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. If you're looking to venture beyond classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list is here to help. It's not only a definitive ranking of the best magical girl anime but also a guide to discovering 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 in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she can hardly contain her excitement. Her lifelong dream of learning magic has been challenging, especially since she adores the famed witch Shiny Chariot but lacks magical abilities herself. That changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. Soon, Akko embarks on a mission to reignite a love for magic in a world that's rapidly forgetting its existence. This delightful series blends coming of age with witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and a unique 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 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 features one of the best anime and manga tropes: a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of creating manga, her passion rivaled only by her love for flowers, influenced by her florist parents. When she saves a flower from being picked, she is rewarded with two magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings 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. In this adorable tale, our heroine Ichigo Momomiya 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 newfound abilities to locate other girls affected by the same incident. Together, they confront a mysterious alien threat linked to their powers. The series is wildly entertaining, and its new reboot elevates it to even greater heights of awesomeness!
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, creating a captivating narrative. Mai's life changes dramatically when she enrolls in the elite and enigmatic Fuuka Academy. Initially feeling out of place in the secretive school filled with mysterious figures, Mai soon discovers her purpose there. She learns she's among others marked with a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding intense stakes to their 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 to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. With an impressive 800 episodes, all centered around the same premise, this series follows young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces. It's a classic take on magical girl lore that continues to deliver. The technicolor, super-cute series has endured for a reason—it's absolutely delightful. Plus, if you're a fan of cute creatures alongside your magical girls, Pretty Cure has you covered.
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 more profound and ultimately heartbreaking narrative. The series transforms its young female protagonists into supernatural witch fighters after they agree to a contract offered by a seemingly innocent cat-like creature, granting them magical powers. While the setup may seem traditional, the story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the lies told to young people to keep them in line. This series offers a fascinating and thought-provoking examination of the genre.
Magic Knight Rayearth
Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
The artist collective CLAMP is behind many beloved manga and anime, and Magic Knight Rayearth is one of their most renowned works. This ambitious series transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school field trip, where they can control their surroundings with their will. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's strengths in expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships, making it a series you can lose yourself in repeatedly. There were even Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the '90s that you 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, created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Romantic, stylish, and inspired by old chivalric tales, the story follows Utena, a young orphan who, after meeting a charming Prince, decides to become a prince herself. This decision shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic take on the genre also serves as a meta-exploration of its tropes and expectations, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another classic from CLAMP, was a transformative experience for many viewers. This fashion-forward, action-packed series blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of shows like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura discovers a mysterious book in her basement, she accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards. As a normal elementary school girl, she learns she's also a powerful magic user and sets out to capture the cards with the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, who guards the artifacts.
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. As one of the most globally recognized anime series, the story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, is a classic for a reason. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, this series is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is well-developed and unique, allowing audiences to connect with their favorites as they revisit the hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed series. Sailor Moon's influence and impact make it 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? Check out our guide to the best vampire anime as well as our list of the most underrated anime series.
