Transformative, captivating, and heartwarming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place in anime culture over the past three decades. Known for its enchanting tropes, memorable characters, and a dedicated fanbase, this genre goes beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura. This list serves as a comprehensive guide to the best magical girl anime, aiming to introduce you to new favorites, hidden gems, and modern masterpieces to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
Get ready 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: Netflix
Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is a delightful magical school story that reinvents the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter generation. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her dream of learning magic feels within reach. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself isn't inherently magical. Her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, leading her on a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic. This charming series, available on Netflix, beautifully blends coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a fresh take on magic.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but there's no confirmation yet on 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 a pioneering example of magical girl anime, making it a must-include on our list. It also features one of the most beloved anime and manga tropes: a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi's passion for art and flowers, inherited from her florist parents, leads her to save a flower and gain two magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is a retro and charming gem, well worth seeking out for its unique story.
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 genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains powers after an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-esque transformation. Ichigo and her team must harness their newfound abilities to combat an alien threat. This fun and engaging series has been further elevated by its recent reboot, making it a must-watch for fans.
7. My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME blends the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama to captivating effect. Mai's transition to the secretive Fuuka Academy is life-changing. The school harbors mysterious figures and soon Mai discovers she's there for a purpose: to summon a familiar to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are intimately connected to loved ones, adding profound stakes to the 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 to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure boasts an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil, embodying the quintessential magical girl narrative. Its long-lasting appeal lies in its vibrant, cute aesthetic and delightful storytelling, complete with lovable creatures.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica reimagines the magical girl trope with a darker, more introspective narrative. Young women are offered magical powers by a cat-like being to fight witches, but this series delves into the harsh realities of their existence. It explores themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people, offering a poignant critique 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
Created by the renowned artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is a high fantasy epic where three friends are transported to a magical world during a school field trip. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu embark on an interdimensional adventure, showcasing CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. This series has even inspired a series of games, underscoring its enduring popularity.
3. 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, the series follows Utena, who aspires to become a prince after meeting 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 magical girl tropes and expectations.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A timeless classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura blends magical girl elements with the card collecting craze of the era. When Sakura accidentally releases the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she embarks on a mission to recapture them, aided by the cute and enigmatic creature, Cerberus. This series, with its fashion-forward style and engaging plot, remains a beloved staple.
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 Sailor Moon, a groundbreaking series and one of the best anime of all time. The story of Usagi, a seemingly ordinary schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon, has captivated audiences worldwide. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing viewers to connect with their favorite characters in this hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed series.
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.
