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 devoted fanbase, it continues to captivate audiences worldwide. 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 highlights the best the genre has to offer, introducing you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary series 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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10. Little Witch Academia
Image credit: Netflix
Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix
Little Witch Academia is an adorably enchanting magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter generation. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic becomes a reality. Despite her adoration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko initially struggles due to her lack of magical talent. Her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact connected to her idol, sparking a mission to reignite a love for magic in a world that's rapidly forgetting its existence. This delightful series beautifully blends coming-of-age themes with a unique take on witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships and the joy of magic. It's a must-watch anime series on Netflix.
There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but it's uncertain if there will be a Season 3.
9. 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 one of the earliest examples of magical girl anime, making it a must-include on our list. It also highlights one of the best anime and manga tropes: a protagonist who aspires to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of creating her own manga, her passion for art rivaled only by her love for flowers, a love fostered by her florist parents. When she saves a flower from being picked, she is rewarded 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 underappreciated gem that deserves your attention.
8. 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 uniquely fresh take on the magical girl genre. In this whimsical tale, protagonist Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers after an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. In a transformation reminiscent of werewolves, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her newfound abilities to locate other girls affected by the same incident. Together, they confront a mysterious alien threat linked to their powers. This series is wildly fun, and the new reboot elevates it to even greater heights of awesomeness!
7. My-HiME
Image credit: Sunrise
Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Blending the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama, My-HiME creates a captivating narrative. Mai's arrival at the elite and enigmatic Fuuka Academy marks a life-changing shift. Initially struggling to fit into the secretive school filled with mysterious figures, Mai soon discovers her purpose there. She and others marked with a special symbol can summon a familiar to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding intense stakes to their battles.
6. Pretty Cure
Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
If you're looking for a magical girl series to immerse yourself in over multiple seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice with an impressive 800 episodes, all centered around the same premise. A group of young girls gains magical powers to fight the forces of evil, embodying the classic magical girl narrative. This technicolor, super-cute series has endured for a reason—it's absolutely delightful. Plus, if you're a fan of cute creatures, Pretty Cure delivers on that front as well.
5. 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 more profound and ultimately heartbreaking narrative. The series follows a group of young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract offered by a seemingly innocent cat-like creature, granting them magical powers. While the setup might seem traditional, the story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deceptions used to manipulate young people. It's a fascinating and thought-provoking examination of the genre.
4. 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 artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is an ambitious universe-hopping magical girl series. Who hasn't dreamed of escaping to a magical world rather than attending school? This dream comes true for friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji during a school field trip, transporting them to a world they can control with their will. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships, making it a series you can enjoy time and again. There were even Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the '90s that you can explore.
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image credit: J.C. Staff
Studio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream
One of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime, Revolutionary Girl Utena by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas stands out on our list. Romantic, stylish, and inspired by chivalric traditions, the story follows young orphan Utena, who decides to become a prince after meeting a charming one. This decision shapes her life and leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic series is a meta-exploration of the genre's tropes and expectations, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Image credit: Madhouse
Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll
A stone-cold classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura was a transformative experience for many viewers. This fashion-forward, action-packed series blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of the time, akin to Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura discovers a strange book in her basement and accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards, she learns that she's not just an ordinary elementary school girl but a powerful magic user tasked with capturing the cards. Thankfully, she's aided by the cute and enigmatic creature, Cerberus, who guards the artifacts.
1. 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. One of the most globally renowned series, it follows the story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who unexpectedly becomes the titular Sailor Moon. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, this series is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each of the Sailor Scouts is uniquely developed, allowing audiences to connect with their favorites. Hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed, Sailor Moon is the most influential and impactful series on our list, a must-watch 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? Check out our guide to the best vampire anime as well as our list of the most underrated anime series.
