Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has been a beloved staple of anime for over three decades. With its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase, it continues to enchant viewers worldwide. If you're looking to explore beyond classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list will guide you to some of the best magical girl anime, introducing you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings that will fill that magical girl-shaped hole 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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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 audience. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she can hardly contain her excitement. Despite her lifelong dream of learning magic, Akko herself lacks magical abilities, but her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot fuels her determination. Her life changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, propelling her on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This charming series blends coming-of-age themes with enchanting witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a unique magical perspective. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but we don't know if there will be a Season 3.
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, earning its spot on our list. It also taps into the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist with a deep love for flowers, inherited from her florist parents, finds her life transformed when she saves a flower and is granted magical gifts—a wand and a locket. These allow her drawings to come to life. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is a retro and charming series that deserves more attention.
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. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA. In a transformation reminiscent of werewolves, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and joins forces with other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their new abilities. The series is both fun and wild, and its recent reboot elevates it to new heights of awesomeness.
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 a boarding school drama. When Mai joins the secretive Fuuka Academy, she feels out of place amidst its mysterious figures. However, she soon discovers her purpose there: she and others marked with a special symbol can summon familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding intense stakes to their battles.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
If you're looking for a magical girl series to immerse yourself in over multiple seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice with its 800 episodes. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil forces. Its classic magical girl narrative is timeless and delightful, filled with technicolor charm and cute creatures that enhance the magical experience.
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. The series follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after accepting a contract from a cat-like creature, granting them magical powers. This series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally charged take on the genre.
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 CLAMP collective, Magic Knight Rayearth is an ambitious magical girl series that transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school field trip. Their journey is filled with high fantasy, expansive worldbuilding, and complex relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. The series also inspired a range of games in the '90s that further expanded its universe.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. StaffStudio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Revolutionary Girl Utena, created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. It follows Utena, an orphan inspired by a prince to become one herself, leading her into a secretive dueling contest at her school and a complex relationship with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic series is both a thrilling narrative and a meta-exploration of the genre's tropes.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A true classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of the era. When Sakura discovers a mysterious book in her basement, she accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards and embarks on a mission to recapture them. With the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, she navigates her dual life as an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user.
Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: 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. The story of Usagi, a regular school girl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, is iconic for its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing viewers to connect with their favorites. This series is hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed, making it 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.
