Top 10 Magical Girl Anime Ever

Transformative. Captivating. Heart-warming. The magical girl genre has become a staple of anime over the past three decades, with its own delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and legions of fans. If you're looking to explore beyond the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list offers a definitive ranking of the best magical girl anime, introducing you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings that will fill that magical girl-shaped hole in your life.

Get ready 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

Little Witch Academia is an enchanting tale set in a magical school, reimagining the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls at the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, she can hardly contain her excitement. Despite her lifelong admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself has no magical abilities—until she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. This discovery propels her on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic, blending coming-of-age themes with whimsical witchcraft. This delightful series on Netflix, with its cozy friendships and unique take on magic, is a must-watch.

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

9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol

This 1986 series is a pioneering magical girl anime that deserves recognition. It also features the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi's passion for art and flowers, inspired by her florist parents, leads her to a magical encounter. After saving a flower, she receives a wand and a locket that bring her drawings to life. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol, with its retro charm and heartwarming narrative, is a hidden gem worth exploring.

8. Tokyo Mew Mew

Adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique twist on the magical girl genre. Our protagonist, Ichigo Momomiya, gains her powers through an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation into a cat-like heroine leads her to team up with other affected girls to combat a mysterious alien threat. This fun-filled series, further enhanced by a recent reboot, delivers an exciting and fresh take on magical girl adventures.

7. My-HiME

My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl trope with a boarding school drama, creating a captivating narrative. Mai's life takes a dramatic turn when she enrolls at the secretive Fuuka Academy. Here, she discovers her unique abilities, marked by a special symbol that allows her to summon a familiar to fight nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to those she loves, adding emotional depth and high stakes to her battles.

6. Pretty Cure

For those seeking an immersive magical girl experience, Pretty Cure offers an astonishing 800 episodes across multiple seasons. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil forces. This classic take on the genre remains delightful, with its vibrant visuals and cute creatures, providing endless hours of enchanting entertainment.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica reimagines the magical girl trope with a darker, more introspective narrative. Young women are offered a contract by a mysterious cat-like creature, granting them powers to battle witches. This series delves into the realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the lies that keep young people in line. It's a poignant and thought-provoking examination of the genre.

4. Magic Knight Rayearth

Created by the renowned CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth transports viewers to a high fantasy world. Friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji are whisked away during a school field trip to a magical realm they can control with their will. This epic series showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and complex relationships, making it a timeless adventure that fans can revisit endlessly.

3. Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric tales, the story follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after a life-changing encounter. Her journey leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series offers a meta-exploration of the genre, making it a unique and compelling watch.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

Cardcaptor Sakura, another classic from CLAMP, combines the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of its time. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she discovers her magical abilities and embarks on a mission to recapture them. With the help of the charming creature Cerberus, Sakura navigates her dual life as a schoolgirl and a magical guardian, delivering a fashion-forward and action-packed adventure.

1. Sailor Moon

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 discovers her destiny as Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is well-developed and unique, allowing fans to connect with their favorites. This hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed series remains 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.