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. But if you want to venture outside of the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, what should you watch? This list is not only a definitive ranking of the best that the magical girl anime genre has to offer but will hopefully introduce you to some new faves, 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
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 generation. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she can barely contain her excitement. Her lifelong dream of learning magic has been challenging, as she adores the famed witch Shiny Chariot but lacks magical abilities herself. That all changes when she discovers a magical artifact connected to her idol. Soon, Akko embarks on a mission to reignite a love for magic in a world that's quickly forgetting its existence. This delightful series blends coming of age with witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and a unique 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 it's uncertain if there will be a Season 3.
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 one of the earliest examples of a magical girl anime and thus earns its place on our list. It also features one of the best anime and manga tropes: a main character aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi is an aspiring artist whose love for art is rivaled only by her passion for flowers, influenced by her upbringing with florist parents. When she saves a flower from being picked, she receives two magical gifts: a wand and a locket, which bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underseen gem that deserves more attention.
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 unique twist on the magical girl anime. In this adorable story, our heroine Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with big cat DNA! In a transformation reminiscent of werewolves, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her powers to find other girls affected by the same incident. Together, they combat a strange alien threat linked to their new abilities. The series is wildly fun, and its new reboot takes the excitement to even greater heights!
7. My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Combining the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama creates a perfect blend in My-HiME. Joining the elite and mysterious Fuuka Academy is a life-changing experience for Mai. Initially struggling to fit in at the secretive school filled with unusual figures, Mai soon discovers her purpose there. She learns that she and others at the academy are marked with a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding intense stakes to their 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 multiple seasons to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice, boasting an astounding 800 episodes all centered around the same premise. A group of young girls gain magical powers, allowing them to fight the forces of evil. This series offers the most classic take on magical girl lore and continues to captivate audiences. Its technicolor, super-cute aesthetic has sustained it for years, and it's filled with delightful creatures to complement the magical girls.
5. 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 trope and infuses it with a more profound, often heartbreaking narrative. The series transforms its young female protagonists into supernatural witch fighters after they agree to a contract offered by a seemingly innocent cat-like creature. While the setup may seem traditional, this story delves into the realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the lies told to keep young people in line. It's a fascinating and thought-provoking examination of the genre.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth
Image credit: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
The artist collective CLAMP, known for many beloved manga and anime, created this ambitious universe-hopping magical girl series. Who hasn't dreamed of escaping to a magical world instead of studying and attending school? In Magic Knight Rayearth, that dream becomes a reality for friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, who are transported to a world they can control with their will during a school field trip. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's expansive worldbuilding, beautiful animation, and complex relationships, making it a series you can enjoy repeatedly. There were even Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the 90s that you can explore.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. Staff
Studio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
One of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime of all time, Chiho Saito and Be-Papas' Revolutionary Girl Utena is truly unique. Romantic, stylish, and inspired by old chivalric tales, the story follows young orphan Utena, who, after meeting a charming Prince, decides to become a prince herself. This decision shapes her life and leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic take on the genre also serves as a meta-exploration of its tropes and expectations, offering a thrilling ride.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
This iconic series from CLAMP was a transformative experience for many viewers. Cardcaptor Sakura blends the magical girl genre with the card collecting craze seen in shows like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura discovers a strange book in her basement, she accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards. As an elementary school girl with newfound magical powers, she sets out to capture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series remains a beloved classic.
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 groundbreaking Sailor Moon, arguably one of the best anime of all time. One of the most globally recognized anime series, the story follows Usagi, a typical schoolgirl who unexpectedly becomes the titular Sailor Moon. The series is renowned for its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, making it the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to find their favorites as they revisit the series. With its mix of humor, heart, and action, Sailor Moon remains the most influential and impactful entry on our list, a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
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.
