Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has become a cornerstone of anime over the past three decades, captivating audiences with its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-loved, there's a treasure trove of other magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This list not only ranks the best magical girl anime but also aims to introduce you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
So, prepare yourself 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: Netflix
Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is a charming 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 lifelong dream of learning magic is within reach, despite not being naturally magical herself. Her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot leads her to discover a magical artifact connected to her idol, propelling her on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a unique take on magic, making it a must-watch on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but it remains uncertain if a third season will be produced.
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, showcasing the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, passionate about art and flowers, receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower, enabling her drawings to come to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem worth seeking out.
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 spin on the magical girl genre. Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a transformation where she becomes increasingly cat-like. She teams up with other girls affected by the same incident to combat an alien threat linked to their newfound abilities. The series is wildly entertaining, and its reboot enhances the experience even further.
My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama, creating a compelling narrative. Mai's life changes dramatically when she joins the secretive Fuuka Academy, where she discovers others with the ability to summon familiars known as "Children" to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding intense stakes to the battles.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
For those seeking an extensive magical girl series, Pretty Cure offers over 800 episodes centered around young girls gaining magical powers to fight evil. This classic series maintains its charm and delivers with its vibrant visuals and adorable creatures, making it a delightful watch.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica transforms the magical girl trope into a more texturally magical and ultimately heartbreaking narrative. The series follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract offered by a mysterious cat-like creature. This story delves into the realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the lies told to young people.
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 takes viewers on an interdimensional adventure. Friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji are transported to a magical world during a school field trip, where they must harness their willpower to control their surroundings. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's expansive worldbuilding, beautiful animation, and complex relationships. Additionally, there were Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the 90s that fans can explore.
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 story follows Utena, who aspires to become a prince after meeting one in her youth. Her journey leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series is a meta-exploration of magical girl tropes, making it a unique and thought-provoking watch.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another classic from CLAMP, combines the magical girl genre with the card collecting craze of the time. Sakura's discovery of a mysterious book in her basement unleashes the Clow Cards, prompting her to embark on a mission to capture them. With the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, Sakura navigates her dual life as an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user.
Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Topping our list is the groundbreaking Sailor Moon, arguably one of the best anime of all time. Naoko Takeuchi's series follows Usagi, a regular schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic transformation sequences, and well-developed characters, Sailor Moon remains the quintessential magical girl anime. The diverse and unique Sailor Scouts allow audiences to connect with different characters, making the series a timeless and influential watch.
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.
