Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: All-Time Favorites

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

So, prepare 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 offers an adorable magical school story, reimagining the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. Akko's dream of learning magic comes true when she enrolls at Luna Nova Magical Academy. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko initially struggles with her lack of magical talent. Her fortunes change upon discovering a magical artifact linked to her idol, sparking a mission to rekindle the world's love for magic. This charming series blends coming-of-age themes with witchcraft, emphasizing cozy friendships and a fresh take on magic. It's a must-watch anime series on Netflix.

Note that Little Witch Academia spans 25 episodes across two seasons, but 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, making it a must for our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, passionate about art and flowers due to her upbringing with florist parents, gains magical powers after saving a flower. Gifted with a wand and a locket, she brings her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an overlooked gem 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 spin on the magical girl genre. Ichigo Momomiya gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA, leading to a werewolf-like transformation. She and her fellow affected girls form a team to combat an alien threat tied to their newfound abilities. This fun and quirky series has been further enhanced by a recent reboot, making it even more enjoyable.

7. My-HiME

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

My-HiME seamlessly blends magical girl elements with boarding school drama. Mai's life changes dramatically upon joining the secretive Fuuka Academy, where she discovers her connection to others who can summon familiars to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These familiars, known as "Children," are deeply linked to loved ones, adding emotional depth to the battles.

6. Pretty Cure

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

For fans seeking a long-running series to dive into, Pretty Cure offers over 800 episodes centered around young girls gaining magical powers to combat evil. This classic series remains beloved for its vibrant, cute aesthetic and engaging storytelling. With its enduring appeal and adorable creatures, Pretty Cure is a delightful choice for magical girl enthusiasts.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Image credit: Shaft
Studio: Shaft | Episode Count: 12 | Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu

Puella Magi Madoka Magica redefines the magical girl genre with its darker, more introspective narrative. Young women become witch fighters after agreeing to a contract with a mysterious cat-like creature. This series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of youth, making it a profound and thought-provoking watch.

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 transports friends Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji to a magical world during a school field trip. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. It's a series that captivates and invites repeated viewings, with a legacy that includes several games from 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 stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalric tales, it 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 series offers a surrealistic and meta exploration of the genre's tropes and expectations.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

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

Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, blends magical girl elements with the card-collecting craze. Sakura's discovery of a mysterious book in her basement unleashes the Clow Cards, prompting her to embark on a quest to capture them. With the help of the charming creature Cerberus, this fashion-forward and action-packed series remains a beloved classic.

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 who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and unforgettable transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts offer diverse personalities, ensuring fans find their favorites in this hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed series.

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.