Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place in anime culture over the past three decades. With its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase, it's a genre that continues to enchant viewers. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list is your ultimate guide to the best magical girl anime. From new favorites to underrated gems and contemporary offerings, we've got you covered to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
So, prepare 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 a 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, her lifelong dream of learning magic comes true. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself lacks magical abilities—until she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. This discovery propels Akko 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 approach to 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.
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, making it a must-include on our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to become 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 gifted a magical wand and locket. These allow her drawings to come to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem worth exploring.
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 twist on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. In a transformation reminiscent of werewolves, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her new abilities to unite with other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their powers. This series is wildly entertaining, and its recent reboot has only enhanced its appeal.
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 changes dramatically when she enrolls in the secretive Fuuka Academy. Initially feeling out of place, she soon discovers her purpose there and others like her, marked with a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to battle nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding emotional depth to the intense 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 endless content, Pretty Cure is your answer, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces. It's a classic take on the magical girl genre that continues to captivate audiences with its technicolor charm and delightful characters. Plus, it features adorable creatures that add to the magical girl experience.
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 profound narrative. The series follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract with a mysterious cat-like creature. While the premise may seem traditional, the series delves into themes of trauma, exploitation, and the harsh realities faced by magical girls, offering a thought-provoking exploration of 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 artist collective CLAMP, 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. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships. It's a series that invites repeated viewings, and its influence extends to a series of games released in the 90s.
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. Inspired by chivalric romance, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. This decision leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This series offers a surrealistic and meta exploration of the genre's tropes and expectations.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, is a transformative series that blends the magical girl genre with the card collecting craze. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she discovers her magical abilities and embarks on a quest to recapture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series remains a beloved classic.
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. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, a regular schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts offer diverse and relatable characters, making the series a timeless favorite that continues to inspire and entertain.
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.
