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 want to venture beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list offers a definitive ranking of the best magical girl anime, introducing you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped hole in your life.
So, get ready for 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
Little Witch Academia is a charming magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter generation. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she can hardly believe it. Her lifelong dream to learn magic has been challenging, especially since she isn't naturally magical, but adores the famed witch Shiny Chariot. Everything changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, embarking on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a unique approach to 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.
9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
This 1986 series is one of the earliest examples of a magical girl anime and showcases a beloved anime and manga trope: a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, passionate about art and flowers due to her upbringing with florist parents, receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower. These allow her drawings to come to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem worth exploring.
8. Tokyo Mew Mew
Adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique spin on the magical girl anime. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation into a cat-like form helps her locate other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their new abilities. This series is wildly fun, and its new reboot further enhances its appeal.
7. My-HiME
My-HiME blends the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama, creating an engaging narrative. Mai's arrival at the secretive Fuuka Academy marks a significant shift in her life. She soon discovers that her presence there is no accident; she and others possess a special symbol that enables them to summon familiars, known as "Children," to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These beings are deeply connected to loved ones, adding intense stakes to the battles.
6. Pretty Cure
If you're seeking a magical girl series with multiple seasons to dive into, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. Spanning an impressive 800 episodes, this series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil. It embodies the classic magical girl narrative and continues to captivate with its technicolor charm and delightful creatures. Pretty Cure's enduring popularity is a testament to its heartwarming storytelling.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica reimagines the magical girl trope with a darker, more introspective approach. Young women are offered a contract by a cat-like being, granting them powers to fight witches. This series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deceitful narratives imposed on young people. It's a profound examination of the genre's core elements.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth
From the renowned artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is an ambitious magical girl series that spans universes. The story follows friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, who are transported to a magical world during a school field trip. Their journey showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships. This high fantasy epic remains a beloved classic, with related games from the 90s adding to its legacy.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by themes of chivalry, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after an encounter with one. Her journey leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series offers a meta-exploration of the genre's tropes and expectations, making it a compelling watch.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura, a classic from CLAMP, blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of its time. Sakura's discovery of a mysterious book in her basement unleashes the Clow Cards, leading her on a quest to capture them. Assisted by the charming creature Cerberus, she navigates her dual life as an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user. This fashion-forward, action-packed series remains a beloved favorite.
1. Sailor Moon
Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon tops our list as the quintessential magical girl anime. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon. Known for its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is a cornerstone of the genre. The well-developed Sailor Scouts offer diverse personalities, making the series a timeless and influential classic that continues to captivate audiences.
And 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.
