Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has been a cherished part of anime culture for over three decades, captivating audiences with its unique tropes, memorable characters, and dedicated fanbase. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a whole world of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This curated list not only ranks the best magical girl anime but also aims to introduce you to new favorites, hidden gems, and modern masterpieces that will fill that magical girl-shaped void in your heart.
So, prepare to delve into a world of 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 audience. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic comes to life. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself isn't naturally magical. However, her discovery of a magical artifact linked to her idol sets 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 fresh perspective on magic. It's a must-watch anime available on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but no confirmation yet on a Season 3.
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 pioneer in the magical girl genre, making it a must-include on our list. It also taps into the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, has a deep passion for both art and flowers, influenced by her florist parents. Her life changes when she saves a flower and is gifted magical tools—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. Retro and enchanting, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem that deserves your attention.
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 twist on the magical girl concept. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-esque transformation. Alongside other affected girls, Ichigo battles an alien threat linked to their newfound abilities. The series is a delightful mix of fun and action, with the new reboot enhancing its appeal 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 a boarding school drama. Mai's life changes when she joins the mysterious Fuuka Academy, where she initially struggles to fit in. Soon, she discovers her purpose there and her connection to others who can summon familiars to combat nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are tied to someone they love, adding emotional depth to the intense battles.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
For those seeking a magical girl series with endless seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. With 800 episodes, it follows young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil. This series is a quintessential representation of magical girl lore, delivering endless charm and delight. Its longevity is a testament to its quality, and it's a great pick if you love cute creatures alongside your magical girls.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica takes the magical girl genre to new depths, focusing on the harsh realities of being a magical girl. The series follows young women who become witch fighters after signing a contract with a seemingly harmless cat-like creature. This narrative delves into themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people, offering a profound and often heartbreaking exploration of the genre.
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 is a grand adventure 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 worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a timeless series that you can revisit endlessly. The 90s also saw the release of Magic Knight Rayearth games, adding another layer to its legacy.
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 romance, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. Her journey leads her to 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 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 masterpiece from CLAMP, transformed the magical girl genre for a generation. It follows Sakura as she discovers a mysterious book in her basement, accidentally releasing the Clow Cards. As she embarks on a quest to capture them, she learns of her magical abilities and is aided by the adorable and enigmatic creature, Cerberus. This series seamlessly blends magical girl elements with the card collecting craze, making it a timeless classic.
Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Topping our list is the iconic Sailor Moon, created by Naoko Takeuchi. This groundbreaking series follows Usagi, an ordinary schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. Renowned for its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is a cornerstone of the magical girl genre. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely crafted, allowing fans to connect with their favorites in this humorous, heartfelt, and action-packed series. As the most influential and impactful entry on our list, Sailor Moon is an essential watch for any anime enthusiast.
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.
