Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has become a beloved staple of anime over the past three decades. With its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and legions of fans, it's no wonder this genre continues to enchant audiences. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list is the perfect guide to discovering some new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings that will 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: Netflix
Studio: 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 fueled by her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, but Akko herself isn't inherently magical. 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 quickly forgetting its existence. This coming-of-age tale combines witchcraft with cozy friendship and a unique take on magic, making it 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 third season remains uncertain.
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 pioneering example of a magical girl anime and deservedly makes our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to create manga. Yumi is a budding artist with dreams of becoming a mangaka, her passion for art rivaled only by her love for flowers, influenced by her upbringing with florist parents. After saving a flower from being picked, she is bestowed 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 underseen gem well worth exploring.
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 refreshingly unique spin on the magical girl anime. Our protagonist, 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, using her newfound abilities to locate other girls affected by the same incident. Together, they confront an alien threat tied to their powers. This series is wildly fun, and its recent reboot elevates it to even greater heights of excitement.
My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME masterfully blends the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama, creating a captivating narrative. Mai's life takes a dramatic turn when she joins the mysterious Fuuka Academy, where secrets lurk around every corner. Soon, she discovers she's there for a purpose, as others at the school share her unique ability to summon a familiar to combat nightmarish creatures. These familiars, known as "Children," are deeply connected to someone the summoner loves, adding intense stakes to the battles.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
If you're in the mood for a magical girl series with multiple seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice, boasting an impressive 800 episodes centered around the same premise. Groups of young girls gain magical powers to combat the forces of evil, embodying the classic magical girl narrative in a technicolor, super-cute package. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its charm and the delightful creatures that accompany the 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 trope and infuses it with a deeper, often heartbreaking narrative. The series follows a group of young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract offered by a creature resembling a cat. While the setup may seem traditional, the series delves into the realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the lies young people are often told. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally charged examination 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 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, making it a series you can immerse yourself in repeatedly. The series also inspired a series of games in the 90s, adding 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, created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. This romantic and stylish series follows Utena, an orphan inspired by a charming Prince to become a prince herself. Her journey leads her to 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 viewing experience.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: 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 in her basement, she discovers her dual identity as both an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user. With the help of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, she embarks on a quest to capture the cards, making this fashion-forward, action-packed series 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 Naoko Takeuchi's groundbreaking Sailor Moon, arguably one of the best anime of all time. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who discovers her destiny as Sailor Moon. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts allow audiences to connect with each character, making the series hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed. As the most influential and impactful series on our list, Sailor Moon is a must-watch for any anime fan.
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.
