Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has become a staple of anime over the past three decades, with its own delightful tropes, unforgettable anime characters, and legions of fans. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list will guide you through the best the genre has to offer. It's not only a definitive ranking but also a gateway to discovering new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary series to 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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Little Witch Academia
Image credit: Netflix
Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is an enchanting magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she's thrilled yet daunted. Her lifelong dream of learning magic has been challenging, especially since she adores the famed witch Shiny Chariot but lacks magic herself. This changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. Akko embarks on a quest to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series combines coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and a fresh take on magic. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but the possibility of a Season 3 remains uncertain.
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 deserves a spot on our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of creating manga, her passion for art rivaled only by her love for flowers, inspired by her florist parents. When she saves a flower from being picked, she's gifted with a wand and a locket that bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem worth exploring.
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 unique twist on the magical girl genre. In this whimsical story, Ichigo Momomiya gains powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation into a cat-like form mirrors that of a werewolf, and she uses these powers to unite with other affected girls. Together, they confront an alien threat linked to their newfound abilities. The series is wildly entertaining, and the recent reboot elevates it to new heights of excitement.
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 arrival at the secretive Fuuka Academy marks a life-altering change. Initially struggling to fit into the enigmatic environment, she soon discovers her purpose there. Mai and others like her bear a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding emotional stakes to their battles.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
If you're seeking a magical girl series with countless seasons, Pretty Cure is your answer, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces, embodying the quintessential magical girl narrative. Its enduring appeal lies in its vibrant, super-cute aesthetic and heartwarming stories. Pretty Cure also features adorable creatures, making it a delightful choice for fans of the genre.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica takes the magical girl concept and infuses it with a darker, more emotionally resonant narrative. Young women are offered a contract by a seemingly innocent cat-like creature, granting them powers to fight witches. However, the series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deception that young people face. This compelling examination of the genre is both fascinating and thought-provoking.
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 complex relationships. It's a universe-hopping adventure that captivates and inspires, with a legacy that includes a series of games in the '90s.
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 stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric tales, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after an encounter with one. Her quest leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series not only entertains but also deconstructs the genre's tropes, offering a meta-narrative that's both stylish and profound.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, combines the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she discovers her dual identity as both an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user. With the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, she embarks on a quest to recapture the cards. This fashion-forward, action-packed series has left a lasting impact on its audience.
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 Sailor Moon, arguably one of the best anime series of all time. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, a typical schoolgirl, as she transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts allow viewers to connect with each character, making the series a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain.
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.
