As kids reach the upper grades of elementary school, their tastes in favorite anime really start to show! Beyond buzz and entertainment value, choosing shows that suit children in their growth stage is important.
Here, we’ll introduce a variety of anime that are popular with elementary schoolers—especially those in the upper grades—in detail.
Each title not only has an engaging story but is also considerate of viewers’ ages, so you can check them out with confidence.
We’re sure both kids and adults will have a great time getting excited about anime together!
- You can instantly spot the most popular anime among kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about.
- Anime songs popular among elementary school students. Theme songs and insert songs from trending anime.
- [Latest & Greatest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for Teens
- [2025] Recommended Anime Songs for Middle School Students: Theme Songs and Insert Songs from Popular Anime
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Popular Vocaloid Songs Ranking Recommended for Elementary School Students [2025]
- [2025] A roundup of popular anime songs recommended for high school students
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- Popular anime songs you often hear on YouTube Shorts
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
- [Standard] A roundup of recommended Vocaloid songs for middle schoolers [Latest]
- [Departure] A Special Feature on Anime Songs to Hear at Graduation Ceremonies [Tearjerkers]
Popular anime among upper elementary school students! Titles that will spark lively conversations with friends just by watching (1–10)
Haikyu!!
Haikyu!! is an anime series themed around high school volleyball.
It’s one of the most popular sports anime, so many of you may already know it.
The protagonist, Shoyo Hinata, isn’t blessed with height, but thanks to his exceptional jumping ability and athleticism, he earns a spot as a regular on the team.
It’s a coming-of-age story that depicts how he and his teammates—and even their rivals—sharpen their skills and strengthen their hearts as they grow.
When you get to the upper grades, choosing a club in junior high becomes a hot topic, doesn’t it? Be sure to give it a watch.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
Premiering on September 29, 2023, this series captivates with adventures set in a unique magical world.
Its protagonist is a long-lived elf mage, offering a fresh perspective on the classic fantasy genre.
There are plenty of elements that adolescents can relate to, from the characters’ psychology to their growth.
The music is composed by Evan Call, with Yorushika’s “Haru” as the opening theme for season one and milet’s “Anytime Anywhere” as the ending theme—both deeply moving.
The soundtrack, which adds further depth to the anime’s world, has also become a hot topic.
Oshi no Ko
A wildly popular series whose mysteries and thriller elements create an irresistible gap with its subject matter! The anime Oshi no Ko, based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, took the 2023 anime scene by storm along with 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 work in the entertainment industry.
As the story progresses, you get glimpses of the glamorous showbiz world’s dark underbelly, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
SPY×FAMILY
The appeal of SPY×FAMILY lies in its story, where action and humor intersect perfectly, and in its distinctive characters.
The struggles they face and the growth they undergo spark the imagination and elicit empathy from viewers.
It’s also noteworthy for its music—featuring top-tier artists like Official HIGE DANDism and Gen Hoshino—so enjoying the songs alongside the show is highly recommended.
With a plot that draws you in, it’s great for parents and children to enjoy together, which makes it easy to see why it’s recommended for family viewing.
Detective Conan
A show that gets upper elementary students utterly hooked, Detective Conan is a long-running series that began in 1996.
Centered on mystery-solving, the story keeps you glued to the cool exploits of the protagonist, Conan.
From “Nazo,” which served as the opening theme from Episodes 53 to 96, to many other theme songs that further enhance the anime’s appeal, the music is a major highlight.
Beyond the soundtrack, pay attention to the characters’ growth and the deep human relationships.
Just imagining what kinds of adventures await if you were to dive into this story-rich world is exciting, isn’t it? Come on—let’s solve the mysteries together!
My Hero Academia
The popular anime My Hero Academia, based on a manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump! In an era where having a “Quirk”—like manipulating fire or growing gigantic—is the norm, the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, was born quirkless.
After a certain incident, he sets his sights on becoming a top hero.
While battling villains and pushing himself alongside his classmates, this fiery hero story is igniting the hearts of elementary school kids! HeroAca not only has a great story, but its theme songs are all fantastic tracks too.
ONE PIECE
One Piece is a monumental adventure anime that has been on the air since 1999.
For upper-grade kids, Luffy and his crew chasing their dreams together are the very image of a grand adventure to admire.
The series surpassed the major milestone of 10 years on air in 2009, and in 2021 it reached the moving milestone of its 1,000th episode.
Many fans have surely enjoyed the pirate-themed world while watching the characters grow along the way.
The adventures that unfold across the seas—so different from our everyday lives—are captivating no matter when you watch them!