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!
- 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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Summary of popular anime for upper elementary grades. Trending titles included (31–40)
Curious George
The animated series “Curious George” is based on the picture book series “Curious George.” The protagonist, George, is a little monkey, so he doesn’t speak.
But through his gestures and expressive face, you can tell what he wants to do and what he’s thinking.
In these charming stories, George dives into all kinds of adventures and mishaps—and solves them—making the show hugely popular with children! The lack of dialogue sparks the imagination and draws viewers into George’s world.
If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to give it a try.
SpongeBob
SpongeBob SquarePants is a comedy-heavy animated series that portrays the lives of creatures living in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
It’s an American cartoon loved by people of all ages.
Since it’s also broadcast on TV in Japan, many elementary school students may have seen it.
The main character, SpongeBob, is very optimistic and cheerful.
Although he means no harm, various mishaps unfold as he involves those around him—like his best friend Patrick and Mr.
Krabs, the owner of the burger shop where SpongeBob works—making it a show that will have you chuckling.
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.
Science × Adventure Survival!
Science x Adventure Survival! is a series that blends scientific knowledge with adventure stories, offering the compelling appeal of learning resourcefulness and survival skills in nature.
It follows boys and girls who face sudden troubles and solve problems using items around them, sparking curiosity.
Technical terms are clearly explained, making it easy for elementary school students to understand and enjoyably deepen their interest in science.
Because the knowledge directly drives the plot, it’s an outstanding work that lets readers learn without feeling like they’re studying.
Pocket Monsters
It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.
The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.
The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.
With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.