The Most Popular Magical Girl Anime, Ranked

Choose the magical girl anime you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 23, 2024 06:44
The magical girl genre holds a unique place in the hearts of anime fans, offering stories filled with heroism, transformation, and vibrant battles against the forces of darkness. Each series casts its own spell, resonating differently with viewers. Ranking these shows helps new and old fans alike find the best of what might suit their tastes or discover hidden gems. By casting a vote on your favorite magical girl series, you contribute to a community-driven ranking that reflects collective preferences and opinions. These rankings aid in sparking discussions, sharing recommendations, and celebrating the diverse storytelling found in this enchanting genre.

What Is the Most Popular Magical Girl Anime?

  1. 1
    55
    votes

    Sailor Moon

    A landmark in the magical girl genre, Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino as she transforms into the titular character to search for the Legendary Silver Crystal.
    • Original Run: 1992–1997
    • Episodes: 200
  2. 2
    38
    votes

    Cardcaptor Sakura

    This anime follows Sakura Kinomoto, who accidentally releases a set of magical cards and must retrieve them to prevent catastrophe.
    • Original Run: 1998–2000
    • Episodes: 70
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Tokyo Mew Mew

    This series follows Ichigo Momomiya, a girl who gains the ability to transform into Mew Ichigo, part of a team tasked with saving the world from aliens.
    • Original Run: 2002–2003
    • Episodes: 52
  4. 4
    13
    votes

    Revolutionary Girl Utena

    This series follows Utena Tenjou, a girl who decides to become a prince. Her journey leads her to Ohtori Academy, where she becomes involved in duels to protect Anthy Himemiya.
    • Original Run: 1997
    • Episodes: 39
  5. 5
    9
    votes

    Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha

    The series follows Nanoha Takamachi, a girl who becomes a magical girl after encountering an injured ferret who is actually a mage from another planet.
    • Original Run: 2004–present
    • Episodes: Multiple series and movies
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Kill la Kill

    Though not a traditional magical girl anime, it features many elements of the genre. The story follows Ryuko Matoi as she searches for her father's killer.
    • Original Run: 2013–2014
    • Episodes: 24
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Princess Tutu

    A unique blend of magical girl and fairy tale elements, Princess Tutu follows Ahiru, a duck transformed into a girl who can transform into Princess Tutu to restore the heart of a prince.
    • Original Run: 2002–2003
    • Episodes: 38
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Madoka Magica

    A darker take on the magical girl genre, it follows Madoka Kaname, a girl who is offered the chance to become a magical girl with a heavy cost.
    • Original Run: 2011
    • Episodes: 12
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Magical Doremi

    This series follows Doremi Harukaze and her friends as they become witch apprentices, learning magic to become full-fledged witches.
    • Original Run: 1999–2003
    • Episodes: 201
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Pretty Cure

    Also known as PreCure, this franchise features various girls who transform into warriors to fight against evil forces threatening their world.
    • Original Run: 2004–present
    • Episodes: Over 800 across the franchise

Missing your favorite magical girl anime?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular magical girl anime. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or magical girl anime is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1966 views
  • 134 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each magical girl anime once every 24 hours. The rank of each magical girl anime is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Magical Girl Anime

Sailor Moon
Rank #1 for the most popular magical girl anime: Sailor Moon (Source)
Magical girl anime has a rich history. It began in the 1960s. These shows focus on young girls with magical powers. These girls often lead double lives. They balance school and friendships with their secret powers. This genre blends fantasy and everyday life.

The main character usually discovers her powers by chance. She might find a magical item or meet a mystical creature. This event changes her life. She gains a mission to protect the world or fight evil. Her powers often come with a costume change. This transformation is a key feature. It shows her shift from an ordinary girl to a magical hero.

Friendship plays a big role in magical girl anime. The main character often has a group of friends. These friends support her and sometimes have powers too. They face challenges together. Their bond helps them overcome obstacles. This theme of friendship appeals to many viewers.

Magical girl anime often includes a mix of action and drama. The characters fight villains and monsters. These battles are exciting and colorful. Yet, the show also explores the characters' personal lives. They deal with common issues like school, family, and growing up. This mix makes the genre relatable and engaging.

The art style of magical girl anime is distinct. It features bright colors and elaborate costumes. The transformation scenes are detailed and flashy. These visual elements attract viewers. They add to the magical feel of the show.

Over the years, magical girl anime has evolved. Early shows were simple. They focused on the main character's adventures. Later shows introduced more complex plots. They explored deeper themes like identity and sacrifice. This evolution reflects changes in audience tastes.

Magical girl anime has a broad appeal. It attracts both young girls and older fans. The genre's mix of fantasy and reality resonates with many. It offers escapism and inspiration. Fans admire the characters' bravery and kindness. They enjoy the blend of action, drama, and friendship.

The genre has also influenced other media. It has inspired video games, comics, and merchandise. Many fans collect items related to their favorite shows. This wide influence shows the genre's lasting impact.

Magical girl anime continues to thrive. New shows and movies keep the genre fresh. They introduce new characters and stories. Yet, they maintain the core elements that define the genre. This balance of tradition and innovation keeps fans engaged.

Magical girl anime is a unique genre. It blends fantasy with everyday life. It highlights themes of friendship and bravery. Its distinct art style and exciting plots attract many fans. The genre has evolved over time, yet it remains true to its roots. It continues to inspire and entertain viewers around the world.

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