The magical girl genre has enjoyed a storied history in the anime world, particularly thriving during the ’90s and early 2000s. While interest in magical girls waned with the advent of modern anime, leading to a decline in new series, the 2020s have sparked a revival of this beloved genre.
Although magical girl anime remain less prevalent than other genres, several outstanding titles have emerged in the past few years, catering to both long-time fans and newcomers. With fresh adaptations and the return of cherished classics, magical girls are making a triumphant return. For those looking to dive into this enchanting genre, these contemporary series offer an excellent starting point.
1. Acro Trip (2024) – A fresh take on the genre, Acro Trip follows Chizuko, an otaku fan of her local magical girl, Berry Blossom. The show’s twist is that the protagonist is not the magical girl but a fan who works to elevate her idol’s status, even if it means collaborating with villains.
2. Gushing Over Magical Girls – Utena Hiiragi, a fan of magical girls, becomes part of an evil organization, turning her into the very villain she once opposed. This dark and mature twist adds a unique flavor to the traditional magical girl narrative, blending sadism and humor.
3. Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story – A spin-off from the widely acclaimed Madoka Magica series, this anime focuses on a new protagonist, Iroha, as she battles witches to protect humanity. While it has garnered mixed reviews, it’s a must-watch for fans of the darker elements of the magical girl genre.
4. Looking For Magical Doremi – This wholesome film commemorates the 20th anniversary of Magical Doremi. The story follows three women who bond over their shared love for the classic magical girl series. It’s a slice-of-life anime that reflects on the impact of magical girls in real life.
5. The Demon Girl Next Door 2 (2022) – This comedy-filled series features Yuuko, a cursed high schooler who must defeat a magical girl to lift her family’s curse. However, the magical girl ends up helping Yuuko, creating a unique dynamic between hero and villain.
6. Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. (2024) – This shonen-inspired magical girl anime parodies classic magical girl tropes while introducing a rare adult protagonist. Kana Sakuragi, a struggling college student, gets the chance to join a magical girl start-up and fights alongside other magical heroes.
7. Wonderful Precure! (2024) – Part of the long-running Pretty Cure franchise, Wonderful Precure! introduces a magical girl and her dog who transform to fight monsters, offering a quirky yet entertaining twist on the genre.
These shows indicate the magical girl genre’s evolving appeal, with newer titles blending nostalgia, parody, and darker elements to create modern anime experiences.
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