Unleash Your Inner Heroine with the Best Magical Girl Anime of All Time!

First episode: March 7, 1992
Final episode: February 8, 1997
Networks: TV Asahi, Seven Network, All-Nippon News Network

Sailor Moon, aka Usagi Tsukino, is a champion for love and justice as she battles against evil forces with the help of her Sailor Scouts. The Sailor Scouts each represent a planet in the solar system and have their unique powers and transformations.

Sailor Moon’s iconic ribbon-adorned outfit and tiara may be cute, but she packs a punch as she wields her Sailor Moon wand and cries out, “Moon Prism Power, makeup!”

Don’t underestimate this pretty guardian because she’s ready to fight for the future and protect the Earth. One day you’ll even be lucky enough to witness her legendary transformation into Super Sailor Moon.

First Episode: April 2, 1997
Final Episode: December 24, 1997
Program Creators: Kunihiko Ikuhara, TV Tokyo, YOMIKO Advertising

Powers and Abilities: Swordswomanship, Hand-to-hand combatant, Reflexes

All versions of the series revolve around Utena Tenjou. To be more like her “prince”, she wears a boy’s uniform at Ohtori Academy in her second year.

Utena’s first appearance depicts her blonde hair and wearing a pink version of the boys’ school uniform. The final illustration of Utena in the anime and manga shows her waist-length straight pink hair and bangs over the right side of her face. She also has blue eyes and is taller than most people.

Anthy Himemiya, Utena’s friend and fellow protagonist, is a popular, passionate, and intelligent girl who is respected by many of her classmates.

Occupation: Student, Witch Apprentice, Teacher (Ojamajo doremi 19)

Doremi Harukaze is the main character in Ojamajo Doremi. Eight-year-old Sarah struggles with argumentative parents, a spiteful little sister, and a lack of romance. After a horrible day, she discovers that the owner of Misora’s Magical Shop is a witch.

Due to Doremi, the pink witch apprentice, the term “ojamajo” was invented. After realizing she could perform magic, Aiko Senoo and Hazuki Fujiwara joined her as Witch Apprentices.

Authors: Mia Ikumi, Reiko Yoshida
Genre: Shojo manga
Episodes: 52 (Japanese); 26 (English); (List of episodes)

There is no doubt that this genre has surpassed the definition of magical girl anime by transforming ducks and humans into cat-like creatures!

We never thought we’d hear about a radioactive spider fusing with human DNA in our lifetimes, but it has!

Five school girls who get caught up in an earthquake become heroic cat girls called Mew Mews after being bathed in a mysterious light.

There is more science than sorcery in this series.

Episodes: 13

Network: Tokyo MX, tvk, TVA, CTC, MBS, Kids Station

If you want an anime with magical girls, idols, and mecha all in one, you should watch Symphogear!

As for the production quality and plot, it could have been better.

It’s still pretty cool to see the transformations!

Despite my misgivings about the anime, I recommend it to those who liked Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and want to take it to the next level.

Final episod: December 23, 1992
First episode: March 18, 1982
Networks: TV Tokyo, TX Network, Nippon Television Network System

Ashi Productions produces Magical Princess Minky Momo, an anime franchise featuring magical girls. Television Tokyo aired the original series from 1982 to 1983, and three OVAs followed in 1985, 1986, and 1987.

The old cartoon style should satisfy this classic magical girl anime. Young anime fans love the adorable Minky Momo for a reason.

Even though it was first released in the 1980s, rewatch this even if you’ve watched it before as a kid!

Flowers and comics are Yumi’s favorite things. They decide to help Yumi when they see Kakimaru and Keshimaru in trouble. Flower fairies give those who take care of flowers magic tools.

A magic cane and a pendant are given to Yumi by Kakimaru and Keshimaru, who see her love for flowers. Any pictures she drew in the air took form and became real when she used the cane.

Her magical power is always used reasonably, but Yumi is hasty and goofy. As soon as the pendant starts to flash, though, the magic disappears within 30 seconds. This causes her magic to often cause trouble around her.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a girl who is constantly bullied take on some dope responsibilities to save the world.

In a nutshell, Pretear appears to be a typical bishounen harem based solely on its posters.

However, it isn’t!

All of the Knights do not love Awayuki Himeno.

Some view her as an elder sister but an equal by others.

The perfect blend of drama, action, comedy, and romance makes it a breath of fresh air. Everyone can find something they like.

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya is a unique spin-off of the Fate franchise, combining magical girl stories with some darker elements and controversial themes.

While following in many ways after traditional tropes, it offers fresh interpretations of characters like Illya while incorporating slice-of-life moments.

Fans will find Seasons 3 and Vow in the Snow movie especially captivating; even better news is that there’s more coming soon!

The universe. Aliens. Magic. That’s what Houkago no Pleiades is about- throwing all these elements into a pot and letting them simmer.

There is no doubt that this show will hook you right in if you love mysteries and guessing games.

This magical girl anime will leave you wondering what the story is about most of the time, but that’s precisely its appeal.

Houkago no Pleiades puts you right in the middle of the action, unlike most shows which attempt to explain what’s happening.

This will make you feel like a wallflower tagging along.

It will take you only a short time to realize that the whole journey was worth it when you understand what’s happening.

This Series Combines Magical Realism With Slice-Of-Life

The heroine of Flying Witch, Makoto Kowata, leaves Yokohama to live with her family in Aomori while keeping her secret that she is studying to become a witch. Various magical entities frequently confront Makoto despite Aomori’s seemingly quiet life.

A slice-of-life setup is combined with magical realism in the series. In its most literal sense, Flying Witch is a magical girl anime, as there are no battles. However, Makoto does feature one iconic aspect of the genre: a talking cat. She can only be understood by witches, of course.

Okay, get this – technically, “Is This a Zombie?” is a magical girl anime. Yes, you read that right. It has all the signature features like transformations, high stakes, and a lotta ribbons.

But hold on to your chainsaws because this show is far from your typical magical girl tale.

It’s more of a comedy that parodies the genre while still serving up plenty of excitement.

Ayumu Aikawa, our hero (who also happens to be dead), stumbles into the role of a magical girl through a series of wacky mishaps. Oh, and did we mention he wields a chainsaw?

Because this show doesn’t take itself too seriously, and we’re here for it.

There is a lot of negative press surrounding the Black Rock Shooter. Nevertheless, it deserves better.

Not everyone is indeed suited to CG animation.

Looking past this, you’ll find a complex storyline involving our black-haired heroine, with her mysterious blue eyes and rock-shooting canons (hence the title).

There are all kinds of weird and crazy things going on here, which is exactly why you should give it a shot!

As good as a good wine that has aged well over the years, this 90s anime is a great watch.

The animation style of so many shows right now is a lot more colorful and expensive.

The world of magical anime has its charm, with Magic Knight Rayearth injecting real-world realism.

A realistic view of the world involves suffering, adversity, and blood. There is no gore in this anime.

There is bleeding, loss, and suffering for magical knights.

Release date: March 2, 2013 (Japan)
Sequel: Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade

A rookie witch with clumsy abilities who hasn’t yet discovered her limits is irresistible.

Lovable characters make Little Witch Academia stand out among other shows.

My favorite thing about this show is that every witch has her unique character development.

You will feel deeply for each witch, cheering on their accomplishments and crying when they bruise their knees, even if the show is primarily silly and sometimes funny.

Get ready to experience the mega-hit franchise that’s taken Japan by storm – Pretty Cure! This behemoth of a series first graced our screens in 2004 with a 49-episode debut, and it’s been going strong ever since.

It’s currently on its 18th season, “Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure,” which introduces the franchise’s 16th generation of magical girls.

Now, let’s be real – this anime is mainly aimed at kids and has a bit of a Power Rangers vibe going on. But don’t be fooled – Pretty Cure is a consistent and surprisingly enjoyable watch.

With lovable characters, witty humor, and ever-changing themes, you’ll be hooked from the get-go.

Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to venture into uncharted territory. We all know that magical girl anime are usually action-packed, but get this – there are a couple of exceptions.

And “The Demon Girl Next Door” is one of them.

This lightning-fast comedy follows the unlikely bond between Momo, a magical girl, and Yuuko, a cursed demon girl. Here’s the catch – Yuuko’s curse can only be lifted if she kills Momo.

But after Momo saves her life, Yuuko finds herself in a moral problem, struggling to fulfill her end of the deal.

Despite being dialogue-heavy, “The Demon Girl Next Door” delivers a joke-a-minute with a witty and hilarious script. Not every punchline hits the mark, but the humor is consistent and offbeat.

A world filled with cotton candy wouldn’t be the place for deep themes.

Precisely for this reason, Sugar Sugar Rune will take you by surprise.

The movie Inside Out helps kids sort through different emotions nowadays.

I used to play Sugar Sugar Rune when I was a kid. The course introduced me to the complexity of human emotions.

It is surprisingly consistent, and the story takes you on a journey that evokes many emotions as you follow two witches who are out collecting hearts.

A fun, lighthearted, and endearing film, Ojamaji Doremi deserves its high ranking for the fresh perspective it takes on witches.

The adventures and quests of witches seem never to end.

It is sometimes seen that those in Ojamaju Doremi are busy doing mundane things in their little world, where they are safe and carefree.

There isn’t much fighting, in effect.

So many girls have to save the world, so it is a slice-of-life for mahou sojou fans.

It’s only natural that girls sometimes want to have fun, right?

Princess Tutu puts a unique spin on the magical girl genre by depicting its protagonist, Ahiru, as not your typical clumsy girl.

She isn’t a hero, as everyone would expect.

However, she is a magical being.

In Princess Tutu, the ugly duckling transforms into a talented prima ballerina with her awesome dance moves, much like the ugly duckling from the story of the ugly duckling to the pretty swan!

Princess Tutu is on a mission to collect the heart of her beloved.

Comedy, action, and romance combine to make this an innocent, fun movie.

Princess Tutu is a good choice if you’re looking for a classic anime story.

Putting all the cards on the table, it’s clear that Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch’s storyline is messy.

It’s a show about uniting the seven sea princesses, but for the most part, Lucia, Hanon, and Rina fight villains with their high-pitched voices.

This anime is about fighting through singing. Chaos, scatteredness, and unapologetic cheesiness abound.

However, I am willing to overlook all that because it has such an incredible entertainment value.

Get ready for an exciting underwater adventure with some of the catchiest songs ever written for an anime.

Even though I haven’t watched an episode since 11 years ago, I still remember all the words.

Shugo Chara is an excellent example of a magical girl anime that doesn’t rely on traditional outfits or transformation sequences.

The film deserves to be included on this list due to its exciting plot.

This story is about Amu, a girl who meets her guardian characters. As a team, they help Amu understand who she would like to be and help her reach her full potential.

This series will be helpful to those who wish to explore their true selves on the path to improvement and growth.

One day after school, Nanoha discovers an injured ferret named Yuuno, an archaeologist from another world!

Yuuno gives Nanoha a red jewel that enables her to use magic and transform.

The creature then instructs her to collect the remaining jewels around the world. (Somehow, I remember hearing about this when it came to cards?)

Initially, Nanoha’s story seems like a typical magical anime, but it eventually turns into a much darker, more complicated story filled with plot twists and memorable side characters.

Even though this anime primarily aims at older audiences, younger children enjoy it.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica might be a better choice if you’re tired of cutesy transformations and child-friendly plots in most magical girl anime.

This series challenges magical girls in every way you previously thought they were.

The characters are still cheerful, and the premise is the same as always.

Madoka, however, is nothing like that after a few episodes.

You should check out the next choice on my list if you want to watch something with your younger siblings.

For those who are up for truth bombs and the darker side of magic, this is a must-see.

Close your eyes and imagine “magical girls.” What do you see? Like most anime fans, you probably envision a group of superpowered schoolgirls fighting evil.

And that’s exactly what you get with “Magical DoReMi.”

Meet Doremi Harukaze, a spunky third-grader living in the charming town of Misora. When she stumbles upon the magic shop Mahodo and discovers that its owner, Majo Rika, is a witch frog, her life turns wild.

Before she knows it, Doremi becomes Majo Rika’s apprentice, helping her return to human form.

Along the way, Doremi makes some new witchy friends – her trusty besties, who also become apprentices.

Saving the world would require sacrifice, but what would that sacrifice look like? Fans of the magical girl genre will find the premise of Puella Magi Madoka Magica quite familiar. To gain magical abilities, schoolgirl Madoka Kaname makes a supernatural contract with her friends in middle school.

They are tasked with rescuing the world by hunting down witches. In reality, however, there is much more going on than meets the eye.

Almost every trope associated with magical girl anime was subverted in Madoka Magica. Magical girls are faced with unimaginable dangers and sacrifices in exchange for the powers they desire in Madoka Magica. Soon after watching the show, viewers will discover that it is an incredibly heartbreaking story.

Despite its popularity spanning generations, CardCaptor Sakura has managed to maintain its popularity over the years.

Sakura Kinomoto, 10 years old, has a crush on a friend of her brother, and her life revolves around her crush.

Everything changes, however, when Sakura accidentally releases magical and powerful Clow Cards.

Afterward, she was obliged to return them all. Thus being a “Card Captor”.

You will be introduced to all the craziness of the genre, including transformations, classical elements, and magical sidekicks like Keroberos.

Magical girl fans will love this. I can’t recommend it enough.

Get ready to step into the world of “Revolutionary Girl Utena,” where swords clash and hearts are won. Meet Utena Tenjou, a spunky teenage orphan with a lifelong dream of becoming a prince.

With her impressive sword skills and unwavering determination, she enters a world full of rivals and fierce duels.

But here’s the thing – “Revolutionary Girl Utena” isn’t your run-of-the-mill magical girl anime.

It’s a groundbreaking series that explores various tropes in unique and thought-provoking ways. It deconstructs the prince fairytale genre and fearlessly tackles queer topics and feminism, making it a true trailblazer in its time.

Welcome to the world of “Shakugan no Shana” – an anime that unveils a parallel realm that coexists alongside Earth. It’s a world plagued by a never-ending conflict between those who seek power at any cost and those fighting to restore balance.

Enter Yuuji, a boy saved from certain death by a mysterious girl named Shana. But here’s the kicker – Shana reveals to him that he’s no longer alive.

Yup, you heard that right.

Together, they join forces to preserve both worlds, forging a bond that slowly blossoms into something more.

While the opening arc may be a bit slow, “Shakugan no Shana” picks up speed as it goes along.

The anime focuses heavily on Shana and Yuuji’s romance, which is the story’s heart. And trust us – it’s a heart you won’t want to miss.

Step into the world of “Searching For The Full Moon,” – a magical girl anime that takes a refreshingly simple approach to the genre. Meet Mitsuki Koyama, a 12-year-old with big dreams of becoming a singer.

But a devastating sarcoma diagnosis shatters her hopes, leaving her only one year to live.

As if that wasn’t enough, two Shinigami (aka death spirits) pay her a visit with even worse news – she’s got just one year to live.

But wait, there’s a catch – if she agrees to die peacefully after a year, she can magically transform into a 16-year-old and compete in the idol auditions.

Volumes: 16
Chapters: 64
Status: Finished
Published: Jun 12, 2012 to Aug 12, 2017
Genres: Action, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
Demographic: Shounen

What’s more terrifying than the threat of a pandemic and magical girls? This combo is unique; it has its name: Mahou Shoujo Of The End (Magical Girl Apocalypse). It was created by Sato Kentaro in 2012 for Shonen Champion Magazine before being compiled into 16 volumes with an English translation released via Seven Seas Entertainment in 2014!

Let’s be honest; Magical Girl Apocalypse is not your average Magical Girl story. Forget about cute transformations and fighting for justice – in this series, the Magical Girls are causing destruction and chaos.

But don’t let that deter you from giving it a chance. MGA offers a refreshing take on the Magical Girl genre, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot.

The bloody battles will keep you on the edge of your seat. Magical Girl Apocalypse may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth a watch. Trust me; you won’t regret it.