Transformative, captivating, and heart-warming, the magical girl genre has solidified its place as a cherished staple of anime over the past three decades. With its unique tropes, unforgettable characters, and dedicated fanbase, it's a genre that continues to enchant viewers. While classics like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura are well-known, there's a wealth of other magical girl anime waiting to be discovered. This definitive ranking not only highlights the best of the genre but also introduces you to new favorites, underrated gems, and contemporary offerings to fill that magical girl-shaped void in your life.

Prepare yourself 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: NetflixStudio: Studio Trigger | Episode Count: 25 | Where to watch: Netflix

Little Witch Academia is a charming magical school story that reimagines the magical girl trope for a post-Harry Potter audience. When Akko enrolls at 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 herself lacks magical abilities. However, her fortunes change when she discovers a magical artifact linked to her idol, propelling 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 fresh 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 PierrotStudio: 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-include on our list. It also taps into the beloved anime and manga trope of a protagonist aspiring to become a mangaka. Yumi, an aspiring artist with a deep love for flowers, inherited from her florist parents, finds her life transformed when she saves a flower and is granted two magical items: a wand and a locket. These allow her drawings to come to life, adding a retro charm to this underseen gem that's definitely worth exploring.

8. Tokyo Mew Mew

Image credit: Studio PierrotStudio: 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 twist on the magical girl genre. The story follows Ichigo Momomiya, who gains her powers from an accident that infuses her with cat DNA. In a transformation reminiscent of werewolves, Ichigo becomes increasingly cat-like and uses her new abilities to unite with other affected girls to combat an alien threat linked to their powers. This fun and quirky series has been elevated further by its recent reboot.

7. My-HiME

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

My-HiME seamlessly blends the magical girl trope with boarding school drama, creating a captivating narrative. Mai's life changes dramatically when she enrolls at the secretive Fuuka Academy. Initially feeling out of place, she soon discovers her purpose there and others like her, marked with a special symbol that allows them to summon a familiar to battle nightmarish creatures. These "Children" are deeply connected to someone they love, adding emotional depth to the intense battles.

6. Pretty Cure

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

For those seeking a magical girl series with multiple seasons to dive into, Pretty Cure is the perfect choice, boasting an impressive 800 episodes. The series follows groups of young girls who gain magical powers to combat evil forces, embodying the classic magical girl narrative. Its enduring appeal lies in its delightful storytelling and adorable characters, including the cute creatures that accompany the magical girls.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Image credit: ShaftStudio: 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 follows young women who become supernatural witch fighters after agreeing to a contract with a mysterious cat-like creature. While the premise may seem traditional, the story delves into the harsh realities of being a magical girl, exploring themes of trauma, exploitation, and the manipulation of young people. It's a compelling and thought-provoking take on the genre.

4. Magic Knight Rayearth

Image credit: Tokyo Movie ShinshaStudio: 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 magical girl series that 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, 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. StaffStudio: 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, the story follows Utena, an orphan who aspires to become a prince after meeting a charming one. This decision shapes her life and leads her into a secretive dueling contest at her school, where she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Rose Bride. This surrealistic series not only entertains but also deconstructs the genre's tropes and expectations.

2. Cardcaptor Sakura

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

Cardcaptor Sakura, another masterpiece from CLAMP, blends the magical girl genre with the card-collecting craze of its time. The series follows Sakura as she accidentally unleashes the Clow Cards and embarks on a mission to recapture them, aided by the enigmatic creature Cerberus. With its fashion-forward style and action-packed narrative, this series remains a beloved classic.

1. Sailor Moon

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

Topping our list is the iconic Sailor Moon, created by Naoko Takeuchi. This groundbreaking series follows Usagi, a seemingly ordinary schoolgirl, as she transforms into the titular Sailor Moon. With its stunning animation, memorable character designs, and legendary transformation sequences, Sailor Moon is the quintessential magical girl anime. The well-developed Sailor Scouts offer diverse personalities, ensuring that every viewer can find a favorite. Its influence and impact on the genre are undeniable, making it 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.