Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: Enchanting Picks

Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has been a beloved staple of anime for over three decades, enchanting viewers with its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are iconic, there's a rich world of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This list not only ranks the best magical girl anime but also introduces 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

View 11 Images

10. Little Witch Academia

---

Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix

Little Witch Academia is an adorable 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, it's a dream come true. Despite her lifelong admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko lacks magical abilities herself. That changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, sparking a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series combines coming-of-age themes with unique takes on witchcraft, focusing on cozy friendships. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.

Although there have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, the future of a Season 3 remains uncertain.

9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol

---

Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream

This 1986 series is a pioneering example of magical girl anime, which is why it's included on our list. It also features one of the best anime and manga tropes: a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, with her passion for art and flowers, inherited from her florist parents, rescues a flower and is rewarded with a magical wand and locket that bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem worth exploring.

8. Tokyo Mew Mew

---

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 unique twist on the magical girl genre. In this charming tale, protagonist Ichigo Momomiya gains powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-like transformation. She joins forces with other affected girls to combat a mysterious alien threat connected to their new abilities. The series is wildly entertaining, and its recent reboot has only heightened its appeal.

7. My-HiME

---

Studio: Sunrise | Episode Count: 26 + 26 DVD-only shorts | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

My-HiME blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama, creating a compelling narrative. Mai's transition to the secretive Fuuka Academy is life-altering. Initially struggling to fit in, she discovers her unique purpose and others like her who can summon familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding intense stakes to their battles.

6. Pretty Cure

---

Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

If you're looking for a magical girl series with multiple seasons to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure is the answer. With an astounding 800 episodes, this series follows young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil. It's a classic take on magical girl lore that continues to captivate with its technicolor visuals and endearing charm. Pretty Cure also satisfies fans looking for cute creatures alongside their magical girls.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

---

Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu

Puella Magi Madoka Magica redefines the magical girl genre by adding a darker, more profound narrative. Young women become supernatural witch fighters after entering a contract offered by a cat-like being, granting them magical powers. This series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people, making it a poignant and thought-provoking examination of the genre.

4. Magic Knight Rayearth

---

Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha | Episode Count: 49 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Prime Video

The creative minds behind CLAMP are responsible for this ambitious, universe-hopping magical girl series. Magic Knight Rayearth fulfills the fantasy of escaping to a magical world during a school field trip, as friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji embark on an interdimensional adventure. The series showcases CLAMP's strengths in expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a timeless classic. Additionally, Magic Knight Rayearth inspired a series of games in the 90s.

3. Revolutionary Girl Utena

---

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 chivalry, the story follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to be a prince after meeting one. This decision shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic series offers a meta-exploration of genre tropes and expectations, making it a unique and compelling watch.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

---

Studio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Cardcaptor Sakura is a transformative classic from CLAMP, blending magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze of the era. When Sakura accidentally releases the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she discovers her latent magical abilities and sets out to recapture them. With the guidance of the enigmatic creature Cerberus, this fashion-forward, action-packed series has left an indelible mark on fans.

1. Sailor Moon

---

Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu

Topping our list is Naoko Takeuchi's groundbreaking Sailor Moon, widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time. The story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, is iconic. With its stunning animation, memorable character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to connect deeply with the series' humor, heart, and action. Its influence on the genre and popular culture is unmatched, making 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.