Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: Most Enchanting Series 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 anime characters, and legions of fans. But if you want to venture outside of the classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, what should you watch? This list is not only a definitive ranking of the best that the magical girl anime genre has to offer but will hopefully introduce you to some new faves, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped hole 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

Little Witch Academia is an adorable 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, she can hardly contain her excitement. Her lifelong dream has been to learn magic, inspired by her idol, the famed witch Shiny Chariot. However, Akko herself lacks magical abilities—until she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol. This discovery propels Akko on a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic, which is fading away. This coming-of-age tale beautifully intertwines witchcraft with themes of friendship 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 across two seasons, but it remains uncertain if there will be a Season 3.

9. Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol

This 1986 series stands as one of the earliest examples of magical girl anime, securing its spot on our list. It also features one of the most beloved anime and manga tropes: a protagonist who aspires to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist, is passionate about both art and flowers, influenced by her florist parents. When she saves a flower from being picked, she is granted two magical items: a wand and a locket, which bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem well worth exploring.

8. Tokyo Mew Mew

Adapted from the manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique spin on the magical girl anime genre. In this delightful story, protagonist Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. Her transformation is reminiscent of a werewolf's, making her increasingly cat-like. Ichigo uses her new abilities to find other girls affected by the same incident, and together they combat a mysterious alien threat linked to their newfound powers. The series is wildly entertaining, and the recent reboot has only heightened its appeal!

7. My-HiME

My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama, resulting in a captivating narrative. Mai's life takes a dramatic turn when she joins the elite and mysterious Fuuka Academy. Initially feeling out of place at the secretive school, Mai soon discovers she's there for a reason: she and others bear a special symbol that allows them to summon familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These familiars, known as "Children," are deeply connected to someone the summoner loves, adding intense stakes to their battles.

6. Pretty Cure

If you're looking for a magical girl series with multiple seasons to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. With an astonishing 800 episodes, all centered around the same premise, this series 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 visuals and super-cute charm. The enduring appeal of Pretty Cure is no mystery—it's simply delightful. Plus, if you're a fan of cute creatures, Pretty Cure has you covered.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica takes the magical girl trope and infuses it with a more profound and ultimately heartbreaking narrative. The series follows a group of young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract offered by a cat-like being, granting them magical powers. Though the setup may seem traditional, this story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deception young people face to maintain order. It's a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the trope.

4. Magic Knight Rayearth

The artist collective CLAMP is behind many beloved manga and anime, and Magic Knight Rayearth is one of their most famous works. This ambitious series transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to an enchanting magical world during a school field trip. In this world, they can control their surroundings with their will. Magic Knight Rayearth showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. It's the kind of series you can lose yourself in repeatedly. Additionally, there were Magic Knight Rayearth games released in the '90s that are worth exploring.

3. Revolutionary Girl Utena

One of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime, Revolutionary Girl Utena by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas is a unique entry on our list. Romantic, stylish, and inspired by the chivalric tales of old, the story follows young orphan Utena. After meeting a charming Prince, Utena decides to become a prince herself, a decision that shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school. Here, she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic take on the genre not only entertains but also deconstructs its tropes and expectations, offering a meta-narrative experience.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

A stone-cold classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura was a transformative experience for a generation of viewers. This fashion-forward, action-packed series blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze, similar to Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura discovers a mysterious book in her basement, she accidentally unleashes the dangerous Clow Cards. As a normal elementary school girl, Sakura learns she's also a powerful magic user tasked with capturing the cards. Fortunately, she's aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus, who guards the artifacts.

1. Sailor Moon

The only choice to top our list was Naoko Takeuchi's groundbreaking Sailor Moon, arguably one of the best anime of all time. This globally renowned series tells the story of Usagi, a normal schoolgirl, and her unexpected role as the titular Sailor Moon. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequence, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed and unique personalities of each Sailor Scout allow audiences to connect with their favorites as they revisit this hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed series. As the most influential and impactful entry on our list, Sailor Moon is 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.