Anime is broadcast and streamed every day, with countless titles to choose from.
From buzzworthy hits to shows they’ve been watching since they were little, children have plenty of chances to encounter all kinds of anime.
In this article, we’ll introduce anime that are popular among upper elementary students, specifically 3rd and 4th graders.
We’ve gathered a variety of titles, including globally beloved series and long-running franchises that delight audiences in every era.
Even if a show has finished airing, many are available on streaming platforms, so be sure to check out any anime that catches your eye!
- You can instantly spot the most popular anime among kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about.
- An anime popular among upper elementary school students! A show that will get conversations with friends buzzing just by watching it.
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A roundup of popular anime for upper elementary school students, including buzzworthy titles (1–10)
Detective Conan
Detective Conan is an anime with unwavering popularity.
Since it began airing in 1996, it has continued to captivate many fans.
The story follows Shinichi Kudo, who is transformed into a child by a mysterious organization and solves various cases under the name Conan Edogawa.
In particular, Season 5 in 2000 features standout episodes that portray the bittersweet relationship between Shinichi and Ran.
For children, the appeal likely lies in the sharp deduction-driven stories and the characters’ growth.
For parents, it offers nostalgia, while for kids it feels fresh—sure to be enjoyable for all.
SPY×FAMILY
SPY×FAMILY is a unique anime that blends action and comedy.
Premiering in April 2022, it captivates viewers with a story about characters juggling life as spies and as a family.
The protagonist, Loid, is a top-class spy, and the family he assembles includes his daughter Anya, who can read minds, and his wife Yor, an assassin.
Their everyday life is easy for children to understand, offering moments to laugh and to feel on edge together, making it irresistibly engaging.
As they hide their secrets while striving to protect peace, the story highlights the importance of courage and bonds.
Doraemon
Transcending generations in popularity, Doraemon has been capturing children’s hearts since it first aired in 1979 and hasn’t let go! No matter how times have changed since the original broadcast, it keeps winning over countless new fans.
Starting from the second series’ second phase, its updated high-definition visuals and the fresh voices of the new cast have also captivated a new generation of kids.
Blending adventure, sci-fi, and comedy, this series always brings laughter and dreams to living rooms and kids’ rooms alike!
Pokémon series
The Pokémon series has always been a consistent favorite among upper-elementary school children.
Starting in 1997, the adventures of Ash and Pikachu traveling through various regions have captivated many fans.
The series that began in 2019 feels fresh with its dual protagonists and lets you fully appreciate the appeal of the Galar region.
The subsequent series starring Liko and Roy is also a must-see.
The starter Pokémon, which have a new kind of charm unlike anything before, set off on adventures on the big screen.
The Pokémon series also has plenty of appeal in its past entries, making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy together!
ONE PIECE
Captivating the hearts of upper-elementary school kids, ONE PIECE has been loved by a wide range of generations since it began airing in 1999.
The story follows the protagonist, Luffy, who sets out on an adventure with his friends to become the Pirate King.
In 2021, the series reached its 1000th episode, a milestone widely celebrated by fans.
Its high-quality animation—and the switch to HD production starting with episode 207 in 2004—have further enhanced its appeal.
It’s perfect for family viewing on weekends! With a world that continues to inspire dreams and courage in children who love seafaring adventures, it will keep connecting with many hearts for years to come.
Cells at Work!
Cells at Work! is a unique anime that blends education and entertainment, which began airing in 2018.
Through adventures that effectively depict the flow of blood, it teaches the mechanisms of the human body in a way that’s easy for upper elementary school students to understand.
Another highlight is its star-studded voice cast, including Kana Hanazawa as a red blood cell and Tomoaki Maeno as a white blood cell.
The music is fantastic, too! In particular, “Mission! Ken-Ko-Dai-Ichi” is recommended for kids who love to get moving.
It’s a perfect pick for classroom use or family viewing at home!
Oshi no Ko
A smash hit that keeps you hooked with mysteries and twists that clash intriguingly with its subject matter! The anime Oshi no Ko, based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, lit up the 2023 anime scene alongside its opening theme Idol by YOASOBI.
The story follows the protagonist, Aqua, who pursues the truth behind the death of his mother, the idol Ai Hoshino, through his activities in the entertainment industry.
As the story unfolds, you catch glimpses of the glittering showbiz world’s dark underbelly, and it’s absolutely gripping.