Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: A Must-Watch List

Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming—the magical girl genre has enchanted anime fans for over three decades with its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and dedicated fanbase. If you're eager to explore beyond 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 series to fill that magical girl-shaped void 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

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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 adorable 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, she can hardly believe her luck. She's always dreamed of learning magic, inspired by the famed witch Shiny Chariot, but Akko herself lacks magical talent. That changes when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, propelling her on a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic. This delightful series blends coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a unique 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 the future of a Season 3 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 one of the earliest magical girl anime, making it a must-include on our list. It also celebrates the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to create manga. Yumi, an aspiring artist, dreams of becoming a mangaka, her love for art equaled only by her passion for flowers, influenced by her florist parents. Her journey begins when she saves a flower, earning her 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 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 spin on the magical girl genre. Our hero, Ichigo Momomiya, gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-esque transformation. As she becomes more cat-like, Ichigo teams up with other affected girls to combat a mysterious alien threat linked to their new abilities. This wild and fun series has been elevated to new heights with its recent reboot.

7. My-HiME

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

My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically upon joining the enigmatic Fuuka Academy, where she initially feels out of place amidst the school's secretive atmosphere. Soon, she discovers her purpose and others like her, marked by a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. The deep connection between these "Children" and someone they love adds intense stakes to their battles.

6. Pretty Cure

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

For fans craving a magical girl series with multiple seasons, Pretty Cure delivers with an impressive 800 episodes centered around the classic premise of young girls gaining magical powers to fight evil. This technicolor, super-cute series has endured due to its charm and delight. If you're looking for adorable creatures alongside your magical girls, Pretty Cure has you covered.

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 profound narrative. The series transforms its young protagonists into supernatural witch fighters after they accept a contract from a cat-like creature, granting them magical powers. While the setup may seem traditional, the story delves into themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deceptive promises made to young people. This series offers a fascinating and emotional examination of the magical girl 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 a beloved universe-hopping magical girl series. Who hasn't dreamt of escaping to a magical world instead of attending school? During a field trip, friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves in such a world, where they can control their surroundings with their will. This high-fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's expansive worldbuilding, beautiful animation, and complex relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. Notably, Magic Knight Rayearth also inspired a series of games 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, crafted by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas. Romantic, stylish, and inspired by ancient chivalry, this story follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting one. Her quest 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 also critiques its own tropes and expectations, offering a meta and captivating experience.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

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

A true classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura revolutionized the magical girl genre for a generation. The series follows Sakura as she discovers a mysterious book in her basement, accidentally releasing the dangerous Clow Cards. As a powerful magic user, Sakura embarks on a quest to recapture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series skillfully blends magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze of its time.

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 typical schoolgirl, as she transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. With stunning animation, iconic character designs, and an unforgettable transformation sequence, Sailor Moon stands as the quintessential magical girl anime. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to connect with different characters. Hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed, Sailor Moon's influence and impact make it a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.

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.