Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place in anime culture over the past three decades. With its enchanting tropes, memorable characters, and devoted fanbase, it's no wonder why this genre continues to thrive. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a whole world of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This definitive ranking showcases the best of the genre, introducing you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings that will 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
Little Witch Academia is a charming magical school story that reinvents the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she's over the moon. Despite her lifelong dream to learn magic and her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko lacks magical abilities. Her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, propelling her on a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming of age with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a unique magical perspective. It's a must-watch anime 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
This 1986 series is a pioneering example of magical girl anime and thus deserves a 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 with a passion for flowers inherited from her florist parents, receives magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower. These allow her drawings to come to life. Retro and endearing, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an overlooked gem worth seeking out.
Tokyo Mew Mew
Adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique twist on the magical girl anime. Our protagonist, Ichigo Momomiya, gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with big cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-esque transformation. She teams up with other girls affected by the same incident to combat a mysterious alien threat connected to their newfound abilities. The series is a blast, and the new reboot elevates it to even greater heights!
My-HiME
My-HiME masterfully blends the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama. Mai's world is turned upside down when she joins the secretive Fuuka Academy, where she discovers she's not alone—others bear a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to battle nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding profound stakes to their battles.
Pretty Cure
If you're seeking a magical girl series to immerse yourself in for multiple seasons, look no further than Pretty Cure, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. This series follows young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil, offering a classic take on the genre that never ceases to enchant. Its vibrant, super-cute style has endured for a reason, and it even features delightful creatures to complement your magical girl experience.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica takes the magical girl trope and infuses it with a darker, more profound narrative. Young women become supernatural witch fighters after accepting a contract from a cat-like creature, granting them magical powers. While the setup may seem traditional, this series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deceptive narratives fed to the young. It's a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the genre.
Magic Knight Rayearth
The artist collective CLAMP, renowned for their impactful manga and anime, brings us this ambitious, universe-hopping magical girl series. Who hasn't dreamt of escaping to a magical world instead of attending school? In Magic Knight Rayearth, friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves transported to such a realm during a school field trip, where their wills can shape their surroundings. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's strengths in expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. There were even Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the '90s that you can explore.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, this series is a romantic, stylish exploration inspired by chivalric themes. After meeting a charming Prince, young orphan Utena resolves to become a prince herself, a decision that shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school. Here, she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic take on the genre not only entertains but also critically examines its own tropes and expectations, offering a meta-narrative experience.
Cardcaptor Sakura
This iconic series from CLAMP transformed the lives of many viewers. Cardcaptor Sakura blends the magical girl genre with the card collecting craze, reminiscent of Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards from a mysterious book in her basement, she discovers her dual life as a powerful magic user. With the help of the adorable and enigmatic Cerberus, she embarks on a quest to recapture the cards, showcasing fashion-forward style and thrilling action.
Sailor Moon
Topping our list is the groundbreaking Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi, arguably one of the best anime series of all time. As a globally renowned series, the story of Usagi, a regular schoolgirl transformed into the titular Sailor Moon, is a classic for a reason. With stunning animation, iconic character designs, and that unforgettable transformation sequence, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts allow fans to connect with their favorites, making the series both hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed. Its influence and impact are unmatched, making it essential viewing 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.
