The best magic anime story centers on magical girls or boys in a fantasy world filled with demons, monsters, and other evil beings. These anime characters possess legendary powers.
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Often, these stories are either in a light or dark mode. Some would feature what's happening in everyday life where people have magical powers. Others are out of these world adventures.
So, I bring you a list of the best anime in the magical kingdom (in no particular order).
1. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
This anime series centers on magic and harem. On the side, you can watch the budding romance between Urara and Ryuu or BL romance between Miyamura and Ryuu.
With a kiss, Shiraishi and Yamada can switch bodies. This accidental kiss leads to a more complex situation in his new life.
The two with Miyamura as a nuisance discover that they are other students in their school with special powers, too!
2. Full-time Magistrate
Fate intervenes when Mo Fan is selected to study at a prestigious institution, where he will learn under the great masters themselves.
However, his poor status and rumors of his lack of magical abilities have become reasons for other students to bully him. But, Mo Fan can cast the fire element and the rare magic element: lightning.
Equipped with two of the most dangerous magic sources, this young magician begins to weave his destiny.
3. Grimoire of Zero
The Grimoire of Zero could destroy the world when used by the wrong persons. Unfortunately, someone has stolen it.
Zero must travel across the land to search for the thief. During her travel, this young mage met Youhei, a best fallen who possesses great strength.
Together, the two battle against witches and evil beings who want the grimoire for selfish reasons. This magic anime series is a unique one where one of the protagonists is half-human and half-beast.
4. Fairy Tail Guild
Fairy Tail has always been a place of strength, spirit, and family. This guild participates in all large-scale magical artifact recovery missions. Every time, new challenges arise for everyone on the team!
Unlike other mage guilds in the anime series, Fairy Tail consists of wizards with weird personalities. Despite this, most of the members are the strongest in the whole region.
From the angry but beautiful Erza to the fire-eating Natsu who has motion sickness, you can get enough laugh, magic, and surprises.
5. SpiritPact
Do you want BL combined with a magic theme? Here's your anime series!
Yang Yinghoua is a part-timer in a business establishment. He wakes up one day only to discover he has become a spirit. New beginning, new life!
Then, Xi Duanmu protects him against human and evil spirits. In exchange, Yang becomes his spirit shadow.
In the beginning, it is a plain master and servant relationship. But, their growing admiration turns out to be more than platonic.
6. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructors
Three magical arts wielders are thrown into the midst of chaos and conflict when mysterious and evil forces begin the attack the academy where they attend.
Two students and their teacher are an unlikely combination. But these youngsters must battle against these forces to protect their beloved academy and the magic principles they believe in.
What is so surprising? It’s the interconnection between the three.
7. Shinsekai Yori
Shinsekai Yori isn't cyberpunk, but the way it's depicted is similar to this theme. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world where people have developed telekinetic powers through a certain drug.
The world has been torn apart due to war and paranoia. Using superpowers as the basis for an anime isn't anything new, but its symbolic use in this world is.
The sheer oddness of Shinsekai Yori's universe sets it apart from its counterparts such as Psycho-Pass.
8. Magical Warfare
Takeshi Nanase, a normal high school boy with a somewhat dark past, becomes a magic user by accident after saving Mui Aiba near his school campus. He soon discovers the world of magic users and their beliefs.
In the academy, the young magician meets new friends and learns the truth about the other world. The majority of magic users just want to live in harmony with non-magicians, but there are some who wish to do more.
Could he and his friends stop the people who want to create chaos and conflict in the real world?
9. A Certain Magical Index
Academy City is a major scientific center. It is super-advanced where students study and develop their magical abilities.
In this magic anime, Touma Kamijou has the lowest magic rating. This young boy can negate whatever magic is known in the city.
His life as a normal high school goes upside down when he meets Index, a young mage who knows every forbidden grimoire in Academy.
Together, they fight off people who want to harm her. Could they win?
10. Black Clover
Asta wants to become a wizard king. But, this ambitious man doesn't have an ounce of magic in him. Still, this "disability" doesn't hinder him from pursuing his dream.
He becomes stronger physically and emotionally. On the day of choosing a grimoire, Asta comes in possession of the forbidden Black Clover.
From here, his destiny changes as he proves his abilities to the world.
11. Cardcaptor Sakura
Your childhood (or maybe teenage) years won't be complete if you hadn't watched this popular magic anime series. Who doesn't recognize the ten-year-old girl with roller blades?
Sakura Kinomoto accidentally released powerful magical Clow Cards that could lead to the world's destruction. Now, she must gather these cards and reseal them in the book.
With the help of Kerberos and her fashionista classmate, this young girl begins her most adventurous journey. While she's capturing these cards, she meets the one person whom she holds dear in her heart.
12. Tokyo Ravens
Onmyoudou magic has evolved into a simplified and modernized version. Its uses include technology and medicine.
Centuries after the Spiritual Disaster in Japan, Harutora (the heir of the Tsuchimikado clan) can't do the Onmyoudou. So, he decides to live normally, forgetting his promise to Natsume.
But, elite members of the Onmyou Agency are trying to recreate the Disaster. Left with no choice, this no-magic young man fights beside Natsume and tries to protect her and society no matter what.
13. The Irregular at Magic High School
In First High School, magical users have two categories: the Blooms and the Weeds. Blooms are high-scorers during the entrance exam while the Weeds are reserved students.
This magic anime follows the Shiba siblings: Miyuki who becomes a Bloom and Tatsuya who is assigned as a Weed. Ironically, Tatsuya has high technical knowledge of magical powers.
His ability has made him the irregular in the school. Would this situation become a hindrance and create conflict with his little sister?
14. Grandson of Magi
The name Merlin is the symbol of magic even in the anime world. This anime has used Merlin's name as one of the characters.
Like his namesake, Merlin Wolford is a national hero with powerful magic. But, this successful man decides to live a secluded and normal life while raising an orphan named Shin.
Shin is a talented young boy in magic and martial arts. Yet, this orphan grows up socially awkward, which forces him to enroll in an academy to hone his skills.
15. Konjiki no Gash Bell
Takamine Kiyomaro is suffering depression. He has the doesn't-care-about-the-world kind of attitude. His views are bleak until he meets Gash, a little demon.
Gash needs to fight against others beings in the demon world. This little bedevil chooses Kiyomaro.
On the other hand, this young man doesn't know what he's been thrown into. But, he learns about the value of courage and friendship. Together, the duo battles against other demons.
16. Witchcraft Works
Most magic anime has "knight-in-shining-armor" and "damsel-in-distress" protagonists. But, this series is the opposite.
Here, the main character(who is a boy) needs protection from the Tower witches who only want to suck his untapped power. Ayaka Kagari is a witch who is chosen to protect Honoka.
The once-peaceful life of the Honoka has been riddled with surprises after a sudden attack on him. Would he be able to live normally?
17. Princess Tutu
Fairy tale, magic, and romance are the three ingredients of this series. Princess Tutu is Ahiru's story, a duck turned into a human.
In her human form, this magical girl learns that she can transform into a ballet dancer, hence the title. Through her dance, she relieves the emotional struggles of the people who watch her.
Besides, Ahiru can collect the broken pieces of her prince's heart. Would she be able to complete it and be with her one true love?
18. Makai Prince
William's uncle failed and went bankrupt. To his fear, he thinks his family's name is disgraced. So, this young man returns to salvage from whatever is left of his family's possession.
During their search, William discovers an underground room with a magical seal. Unknowingly, he summoned a devil named Dantalion.
Dantalion tells the unsuspecting boy that he is the designator. The talented man has to choose the ruler of the demon world. Could he choose the best ruler?
19. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Aladdin is a young magician who wants to explore the world in a magical adventure. After having the opportunity to do so, he encounters Alibaba Saluja.
During this time, this handsome man damages a cart. To pay for these damages, he accepts the challenge of entering a Dungeon. Djinns inhabit a dungeon and grant ruling power to the person who can conquer the labyrinths.
Aladdin discovers that his entrance is not by chance but a manipulation of a few selfish individuals. Despite this, he tries to clear the quests and obtain power.
20. Fate Series
This franchise has many series and most of these shows focus on magic. Also, it features the ever-popular Holy Grail War.
The Holy Grail is the battle between seven wizards and their Servants. It is a battle of skills and strategies.
In one of the most popular stories, Shirou Emiya is a wizard who summons Saber out of desperation. Here begins the adventure and magical encounters of the main character.
21. Dies Irae
Ren Fujii has had the same dream since his terrible fight with Shirou Yusa. His dream has something to do with the incident in 1945: Soviet Flag, Red Army, and a perfect ritual sacrifice.
Something about what his friend had said that keeps him at the edge. Everyone in the city eventually loses their minds and perhaps their lives.
Over 7 decades ago, Nazi officers conduct a frightening ritual: the summoning of the 13 lancers who could destroy the world. Did they succeed? Maybe.
22. Overlord
Yggdrasil is a virtual game that is shutting down. Momonga decides to stay until the server shuts down.
Unfortunately, the shutdown never came and the NPCs came alive. With the help of these loyal servants, the guild master tries to investigate what happened.
Could he be alone or are there other people stranded in the virtual world? Watch this isekai anime to learn how Momonga aka Ainz Ooal Gown uncovers the mystery.
23. The Twelve Kingdoms
Out of nowhere, a stranger named Keiki barges in and bows before her while she's in the classroom! The shocking thing is when this blond-haired man calls her master.
Everything goes chaotic when a monster comes out of nowhere and attacks them. Keiki and Youko manage to escape into the manservant's world. Unfortunately, two of her classmates were dragged into the new world.
And nothing is the same since then. Youko and her two classmates must survive this unknown world after Keiki gets separated from them.
24. Brave 10
A young priestess of Izumo, Isanami watches as a band of malevolent ninja raze her temple to the ground. This group slaughters her people within, forces her to flee into the woods to avoid getting killed.
Sanada Yukimura invites Isanami and Saizou Kirigakure to Ueda Castle so that they may have a chance of refuge from persecution. However, before she can get there, Isanami must run from the ninja doing their best to kill her.
Thus, begin the story of a priestess who must find a way to defeat the enemies.
25. The Legend of the Legendary Heroes
Alpha Stigma carriers can evaluate all forms of magic through their eyes. But these people can wreak havoc and death to other people.
Ryner Lute, an Alpha Stigma carrier, was a former lazy student at the Magician Academy of the Roland Empire.
But, after the murder of his classmates, he swears to make the country a more peaceful place together with Sion Astal and find the relic of the Legendary Hero.
26. Trinity Seven
The sun stops shining on Arata Kasuga's home town and all vanish except for him. With the help of a grimoire, this young teenager rebuilt his hometown.
But, Lilith Asami suddenly appears, asking him to hand over the book or die. Instead, Kasuga opts for enrollment in the Royal Biblia Academy.
In the academy, this aspiring mage teams up with other magical users, hence the Trinity Seven. To prevent the devastation of his beloved hometown and to bring back his best friend, Arata goes all out.
27. KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!
High school student Kazuma Satou finds himself before a gorgeous goddess named Aqua after dying suddenly. The goddess offers two alternatives: continue on to heaven or reincarnate in every gamer's fantasy!
He chooses the second option. Unfortunately, living in such a world is different from the game.
Instead of a thrilling adventure, Kazuma and Aqua have to work for their living expenses. Their misfortunes have only just begun!
28. Chivalry of a Failed Knight
Who doesn’t love an underdog theme? Most of us do. Then, combine it with magic.
In this magic anime, a few people have the ability to turn their souls into powerful weapons.
Ikki Kurogane is the “weakest” of all Mage-knights and the story begins with an accident. He sees Stella Vermillion, an A-ranked Blazer.
Embarrassed, Stella challenges him to a battle. Who do you think wins? Find out by watching!
29. The Misfit of Demon King Academy
Demong King Anos sacrifices his life to end a war and hopes for a peaceful reincarnation. Unfortunately, the king awakes 2 millennia later.
He discovers that the magic diminished, and people remember him differently. Disappointed and mad, Anos tries his best to learn the truth behind it.
30. Rosario + Vampire
Ecchi anime with magic? You got it. This anime is the story of Tsukune Aono who is thrown amid a vampire school.
This unfortunate teenager got enrolled in Youkai Academy because of his poor grades. Unknown to him, the academy has one rule: Human execution within the grounds of the school.
While at school, Tsukune meets Moka Akashiya, the most beautiful among girls. You could say it's love at first sight because the desperate man prefers to stay to pursue the girl.
31. Zetsuen no Tempest
Yoshino Takigawa is dating Aika Fuwa, the younger sister of his best friend. One day, someone mysteriously murdered the girl, and her brother disappears.
Despite his mourning, the high school teenager continues to live his life. A month after, a witch named Hakaze of the Kusaribe clan appears and wants him dead.
Mahiro reappears and saves him. Yoshino learns that his best friend enlists the help of Hakaze to investigate the death of Aika.
The task seems difficult because this trio encounters a more sinister enemy.
32. Gate
A mysterious portal appears in Ginza, Tokyo where medieval warriors emerge and kill hundreds of people. Fortunately, Youji Itami happens to be within the vicinity.
This off-duty officer leads a defensive team to save as many people as they can. Months later, the government asks him to discover the new world behind the portal.
Their aim is peace talk and prevents the invasion of these mysterious creatures. At the same time, close the gate ASAP.
33. Qualidea Code
This magic anime series begins with the skies splitting open and the Unknown invading the Earth.
As last resort, children are put into a cryogenic state to preserve the future. Years have passed since the invasion. Humanity gets a secure location in one corner of Japan.
Much to the scientists’ surprise, the children develop superpowers while asleep.
With this newfound discovery, humanity chooses 6 most powerful kids to lead the defense against the invaders.
34. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
If you look at the cute magical anime girls, your first assumption could be that this has a light and cutesy theme. Maybe, but the cutesy feel ends with their faces and costumes.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is dark and one of the best magic anime out there. The storyline and the character development are superb.
The story focuses on friendship and how to cope up with the struggles of society.
35. Little Witch Academia
Atsuko "Akko" Kagari wants to become a witch like her idol Shiny Chariot after hearing her most inspirational quote. So, she enrolls in a witch academy.
Equipped with positivity, this young girl travels the distance to reach her school. Her journey is anything but smooth.
She also gets a hold of Chariot’s Shiny wand and owns it like it was hers. Amidst trials, Akko never gives up and wants to achieve her dream.
Conclusion
Magic anime is a great way to unwind your mind after a hectic win. The right series can leave you wanting more or repeating the whole season. Good luck in creating the list for your binge-watching session!