Otaku Culture

The best magical girl anime according to the West

The magical girl genre (known in Japanese as “mahou shoujo“) has been a mainstay in the anime world for decades. This genre, characterized by its teenage heroines with magical powers, dazzling transformations and battles against the forces of evil, has captured the imagination of generations of fans around the world.

The origins of the mahou shoujo genre date back to the 60s and 70s, with pioneering series such as “Mahoutsukai Sally” and “Himitsu no Akko-chan”. These early series laid the foundation for future productions, featuring young people who, through magical objects or chance encounters, acquired extraordinary powers to fight evil and protect the innocent.

Another notable example is “Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica,” a series that revolutionized the genre by offering a darker, more twisted take on magical girls. This series defied traditional expectations and explored themes of sacrifice, despair and hope in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.

Today, the genre remains very popular and has given rise to numerous series that have been highly acclaimed by users of MyAnimeList, one of the reference platforms for anime fans. The highest-rated magical girl series in history by users of this platform not only stands out for the quality of its animation and character design, but also for its engaging plots and ability to connect emotionally with its audience.

twenty. Mahou Shoujo Ore (Magical Girl Prays).
19. Mahou Shoujo Tokushusen Asuka (Spec-Ops Magical Girl Asuka).
18. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha (Lyrical Magical Girl Nanoha).
17. Mai-HiME (My-Hime).
16. Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete (Playing about Magical Girls).
15. Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha by Aru (Yuki Yuna is a hero).
14. Tokyo Mew Mew (Mew Mew Power).
13. Magic Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Gaiden (Magic Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story)
12. Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku (Magical girl creation project).
11. Machikado Mazoku (The demon girl next door).