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 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 not only ranks the best that the magical girl anime genre has to offer but will hopefully introduce you to some new favorites, 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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Little Witch Academia
Image credit: NetflixStudio: 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 at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her dream of learning magic becomes a reality. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko lacks natural magical abilities. Her journey takes a thrilling turn when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, sparking a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming of age with witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and a fresh 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 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 one of the earliest examples of magical girl anime, making it a must-include on our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi, with her passion for art and flowers, inherited from her florist parents, is gifted magical abilities after saving a flower. With her wand and locket, she brings her drawings to life. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol, is a retro and charming gem 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 cat-like powers after an accident. In a werewolf-esque transformation, she becomes increasingly cat-like and teams up with other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their new abilities. This series is wildly fun, and the new reboot elevates it to even greater heights!
My-HiME
Image credit: SunriseStudio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME masterfully blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically when she joins the secretive Fuuka Academy. She soon discovers her purpose there and meets others with a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to fight nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding intense stakes to the 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 with multiple seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice with an astounding 800 episodes. The series follows young girls gaining magical powers to fight evil, embodying the most classic elements of the genre. Its enduring appeal lies in its delightful storytelling and cute creatures, making it a beloved series.
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 darker, more emotionally resonant narrative. Young women gain magical powers from a mysterious cat-like being to fight witches, but the series delves into the harsh realities and psychological toll of being a magical girl. It's a poignant exploration of trauma, exploitation, and the deceptive nature of power.
Magic Knight Rayearth
Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
Created by the artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is an ambitious magical girl series that spans multiple worlds. During a school field trip, Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji are transported to a magical realm where their will controls the world around them. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. The series has inspired a series of games in the '90s that fans can explore.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. StaffStudio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Revolutionary Girl Utena is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. The story follows Utena, an orphan inspired by a prince to become a prince herself, leading her to a secretive dueling contest at her school. Her entanglement with the mysterious Rose Bride adds layers of surrealism and meta-commentary on the genre's tropes and expectations.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another gem from CLAMP, combines the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze. Sakura's discovery of the Clow Cards in her basement sets her on a magical journey to capture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This series is a fashion-forward, action-packed classic that has left a lasting impact on viewers.
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 normal schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, is a global phenomenon. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout's unique personality and backstory add depth, making the series hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed. It's the most influential and impactful series on our list, a must-watch for anime enthusiasts.
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.
