Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: Enchanting Classics

Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has become a cherished part of anime culture over the past three decades. It's known for its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and a dedicated fanbase. If you're looking to explore beyond the iconic classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list is your guide to the best magical girl anime, featuring new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary series to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.

Prepare to dive into a world of witches, cat DNA, magical rods, and more as we unveil 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 reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter generation. When Akko enrolls in the fantastical Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic becomes a reality. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko struggles with her own lack of magical talent. However, her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, embarking on a mission to reignite the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming-of-age themes with enchanting witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a fresh take on magic. It's a must-watch anime series available on Netflix.

Note that Little Witch Academia consists of 25 episodes across two seasons, but the future of a third season remains uncertain.

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 showcases the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to be a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist with a passion for both manga and flowers, receives two magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower. These gifts bring her drawings to life, adding a whimsical touch to her journey. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem that's well worth exploring.

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. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. As Ichigo transforms into a cat-like heroine, she joins forces with other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their new abilities. This fun and quirky series has been elevated to new heights with its recent reboot, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

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 a boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically when she enrolls in the mysterious Fuuka Academy. She soon discovers that she and others at the school share a special mark that allows them to summon protective familiars against nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to loved ones, adding emotional depth to the intense battles. This series is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

6. Pretty Cure

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

For those seeking a magical girl series to immerse themselves in, Pretty Cure offers over 800 episodes of enchanting storytelling. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil, embodying the classic magical girl narrative. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its delightful charm and the adorable creatures that accompany the magical girls. Pretty Cure is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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 darker, more introspective narrative. The series follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract with a mysterious cat-like being. This story delves into themes of trauma, exploitation, and the harsh realities of being a magical girl, offering a profound examination of the genre. It's available to watch on both Crunchyroll and Hulu.

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 an ambitious magical girl series that spans multiple dimensions. The story follows friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, who are transported to a magical world during a school field trip. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. Available on Crunchyroll and Prime Video, this series is a timeless classic with a series of games released in the 90s that fans can enjoy.

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 a groundbreaking and subversive magical girl anime that stands out on our list. This story, inspired by chivalric romance, follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. Her journey leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surreal and meta series explores the tropes and expectations of the genre, making it a must-watch, despite its current unavailability for streaming.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

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

Cardcaptor Sakura, another classic from CLAMP, transformed the magical girl genre for a generation of viewers. The series follows Sakura, who discovers a mysterious book in her basement and accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards. As a magical user, Sakura embarks on a mission to capture the cards, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series blends magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze, available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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, widely regarded as one of the greatest anime of all time. The series follows Usagi, an ordinary schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon, a guardian of justice. With its iconic transformation sequences, stunning character designs, and well-developed Sailor Scouts, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. Its influence and impact on the genre are unparalleled, making it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts. You can stream it on Hulu.

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.