Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has become a beloved staple of anime over the past three decades. With its enchanting tropes, unforgettable characters, and dedicated fanbase, it continues to captivate audiences worldwide. If you're looking to explore beyond classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list offers a definitive ranking of the best magical girl anime, introducing you to new favorites, hidden gems, and modern masterpieces to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
So, prepare to dive into a world 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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10. Little Witch Academia
Image credit: NetflixStudio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter generation with its charming story of magical school life. Akko, an aspiring witch who idolizes Shiny Chariot, enrolls at Luna Nova Magical Academy, despite lacking inherent magical talent. Her journey takes a turn when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, sparking a quest to rekindle the world's love for magic. This delightful series beautifully blends coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and a fresh take on magic. Available on Netflix, it's a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but the future of a third season remains uncertain.
9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
A pioneering magical girl anime from 1986, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol, showcases one of the genre's beloved tropes: a protagonist aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi, passionate about art and flowers, receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower, enabling her drawings to come to life. This retro and charming series is an underappreciated gem worth exploring for fans of the genre.
8. 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. Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-esque transformation. Alongside other affected girls, she combats an alien threat linked to their new abilities. The series is wildly entertaining, and its reboot enhances the experience even further.
7. My-HiME
Image credit: SunriseStudio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
My-HiME seamlessly blends magical girl elements with boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically upon joining Fuuka Academy, a secretive institution. Discovering her own unique powers, Mai learns she is part of a group tasked with summoning familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. The emotional stakes are high, as these battles are deeply connected to loved ones.
6. Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
For those seeking a magical girl series with endless content, Pretty Cure offers over 800 episodes, all revolving around young girls gaining magical powers to combat evil. This series epitomizes the classic magical girl narrative, delivering joy through its vibrant, cute aesthetic and beloved characters. It's a testament to the genre's enduring appeal and a perfect pick for fans of all ages.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: ShaftStudio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica transforms the magical girl genre by adding a darker, more introspective twist. Young women are offered a contract by a cat-like creature, granting them magical powers to fight witches. This series delves into the realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of youth, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genre.
4. Magic Knight Rayearth
Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video
From the renowned artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth takes viewers on an interdimensional adventure. Friends Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are transported to a magical world during a school field trip, where their wills become their greatest weapon. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive world-building, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a series you can return to time and again.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. StaffStudio: 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 chivalry, Utena becomes a prince-like figure after a transformative encounter. Her journey leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic series not only entertains but also critically examines the genre's tropes and expectations.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura blends magical girl themes with the card collecting craze. Sakura's life changes when she unleashes the Clow Cards, embarking on a mission to recapture them with the help of the guardian creature, Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series remains a transformative experience for fans of the genre.
1. 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, often hailed as one of the best anime of all time. The story of Usagi, a regular schoolgirl turned Sailor Moon, has captivated global audiences with its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences. Each Sailor Scout brings depth and uniqueness to the series, making it a timeless classic that continues to influence the genre.
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.
