Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has been a beloved staple of anime for over three decades, offering its own delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a rich world of magical girl anime beyond these iconic series. This list aims to not only rank the best magical girl anime but also introduce you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of 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: NetflixStudio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is a charming magical school story that reinvents the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter generation. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic becomes a reality, despite her initial lack of magical talent. Her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot fuels her journey, especially after discovering a magical artifact linked to her idol. Akko's mission is to reignite the world's love for magic, blending coming-of-age themes with enchanting witchcraft. This delightful series, available on Netflix, is a must-watch for its cozy friendships and unique magical narrative.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but the future of a Season 3 remains uncertain.
9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
As one of the earliest magical girl anime from 1986, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol deserves a spot on our list. It showcases a beloved trope: a protagonist aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi, with her passion for art and flowers, inherited from her florist parents, saves a flower and is rewarded with magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. This retro and charming series is an underappreciated gem that's definitely worth exploring.
8. Tokyo Mew Mew
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: 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 unique twist on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-like transformation. Ichigo and her fellow transformed girls combat an alien threat linked to their new abilities. This fun and quirky series has been elevated even further with its recent reboot.
7. My-HiME
Image credit: SunriseStudio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME masterfully blends magical girl elements with a boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically when she joins the secretive Fuuka Academy, where she discovers others like her who can summon familiars to fight nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding emotional depth and stakes to the battles.
6. Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
For those seeking a magical girl series with multiple seasons, Pretty Cure offers an impressive 800 episodes centered around young girls gaining magical powers to fight evil. This classic take on magical girl lore remains delightful and enduring, complete with cute creatures and a technicolor aesthetic.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: ShaftStudio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica reimagines the magical girl trope with a darker, more profound narrative. Young women become witch fighters after accepting a contract from a cat-like creature, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the harsh realities of being a magical girl. This series offers a compelling and thought-provoking take on the genre.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth
Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
Created by the renowned artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school trip. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a timeless series. The 90s also saw the release of Magic Knight Rayearth games, adding to its legacy.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. StaffStudio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Revolutionary Girl Utena stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric romance, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. Her journey leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, involving the enigmatic Rose Bride. This series offers a surrealistic and meta exploration of the genre's tropes.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another CLAMP masterpiece, blends magical girl themes with the card collecting craze of its time. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards, she embarks on a journey to capture them, aided by the mysterious creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward and action-packed series remains a beloved classic.
1. Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Topping our list is the groundbreaking Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi, arguably one of the best anime of all time. The story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl transformed into the titular Sailor Moon, is iconic for its stunning animation, character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences. The well-developed Sailor Scouts allow viewers to connect with each character, making this series a timeless and influential masterpiece in the magical girl 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.
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