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Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has been a beloved cornerstone of anime for over three decades, enchanting viewers with its unique tropes, unforgettable characters, and dedicated fanbase. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a vast world of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This list aims to rank the best offerings in the genre while introducing you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary series that will 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
Little Witch Academia is an irresistibly charming magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she can hardly contain her excitement. Despite her lifelong dream to learn magic, Akko herself lacks any magical abilities, but her admiration for the legendary witch Shiny Chariot keeps her spirits high. Her journey takes a thrilling turn when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, propelling her on a quest to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming-of-age themes with enchanting witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a fresh perspective on magic. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.
While there have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, the possibility of a Season 3 remains uncertain.
9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
A pioneering entry in the magical girl genre from 1986, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol, deserves a spot on our list. It also taps into a cherished anime and manga trope: the protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi's passion for art is matched only by her love for flowers, a passion nurtured by her florist parents. Her altruistic act of saving a flower earns her two magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. This retro and charming series is an overlooked treasure that's well worth seeking out.
8. Tokyo Mew Mew
Adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique twist on the magical girl formula. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation into a cat-like being mirrors that of a werewolf, and she uses her newfound abilities to find and unite with other girls affected similarly. Together, they combat an alien threat linked to their powers. This series is not only wildly entertaining but also has been elevated to new heights with its recent reboot.
7. My-HiME
My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl genre with a boarding school drama, creating a captivating narrative. Mai's life changes dramatically when she joins the mysterious Fuuka Academy, where secrets lurk around every corner. She soon discovers her purpose at the school and meets others like her, marked with a special symbol that allows them to summon a "Child"—a familiar that protects the world from nightmarish creatures. The deep emotional connection between the Child and someone the summoner loves adds intense stakes to the battles.
6. Pretty Cure
For fans seeking a magical girl series with multiple seasons to immerse themselves in, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. With an impressive 800 episodes, the series follows young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil forces. Embodying the classic magical girl narrative, Pretty Cure delivers a technicolor, super-cute experience that has captivated audiences for years. Its enduring appeal is evident in its charming characters and adorable creatures, making it a delightful binge-watch.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica reimagines the magical girl trope with a darker, more introspective twist. The series follows a group of young women who become supernatural witch fighters after entering a contract offered by a mysterious cat-like creature. While the premise may seem traditional, the story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people. This series offers a profound examination of the genre's conventions.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth
Created by the acclaimed artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is an ambitious series that blends magical girl elements with high fantasy. Who hasn't dreamed of escaping to a magical world instead of attending school? Friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves in such a world during a school field trip, where they can control their surroundings with their will. This epic series showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. Notably, there were even Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the '90s.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Crafted by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, this series blends romance, style, and chivalric themes. After an encounter with a charming Prince, the orphan Utena decides to become a prince herself, a decision that shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school. Her involvement with the enigmatic Rose Bride adds layers of intrigue. This surrealistic series not only entertains but also critically examines the genre's tropes and expectations.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
A timeless classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura transformed the magical girl genre for a generation of viewers. The series follows Sakura as she navigates her life as an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user. After accidentally unleashing the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, Sakura embarks on a mission to recapture them, aided by the charming and enigmatic creature Cerberus. Blending action, fashion, and the card-collecting craze akin to Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon, this series is a must-watch.
1. Sailor Moon
Topping our list is Naoko Takeuchi's groundbreaking Sailor Moon, widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, an ordinary schoolgirl who discovers her destiny as the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to connect with their favorite characters throughout the series' hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed episodes. As the most influential and impactful series on our list, Sailor Moon is essential viewing for anime enthusiasts.
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? Explore our guide to the best vampire anime as well as our list of the most underrated anime series.
