Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming—the magical girl genre has become a staple of anime over the past three decades, captivating audiences with its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and dedicated fanbase. Beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, there's a wealth of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This list not only ranks the best in the genre but aims to introduce you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
So, 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.
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 reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience, offering a charming tale of magic and friendship. When Akko enrolls at the Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic begins to take shape, despite her lack of inherent magical abilities. Her journey takes a thrilling turn upon discovering a magical artifact linked to her idol, Shiny Chariot. As Akko sets out to reignite the world's love for magic, this coming-of-age story combines cozy friendships with a fresh perspective on magic. A delightful series available on Netflix, Little Witch Academia is a must-watch.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but there's no word yet on a third season.
Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
An early gem from 1986, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol showcases the magical girl genre's roots. It also taps into the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi's passion for art and flowers leads her to save a flower, earning her magical gifts—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. This retro and charming series is an underseen treasure that's worth seeking out.
Tokyo Mew Mew
Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 52 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Tokyo Mew Mew, adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, offers a unique spin on the magical girl genre. When Ichigo Momomiya gains cat-like powers from an accident, she embarks on a quest to unite with other affected girls and combat an alien threat connected to their new abilities. This whimsical series is fun and engaging, with a new reboot that elevates it to even greater heights.
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. At the mysterious Fuuka Academy, Mai discovers a hidden world of magic and battles against nightmarish creatures. With the ability to summon a "Child" to protect the world, the stakes are high as these battles are deeply connected to the people she loves.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
With a staggering 800 episodes, Pretty Cure offers an expansive journey into the magical girl genre. Young girls gain magical powers to fight evil in this technicolor, super-cute series. Its enduring appeal lies in its delightful storytelling and adorable creatures, making it a perfect choice for fans looking to immerse themselves in multiple seasons.
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 darker, more introspective narrative. Young women become witch fighters after agreeing to a contract with a mysterious cat-like creature. This series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the lies told to keep them in line.
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 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, beautiful animation, and complex relationships. The series, along with its 90s games, offers a rich universe to 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 stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalry, Utena's journey to become a prince leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series offers a meta-exploration of the genre's tropes and expectations.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, blends the magical girl genre with the card collecting craze. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards, she embarks on a mission to capture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series remains a beloved classic.
Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Topping our list is the groundbreaking Sailor Moon, arguably one of the best anime of all time. The story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, is a classic for its stunning animation, character designs, and iconic transformation sequences. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely crafted, allowing fans to connect with their favorites in this 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? Take a look at our guide to the best vampire anime as well as our list of the most underrated anime series.
