Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has become a cornerstone of anime over the past three decades, enchanting viewers with its unique tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, you're in for a treat. This list serves as a comprehensive ranking of the top magical girl anime, aiming to introduce you to new favorites, hidden gems, and modern marvels that can 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: 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 audience. When Akko enrolls in the enchanting Luna Nova Magical Academy, she's thrilled beyond belief. Her lifelong dream of learning magic seemed out of reach, especially since she idolizes the renowned witch Shiny Chariot but lacks any magical ability herself. Her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. Driven by a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic, Akko embarks on an adventure that blends coming-of-age themes with whimsical witchcraft. This delightful series, available on Netflix, emphasizes cozy friendships and a fresh perspective on magic.
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
This 1986 series stands as one of the earliest magical girl anime, earning its spot on our list. It also showcases a beloved anime and manga trope: a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of creating manga, her passion rivaled only by her love for flowers, a sentiment nurtured by her florist parents. Her life takes a magical turn when she rescues a flower and receives two enchanted gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. Retro and endearing, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is a lesser-known treasure that deserves your attention.
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 distinctive twist on the magical girl genre. In this quirky tale, protagonist Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformations into a cat-like form are reminiscent of werewolves, and she uses these abilities to unite with other girls affected similarly. Together, they combat an alien threat linked to their newfound powers. The series is wildly entertaining, and its recent reboot takes the fun to new heights!
7. My-HiME
Image credit: SunriseStudio: 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 transition to the mysterious Fuuka Academy is life-altering. Initially struggling to fit into the secretive environment teeming with enigmatic figures, Mai soon discovers her purpose there. She and others bearing a special symbol can summon familiars known as "Children" to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. The deep connection between these Children and the people they love adds significant stakes to the battles.
6. Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Seeking a magical girl series with endless seasons to explore? Look no further than Pretty Cure, boasting an impressive 800 episodes all rooted in the same premise. Groups of young girls gain magical powers to battle evil forces, embodying the quintessential magical girl narrative. This vibrant, irresistibly cute series has endured for good reason—it's consistently delightful. Plus, if you're a fan of adorable creatures accompanying your magical girls, Pretty Cure delivers in spades.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: ShaftStudio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica takes the magical girl trope and infuses it with a deeper, more poignant narrative. The series follows a group of young women who become witch fighters after accepting a contract from a seemingly innocent cat-like being. While the setup may seem familiar, the story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of youth. It's 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 is an ambitious magical girl series that spans universes. Who hasn't dreamed of escaping to a magical realm instead of attending school? Friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves in such a world during a school field trip. Transported to a dimension they can control with their will, they embark on a high fantasy adventure. CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships make this series endlessly rewatchable. The 90s also saw the release of several Magic Knight Rayearth games, adding another layer to the franchise.
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, crafted by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Romantic, stylish, and inspired by old chivalric tales, the story follows Utena, an orphan who resolves to become a prince after meeting a charming one. This decision shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series not only challenges genre norms but also offers a meta-commentary on magical girl tropes.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A stone-cold classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura transformed the magical girl genre for a generation. The series follows Sakura, who combines magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze of shows like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. After accidentally releasing the dangerous Clow Cards from a mysterious book in her basement, Sakura discovers her magical abilities and sets out to recapture them. With the help of the adorable and enigmatic Cerberus, who guards the artifacts, Sakura's journey is both thrilling and heartwarming.
1. Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon tops our list as the quintessential magical girl anime. One of the most globally recognized anime series, it follows Usagi, an ordinary schoolgirl, as she becomes the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the gold standard of the genre. Each Sailor Scout's unique personality and backstory add depth and variety to the series, making it a timeless favorite that blends humor, emotion, and action. It's a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
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.
