You can instantly spot the most popular anime among kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about.
The heart-stirring anime we watched as kids are unforgettable treasures even for adults, aren’t they? Many of you are probably looking for shows you can enjoy together with your children.
So here, we’ll introduce not only the stories of anime that are currently popular among kids, but also their charming and distinctive characters.
These wonderful works are full of laughs and touching moments.
We’ll be showcasing titles that are perfect for relaxing family time, so please read to the end!
You can see at a glance which anime are popular with kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about (1–10)
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is a slightly spooky yet tender and heartwarming school fantasy that begins with the twist that Hanako, one of the school’s Seven Mysteries—the spirit said to haunt the girls’ bathroom—is actually a boy.
Nene, the girl who meets Hanako, ends up confronting the various apparitions lurking in the school alongside him.
The story blends the thrills of ghost tales with the characters’ delicate emotions, packing kindness and humor amid the scares.
Its unique worldview and stylish use of color are also appealing, drawing readers into a picture book-like atmosphere that makes it especially recommended for children.
It’s a slightly mysterious, memorable work that portrays friendship, secrets, and emotional growth.
Dr.STONE
Dr.
STONE ran in Weekly Shonen Jump for five years starting in 2017.
The series drew buzz again with its 2022 comeback one-shot and gained even more popularity with its TV anime adaptation.
Centered on science yet packed with sci-fi and survival elements, it tells the story of rebuilding civilization from zero after a sudden calamity strikes humanity.
It also includes the signature battle elements of shonen manga, delivering exhilarating developments while showcasing the fun and greatness of science.
With an unpredictable plot from start to finish, it’s an anime I highly recommend to elementary school students who want to experience a deeply engaging story.
Sumikkogurashi
Sumikkogurashi is a set of characters from San-X that was introduced in 2012.
Did you know its subtitle is “This is where we feel most at home”? The idea was reportedly born from the creator’s doodles during their school days, and that doodle-like looseness and charm have earned it a strong reputation—related merchandise is hugely popular.
In 2019, to celebrate its 7th anniversary, it was adapted into an animated film.
It became a big hit not only with children but also with adults, who said things like “surprisingly deep,” “made me cry,” and “I only went along with my kid, but I was moved and became a fan.” It’s no wonder: despite their cute appearances, the Sumikkogurashi characters are built around concepts with a bittersweet touch—being negative, quirky, or a bit odd—which resonates strongly with adults.
It’s a work I hope parents and children will watch together.
The Apothecary Diaries
The popular anime series The Apothecary Diaries is a story that shines with its mystery-solving appeal.
Maomao, the protagonist who lived as an apothecary in the red-light district, is kidnapped and sold, ending up working in the imperial harem.
There, she meets various people—chief among them the eunuch Jinshi, who manages the harem—and solves incidents that occur within the palace.
It’s fun to learn about medicinal knowledge while using Maomao’s deductions to figure out who the culprit is.
Another highlight is the romance between the quirky Maomao and Jinshi, the epitome of beauty!
Dandadan
A work that’s popular among elementary school kids who are into yokai and the supernatural is Dandadan.
Momo Ayase, born into a family of spirit mediums, teams up with occult fanatic Ken Takakura to take on strange phenomena like aliens and yokai.
While it has rom-com elements, the snappy dialogue and plentiful homages make it a lot of fun, and you’ll find yourself laughing non-stop.
It’s an anime that kids can enjoy, but it does include some crude language and expressions.
Please be careful not to imitate them or say them to your friends.
Witch Watch
A slapstick comedy depicting the whimsical cohabitation of a young witch, Nico Wakatuki, and Morihito, a boy with ogre blood who protects her.
With a unique premise where magic and psychic powers blend into everyday life and snappy, well-timed gags, it charms kids with laughter while warming their hearts.
The chaotic scenes where Nico’s magic runs amok and the contrast with Morihito’s cool-headed responses are especially engaging.
Magic, friendship, battles, and more are well balanced, making each episode unpredictably fun.
A lively, heart-lifting story where the ordinary and the extraordinary intertwine.
Pocket Monsters
Pokémon is a long-running Japanese animated series based on the video games.
Amazingly, the first episode aired in 1997! In Japan, it’s so famous that practically everyone knows it.
The story follows Ash Ketchum, who sets off on adventures with his partner Pikachu and the friends he meets, battling enemies like Team Rocket as he pursues his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.
The biggest appeal is undoubtedly the unique and charming Pokémon themselves—no wonder it has fans all over the world.
Because it’s been around for so long, it has many adult fans, making it a show that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.