Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place in anime culture over the past three decades. Known for its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase, this genre continues to evolve and enchant. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this definitive ranking of the best magical girl anime will introduce you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.
Get ready for a world of 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 reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience with its charming story of magical school life. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic begins to take shape, despite her initial lack of magical abilities. Inspired by the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko's journey takes a turn when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, propelling her on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming of age with witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and a unique magical perspective. Available on Netflix, Little Witch Academia is a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but the possibility of a Season 3 remains uncertain.
Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol
Image credit: Studio Pierrot
Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
As one of the earliest magical girl anime from 1986, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol, deserves a spot on our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of aspiring mangakas. Yumi, an aspiring artist with a passion for manga and flowers, receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower. These gifts allow her drawings to come to life. This retro and charming series is an underseen gem that showcases the magic of creativity.
Tokyo Mew Mew
Image credit: Studio Pierrot
Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 52 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
Adapted from Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi's manga, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique spin on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation into a cat-like hero leads her to team up with other affected girls to combat an alien threat. The series combines humor and adventure, and its recent reboot has elevated it to new heights of enjoyment.
My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: 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 arrival at the mysterious Fuuka Academy marks a significant shift in her life. As she uncovers the school's secrets, she learns of her unique abilities to summon a familiar to fight nightmarish creatures. The personal stakes are high, as these "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding emotional depth to the thrilling battles.
Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
If you're seeking a magical girl series with endless content, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice with its 800 episodes. This series revolves around young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces. Known for its classic magical girl elements, Pretty Cure remains delightful and enduring, offering a technicolor and super-cute world filled with charming creatures.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu
Puella Magi Madoka Magica adds a darker, more introspective twist to the magical girl genre. Young women in this series become supernatural witch fighters after accepting a contract from a seemingly innocent cat-like creature. The narrative delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young minds. It's a thought-provoking take on 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 a high fantasy epic that transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school field trip. Their journey is filled with expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. The series even inspired a line of Magic Knight Rayearth games in the '90s.
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 stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric romance, the story follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. Her journey leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, intertwining her fate with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series offers a meta-exploration of the magical girl genre's tropes and expectations.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, blends magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze. When Sakura accidentally releases the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she embarks on a journey to recapture them, balancing her life as an elementary school girl and a powerful magic user. With the help of the charming creature Cerberus, Sakura's adventures are filled with action and fashion-forward flair.
Sailor Moon
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu
Topping our list is the groundbreaking Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi, widely regarded as one of the best anime series of all time. The story of Usagi, an ordinary schoolgirl transformed into the titular Sailor Moon, is a timeless classic. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout's unique personality and development add depth to the series, making it a beloved and influential entry in 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.
