Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: All-Time Favorites

Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has become a beloved staple of anime over the past three decades. It boasts delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a rich world of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This list ranks the best of the genre and introduces you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings that will fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.

So, prepare 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 a charming magical school story that reinvents the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic seems within reach, despite her lack of inherent magical ability. Her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot drives her, and discovering a magical artifact connected to her idol changes everything. Akko embarks on a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic. This delightful series combines coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a fresh take on magic. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.

There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but it's uncertain whether 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, making it a must-include on our list. It also taps into the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to create manga. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of becoming a mangaka, her passion for art equaled only by her love for flowers, influenced by her florist parents. When she saves a flower from being picked, she receives 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 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 unique spin on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains powers after an accident infuses her with cat DNA. In a transformation reminiscent of werewolves, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her abilities to connect with other affected girls. Together, they combat an alien threat linked to their newfound powers. The series is delightfully fun, and its recent reboot elevates it to new heights of awesomeness.

7. My-HiME

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

My-HiME masterfully blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically when she joins the secretive Fuuka Academy. Initially feeling out of place, she soon discovers her purpose there and others like her, marked with a special symbol that allows them to 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 with countless episodes to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. With an impressive 800 episodes, it follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil. It's a classic take on magical girl lore that continues to captivate audiences with its technicolor charm and delightful characters. Plus, it features adorable creatures, adding to its 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 genre and adds a darker, more introspective twist. The series follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract offered by a mysterious 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 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 renowned artist collective CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth is a high fantasy epic that transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school field trip. In this world, they can control their surroundings with their will. The series showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a captivating journey you can revisit 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

Revolutionary Girl Utena, created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, is one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric tales, it follows Utena, an orphan who, after meeting a charming prince, 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 surreal and meta exploration of the genre challenges its tropes and expectations.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

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

Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, is a transformative series that blends magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze. When Sakura discovers a mysterious book in her basement, she accidentally releases the powerful Clow Cards. As a normal elementary school girl, she learns she's also a magic user and embarks on a quest to capture the cards with the help of the enigmatic creature, Cerberus.

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. This globally renowned series follows Usagi, a regular schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, it's the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to connect with their favorites. Sailor Moon's influence and impact on the genre are undeniable, 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.