Top 10 Best Magical Girl Anime

Magical Girl (also known as majokko or mahou shoujo) is a subgenre of Japanese fantasy anime and manga about young girls who use magic to defeat evil. Since the 1960s, magical girl was born in Japan. Ever since the 1990s, magical girl is known all around the world. Today, there are many plenty of Magical Girl anime.

This is the list of the Best Magical Girl Anime.
The Top Ten
1 Puella Magi Madoka Magica Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a 2011 Japanese anime television series produced by Shaft and Aniplex, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, written by Gen Urobuchi, music by Yuki Kajiura, opening sang by ClariS, ending by Kalafina (sometimes by the seiyuus) and original characters by Ume Aoki.

I love this show! This is the show that got my younger brother into anime, we've both watched it at least twice. I saw this on another The Top Tens list: "Top ten Worst Magical Girl Shows of all Time." I can't find the list now, but not only was this show on there, it somehow got second place. All I could think was: "Is this a joke? "

Yes, this show is Amazing! For some reason, on another list on here Worst Magical Girl Anime of all Time, this got second place. Is it because it's so different from the usual magical girl anime?

This one is my favorite because its not like any other magical girl anime, its very unique and has a lot of good plot I 100% recommend this anime.

2 Sailor Moon Sailor Moon is a Japanese shōjo manga series by Naoko Takeuchi. It was originally serialized in Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997; the 52 individual chapters were published in 18 tankōbon volumes.

Usagi Tsukino is an average student and crybaby klutz who constantly scores low on her tests. Unexpectedly, her humdrum life is turned upside down when she saves a cat with a crescent moon on its head... read more

Moon is number 1! All the girls in Madoka do is sulk and wait for their looming deaths. The Sailor Guardians all love and support each other. (I like Madoka too, but really Moon is better) should rank above Madoka

Such a classic, it never gets old or boring,
It is an anime I always come back to, great characters, writing, and humor. I am not a huge fan of the dub, so I watch it in Japanese
In my opinion it is much better. Well done toei

I like this anime. I also love their outfits. This is a great anime in my opinion.

3 Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha is a Japanese anime television series directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, with screenplay written by Masaki Tsuzuki, and produced by Seven Arcs.

While it can get confusing because of all the different Nanoha seasons/series/storylines in place today (It's a bit like Tenchi Muyo in that respect). MGLN is actually and incredible anime. The artwork and magical powers are stunning to watch (not to mention helluva powerful), and you'll always be eager to get to the next episode. I highly recommend this anime AND manga

The first three seasons were the best.
ViViD was a big disappointment. Which reminds me, I have to start ViViD Strike.

Why isn't this #1?

4 Cardcaptor Sakura Cardcaptor Sakura, abbreviated as CCS and also known as Cardcaptors, is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by the manga group Clamp.

Impossibly nice, this gilr has probably stolen most viewers' hearts because she's the cutest, most powerful and most positive protagonist ever. Oh... and her outfits are just amazing! That and her abilities solving prolems are really entertaining

All the characters in Cardcaptor Sakura are cute, especially Sakura. I would recommend this magical girl anime to anyone who are looking for some magical girl anime.

I think Cardcaptor Sakura is a perfect example of a magical girl. Collecting cards and get a new power from them are awesome.

5 Princess Tutu Princess Tutu is a Japanese magical girl anime series created by Ikuko Itoh in 2002 for animation studio Hal Film Maker. Inspired by ballet and fairy tales, particularly The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake, the story follows a duck who is transformed into the mythical ballerina Princess Tutu in order to save the shattered heart of a storybook prince come to life ... read more

I keep saying over and over how dark this Magical Girl anime is but I should note that the dark aspect is not done like Madoka Magica. Because 1, it's considered an anime marketed towards kids (so don't expect over the top gruesome stuff. It's still manages to be dark without the gritty stuff.), and 2. The lives of the characters is entirely based off a fairy tale that is secretly real that gives them terrible fates and for the most part, are impossible to escape. Even though how difficult it is to escape the said fates, they attempt to do so. I can't say that things work well for everyone in the series, just a warning.

I'm not going to go into more detail because I want people to watch the series and experience it for themselves. Please give Princess Tutu a chance. Get over your fragile masculinity and pride because you are seriously missing out.

Princess Tutu is a wonderful show. The animation is gorgeous through the series, and really holds up for an anime show from the 2000s. It's comparable to and, dare I say, better animated than a number of shows today. The show is only two seasons, which means there's really not much filler at all and the story remains tight and engaging. I was a bit surprised to see it was not closer to the top. Definitely a must-see for people into magical girl anime or just good animated shows in general.

6 HeartCatch PreCure! Heartcatch Precure is a Japanese anime series and the seventh series of the Pretty Cure anime franchise by Izumi Todo that premiered on February 7, 2010, replacing Fresh Pretty Cure! on its initial timeslot. The series theme is flowers, which leads to their true definitions of Hanakotoba as of the season's true scheme.

This show expertly blends the glamour and sparkle that younger kids love and the mature topics and punch-you-in-the-gut feelings that older people will enjoy. HPC is brilliant because it's mature in all the right ways. Younger kids will love it Tsubomi's shy nature and Erika's spirited personality, and older kids will enjoy Yuri's tragic backstory and Itsuki's quest for self-acceptance. I adore this anime.

I'm baffled that this isn't in the Top 10! The second best anime in general I've ever watched so far.

I watched one episode and loved it. You should watch this anime and fresh precure if you haven't already

7 Revolutionary Girl Utena

This deserves a higher ranking. Commonly referred to as the "Evangelion" of shoujo anime (but that's underselling it in my opinion), you won't find a more thematically complex, genuinely troubling at times, yet ultimately uplifting Magical Girl anime. Also the show is laced with symbolism and is so dense that you can watch it 10 times and still find more details to uncover. Also the artwork is stunning, and the animation, whilst basic, still holds up considering how old the show is... seriously more people need to watch it.

As the poster below says, better than Evangelion despite the comparison ^_-. Utena is a great heroine, Juri is an excellent supporting character with a strong subplot, Anthy is both tragic and an alternative hero/anti-hero in her own right, whose liberation one roots for. Great series and -the- feminist anime.

The comments are wrong about Princess Tutu being the first dark magical girl anime. It was actually Revolutionary Girl Utena.

8 DokiDoki! PreCure

It's the best!... just when will they add a season three? I want to know what will happen!

9 Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya

I guess Illyasviel von Einzbern finally got something in return for that route she never got! The art looks pretty nice and though I don't really know much about the Fate series, I know enough to know just about every character there is in there, including Bazett Fraga McRemitz and Caren from Fate/hollow ataraxia!

10 Futari wa Pretty Cure
The Contenders
11 Little Witch Academia Little Witch Academia (リトルウィッチアカデミア Ritoru Witchi Akademia) is an anime adaptation to the original eponymous film and its sequel, The Enchanted Parade. It began broadcasting on January 8, 2017 in Japan on TV and January 9, 2017 in the Netflix streaming site. The series ran for 25 episodes for one season split into two cours and released across nine Blu-ray Disc/DVD volumes... read more

Such an awesome anime! It's cute, and I like the characters and the story. This anime is basically like a cross between My Hero Academia and Harry Potter. Akko, the irritating, yet lovable protagonist goes to a school for witches, but struggles there due to not being born with magic. She spends her days with her best friends, Lotte and Sucy, and tries to become an elite witch, just like her idol, Shiny Chariot. Another thing I'm a big fan of is the animation. It is kinda simple-looking, but also extremely fluid, and just amazing. This is just one of my favorite anime franchises.

It may not be a typical magical girl anime (No transformation sequences or villain of the week cliche's), but it was charming none the less.
I personally think it counts as a magical girl anime because of these reasons.

1. Not really a proper reason, but like most magical anime, the main character is a bubbly ray of sunshine, who's goal is to become (insert life goal here) like a large amount of magical girls, or is interested in somthing that will lead to their magical destiny.

2. There is a variety of characters who have their own little quicks to their magic
(Lotte talking to spirits and Sucy with potions and poisons for example).

3.The story focuses on our main female heroine's with magical capabilities.

4. It may not be in every episode but these girls do save the day from time to time using their magic.

5. We watch our main heroine's magic grow throughout the series.

6. The rivals. Most magical girl anime have some sort of rival, but I think the main rival
(Diana Calvandish) is one of the best magical girl rivals I have ever seen.

7. It just has that real charm that a lot of magical girl anime have.

There is more reasons I am sure, but I am just gonna finish this quickly.
Little Witch Academia is definitely one of the best magical girl anime' I have ever seen, and it is also my personal favorite.
I highly recommend it to any magical girl anime fan. Or just anime fan in general.

12 Pretty Cure

Not sure why people compare this beauty to Sailor Moon. They were made by Toei Animations so get along. Anyway Precure isn't only magic, it teaches that kindness is everything and love is what saves everyrhing. Precure, Splash Star, Yes Precure 5,Gogo, Suite, Smile, MahoTsuaki, DokiDoki, Fresh, Happiness Charge, Heartcatch, KiraKira A La Modè, and the international Cures. It all amazes me. I need for it to win. I might die (sarcasm) if Sailor Moon Wins.

Pretty Cure is such a relatable series. It has good characters, enjoyable plot lines, funny moments, sad moments and the ability to make you cry your eyes out. I fully recommend this amazing series.

Precure is amazing, with many different characters, themes, and storylines. Pick whichever season you want to see first- it doesn't matter!

13 Glitter Force Smile PreCure! (Japanese: スマイルプリキュア!, Hepburn: Sumairu PuriKyua!, lit. "Smile Pretty Cure!") is a 2012 Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation and the ninth installment in Izumi Todo's Pretty Cure metaseries, featuring the seventh generation of Cures. The series ...read more.

One of the first animes I have watched. I love the character designs

14 Kill la Kill Kill la Kill is an anime television series produced by Trigger. In Kill la Kill, Ryuko Matoi transfers to a new high school in order to find her father's murderer.

One of the best animes I've seen. My all time favorite to be honest but... magical girl anime? Seriously? I mean it has transformations and stuff but I really can't associate "Kill la Kill" and "magical girl" together without laughing my ass off. If it is though, then this is one of the raunchiest and crude magical girl animu ever.

This show features more action and science fiction than just plain magic.

Don't know why KLK of all things is on this list (is it the transformation sequences? ) but it's a pretty rad show

15 Is This a Zombie? Is This a Zombie? is an anime series adapted from the light novels of the same title written by Shinichi Kimura and illustrated by Kobuichi and Muririn.

I love Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka! Why is this lower than Yuki Yuna along with Utena? They should be on the top ten In my opinion!

16 Magical Girl Raising Project
17 Kamichama Karin
18 Tokyo Mew Mew Originating in Japan, Tokyo Mew Mew is an anime series that aired in 2002, adapted from a manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi. The story revolves around five girls who gain superpowers to become the "Mew Mews," defenders of Earth against alien invaders. Recognized for its magical girl elements, the show combines romance, action, and environmental themes.

This anime is cute and funny. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a fun time.
I really like the art style, its bright and colorful, some scenes make great use of lighting effects, it stands out in my opinion.
All the characters only have one special attack move so the fight scenes can seem a bit lame but its not really a action fighting anime.
I voted for this because I think it should be higher up on the list.

This anime is kind of boring, like there is nothing really interesting about it.

LOL I'm literally listening to the credits while typing this! The credits are the best thing about Tokyo Mew Mew, and I can't stop listening to it!

19 Magical Princess Minky Momo
20 Shugo Chara Shugo Chara! is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Peach-Pit. The story centers around Amu Hinamori, a student who discovers three magical eggs that hatch into guardian characters. These characters help her transform and realize her true potential. The series combines elements of magical girl themes with slice-of-life storytelling. Shugo Chara! has been praised for its imaginative premise and intricate character relationships.

Amuto is an extra creepy ship and the scene of Tadase in a skirt is creepy because of how he's treated.

I loved this anime! I ship Ikuto x Amu

21 Ojamajo Doremi

An anime that makes you care for the filler episodes is a good anime. In this anime the story progression is ok, but the episodes that don't move the story forward are probably your favorite. Imagine slice of life with drama and magic. And if you like early Disney movies like Bambi, wich show a lot of cute stuff and then contrast it with dark stuff, this is for you! And for some reason the merch from this anime is reallly expensive (200$ for a small plastic wand!? ) It's just not higher on the list 'cause 4kids ruined it.

Can't understand why Doremi is ranked 15, I think only Sailor Moon and Madoka are better than Ojamajo Doremi, the rest are either on par or below.

No words to describe Ojamajo Doremi. Easily one of the best anime ever of all time!

22 Powerpuff Girls Z Powerpuff Girls Z is a Japanese magical girl anime series directed by Megumu Ishiguro, based on the American animated television series The Powerpuff Girls. The anime is co-produced by Cartoon Network Japan and Aniplex and was animated and produced by Toei Animation, featuring character design by Miho Shimogasa who is also the character designer of Cutie Honey Flash and Ultra Maniac and one of the... read more

I'm actually surprised to see this as high as it is. PPGZ is an underrated series that sadly never aired in the US (had to use inconvenient methods to watch). Although it was far from perfect, I love it just as much as the original. I hope PPGZ gets a reboot similarly to the 16 reboot (but maybe don't make Blossom such an airhead)

I love this one! I think the reason why some people don't like it is because it's aimed at younger children, but that doesn't make it bad!

I love to watch Powerpuff Girls Z right before bedtime! I hope you love me and my family watching a good story! Isn't that sweet?!

23 Magic Knight Rayearth The anime adaptation of Magic Knight Rayearth aired first on Japan's Yomiuri TV on October 17, 1994 and ended on November 27, 1995.

An awesome anime with a very good story behind. It's a not conventional magical girl anime, it gets darker and darker while the series advance. The battles and character design are amazing!

24 Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch is a shōjo manga and anime series created by Michiko Yokote, with artwork by Pink Hanamori.

The songs are amazing, so are the animations. I would recommend this to anyone for a magical girl anime mixed with idol anime!

I love the huge eyes and music!

25 Winx Club

1) Anime = animated cartoon. 2) In Japan this is considered as a magical girl anime. 3) This is the best show ever. 4) You crap.

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