Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: All-Time Favorites

Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place in anime culture over the past three decades. With its delightful tropes, unforgettable characters, and passionate fanbase, it's a genre that continues to enchant viewers. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a whole world of magical girl anime waiting to be explored. This definitive ranking not only showcases the best of the genre but also introduces you to new favorites, underrated gems, and modern masterpieces 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

View 11 Images

10. Little Witch Academia

---

Studio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix

Little Witch Academia is a charming magical school story that reinvents the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls at the enchanting Luna Nova Magical Academy, her lifelong dream of learning magic seems within reach. Despite her admiration for the legendary witch Shiny Chariot, Akko herself lacks magical talent. Her fortunes change when she uncovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, sparking 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 fresh take on magic. Available on Netflix, it's a must-watch anime series.

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

---

Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Not available to stream

A pioneering magical girl anime from 1986, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol, deserves a spot on our list. It taps into the beloved trope of a protagonist aspiring to be a manga artist. Yumi's passion for art and flowers, inspired by her florist parents, leads her to save a flower, earning her magical gifts—a wand and a locket that bring her drawings to life. This retro and charming series is an underappreciated gem that's definitely worth discovering.

8. Tokyo Mew Mew

---

Studio: Studio Pierrot | Episode Count: 52 | Where to watch: Not available to stream

Adapted from Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi's manga, Tokyo Mew Mew offers a unique spin on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers after an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. Her werewolf-like transformations into a cat-like form empower her to unite with other affected girls and combat an alien threat tied to their new abilities. This fun-filled series, with its new reboot, reaches even greater heights of excitement.

7. My-HiME

---

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

My-HiME masterfully blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama. Mai's arrival at the mysterious Fuuka Academy marks a life-changing experience. The secretive school harbors unusual figures and soon reveals Mai's true purpose there. Marked with a special symbol, she can summon a familiar to battle nightmarish creatures, but these "Children" are deeply connected to someone she loves, heightening the stakes of her battles.

6. Pretty Cure

---

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

For those seeking a magical girl series to immerse in over multiple seasons, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. This series follows young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil forces, embodying the quintessential magical girl narrative. Its enduring popularity stems from its delightful charm and the inclusion of cute creatures, making it a technicolor treat that's hard to resist.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

---

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

Puella Magi Madoka Magica redefines the magical girl genre by adding a darker, more profound layer to the trope. Young women are transformed into witch fighters through a contract with a seemingly innocent cat-like creature. This series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the deceptions faced by the young protagonists. It's a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the genre.

4. Magic Knight Rayearth

---

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, universe-hopping magical girl series. The dream of escaping to a magical world becomes a reality for Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji during a school field trip. Transported to a world they can control with their willpower, this high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships. Fans can also explore the Magic Knight Rayearth games from the '90s.

3. Revolutionary Girl Utena

---

Studio: J.C. Staff | Episode Count: 39 | Where to watch: Not available to stream

Revolutionary Girl Utena, created by Chiho Saito and Be-Papas, stands out as one of the most influential and subversive magical girl anime. Inspired by chivalry and romance, it follows Utena, an orphan who, after meeting a charming Prince, decides to become a prince herself. Her journey leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic take on the genre also critically examines its own tropes, offering a meta and thought-provoking experience.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

---

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

A classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura combines the magical girl genre with the card collecting craze, resonating deeply with fans. When Sakura accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she discovers her magical abilities and sets out to capture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series has left an indelible mark on viewers, blending magic with everyday life in a captivating way.

1. Sailor Moon

---

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 best anime series of all time. The story of Usagi, a typical schoolgirl who transforms into the titular Sailor Moon, has captivated audiences worldwide. With its stunning animation, iconic character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The series' rich character development and blend of humor, heart, and action make it a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.

What's the best magical girl anime of all time? -----------------------------------------------

Sailor MoonLittle Witch AcademiaPastel Yumi, the Magic IdolTokyo Mew MewMy-HiMEPretty CurePuella Magi Madoka MagicaMagic Knight RayearthRevolutionary Girl UtenaCardcaptor SakuraSomething else (let us know in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsAnd 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.