A roundup of anime popular with upper elementary school kids, including buzzworthy titles
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!
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A roundup of popular anime for upper elementary school students, including buzzworthy titles (1–10)
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!
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!
Pretty Cure series
The Pretty Cure series, which enjoys immense popularity among upper elementary school children, captivates kids with its vividly colorful world that fills the screen and its powerful action.
The series began with Futari wa Pretty Cure, which aired in 2004, and has continued to evolve with each new installment.
Watching the heroines transform and fight formidable enemies gives children great courage.
It’s no wonder kids love this series! Every episode offers wonderful stories that teach the importance of friendship and hard work.
A roundup of anime popular among upper elementary school students. Hot titles included (11–20)
Crayon Shin-chan
Crayon Shin-chan is an anime beloved by upper elementary school children and has enjoyed overwhelming popularity since it began airing in 1992.
Starting in April 1992, this long-running series has never lost its charm.
Shin-chan’s pranks and the everyday life of his family unfold in stories that bring lots of laughs and sometimes even a few tears.
It’s perfect for the whole family to watch together in the living room on a day off.
Why not enjoy Crayon Shin-chan with your family and friends anytime you want a good time?
Sumikkogurashi
Premiering in October 2023, the anime “Sumikko Gurashi: Sorairo no Mainichi” is a masterpiece that resonates with upper elementary school children.
Narrated by Perfume, it carefully portrays the characters’ backgrounds and warms the hearts of viewers.
This work helps children notice the small joys found in everyday life.
It’s recommended for relaxing either with the family or on your own! The theatrical releases are also popular, so be sure to check those out as well.
One-Punch Man
A fresh take on the hero genre starring Saitama, the ultimate hero who can defeat any formidable foe.
Because his power is so overwhelming, he feels no thrill in battle and carries a hint of emptiness, yet he quietly protects the city day after day—both funny and a little bittersweet to watch.
Meanwhile, the passionate battles of his disciple Genos and the many quirky heroes are genuinely exciting, and the showdowns with monsters are packed with impact.
The balance between comedy and seriousness is spot-on, the pacing is snappy, and the flashy set pieces are a blast.
It’s a perfect choice for upper-elementary school friends to enjoy together.
Villainess-Reincarnated Middle-Aged Man
A serious, mild-mannered middle-aged man reincarnates as the “villainess” in an otome game world—a full-throttle gap-moe isekai comedy! She’s supposed to be the hated character, yet her workplace-honed consideration, planning skills, and polite speech keep shining through, sending everyone’s affection for her skyrocketing in the funniest way.
She wants to pull off classic villain moves, but her fundamentally good nature trips her up, which only makes her more endearing.
It’s a breezy read that, somehow, warms the heart as well.
A feel-good story that’ll make you laugh and heal you, whether you watch it with friends or enjoy it as a parent and child.