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!
- 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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You can see at a glance which anime are popular with kids! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about (1–10)
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 Yunoki family’s four brothers.
A heartwarming story about four siblings who lost their parents and support each other through everyday life, The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons.
Alongside the eldest brother’s sense of responsibility and the second brother’s free-spirited nature, the third brother’s kindness and the youngest’s innocence are also depicted, making each character unique and appealing.
The siblings’ interactions are often comedic with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, yet there are also scenes so moving they can bring you to tears.
Centered on the importance of family and bonds, it’s a story that upper elementary school children can easily relate to.
In addition to its warm narrative, the snappy, well-paced dialogue is another reason for its popularity.
Just by watching, you can feel the preciousness of the brothers’ bond, and it’s a heartwarming work that often becomes a topic among friends, such as “Which brother do you like best?”
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
Dai no Daibouken (Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai) is a grand adventure tale about Dai, a boy who dreams of becoming a hero, as he faces powerful foes alongside his companions.
Set in a world of swords and sorcery, it features thrilling battles and a growth-driven drama, making it a great recommendation for upper elementary school kids.
Through clashes with enemies, the story teaches the value of friendship and courage, and each character’s unique personality is part of the appeal.
Beyond the fights, many scenes portray trust among comrades and inner conflicts, making it easy to become emotionally invested.
The original work has been beloved for many years, and its anime adaptation has brought it renewed attention from today’s children.
It’s especially recommended for fans of action and adventure, and it’s sure to spark lively conversations with friends—an exciting, adventure-filled series that fires the imagination.
You can see the most popular anime among kids at a glance! A collection of works that elementary schoolers are crazy about (11–20)
Laid-Back Camp
Laid-Back Camp is a story that portrays the friendship and growth of high school students through camping.
Its charm lies especially in the realistic depictions of camping that even beginners can relate to, and the fun way it teaches tips about gear and cooking.
Centered on the main characters Nadeshiko Kagamihara and Rin Shima, watching the group spend leisurely time in nature is soothing in itself.
The gentle everyday scenes and the direction that showcases beautiful landscapes are part of what makes it so popular.
The camp meals and campfire scenes are so appealing that you’ll want to try them yourself, and they can even spark children’s interest in the outdoors.
Talking with friends about your favorite scenes and characters is sure to be a blast, and the series radiates a relaxed, warm atmosphere.
Haikyu!!
Haikyu!! is an anime based on a Jump manga that centers on high school volleyball.
“Haikyu” comes from the Japanese word for volleyball, written as “排球.” Its dynamic, high-impact animation has brought many new fans to the sport.
Some elementary school kids even started playing volleyball because of this show.
One of the series’ charms is how popular the rival teams are, like Nekoma High and Aoba Johsai High.
It’s a must-watch for fans of fiery, passionate anime and sports.
Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No.
8 is a recommended series for upper-elementary students who love battle anime.
The protagonist, Kafka Hibino, once aimed to join the Defense Force to keep a promise to his childhood friend, but after repeatedly failing the exams, he gave up.
However, meeting Reno Ichikawa inspires him to try again.
The battles with kaiju are intense, and the strong Defense Force members are simply cool.
Watching Kafka overcome the hurdles of age and ability to grow is genuinely moving.
Pretty Cure
The popular anime series Pretty Cure from the TV Asahi network.
When someone says, “I like Cure Marine,” or “I’m a Cure Melody fan,” you can pretty much guess their age based on which Precure they name.
I wonder if they ever get excited during break time by doing the transformation poses.
That’s such a classic girl thing, right? The setup of strong-willed heroines fighting evil organizations is similar to Sailor Moon, and just like elementary school boys have their favorite heroes, it’s great that girls have their favorite heroines too! And you can’t miss the All Stars movies where Precures from different generations all come together.