Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: Enchanting Picks

Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has become a cherished part of anime culture over the past three decades. With its own delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase, this genre offers a magical escape for viewers. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list is here to guide you. It not only ranks the best magical girl anime but also introduces you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.

So, get ready for 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 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 dream of learning magic becomes a reality. Despite her adoration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko isn't naturally magical. That changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. Embarking on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic, Akko's journey is a delightful blend of coming of age and witchcraft, centered on cozy friendships and a unique take on magic. This charming series is a must-watch on Netflix.

There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but we don't know 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 a pioneering example of magical girl anime and deserves a spot on our list. It also embraces one of the best anime and manga tropes: a main character aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist with a passion for flowers, gains two magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower. These allow her drawings to come to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underseen gem that's worth seeking out.

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 unique twist on the magical girl genre. Our heroine, Ichigo Momomiya, gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. In a transformation reminiscent of a werewolf, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her powers to unite with other affected girls. Together, they combat a mysterious alien threat linked to their new abilities. The series is wildly fun, and the new reboot elevates it to even higher levels of excitement.

7. My-HiME

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

My-HiME brilliantly blends the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama. When Mai enrolls at the enigmatic Fuuka Academy, she's initially overwhelmed by its secretive nature. However, she soon discovers her purpose there and learns she's not alone—others bear a special symbol that enables them to summon familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding emotional 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 with multiple seasons to dive into, Pretty Cure is your answer, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil forces. It's a classic representation of magical girl lore that continues to captivate audiences with its technicolor charm and delightful creatures. Pretty Cure's longevity speaks to its enduring appeal.

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, often heartbreaking 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 manipulation of young people. It's a compelling and thought-provoking take on 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 instead of attending school? Friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves in such a world during a school field trip, where they can control their surroundings with their will. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. It's a series you can revisit time and again, and there were even Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the '90s.

3. 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 is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime of all time. Created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, this series is romantic, stylish, and inspired by the chivalry of old. After an encounter with a charming prince, the orphaned Utena decides to become a prince herself. 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 take on the genre is a meta exploration of its tropes and expectations, making it 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. Following the titular Sakura, this fashion-forward, action-packed series combines the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of shows like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards from a mysterious book in her basement, she discovers she's a powerful magic user tasked with capturing them. 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 series of all time. As one of the most globally renowned anime, the story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon, is a classic for a reason. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed and unique Sailor Scouts allow viewers to connect with their favorites, making this hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed series 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.