Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has become a staple of anime over the past three decades, with its own delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and legions of fans. If you're eager to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this definitive ranking of the best magical girl anime will introduce you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped hole in your life.
So, prepare 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: NetflixStudio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is an adorable 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 contain her excitement. Despite her lifelong dream to learn magic and her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself lacks magical abilities. However, her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. This discovery propels Akko on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic, which is steadily fading. A delightful blend of coming of age and witchcraft, this series emphasizes cozy friendships and offers a unique perspective 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 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 is a pioneering example of magical girl anime, securing its place on our list. It also embraces one of the best anime and manga tropes: a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, is driven by her passion for art and her love for flowers, inspired by her florist parents. Her journey begins when she saves a flower from being picked and is rewarded with two magical items: a wand and a locket, which bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem that deserves 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 unique spin on the magical girl genre. In this enchanting story, Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation echoes that of a werewolf, gradually turning her more cat-like as she harnesses her abilities to locate other girls affected similarly. Together, they confront an alien threat linked to their newfound powers. The series is wildly entertaining, and the recent reboot elevates it to new heights of awesomeness!
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 life takes a dramatic turn when she enrolls at the mysterious Fuuka Academy. Initially feeling out of place in this secretive school filled with enigmatic figures, Mai soon discovers her purpose there. She learns she's among others bearing a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to combat nightmarish creatures. These familiars, known as "Children," are deeply connected to someone they love, adding intense stakes to their battles.
6. Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: 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 with its staggering 800 episodes. The series follows a group of young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces, embodying the classic magical girl narrative. Its enduring popularity stems from its delightful storytelling and adorable characters. Pretty Cure also delivers on the charm of cute creatures accompanying the magical girls.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: ShaftStudio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica reimagines the magical girl trope with a darker, more profound narrative. Young women are transformed into witch fighters after entering into a contract offered by a seemingly innocuous cat-like creature, granting them magical powers. While the premise may seem familiar, the series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deceptive promises made to young people. It's a compelling and poignant deconstruction of 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. The series taps into the universal dream of escaping to a magical world instead of attending school. Friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves transported to another dimension during a school field trip, where they can control their surroundings with their will. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. It's a series you can revisit time and again, and fans of the 90s can enjoy related Magic Knight Rayearth games.
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 stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, this series is a romantic, stylish exploration of chivalry and gender roles. After meeting a charming prince, the young orphan Utena decides to become a prince herself. This decision shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. The series offers a surrealistic and meta exploration of the genre's tropes and expectations.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, transformed the magical girl genre for a generation of viewers. The series follows Sakura, a fashionable and action-packed heroine, who combines magical girl elements with the card collecting craze reminiscent of Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards from a mysterious book in her basement, she learns she's not just an ordinary elementary school girl but a powerful magic user. With the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, she embarks on a quest to recapture the cards.
1. Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon is the pinnacle of magical girl anime and arguably one of the best anime series of all time. The story of Usagi, a regular schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, has captured hearts worldwide. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and the legendary transformation sequence, Sailor Moon set the standard for the genre. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to connect with their favorites. This series is both hilarious and heartfelt, making it a timeless classic and 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.
