Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has been a cherished part of anime for over three decades, captivating fans with its unique tropes, memorable characters, and enchanting narratives. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are beloved, there's a wealth of other magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This list ranks the top 10 magical girl anime, aiming to introduce you to new favorites, hidden gems, and modern marvels that will fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
So, prepare for a journey filled with witches, cat DNA, magical rods, and more! Here are the 10 most enchanting magical girl anime of all time.
10 Best Magical Girl Anime of All Time
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10. Little Witch Academia
Image credit: Netflix
Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is an adorable magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic comes true, despite her lack of inherent magical talent. Her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot leads her to discover a magical artifact linked to her idol, setting her on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This coming-of-age tale blends witchcraft with themes of friendship and a unique perspective on magic, making it a must-watch series available on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but the future of a third season remains uncertain.
9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
Image credit: Studio Pierrot
Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
This 1986 series is a pioneering example of magical girl anime and deservedly makes our list. It also embraces the beloved anime trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, a budding artist, is passionate about drawing and flowers, a love inherited from her florist parents. Her life changes when she rescues a flower and receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem that deserves a watch.
8. Tokyo Mew Mew
Image credit: Studio Pierrot
Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 52 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a fresh twist on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation into a cat-like being leads her to team up with other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their new abilities. This fun and quirky series has been further enhanced by its recent reboot, making it even more delightful.
7. My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically when she enrolls in the secretive Fuuka Academy. She soon discovers her purpose there and her connection to others who can summon familiars to battle nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply linked to loved ones, adding emotional depth to the intense battles.
6. Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
If you're looking for a magical girl series with endless episodes, Pretty Cure is your answer, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil, embodying the classic magical girl narrative. Its enduring appeal lies in its vibrant, cute aesthetic and the delightful creatures that accompany the magical girls, making it a joy to watch.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica redefines the magical girl genre by infusing it with darker themes. The series follows young women who become witch fighters after making a contract with a mysterious cat-like creature. This seemingly traditional setup delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people, making it a profound and thought-provoking watch.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth
Image credit: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
Created by the renowned artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is a high fantasy epic that transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school field trip. This series showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a timeless classic. Fans can also explore the Magic Knight Rayearth games from the '90s.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. Staff
Studio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Revolutionary Girl Utena is a groundbreaking and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric tales, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. Her journey leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This series offers a meta-exploration of the genre's tropes, making it a unique and thought-provoking experience.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze. Sakura's life changes when she accidentally releases the Clow Cards from a mysterious book in her basement. With the help of the guardian creature Cerberus, she embarks on a quest to recapture them. This fashion-forward, action-packed series is a beloved classic that resonates with fans of all ages.
1. Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Topping our list is Naoko Takeuchi's iconic Sailor Moon, widely regarded as one of the greatest anime series ever. The story of Usagi, a regular schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon, is a timeless classic. With its stunning animation, memorable character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts offer diverse and relatable characters, making the series a beloved and influential staple in the genre.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd those are our picks for the best magical girl anime! They're all enchanting, but did your favorite make the cut? Let us know in the comments.Looking for more anime to watch online? Take a look at our guide to the best vampire anime as well as our list of the most underrated anime series.
