Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: Enchanting Picks

Transformative, captivating, and heartwarming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place as a cherished staple in anime over the last three decades. With its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase, it continues to enchant viewers worldwide. If you're looking to explore beyond the iconic classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this curated list aims to introduce you to some new favorites, hidden gems, and modern masterpieces that will fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.

Get ready for an adventure filled with witches, cat DNA, magical rods, and much 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: NetflixStudio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix

Little Witch Academia is an endearing magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for the post-Harry Potter generation. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her dream of learning magic finally comes true. Despite her adoration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko lacks magical talent. Her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact connected to her idol, propelling her on a mission to reignite a love for magic in a world that's slowly forgetting its wonder. This delightful series blends coming-of-age themes with enchanting witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a unique approach to magic. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.

There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia spread across two seasons, but a third season remains uncertain.

9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol

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

This 1986 series is a pioneering example of magical girl anime, deserving a spot on our list. It also features one of the best anime and manga tropes: a protagonist aspiring to create manga. Yumi, an aspiring artist, is passionate about manga and flowers, a love inherited from her florist parents. When she rescues a flower from being plucked, she's rewarded with two magical items—a wand and a locket—that bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem well worth exploring.

8. Tokyo Mew Mew

Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: 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 whimsical tale, protagonist Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with feline DNA. Her werewolf-esque transformations make her increasingly cat-like, and she uses these powers to unite with other affected girls. Together, they confront an alien threat linked to their new abilities. The series is a wild, fun ride, and its recent reboot takes the excitement to new heights!

7. 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, creating a compelling narrative. When Mai joins the secretive Fuuka Academy, she's unsure of her place among its mysterious students. However, she soon discovers her purpose there—alongside others who bear a special symbol that allows them to summon familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, heightening the stakes in their battles.

6. Pretty Cure

Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 800 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

For those seeking a magical girl series with multiple seasons, Pretty Cure is an ideal choice, boasting an impressive 800 episodes built around a consistent premise. Young girls gain magical powers to combat evil forces, embodying the quintessential magical girl theme. This vibrant, super-cute series has endured for its sheer delightfulness and adorable creatures, making it a timeless and engaging watch.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Image credit: ShaftStudio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu

Puella Magi Madoka Magica elevates the magical girl trope by infusing it with a darker, more emotionally resonant narrative. The series follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract offered by a seemingly innocuous cat-like creature. While the setup may seem traditional, the story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deception young people face, making it a profound and impactful examination of the genre.

4. Magic Knight Rayearth

Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: 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 magical girl series that 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, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a series you can immerse yourself in repeatedly. The 90s also saw the release of Magic Knight Rayearth games, adding to its legacy.

3. Revolutionary Girl Utena

Image credit: J.C. StaffStudio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream

Revolutionary Girl Utena, crafted by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric romance, it follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. Her journey leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic take on the genre also serves as a meta-exploration of its tropes and expectations, offering a unique viewing experience.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

Image credit: MadhouseStudio: Madhouse | Episode Count: 70 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Cardcaptor Sakura, another gem from CLAMP, is a transformational experience for many viewers. The series follows Sakura as she combines the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze. After accidentally releasing the Clow Cards from a mysterious book in her basement, Sakura learns she's a powerful magic user and embarks on a quest to recapture them, aided by the charming creature Cerberus.

1. Sailor Moon

Image credit: Toei AnimationStudio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu

Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon tops our list as the quintessential magical girl anime. Following Usagi, a typical schoolgirl transformed into the titular hero, this series is renowned for its gorgeous animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely crafted, allowing viewers to connect with their favorite characters. Hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed, Sailor Moon is the most influential and impactful series on our list, making it essential viewing 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? Explore our guide to the best vampire anime, as well as our list of the most underrated anime series.