What is this genre all about? Magical girls (also known both in Japan and in the West as mahou shoujo, and in Japan as majokko) are young girls with superhuman abilities of magical nature. In the early years, magical girls usually used magic to solve everyday problems and often transformed into idols; nowadays, however, the term is most often used to refer to with girls who fight evil using magical powers, and, although transformations are still common, they tend to be more along the lines of a change of costume.
We present you the list of Magical Girl anime you should watch right now.
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Top 20 Magical Girl anime you should watch right now. [2025 List]
- 20. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
- 19. Cardcaptor Sakura
- 18. Kimi to Idol Precure♪
- 17. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon R
- 16. Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete
- 15. Katsute Mahou Shoujo to Aku wa Tekitai Shite Ita.
- 14. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
- 13. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari
- 12. Sasaki to Pi-chan
- 11. Kabushiki Gaisha Magi Lumiere
- 10. Magic Knight Rayearth
- 9. Mahou Shoujo Site
- 8. Acro Trip
- 7. Princess Tutu
- 6. Shoujo Kakumei Utena
- 5. Kasukana Yuuhi
- 4. Anyamal Tantei Kiruminzoo
- 3. Futari wa Precure: Splash☆Star
- 2. Touhou Niji Sousaku Doujin Anime: Musou Kakyou
- 1. Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magikarte
20. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki are regular middle school girls with regular lives, but all that changes when they encounter Kyuubey, a cat-like magical familiar, and Homura Akemi, the new transfer student.
Kyuubey offers them a proposition: he will grant one of their wishes and in exchange, they will each become a magical girl, gaining enough power to fulfill their dreams. However Homura, a magical girl herself, urges them not to accept the offer since everything is not what it seems.
A story of hope, despair, and friendship, Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica deals with the difficulties of being a magical girl and the price one has to pay to make a dream come true.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 魔法少女まどか★マギカ, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika, Magical Girl Madoka Magica
19. Cardcaptor Sakura
Sakura Kinomoto is your garden-variety ten-year-old fourth grader, until one day, she stumbles upon a mysterious book containing a set of cards. Unfortunately, she has little time to divine what the cards mean because she accidentally stirs up a magical gust of wind and unintentionally scatters the cards all over the world. Suddenly awakened from the book, the Beast of the Seal, Keroberos (nicknamed Kero-chan), tells Sakura that she has released the mystical Clow Cards created by the sorcerer Clow Reed. The Cards are no ordinary playthings. Each of them possesses incredible powers, and because they like acting independently, Clow sealed all the Cards within a book. Now that the Cards are set free, they pose a grave danger upon the world, and it is up to Sakura to prevent the Cards from causing a catastrophe!
Appointing Sakura the title of "the Cardcaptor" and granting her the Sealed Key, Keroberos tasks her with finding and recapturing all the Cards. Alongside her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji, and with Kero-chan's guidance, Sakura must learn to balance her new secret duty with the everyday troubles of a young girl involving love, family, and school, all while she takes flight on her magical adventures as Sakura the Cardcaptor.
Cardcaptor Sakura has finished airing and it has 70 Episodes. It is also Known as: カードキャプターさくら, CCS, Cardcaptors, Card Captor Sakura
18. Kimi to Idol Precure♪
The main character, Sakura Uta, is a second-year middle school student who loves to sing. One day, she meets the fairy Purirun that has come to search for the Legendary Protectors, Idol Precure! Purirun's hometown, KirakiLand has been plunged into total darkness by Darkine, the boss of the Chokkiri Gang. Meanwhile, the sparkles of the townspeople are being stolen by the Chokkiri Gang... it's a huge pinch!
"I want to make it sparkle sparkly! Here is my song!" - With this determination, Uta transforms into the Legendary Protector, Cure Idol! She sings, dances, and gives fan service, making it sparkle no matter how pitch-black it is!
You and Idol Precure♪ is currently airing and will have 49 Episodes. It is also Known as: キミとアイドルプリキュア♪, Kimi to Idol Precure♪
17. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon R
The season is divided into two arcs: One arc being an anime filler (to give Takeuchi Naoko time to make the next manga), and the other arc being the actual Black Moon plot.
The first arc shows Usagi and Co. having their memories restored from the first season. Their enemies are a pair of aliens, Ail and Ann, who are seeking human energy to restore their life tree. Mamoru had yet to recover his memories and he appeared as the Moonlight Knight rather than Tuxedo Kamen. This arc only lasted for 13 episodes.
The second arc introduces Chibi-Usa, a little girl from the future who is searching for the Silver Crystal. The new enemies are the Black Moon Clan, comprising of the Ayakashi sisters (Cooan, Beruche, Karaberas, and Petz), Rubeus, Safir, Esmeraude, Prince Demando, and Wiseman. They too want the Silver Crystal so that they can take over the future. The Sailor Senshi's adventure continues...
Sailor Moon R has finished airing and it has 43 Episodes. It is also Known as: 美少女戦士セーラームーン R, Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon R
16. Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete
Hiragi Utena is a major fangirl of the magical girls protecting her city, so when she has the chance to become one herself, she leaps at the chance to join their technicolor ranks… but when she transforms, she learns she isn’t fated to be a daring do-gooder, but rather a villain on the side of evil! At first, she tries to quit her new gig as the leader of the local baddies, but she quickly realizes she enjoys it and is a total natural at tormenting the magical girls she loves so much. With both a bang and a whimper, Hiragi’s journey as a magical-girl-tormenting sadist has begun!
Gushing over Magical Girls has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 魔法少女にあこがれて, I Admire Magical Girls, and..., Mahoako
15. Katsute Mahou Shoujo to Aku wa Tekitai Shite Ita.
The story centers on Mira, the clever brains behind an evil organization that invades and destroys everything in its path. One day, a magical girl named Byakuya Mimori decides to stand up to the organization, and Mira falls in love with her at first sight.
The Magical Girl and The Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: かつて魔法少女と悪は敵対していた。, This is the first, and probably final, loose hostile relation.
14. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
Tsukino Usagi is a 14-year-old girl in junior high. She's ditzy, whiny, and a crybaby. She often flunks her tests, and she is always scolded by her family. However after a bad day, Usagi is surprised to encounter a black cat that can talk! The cat, Luna, grants Usagi the power to transform into Sailor Moon, a fighter who is to save the world against the Dark Kingdom and its evil ruler, Queen Beryl.
Of course, Usagi can't do it alone, and there are others who will help her on the way...
Sailor Moon has finished airing and it has 46 Episodes. It is also Known as: 美少女戦士セーラームーン, Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon
13. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari
The young girls of Mitakihara happily live their lives, occasionally fighting off evil, but otherwise going about their peaceful, everyday routines. However, Homura Akemi feels that something is wrong with this unusually pleasant atmosphere—though the others remain oblivious, she can't help but suspect that there is more to what is going on than meets the eye: someone who should not exist is currently present to join in on their activities.Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari follows Homura in her struggle to uncover the painful truth behind the mysterious circumstances, as she selfishly and desperately fights for the sake of her undying love in this despair-ridden conclusion to the story of five magical girls.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ 叛逆の物語, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika Movie 3, Magical Girl Madoka Magica Movie 3
12. Sasaki to Pi-chan
Tired and unfulfilled by his dead-end job, Sasaki decides to adopt Peeps, an adorable pet Java sparrow. Peeps, however, is really Piercarlo, a powerful sage from another world! After Peeps bestows Sasaki with magic and the ability to cross worlds, the two decide to export household items for profit in pursuit of a leisurely lifestyle. But when Sasaki’s new magic gets him mixed up in a whole other kind of supernatural struggle back in Japan, will it destroy his chances at realizing the relaxing life of his dreams?
Sasaki and Peeps has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 佐々木とピーちゃん, Sasaki to Pi-chan
11. Kabushiki Gaisha Magi Lumiere
Magical girls: strong, cool, the ultimate dream job. College student Kana Sakuragi is job hunting - without much luck! One day, she is caught up in an attack by a "Kaii." Fiesty magical girl Hitomi Koshigaya flies to the rescue, and Kana uses her excellent memory to help her take it down. Hired as a magical girl by Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc., Kana takes her first step into the working world!
Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 株式会社マジルミエ, Magilumiere Co. Ltd.
10. Magic Knight Rayearth
Three young girls, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, are transported to a magical world called Cephiro during a field trip to Tokyo Tower. They are soon greeted by Master Mage Clef, who explains to them that they have been summoned to become the Legendary Magic Knights and save Cephiro. The girls are less than enthusiastic about this idea, and only want to return home. Clef further explains that they must seek out the three Rune Gods to help them fight. He bestows armor and magical powers to each of them. They learn from Clef that High Priest Zagato has kidnapped the Pillar of Cephiro, Princess Emeraude. The Pillar of Cephiro has the sole responsibility of keeping Cephiro alive and in balance with her prayers. Without Princess Emeraude, Cephiro would fall into ruin. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must fight off Zagato's henchman and find the Rune Gods if they ever want to get back home. They soon learn that friendship and loyalty are the only things they can rely on in the crumbling Cephiro.
Magic Knight Rayearth has finished airing and it has 20 Episodes. It is also Known as: 魔法騎士（マジックナイト）レイアース, Mahou Kishi Rayearth
9. Mahou Shoujo Site
Asagiri Aya is a young girl who has fallen victim to bullies at her school. Looking for a way to escape her troubles, she looks to the internet for distraction, when a mysterious website called "Magical Girl Site" appears. Simply viewing the page is all it takes to hurtle Aya headlong into the deadly world of the Magical Girl Apocalypse. There, it’s fight or die, against a seemingly endless array of savagely adorable, frilly-skirted killing machines, each armed with magical powers and an unquenchable thirst for blood and chaos.
Magical Girl Site has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 魔法少女サイト, Magical Girl Site
8. Acro Trip
Machiko, who lives in Sakai City, Niigata Prefecture, is an otaku girl who is a big fan of the magical girl Berry Blossom who protects the city against the evil organisation Fossa Magna. However, nobody was worried about the battle of the two anymore because, Chroma, the wicked evil villain, was too sloppy.
So Machiko decided “I want to make my magical girl shine more…!” That desire (?) Leads a shy junior high school student to a strange evil path…
Acro Trip has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: アクロトリップ, Acro Trip
7. Princess Tutu
In a fairy tale come to life, the clumsy, sweet, and gentle Ahiru (Japanese for "duck") seems like an unlikely protagonist. In reality, Ahiru is just as magical as the talking cats and crocodiles that inhabit her town—for Ahiru really is a duck! Transformed by the mysterious Drosselmeyer into a human girl, Ahiru soon learns the reason for her existence. Using her magical egg-shaped pendant, Ahiru can transform into Princess Tutu—a beautiful and talented ballet dancer whose dances relieve people of the turmoil in their hearts. With her newfound ability, Ahiru accepts the challenge of collecting the lost shards of her prince's heart, for long ago he had shattered it in order to seal an evil raven away for all eternity.
Princess Tutu is a tale of heroes and their struggle against fate. Their beliefs, their feelings, and ultimately their actions will determine whether this fairy tale can reach its "happily ever after."
Note: Princess Tutu aired in two parts. The first part included 13 25-minute episodes, while the second part consisted of 24 12-minute episodes with a 25-minute final episode.
Princess Tutu has finished airing and it has 38 Episodes. It is also Known as: プリンセスチュチュ, Princess Tutu
6. Shoujo Kakumei Utena
"Never lose that strength or nobility, even when you grow up." When Utena was just a child and in the depths of sorrow, she found salvation in those words. They were the words of a prince, who wrapped her in his rosescented embrace and bestowed upon her both a ring and the promise that it would lead her to him again. She never forgot the encounter. In fact, she was so impressed that she aspired to be like the prince and also help those in need. Now a spirited teenager, Utena attends the prestigious Ohtori Academy. However, her strong sense of chivalry soon places her at odds with the school's student council and thrusts her into a series of mysterious and dangerous duels against its members.
Revolutionary Girl Utena has finished airing and it has 39 Episodes. It is also Known as: 少女革命ウテナ, Shoujo Kakumei Utena
5. Kasukana Yuuhi
Music video directed by Tokito Satou for the song Kasukana Yuuhi by Mahou Shoujo holoWitches! (comprised of Amane Kanata, Sakura Miko, Himemori Luna, Houshou Marine, Shirakami Fubuki, and Yukihana Lamy)
Kasukana Yuuhi has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 微かな夕陽, 魔法少女ホロウィッチ！, Mahou Shoujo holoWitches!, Magical Girl holoWitches!
4. Anyamal Tantei Kiruminzoo
While searching for a run-away cat the twins Riko and Rimu Mikogami find a strange device that transforms them into "Kirumin." It also enables them to turn into real animals. Their older sister Nagisa soon joins them. Now the three have cute, funny and sometimes dangerous adventures.
Anyamal Tantei Kiruminzoo has finished airing and it has 50 Episodes. It is also Known as: あにゃまる探偵 キルミンずぅ, Anymal Tantei Kiruminzoo, Animal Tantei Kiruminzoo, Animal Detectives Kiruminzoo, Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzoo, Anyamaru Tantei Kiruminzuu
3. Futari wa Precure: Splash☆Star
During the summer festival five years ago, two girls met at a mysterious tree and saw two glowing spheres. Now, these two girls--Saki Hyuuga, ace pitcher on the school softball team; and Mai Mishou, who prefers sketching over stargazing--are chosen by the spirits of flowers (Flappy) and birds (Choppy) to restore the Seven Fountains and save their worlds from Dark Autumn. Together, they are the NEW Pretty Cure.
Pretty Cure: Splash Star has finished airing and it has 49 Episodes. It is also Known as: ふたりはプリキュア Splash☆Star, Futari wa Precure: Splash☆Star
2. Touhou Niji Sousaku Doujin Anime: Musou Kakyou
Welcome to the fascinating world of Gensokyo, in which youkai (A term for all sorts of spiritual creatures), animals and some humans live, completely separated from our world by a magical barrier. The only gateway between the two worlds is the Hakurei shrine.
Reimu Hakurei is the maiden working at said shrine. Whenever problems of supernatural causes (known as "Incidents") occur, Reimu goes out with her friends to investigate, eliminate the cause and hopefully restore Gensokyo to its equilibrium.
Touhou Niji Sousaku Doujin Anime: Musou Kakyou has finished airing and it has 4 Episodes. It is also Known as: 東方二次創作同人アニメ 夢想夏郷, Touhou Unofficial Doujin Anime: A Summer Day's Dream
1. Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magikarte
Ungrar, the King of Viruses, has escaped from his prison cell in Vaccine World. Maya, the Goddess of Vaccine World sends Mugimaru down to Earth to find a human to accept the powers of Vaccine World and become the Magical Nurse. He finds the best (and the only willing) person for the job when he meets Komugi Nakahara. Komugi is a playful, lazy, and easily distracted (typical) teenager whose dream is to become a cosplay idol. Balancing her career with the Kiri-Pro Promotion Company and her new job battling Ungrar's loyal henchman, the Magical Maid Koyori, Komugi delights audiences in this parody anime series.
Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magikarte has finished airing and it has 5 Episodes. It is also Known as: ナースウィッチ小麦ちゃんマジカルて, Nurse Witch Komugi
