Anime as a form of entertainment has swept the globe in recent decades, and while it still has a long way to go, the unique art form’s future seems bright. One of the most important factors in its meteoric rise in the entertainment sector is undoubtedly its numerous genres and subgenres, which cater not only to different genders and interests, but also to different age groups. You’ve arrived at the right place if you’re looking for anime where the characters rely heavily on magic to get by in everyday life. Here’s a list of ten of the best magical girl anime available on Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Amazon Prime.
Demon King Daimao (2010)
The overall idea of ‘Demon King Daimao,’ which includes harem and ecchi aspects, revolves around Akuto Sai’s struggle against a terrible prophecy and its inherent contradiction with his desire to work for the greater good. Anime lovers that appreciate shows with a lot of mystery, romance, and the occasional amount of comedy would likely enjoy the fantasy show as well, as it does not limit itself to the magic anime genre like most shows.
Fairy Tail (2009 – 2019)
Without Hiro Mashima’s manga-inspired series ‘Fairy Tail,’ a list of anime involving magic would be incomplete. Lucy Heartfilia lives in a mythical realm where magic is a necessary component. People pay magic guilds to complete seemingly difficult assignments, and Lucy only wants to join the eponymous organization, which is widely regarded as one of the best. Heartfilia’s travels with the rest of the guild members begin with a chance encounter with a member of Fairy Tail, and it marks the beginning of Heartfilia’s adventures with the rest of the guild members as they take one job request after another.
‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ set in a fantasy world where magic and technology coexist, follows Sophie, a small-town girl who is converted into an old woman by the Witch of the Waste. She joins hands with the enigmatic wizard Howl to embark on a risky adventure as her kingdom is torn apart by war, determined to break the curse. The film delivers a powerful message of compassion, which is uncommon in magical anime films and series, because to its strong anti-war tone and feminist aspects.
Kaze no Stigma (2007)
The supernatural magic anime tells the narrative of Kazuma Yagami, a noble Kannagi family member. When the protagonist loses a fight with his cousin Ayano Kannagi, he is banished from the house and only returns four years later when he has learned the ability to control wind known as Fuujutsu. Unfortunately, his family suspects him since some of their loved ones have been murdered by the same force that Kazuma now wields. This series stands out among the others on the list because its idea keeps viewers wondering until the very end, which is unusual for a magical anime.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
‘Kiki’s Delivery Service,’ also known as ‘Majo no Takkyuubin,’ is a self-discovery story centered on Kiki, a young witch-in-training. She must journey into the outside world on her own and survive for one year as the final stage of her training to become a full-fledged witch. She settles down in a coastal town during this time and learns the true meaning of freedom and responsibility. Both symbolically and physically, the joyful story of the search for meaning is amazing.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012 – )
Aladdin, a young magician who embraces life’s uncertainties and journeys into the outside world with his instructor, Ugo, is the protagonist of the fantasy adventure series. He meets and befriends Alibaba Saluja along the journey. When the two discover that they are in desperate need of money, they start on a journey to explore Dungeons, which are labyrinths that hide magnificent treasures built by rare magicians known as Magi. They have no idea, however, that one of these structures will define not just their own fate, but also the fate of the world they live in.
The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (2010)
‘Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu,’ or ‘The Legend of the Legendary Heroes,’ is a magical fantasy anime based on Takaya Kagami’s light novel of the same name. It tells the narrative of Ryner Lute, a mage who also happens to be the bearer of the cursed eyes known as “Alpha Stigma,” which can study any type of magic. Ryner decides to make his nation a more peaceful place after completing his training at Roland Empire’s Magician Academy, despite the fact that his cursed eyes are reputed to bring death and disaster wherever they go.
The Seven Deadly Sins (2014 – 2021)
‘The Seven Deadly Sins,’ based on Nakaba Suzuki’s manga series of the same name, is set in Britannia, which is ruled by the Holy Knights. The kingdom is protected by mighty soldiers who utilize magic to maintain it under their dictatorial reign with no accountability. Princess Elizabeth, who aspires to rescue the kingdom from autocratic tyranny, seeks out warriors who can stand up to the oppressive state’s authorities and free the realm once and for all. The epic tale of good versus evil is a must-see for anybody who like anime with a magical element.