Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has enchanted anime fans for over three decades with its delightful tropes and unforgettable characters. If you're eager to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this definitive ranking of the top magical girl anime will guide you to new favorites, hidden gems, and modern marvels to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
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.
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Image credit: NetflixStudio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is an adorable magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter world. When Akko enrolls at the enchanting Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic seems within reach. Despite her admiration for the renowned witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself lacks magical talent. Her journey takes a thrilling turn when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, igniting a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic. This coming-of-age tale blends witchcraft and heartwarming friendships, offering a unique take on magic. It's a must-watch series on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but it's uncertain if there will be a Season 3.
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
This 1986 series stands out as one of the earliest magical girl anime, earning its spot on our list. It also celebrates the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of creating manga, her passion matched only by her love for flowers, nurtured by her florist parents. Her life changes when she saves a flower and receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is a delightful gem that deserves more attention.
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 52 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Based on the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique spin on the magical girl genre. In this charming story, Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-like transformation. As she becomes more cat-like, Ichigo teams up with other affected girls to combat a mysterious alien threat connected to their new abilities. The series is wildly entertaining, and its recent reboot takes the excitement to new heights!
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 drastically when she enrolls at the secretive Fuuka Academy, where she feels out of place amidst its enigmatic figures. She soon discovers her purpose and others like her, marked with a symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to battle nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding emotional stakes to the thrilling battles.
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
For fans craving a magical girl series with endless seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces, embodying the classic magical girl theme. Its technicolor charm and endearing characters have kept fans hooked for years. If you're looking for cute creatures alongside your magical girls, Pretty Cure delivers on all fronts.
Image credit: ShaftStudio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica redefines the magical girl genre by infusing it with deeper, more poignant themes. 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 familiar, the narrative delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring trauma, exploitation, and the lies that young people face. This series offers a profound examination of the trope.
Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
Created by the renowned CLAMP collective, 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 world-building, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. The 90s also saw the release of several Magic Knight Rayearth games, adding to its legacy.
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 chivalry, the series follows Utena, an orphan who decides to become a prince after meeting a charming one. This choice leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. The series is a surrealistic exploration of genre tropes and expectations, offering a meta and thought-provoking experience.
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another gem from CLAMP, is a transformative series that blends magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze of its time. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she discovers her magical abilities and embarks on a mission to recapture them. With the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, Sakura's journey is both fashion-forward and action-packed, making it a beloved classic.
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, widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, a typical schoolgirl who transforms into 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's unique personality adds depth and charm, making the series both hilarious and heartfelt. Its influence and impact are undeniable, making it a must-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.
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