Top 10 Magical Girl Anime: Most Enchanting Ever

Transformative, captivating, and 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, it's no surprise that it continues to enchant audiences. If you're looking to explore beyond classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura, this list is here to guide you through the best the genre has to offer. From underrated gems to contemporary favorites, these anime are sure to fill that magical girl-shaped hole 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 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, her lifelong dream of learning magic seems within reach. Despite her admiration for the famed witch Shiny Chariot, Akko lacks magical talent herself. However, her discovery of a magical artifact connected to her idol sets her on a mission to reignite 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 on Netflix.

There have been 25 episodes of Little Witch Academia across two seasons, but it remains uncertain if a third season will be produced.

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 examples of a magical girl anime, making it a must-include on our list. It also features one of the best anime and manga tropes: a main character who aspires to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist with a deep love for flowers inherited from her florist parents, receives two magical gifts—a wand and a locket—after saving a flower. These gifts bring her drawings to life. Retro and charming, Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol is an underappreciated gem that deserves more attention.

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 take on the magical girl genre. Our hero, Ichigo Momomiya, gains her powers after an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. In a werewolf-esque transformation, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her powers to unite with other affected girls. Together, they combat a mysterious alien threat linked to their new abilities. The series is wildly fun, and the new reboot elevates it to even greater heights of awesomeness.

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 a boarding school drama. Mai's enrollment at the secretive Fuuka Academy marks a significant life change. Initially struggling to fit in, she soon discovers her purpose and the existence of others like her—marked by a special symbol that enables them to summon a "Child" to protect the world from nightmarish creatures. These familiars are deeply connected to someone they love, adding emotional stakes to the battles.

6. Pretty Cure

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

If you're looking for a magical girl series with multiple seasons to immerse yourself in, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice. With an impressive 800 episodes, it centers around young girls who gain magical powers to fight evil. This series embodies the classic magical girl lore while consistently delivering delight. Its technicolor, super-cute aesthetic and inclusion of adorable creatures make it a long-lasting favorite.

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 by adding a darker, more profound narrative. Young women become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract with a seemingly innocent cat-like creature. While the setup appears traditional, the series delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people. This thought-provoking series offers a compelling examination of the genre's tropes.

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 takes viewers on an ambitious interdimensional journey. Who hasn't dreamt of escaping school to explore a magical world? Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji find themselves in such a world during a school field trip, where they can control their surroundings with their will. This high fantasy epic showcases CLAMP's signature expansive worldbuilding, stunning animation, and intricate relationships, making it a series you can revisit time and again. The 90s also saw the release of Magic Knight Rayearth games, adding to its legacy.

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 chivalry and romance, the story follows Utena, an orphan who decides to become a prince after meeting a charming one. This choice shapes her life and leads her to a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the mysterious Rose Bride. This surrealistic series not only explores its own tropes but also offers a meta-commentary on the genre, making it a uniquely engaging experience.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

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

A true classic from CLAMP, Cardcaptor Sakura transformed the viewing experience for many. The series follows Sakura, who combines the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze akin to Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon. When Sakura unleashes the Clow Cards from a mysterious book, she embarks on a journey to capture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. This fashion-forward, action-packed series remains a beloved gem.

1. Sailor Moon

Image credit: Toei Animation
Studio: Toei Animation | Episode Count: 200 + 3 TV Specials | Where to watch: Hulu

Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon is undoubtedly the pinnacle of magical girl anime. One of the most globally recognized series, it follows Usagi, an ordinary schoolgirl who becomes the titular Sailor Moon. With its gorgeous animation, stunning character designs, and iconic transformation sequences, Sailor Moon has set the standard for the genre. Each Sailor Scout is uniquely developed, allowing fans to connect with their favorites across the series' hilarious, heartfelt, and action-packed episodes. As the most influential and impactful entry on our list, Sailor Moon is essential viewing for any anime enthusiast.

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.