Top 50 Mahou%20Shoujo Manga of All Time
1. Cardcaptor Sakura
Fourth grader Sakura Kinomoto finds a strange book in her father's library -- a book made by the wizard Clow to store dangerous spirits sealed within a set of magical cards. But when Sakura opens it up, there is nothing left inside but Kero-chan, the book's cute little guardian beast... who informs Sakura that since the Clow cards seem to have escaped while he was asleep, it's now her job to capture them!
(Source: Dark Horse)
2. Fate/kaleid liner Prisma ☆ Illya Drei 3!!
Just as Miyu was about saved from being swallowed into despair, all of a sudden a mysterious small duo that has mastered the Class Cards suddenly appears in front of the Illya? These witches are taking things to the next level!
(Source: Comic Walker)
3. The Demon Girl Next Door
Yoshida Yuko was living a perfectly normal (if poverty-stricken) life, but at the age of fifteen, she suddenly sprouts demon horns and a tail! Her mother explains that she's actually a demon named Shadow Mistress Yuko, once sealed away and cursed so that her family would remain poor for generations. Now Yuko can break that very curse if she defeats Chiyoda Momo, a magical girl who goes to her school…but Momo is stronger than she is, knows how to manage magical powers, and is so freaking nice that she's actually helping Yuko out of scrapes. Yuko's too weak and uncoordinated to straight-up kill Momo, even if she wanted to, but she can't just be buddies with this generous magical girl, either–she has to break the curse on her family somehow. What's a demon girl to do?
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
4. Sailor Moon
Usagi Tsukino is a normal girl until she meets up with Luna, a talking cat, who tells her that she is Sailor Moon. As Sailor Moon, Usagi must fight evils and enforce justice, in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess. She meets other girls destined to be Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts), and together, they fight the forces of evil!
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Notes:
- The tankoubon release contains 52 Acts and 9 bonus chapters across 18 volumes; chapter/volume counts follow the tankoubon release.
- The shinsouban release contains the original 52 Acts plus 8 new Acts across 12 volumes, but no bonus chapters as all 9 were released separately in Sailor Moon Short Stories alongside another bonus chapter that was previously released in an artbook.
- The kanzenban release contains both the 60 Acts and the 10 bonus chapters from the short story shinsoubans across 10 volumes.
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
When a new girl joins her class, Madoka Kaname thinks she recognizes the mysterious, dark-haired transfer student from one of her dreams…a dream where she is approached by a catlike creature who offers Madoka an opportunity to change destiny. Madoka had always thought magic was the stuff of fantasy…until she sees the transfer student fighting with the very cat being from her dream! And just like in Madoka’s dream, the cat gives her a choice. Will Madoka become a magical girl in exchange for her dearest desire? What will be the cost of having her wish come true?
(Source: Yen Press)
6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story
Mami's warm personality has made it difficult for her to adjust to her solitary life as a magical girl, where survival often takes precedence over kindness. When she meets Kyouko Sakura, a fellow lone wolf, she is excited at the prospect of working together with another magical girl and forging a friendship built on ultimate trust. But many are the sacrifices all magical girls must make, and the consequences of Kyouko's choice are only just becoming clear to her. When the pain becomes unbearable, will Kyouko remain standing beside Mami as a force for the greater good...?
(Source: Yen Press)
7. Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc
It is spring, with cherry trees in full blossom, and Sakura is just entering middle school. Her beloved Syaoran has returned from Hong Kong, and life couldn’t be better. But when she awakens from a strange dream to find her Sakura Cards powerless, how can she protect Tomoeda from disaster?!
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Note: Includes 8 extra chapters
8. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie -Rebellion-
With Madoka Kaname's sacrifice, the hopeless cycle that once bound every magical girl to a terrible fate was broken at last. Still, the magical girls fight on against the dark magics that threaten the human world, which remains ignorant of the brave girl who saved them. Only Homura remembers her dear friend Madoka, a burden she has borne in all her battles since-right? Then how is Homura still going to school with Madoka, fighting alongside her, laughing as if nothing has happened? As her tragic memories return to her, Homura realizes she must not be in the real world, wonderful as it is to see her friend again. But if she is indeed trapped in a magical space, who among her magical friends could be the cause?
(Source: Yen Press)
9. Gushing over Magical Girls
Hi, I'm Hiiragi Utena. I'm a normal magical-girl-loving middle school girl—or at least I was, but then some talking mascot showed up out of the blue and cast a spell on me! Now's my chance to join my beloved magical girls as...a villain? Hang on, something's wrong with my outfit! This can't be happening!
(Source: J-Novel Club)
Note: Nominated for the Tsugimanga 2020 Award in the Web Manga Category.
10. Full Moon
Young Mitsuki loves singing and dreams of becoming a pop star. Unfortunately, a malignant tumor in her throat prevents her from pursuing her passion. However, her life turns around when two surprisingly fun-loving harbingers of death appear to grant Mitsuki a temporary reprieve from her illness and give her singing career a magical push start.
(Source: Viz Media)
Chapter count contains the oneshot Ginyuu Meika (2nd volume); also includes all interlude and 4-koma chapters of the retail volumes.
11. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc
All the witches in the universe may have disappeared, but in their place, emotion-eating “wraiths” prey on humanity. The magical girls fight to protect Mitakihara City once more…
(Source: Yen Press)
12. Sugar Sugar Rune
Little witch-girls Chocolat and Vanilla are best friends, but only one of them can be Queen of the Magic World. To determine who deserves the title, they must go to the Human World and enter a strange competition. Whoever attracts the most human boys... wins!
Here's how it works: When a boy falls for a witch-girl, she utters a few mystic words and the boy's heart will be hers in jewel-like form. It may sound simple, but winning hearts is tricky business. While Chocolat had no problem enticing witch-boys with her forthright personality, human boys seem to be drawn to shy and modest girls like Vanilla. And to make matters worse, Chocolat is finding herself increasingly drawn to the cool and mysterious Pierre-who feels nothing for her! The girls had planned to be best friends forever, but both of them want to be Queen. Will their rivalry ruin their friendship?
(Source: Del Rey)
Note: Won the Kodansha Manga Award for Children's Manga in 2005.
13. Phantom Thief Jeanne
High school student Maron Kusakabe has a secret: she’s Phantom Thief Jeanne. She sneaks into private art collections to steal paintings in which demons reside. Jeanne’s task is to seal the demons before they can devour human hearts. So far she’s been able to evade the police on her midnight outings, but now another thief has come onto the scene—Phantom Sinbad—and he’s trying to take the paintings before she does!
(Source: Viz Media)
Notes:
- Includes bonus stories "Miyako☆Catharsis", "Instant?! Access Legend★", "Let's Go, Silk Road ★"
- "The Memory of the Fish, The Snow Crystals of the Moon" 1-2 and "I Will Be Your Happiness" are not included as they are only released in the Bunko edition (but not in the initial release of the manga)
14. Shugo Chara!
Everybody at Seiyo Elementary thinks that stylish and super cool Amu has it all: But nobody knows the real Amu, a shy girl who wishes she had the courage to truly be herself. Changing Amu’s life is going to take more than wishes and dreams–it’s going to take a little magic! One morning, Amu finds a surprise in her bed: three strange little eggs. Each egg contains a Guardian Character, an angel-like being who can give her the power to be someone new. With the help of her Guardian Characters, Amu is about to discover that her true self is even more amazing than she ever dreamed.
(Source: Del Rey)
Note: Includes 3 side stories.
15. Suicide Girl
A story where a girl of light fights against the darkness of the world.
16. Magic Knight Rayearth 2
Hikaru, Fuu, and Umi are once again transported to Cephiro. But, with the Pillar gone, they don't know how they could have been transported back. As they meet up with old friends, they find that Cephiro is know crumbling because they do not have a pillar. They also find that gates from other worlds have opened, and the leaders want the Pillar to themselves for their own selfish reasons. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must now set out to save Cephiro form dying.
(Source: Anime News Network)
17. Puella Magi Homura★Tamura: Parallel Worlds Do Not Remain Parallel Forever
The life of a magical girl isn't all fighting witches and collecting grief seeds. When they aren't kicking butt, Homura Akemi and her friends face the same trials as normal high school girls! In this four-panel comedy, glimpse a sillier side of the girls from the bestselling Puella Magi Madoka Magica series!
(Source: Yen Press)
18. Magic Knight Rayearth
Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, girls from separate schools, find themselves linked together as they fall through the floor during a field trip to the Tokyo Tower. They land in a place called Cephiro, where their will controls what happens. They meet with Guru Clef and find out that they were summoned to save Princess Emeraude who has been imprisoned by High Priest Zagato. They learn magic and acquire weapons on their quest to save Cephiro from the evils of Zagato.
(Source: Anime News Network)
19. Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc.
“Magical Girl”— A profession that undertakes the work of exterminating a kind of natural disaster called “Kaii.” Kana Sakuragi, a female college student who struggles with job hunting, is picked up by a magical girl startup company and…?! Magical Girl work-life starts now!
(Source: MANGA Plus)
20. Nogi Wakaba is a Hero
The story of Nogi Wakaba wa Yuusha de Aru takes place 300 years in the past, in 2018, the first days of the Divine Era. The six main characters form the first ever Hero Team: Nogi Wakaba, Nogi Sonoko's ancestor; Uesato Hinata, Takashima Yuna, Koori Chikage, Doi Tamako and Iyojima Anzu.
21. Sailor Moon Short Stories
A two-volume set of short stories from the world of Sailor Moon.
Volume 1
1. Tenkousei ni Goyoujin! (転校生にご用心！, Beware the Exchange Student!)
2. Tanabata ni Goyoujin! (七夕にご用心！, Beware the Tanabata!)
3. Mushiba ni Goyoujin! (虫歯にご用心！, Beware Cavities!)
4. Mako-chan no Yuuutsu! (まこちゃんのユーウツ, Mako-chan's Depression!)
5. Ami-chan no Hatsukoi! (亜美ちゃんの初恋, Ami-chan's First Love!)
6. Rei to Minako no Joshikou Batoru? (レイと美奈子の女子高バトル, Rei and Minako's Girls' School Battle?)
7. Himitsu no Hanmaa Puraisu Dou? (ヒミツのハンマープライス堂, The Secret Hammer Price Hall)
Volume 2:
1. Kaguya hime no Koibito (かぐや姫の恋人, Lover of Princess Kaguya)
2. Kasaburanka Memorii (カサブランカ·メモリー, Casablanca Memory)
3. Parareru Seeraamuun (ぱられるせぇらぁむーん, Parallel Sailor Moon)
Note: All chapters except Parallel Sailor Moon were also included in the tankoubon and kanzenban releases of the main series, while Parallel Sailor Moon was only later included in the kanzenban release; none were included in the main shinsouban series as these volumes were released in pair with it.
22. Codename: Sailor V
Like Sailor Moon, Minako Aino is a normal 13-year-old schoolgirl until a fateful day when a white cat introduces himself to her and tells her she has the power to transform into the hero, Sailor V. Using a magic pen to transform, Sailor V fights the evil agents of the Dark Agency as she strives to protect the earth.
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Note: In 2004, the series was re-released in two shinsouban editions. The last chapter of the original print was split in two, hence it having 16 chapters. The chapter count follows the tankoubon release.
23. Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya 2wei!
About a month after the events of the first manga, a new mission to normalize the Earth's pulsations come up. However, when Ilya tries to subdue the pulsations...
Note: Includes an interlude and six extra chapters.
24. Puella Magi Tart Magica: The Legend of "Jeanne d'Arc"
Jeanne d'Arc is revered as a hero of the Hundred Years' War and a saint of the Catholic Church. But her leadership and strength of character in her time did not escape the notice of Kyubey, who, even in the fifteenth-century, sought Magical Girl candidates for their valuable energies. With her friends and fellow Magical Girls fighting at her side, Joan fights the English occupiers of France—but will she soon find herself fighting something much more sinister?!
(Source: Yen Press)
25. Machimaho: I Messed Up and Made the Wrong Person Into a Magical Girl!
While searching for a brave candidate to become a magical girl and defend the world from evil, a mythical creature finds Kayo Majiba, a cute young lady who seems like the perfect fit. But when this newly turned magical girl proves to be a crude delinquent who goes berserk in a conflict, it becomes clear that this may have been a terrible mistake. Now evil—and any innocent bystanders—will face the rage of a magical girl gone wrong!
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
26. Shin Honkaku Mahou Shoujo Risuka
The elementary schooler unlike any other, Kugi Kizutaka, is searching for "useful pawns" in order to achieve his own ambitions, comes to learn of Mizukura Risuka, a magician with the title "The Red Witch of Time." Risuka had left the Kingdom of Magic through the Gate, chasing after her father, a great mage called both "a God" and "a Demon." An unpredictable and unchained magical tale!
(Source: Kodansha, translated)
Note: The serialized chapters 16 and 17 were merged into one chapter in volume 5.
27. Tokyo Mew Mew
Ichigo is out on a hot date with her 'crush' when suddenly she's involved in an odd incident in which her DNA is merged with the DNA of an almost extinct wildcat. When four other girls' DNA is merged with the DNA of four other almost extinct animals, it's apparent that they're part of a much bigger plan. Ichigo and her friends have been chosen to become a part of a secret project called the "Mew Project." Their mission: To protect the planet from aliens who are using the planet's animals to attack humans.
(Source: Tokyopop)
28. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid
The series takes place four years after the events of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS, during which Nanoha Takamachi rescued and adopted a young girl named Vivio, who is the reincarnation of the Sankt Kaiser, Olivie Segbrecht. After entering her fourth year of elementary school, Vivio is given her own intelligence device, Sacred Heart, and gains the power to transform using her adult Sankt Kaiser mode. She soon comes across a girl named Einhart Stratos who, similar to Vivio, is the descendant of another Sankt Kaiser ruler, Claus G.S. Ingvalt. As Einhart becomes determined to prove her fighting style is the strongest, Vivio befriends her and, together with her friends, enters a martial arts tournament where they fight against various opponents and learn more about their past lives.
Included one-shot:
Volume 2: 5th Anniversary Collaboration Comic: Fate/stay night x Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha
29. Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya
Based on the hit series Fate/stay night, this alternate universe story that inspired the anime features your favorite characters in a magical girl adventure!
Illya might be rich, but she’s just like any other elementary school girl—she has a secret crush and loves magical girl anime. But when a magical “Kaleidostick” wand named Ruby tricks her into signing a contract, Illya becomes a magical girl herself! Illya’s peaceful days might be over, but her fight to save the world has only just begun.
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Note: Includes an Epilogue.
30. Hime-chan no Ribbon
Princess Erika of the Magic Kingdom must test out a magic item that she created for a year on her human world doppelganger before she can qualify for the throne. Her look-a-like happens to be Himeko, a tomboy who worries that her boyish looks and attitude are ruining her chances with the boy she is in love with. Erika gives Himeko a ribbon that allows her to transform for an hour into anyone she wants, but if she exceeds the time limit, or if anyone finds out, she will be stuck in that form for the rest of her life.
31. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura's Revenge!
If Madoka Kaname had known of the tragic transformation that would mark the end of her magical-girl journey, how would her story have unfolded? In this telling of her story, Madoka remembers the outcomes of her previous timelines—but so does Kyubey. Even with the knowledge of her previous lives, can Madoka outmaneuver Kyubey and avoid her fate?
(Source: Yen Press)
32. The Magical Girl and The Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies
She's a magical girl, sworn to fight for peace, love, and justice. He's a lieutenant, born into a military family that serves an evil empire. And yet, it was love at first sight...From Inu x Boku S.S. creator Cocoa Fujiwara comes a four-panel comic about hostile enemies who won't kill (and love) each other!
(Source: Yen Press)
Notes:
-Includes 2 extra chapters.
-The manga was cancelled due to the mangaka passing away.
33. Kamichama Karin
Karin is an average girl...at best. She's not good at sports and gets terrible grades. Plus, her parents are dead and her beloved cat Shii-chan just died, too. She is miserable...but everything is about to change. Because little does Karin know that her mother's ring has the power to make her a goddess! Soon she and Kazune, a brusque but cute boy with godlike powers of his own, will have to fight to protect Karin's ring and Kazune's cousin Himeka from the evil forces of Kirio Karasuma...who has divine designs of his own.
(Source: Tokyopop)
34. Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka
When the Earth is threatened by the sudden appearance of undead creatures, a group of young women blessed with powers from a mysterious source rose to defeat them. Now, after three years of apparent peace, the same malevolent creatures have resurfaced. Five magical girls are once again conscripted to war as the Magical Girl Special-Ops force, to defend mankind from an unholy nemesis!
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
35. Magical 12th Graders
Yeorum Han traumatized by Gyeowul's (her older sister) death. She committed suicide by jumping from her high school's roof top. One day, Yeorum witnesses her male biology teacher in a magical girl's dress fighting giant fish at school. Yeorum recieves her sister's magical girl's item and avoids danger by transforming into a magical girl.
With SATs approaching closer and closer, can she protect the love and peace in this world? A tale about Han-Yurem, who became a magical girl in her 3rd year of high school, and the mysteries that surround her.
(Source: WEBTOONS)
36. Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch
Lucia is the new girl at school. She and her sister run a public bath that's all the rage. When Lucia meets a terrific-looking surfer boy, there's just one little problem: Lucia is a mermaid-not just any mermaid, but a princess on an important mission to save the seven seas from an evil force bent on taking control of the marine world. Such a responsibility doesn't leave much time for romance. But Lucia vows to protect her world and win the heart of handsome Kaito.
(Source: Del Rey)
Note: Includes the one-shots Moonlight Goddess Diana (MOONLIGHT GODDESS ディアナ), Nude ni Natte (ヌードになって, Get Nude) and Cherry Blossom (チェリー ブロッサム), contained within Volume 7 of the manga.
37. Miss Guillotine
The era of the anonymous hero has ended, and the world's protectors - the Magical Girls - now live their lives in near celebrity status. But it turns out these protectors are really school bullies in their everyday lives. One day, a new, never-before-seen Magical Girl appears with a proclamation of war against the original Magical Girls! With imagery reminiscent to your favorite planetary protectors, Miss Guillotine promises nostalgic visuals with a dark premise.
(Source: Lezhin US)
38. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS THE COMICS
Chapters 1-3 are the events that occurred between the end of A's and the start of StrikerS.
Chapters 4-12 are side stories about the characters.
Chapters 13 & 14 are the events that occurred after the end of StrikerS.
Chapter 15 is a special from Megami September 2009 (also events after the end of StrikerS).
39. Saint Tail
An uncatchable thief is plaguing the city. No one knows her true identity and the police are unable to stop her. She is only known as Saint Tail. At St. Paulia Junior High, a young student named Asuka Jr. makes it his mission to find, stop, and apprehend the elusive Saint Tail. Little does he know that the nocturnal thief is really his friend, Meimi. Aided by a novice nun, Meimi steals to help the needy. Don't miss any of Saint Tail's magical exploits in the tale of this modern day Robin Hood.
(Source: Tokyopop)
40. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: Movie 1st the Comics
Adaptation of the 1st movie of Nanoha.
41. Kamichama Karin Chu
Karin's fate has been altered. With the sudden appearance of a little boy named Suzune, the adventure begins. Along for the ride are Kazune, Micchi, and Jin Kuga; a celebrity with godly powers. The gang travels through time fighting their new enemy, The Seeds of Chaos, to right the future.
(Source: Anime News Network)
42. Magical Girl Site
Asagiri Aya has a difficult life. The middle school girl the target of cruel bullying at school by day, and violent abuse at home by night. One day, while surfing the web, she came across a creepy figure who granted her a gift of magic power…
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Note: Includes 2 extra chapters.
43. Puella Magi Kazumi Magica
Kidnapped and stuffed into a trunk by an unknown assailant, teenager Kazumi bursts forth from the confines of the case to discover that she has been stripped not only of her clothes, but also of the memories of her life before the kidnapping. When she is recovered by a pair of schoolgirls, she doesn't recognize them as her best friends and roommates, Umika and Kaoru. As Kazumi tries to settle back into her normal life, she quickly realizes that her former "normal" was anything but!
(Source: Yen Press)
44. Time Stranger Kyoko
Kyoko Suomi is the princess of Earth in the 30th century. Kyoko lives among the commoners, unwilling to reveal her true identity and ascend the throne. The king will allow Kyoko to live as she pleases if she can revive her twin sister Ui, who has been trapped in time since birth.
(Source: Viz Media)
Note: Includes three bonus chapters.
45. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Chat Noir
Marinette is your typical high school student: cheery and a little clumsy. Not so typical? She can transform into a superhero! As the confident, masked Ladybug, Marinette guards the streets of the City of Lights alongside Cat Noir, another superhero who, unbeknownst to Marinette, is her classmate Adrian, and her crush! Adrian doesn’t know who Ladybug is, either, but he’s crushing on her, too. Supervillains, school, and criss-crossed crushes? As if being a teenager and a crime fighting superhero wasn’t enough!
(Source: Kodansha)
46. Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story
A chance encounter between girls weaves a new tale...
Recurring dreams of an unfamiliar girl draw Iroha Tamaki to Kamihama City, the last place she visited before the dreams began. Her only clue is a tiny Kyubey, which she aims to catch in the hope it will provide answers about the dreams and the heartache she feels each time they fade. Still, even as an experienced magical girl, the witches in this city are far more powerful than anything she's encountered back home. Can Iroha survive in Kamihama long enough to uncover the secrets within? A new story unfolds in this manga adaptation of the mobile game!
(Source: Yen Press)
47. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's
A manga adaptation of a thirteen episode sequel to Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, a magical girl alternate universe spinoff of the Triangle Heart series of games and OAVs.
48. Magical Trans!
Minami-kun spots a poster recruiting new members for the Magical Girl Club. Thinking "Cosplay cuties woohoo!" he decides to join... What the hell!? It's not cosplay—we actually become magical girls?
Includes chapter 9.5.
49. Ao ga Cool Nante Dare ga Kimeta!?
High school student Azusa Gujo is a magical girl. She makes a contract with Pollu, a Gem Setter with mysterious powers, to fight the powerful enemies that threatens the peace as the magical knight Pure Azurite... but!
(Source: Author's Twitter, translated)
50. Aoi-kun ni wa Kanawanai
High school freshman, Aoi Rio, has a secret that can't be told to anyone. He actually watches "Magical Girls" anime! On his way back home after secretly buying anime merchandise as usual, he saves a girl named Sumire who fell from the sky. Sumire is disheartened because she believes her powers are not good enough. After Aoi encourages her by explaining the value of Magical Girls, Sumire asks him to become her Magical Girl instructor!