Shojo anime is often associated with heartwarming romances and slice-of-life narratives, typically featuring young heroines navigating love and friendship. However, there exists a vibrant subgenre that delves into thrilling action-packed adventures. From magical girls to epic fantasies, these series showcase strong female protagonists in dynamic roles. Here’s a look at 15 of the best action shojo series that redefine the genre.
15. Wedding Peach Presents Magical Girls Powered By Aphrodite
Streaming on: Apple TV
In the mid-’90s, Wedding Peach capitalized on the magical girl boom, taking inspiration from Sailor Moon. The series follows high schooler Momoko Hamasaki, who transforms into Wedding Peach, a soldier of love tasked with battling the evil Queen Raindevilla. With the help of her friends, who also become Love Angels, the trio balances romance and combat in a series filled with heartwarming moments and vibrant animation.
14. The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
This series combines action and isekai elements as Sei Takanashi, an office worker, is summoned to a fantasy kingdom believed to be a “Saint.” While initially focusing on her passion for potion-making, Sei finds herself embroiled in battles against monstrous threats. As she develops her abilities, the stakes rise, showcasing both personal growth and action-packed encounters.
13. X/1999
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
An adaptation of CLAMP’s acclaimed manga, X/1999 centers on Kamui Shiro, a teenager destined to determine the fate of humanity through his alliances with either the Dragons of Heaven or the Dragons of Earth. The series offers a complex narrative filled with emotional depth, intricate character relationships, and intense action sequences, making it a must-watch for fans of darker themes.
12. Snow White With The Red Hair
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
This loose adaptation of the classic fairy tale follows Shirayuki, a young herbalist with striking red hair who escapes the unwanted advances of Prince Raji. Her journey leads her to the kingdom of Clarines, where she forms a powerful bond with Prince Zen. The series expertly blends romance, adventure, and political intrigue, featuring plenty of action as the characters face danger and betrayal.
11. Twelve Kingdoms
Streaming on: Tubi
Set in a richly developed fantasy world, Twelve Kingdoms tells the story of Youko Nakajima, a high school girl thrust into a realm where she is proclaimed the rightful queen. As she embarks on her journey, she faces formidable foes and learns about leadership and responsibility, making this series a cornerstone of the fantasy genre with profound character development.
10. Fushigi Yuugi
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
A classic from the ’90s, Fushigi Yuugi follows Miaka Yuuki, who gets transported into a mystical book where she must gather the Celestial Warriors to save the kingdom. This early isekai series blends romance, action, and fantasy elements, showcasing thrilling battles and heartfelt moments as Miaka struggles to fulfill her destiny.
9. DNAngel
Available on: DVD
Featuring a unique male protagonist, DNAngel revolves around Daisuke Niwa, who transforms into the Phantom Thief Dark when he experiences romantic feelings. This series combines elements of adventure and comedy with action as Daisuke navigates the challenges of his dual identity, engaging in elaborate heists and thrilling escapades.
8. Yona of the Dawn
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
Beginning as a tale of a sheltered princess, Yona of the Dawn evolves into a gripping adventure when Yona is forced to flee her kingdom after a betrayal. With her loyal bodyguard Son Hak by her side, she embarks on a quest to reclaim her throne, training to become a warrior and discovering her strength along the way.
7. The Vision of Escaflowne
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
Combining elements of shojo, mecha, and isekai, The Vision of Escaflowne follows Hitomi Kanzaki as she is transported to the war-torn world of Gaea. Here, she teams up with Prince Van to pilot giant mechs and battle against the evil Zaibach Empire, blending romance, action, and fantasy in an iconic narrative.
6. Magic Knight Rayearth
Streaming on: Crunchyroll
A pioneering work by CLAMP, Magic Knight Rayearth features three schoolgirls summoned to a magical realm where they must become the Legendary Magic Knights to rescue a captive princess. The series intertwines themes of friendship, bravery, and adventure, showcasing stunning battles and character growth throughout their journey.
5. Cardcaptor Sakura
Streaming on: Tubi
One of the most beloved magical girl series, Cardcaptor Sakura follows young Sakura Kinomoto as she captures mystical cards that wreak havoc in her city. With her iconic Sealing Wand, Sakura faces formidable foes and magical challenges, blending adventure, action, and heartfelt moments in this classic tale.
4. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Streaming on: Tubi
A groundbreaking series, Revolutionary Girl Utena explores themes of gender and identity through the lens of a surreal school environment. Utena, a girl who aims to become a prince, engages in duels to win the Rose Bride, Anthy. The series is renowned for its philosophical depth, striking visuals, and innovative storytelling.
3. Ouran High School Host Club
Streaming on: Funimation
While primarily a romantic comedy, Ouran High School Host Club features action-packed moments amid its hilarious antics. Haruhi Fujioka stumbles into a prestigious host club, leading to comical misunderstandings and unexpected adventures. The series cleverly balances humor and action, appealing to a broad audience.
2. Sailor Moon
Streaming on: Hulu
A cornerstone of the magical girl genre, Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy teenage girl who transforms into Sailor Moon to protect the world from evil. The series is celebrated for its blend of romance, action, and friendship, featuring iconic transformations, battles, and a memorable cast of characters.
1. The Rose of Versailles
Streaming on: Not currently available for streaming
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, The Rose of Versailles follows the life of Oscar François de Jarjayes, a woman raised as a man to serve in the royal guard. The series expertly blends historical drama with intense action and romance, making it a timeless classic that redefined the shojo genre.
These action-packed shojo series offer diverse narratives and compelling characters, proving that the genre encompasses far more than just romantic tales. Each title brings a unique blend of action, adventure, and heart, appealing to a wide audience of anime fans.
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