schoolers, it’s one of those national anime that was already on the air when they were born.

The original manga has been translated and published around the world, and its media rollout—stage productions, games, travel tie-ins, you name it—shows no signs of stopping.

It even became an attraction at Universal Studios Japan.

Many of you have probably ridden it yourselves.

Needless to say, Conan is a given, but the series also boasts wildly popular, charming characters like his eternal partner Kogoro Mouri, his love interest Ran, the ever-reliable Ai Haibara, and Heiji Hattori.

Truly, it’s one of those anime we hope will keep running forever.

Butt Detective

Anime Butt Detective Episode 1: 'Pupuu, Case Closed! The Butt Detective Appears!'

Here’s the quirky anime based on Troll’s original work: “Butt Detective.” What’s quirky about it? His face is a butt.

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! Just like “Oshiri Kajiri Mushi,” grade-school kids sure do love butt humor.

The anime has been airing in long seasons since 2018 and is quite popular.

The catchphrase “Hmm, I smell something” is well-known among little kids.

The character’s IQ is 1104—a playful number pun in Japanese that sounds like “a good butt.” Each episode is a self-contained story, so it’s fine to start watching from anywhere.

Assassination Classroom

[Official] Assassination Classroom PV

It’s a story about the interactions between a mysterious creature with an unusual form, “Koro-sensei,” and the students who strive to assassinate him.

The key point is that they’re not only teacher and students but also assassin and target, and that distorted closeness makes their bond feel even stronger.

The plot gradually delves into Koro-sensei’s true identity and the students’ home lives, blending elements of suspense and school drama.

Koro-sensei himself is also a crucial, eye-catching character; the anime effectively conveys his creepy yet comical movements that take full advantage of his bizarre appearance.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

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The 1998 anime often considered the origin of the series, Yu-Gi-Oh!, is a work whose appeal lies in its horror-tinged atmosphere from the early manga and its thrilling developments.

After the protagonist, Yugi Mutou, solves the ancient Egyptian Millennium Puzzle, a second persona emerges, who judges evil through Shadow Games and resolves incidents.

Not only Yugi’s friends but also the villains are strikingly unique, and their relationships further heighten the drama.

The in-story card game, Magic and Wizards, became the basis for Duel Monsters, which then expanded and led to everything that followed—making this a work that can truly be called the beginning of a legend.

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill Season 2 – Teaser PV / Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill Season 2 – Teaser

It’s the popular anime that combines “another world” with “gourmet,” Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill! The rough story goes like this: Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a salaryman from modern society, is summoned to the otherworldly Kingdom of Reijseger.

Using his ability to order ingredients and other items from his original world and his hobby-level cooking skills, he travels around various regions of the world.

It’s an anime that makes you hungrier the more you watch.

The gentle, cozy atmosphere is totally addictive, and it’s a nice change of pace from intense battle-focused shows.

Crayon Shin-chan

Yuzu “Muscat” Music Video

Long-running anime really are great, aren’t they? It’s the perfect show to enjoy as a family.

One minute he’s goofing around, wiggling his butt, and five minutes later he’s diving into danger for his friends—Shin-chan’s sharp contrast is one of the series’ biggest charms.

And, all things considered, his kind mom, unreliable dad, and adorable little sister are appealing too.

There are lots of movies as well, so definitely check those out.

Also, don’t miss the theme songs—major artists are behind them!

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby

Anime 'Uma Musume: Pretty Derby – ROAD TO THE TOP' Episode 1: "The Beginning of a Dream"

The popular series Uma Musume: Pretty Derby sparked a horse racing boom in Japan.

Its story—passionate, cute, and tear-jerking—follows anthropomorphized versions of real racehorses as charming girls, captivating many anime fans.

Season 1 aired in spring 2018, with sequels broadcast intermittently afterward.

Among fans, one analysis of why it resonated across a wide age range, including elementary schoolers, despite its somewhat adult theme of “horse racing,” is that the Uma Musume’s intense showdowns are, at their core, just “races.” Being fast at running is simply cool, after all.