Top 10 Anime Series for Magic Lovers to Add to Your Watch List

1. "The Ancient Magus' Bride" (2017)

Starting off strong with a captivating tale of love and magic, we have "The Ancient Magus' Bride." The story follows Chise Hatori, a depressed girl sold to a bone-headed mage named Elias. This isn't your standard love story, no siree. Elias plans to make Chise his apprentice...and his bride. Aside from the romantic tension that rivals Ross and Rachel's will-they-won't-they saga, this anime unfolds a universe of ethereal beauty, magical creatures, and secrets. Not just a visual treat, this series delves into darker themes of abandonment and self-worth, making it a magical journey with a human heart.

2. "Little Witch Academia" (2013)

If you're a sucker for magical schools, "Little Witch Academia" is right up Diagon Alley. However, this isn't a Hogwarts copycat. Our plucky heroine, Atsuko Kagari (or Akko, for short), is a witch-in-training at Luna Nova Magical Academy, but she's not exactly top of her class. Akko is clumsy, not particularly good at magic, and her broom-flying skills could use a little (a lot of) work. But when she discovers a powerful relic, Akko's life takes an enchanting turn. The series may seem light-hearted, but its underlying theme of perseverance and friendship gives it a charming depth.

3. "Mushi-Shi" (2005-2006)

"Mushi-Shi" is like the quiet, brooding cousin in the anime family. It's thoughtful, atmospheric, and absolutely entrancing. The series revolves around "mushi," the most primitive form of life, and the "Mushi-Shi" who study them. Our lead character, Ginko, is a Mushi-Shi who travels from place to place, solving problems related to mushi. What makes this series unique is its episodic nature, where each episode is a standalone story.

4. "Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic" (2012-2013)

"Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic" takes a page from the classic tales of Arabian Nights, adding a generous dash of magic. It follows the adventure of Aladdin, a young magician, and his friends as they conquer "Dungeons," mysterious structures filled with treasures and traps. A fun fact here: the series showcases a unique magical system based on Middle Eastern mythology, making it a vibrant blend of fantasy, adventure, and cultural storytelling.

5. "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" (2011)

This isn't your average magical girl anime – it deconstructs the genre in a way that leaves the viewer spellbound. The series explores the story of Madoka Kaname, a middle-schooler offered a chance to gain magical powers if she agrees to fight against wicked witches. A word of warning: it's darker than its cutesy art style suggests, diving into themes of hope, despair, and the cost of wishes. It has a MyAnimeList rating of 8.36, highlighting its broad appeal and surprising depth.

6. "Cardcaptor Sakura" (1998-2000)

While "Cardcaptor Sakura" might be a more well-known series, it's often overlooked by adult anime fans – and it's time to remedy that. The story follows ten-year-old Sakura Kinomoto, who accidentally releases a set of magical cards, each holding a different power. Tasked with recapturing them, she becomes a Cardcaptor. This series is far from just an enchanting adventure; it deals with themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth, making it a multifaceted gem in the magical anime universe. Plus, it has one of the most iconic anime openings ever, which alone is worth the price of admission.

7. "Flying Witch" (2016)

In the magical world of anime, "Flying Witch" stands out with its laid-back approach to the genre. The series follows Makoto Kowata, a 15-year-old witch-in-training who moves to rural Japan to live with her relatives. This isn't a story of epic battles or grand magical adventures; instead, it's a slice-of-life tale that blends the mundane and the magical seamlessly. Picture this: Makoto casually flying on a broom to the grocery store, or her interactions with whimsical supernatural beings – it's a magical realism buffet that's charming, heartwarming, and oddly soothing.

8. "Shakugan no Shana" (2005-2012)

"Shakugan no Shana" is an exciting blend of action, romance, and magic. The story kicks off when Yuji Sakai, a regular high school student, discovers that he's a "Torch" – essentially, a temporary replacement for a human whose existence has been consumed by "Crimson Denizens." Enter Shana, a sword-wielding girl tasked with protecting the balance of the world. This series might be a bit more on the intense side, but it's worth the emotional investment. As a bonus, it features an intricate magical system that fantasy lovers will eat up faster than free sushi at a buffet.

9. "The Morose Mononokean" (2016-2019)

This charming supernatural series follows Hanae Ashiya, a high school student who spends the first seven days of his school life in the infirmary because of a yokai attaching to him. In his quest to get rid of the yokai, he ends up working for the Mononokean, a tea room that serves as a gateway between our world and the Underworld. Filled with humor, heartfelt friendships, and an array of captivating yokai, "The Morose Mononokean" is a whimsical journey that showcases the magical in the everyday.

10. "Somali and the Forest Spirit" (2020)

The touching tale of "Somali and the Forest Spirit" tells the story of a golem, the guardian of the forest, who finds a human child named Somali in a world where humans are on the brink of extinction. The anime follows their journey as they search for Somali's parents in a world teeming with magic and wonder.