Interest Stacks

A Beginner's Guide to Getting Into Mahou Shoujo

Anime
byRuvikko
Apr 21 2022, 3:31 PM | Updated May 16, 2022 8:44 AM
Based on the popular magical girl inphographic guide https://i.imgur.com/vFQ3vaZ.jpeg with notes attached to each entry

This is split into 2 Categories:
B. (starts with Utena) I've only seen Madoka Magica and I want to learn more about the genre, but idk if I'm ready for kids' shows.
If at the end you're ready to explore the mahou shoujo genre in full force, jump to Category A.

A. (starts with Precure) I like cute stuff and the magical girls aesthetic, and I can actually handle stuff aimed at little girls.
If at the end this isn't enough for you, congrats, you're into mahou shoujo and you should start doing your own research.
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
TV, 1997, 39 eps Me:- Author:9
B. I've only seen Madoka Magica and I want to learn more about the genre.

Is there something more like a subversive commentary or deconstruction of the genre?
Princess Tutu
TV, 2002, 38 eps Me:- Author:9
Keep me in the deep/subversive realm for a bit.
Are there any darker, tragic magical girl shows?
Is there something kind of dark and sad, but a bit more mahou shoujo-y?
Shin Shirayuki-hime Densetsu Prétear
TV, 2001, 13 eps Me:- Author:-
I can deal with a more straightforward version of Princess Tutu

(If you're more acclimating to this vibe, jump to Category A, starting with Precure)
Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru
TV, 2014, 12 eps Me:- Author:6
I kinda just want something exacly like Madoka
Houkago no Pleiades (TV)
TV, 2015, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Is there one that's less dark and moody than YuYuYu? I can handle the slow
Genei wo Kakeru Taiyou
TV, 2013, 13 eps Me:- Author:-
Hit me with some Edge
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha
TV, 2004, 13 eps Me:- Author:6
I like Madoka for the young characters, adult themes and cool action

("Whoa, magical girls kick ass!" Jump to Category A, starting with Precure)
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya
TV, 2013, 10 eps Me:- Author:5
Can I get one that's less serious and more fanservice-heavy? Also I'm into Fate/Stay Night
Puni Puni☆Poemii
OVA, 2001, 2 eps Me:- Author:6
I'm kind of into this whole "adult parody of magical girls" thing
Kore wa Zombie desu ka?
TV, 2011, 12 eps Me:- Author:6
Kigurumikku V3
ONA, 2009, 3 eps Me:- Author:-
Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo
TV, 2005, 13 eps Me:- Author:5
Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magikarte
OVA, 2002, 5 eps Me:- Author:-
Akihabara Dennou-gumi
TV, 1998, 26 eps Me:- Author:7
Kämpfer
TV, 2009, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Mahou Shoujo Pretty Sammy
OVA, 1995, 3 eps Me:- Author:5
Nanatsu-iro★Drops
TV, 2007, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Magical Canan
TV, 2005, 13 eps Me:- Author:-
Now that you've lured me in with cute girls, slowly trick me into watching increasingly typical magical girl shows
Kaitou Tenshi Twin Angel
OVA, 2008, 2 eps Me:- Author:-
Saint October
TV, 2007, 26 eps Me:- Author:-
Kamichama Karin
TV, 2007, 26 eps Me:- Author:6
Sasami: Mahou Shoujo Club
TV, 2006, 13 eps Me:- Author:-
Moetan
TV, 2007, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Too many butt shots and dumb jokes
Heartcatch Precure!
TV, 2010, 49 eps Me:- Author:9
A. I like cute stuff and the mahou shoujo aesthetic, and I can actually handle stuff aimed at little girls.

I want action/hero stuff! Cute girls kicking ass, if you like this, watch all the Precure.
Shugo Chara!
TV, 2007, 51 eps Me:- Author:-
I can do without all the intense Precure fight scenes
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
TV, 1992, 46 eps Me:- Author:-
It doesn't have to be modern, give me the original
Ai Tenshi Densetsu Wedding Peach
TV, 1995, 51 eps Me:- Author:-
More like Sailor Moon
Tokyo Mew Mew
TV, 2002, 52 eps Me:- Author:-
I'm like 5 years too young to be nostalgic about Sailor Moon
Kaitou Saint Tail
TV, 1995, 43 eps Me:- Author:6
What if she's a magical thief?
Magic Knight Rayearth
TV, 1994, 20 eps Me:- Author:-
How about more of a fantasy setting and plot?
Otogi Juushi Akazukin
TV, 2006, 39 eps Me:- Author:-
A bit more cutesy and comtemporary
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
TV, 2011, 12 eps Me:- Author:9
How about something really messed up and more adult?
(If you've only seen Madoka Magica and want to learn more about the genre, jump back Category B, starting with Utena).
Cardcaptor Sakura
TV, 1998, 70 eps Me:- Author:10
I want something more mellow and confy, maybe some feels
Nurse Angel Ririka SOS
TV, 1995, 35 eps Me:- Author:5
Like Cardcaptor, don't kill my vibe
Hime-chan no Ribbon
TV, 1992, 61 eps Me:- Author:-
Like Cardcaptor but less fantasy/action and more slice of life
Ojamajo Doremi
TV, 1999, 51 eps Me:- Author:-
More adorable and fantastical
Hana no Mahoutsukai Mary Bell
TV, 1992, 50 eps Me:- Author:-
Like Doremi
Mahou no Angel Sweet Mint
TV, 1990, 47 eps Me:- Author:-
More like Doremi
Fushigiboshi no☆Futagohime
TV, 2005, 51 eps Me:- Author:-
Take me to a universe made of sugar
Anyamal Tantei Kiruminzoo
TV, 2009, 50 eps Me:- Author:-
Some of my teeth are still in my head
Mahou no Stage Fancy Lala
TV, 1998, 26 eps Me:- Author:7
I'm actually really into idiots
Mahou no Tenshi Creamy Mami
TV, 1983, 52 eps Me:- Author:5
More idiots
Full Moon wo Sagashite
TV, 2002, 52 eps Me:- Author:9
Sad
Hime Chen! Otogi Chikku Idol Lilpri
TV, 2010, 51 eps Me:- Author:-
I never said they shouldn't be fighting
Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch
TV, 2003, 52 eps Me:- Author:-
They should be fighting
Aikatsu!
TV, 2012, 178 eps Me:- Author:-
They don't have to transform, I just like the aesthetic
(There's a whole subgenre of idol shows that kind of look and feel like mahou shoujo, look into it)
Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream
TV, 2011, 51 eps Me:- Author:-
If at the end this isn't enough for you, congrats, you're into mahou shoujo and you should start doing your own research.

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