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Warning: some of the anime in this article are not suitable for minors. If you are underage, you can read another one of our articles.
One of the most fascinating fictional characters is the witch, perhaps because powerful women with mysterious powers have been in our imagination and our lives since ancient times. When science was not fully developed, mortals thought that wisdom was, well, magical. Time and creativity did the rest with witches, which have been present in the anime world in all shapes and personalities. With that, let’s remember some of the best witch anime of all time!
10. Nurse Angel Ririka SOS
- Episodes: 35
- Aired: Jul 7, 1995 to Mar 29, 1996
Let’s start with a classic, shall we? The planet Earth has been destroyed by Dark Joker and their minions. Only the power of the Flower of Life can save Ririka Moriya’s planet. Therefore, she transforms into the Nurse Angel to find the flower and fight against Dark Joker.
Yes, Ririka is not your regular witch in black with a pointy hat, but hey! She is among the veterans who used magic to help others. She has to live a double life fighting evil and pretending she is a regular girl. Plus near the end, we have a great plot twist. Nurse Angel Ririka SOS is full of nostalgia and high quality cell animation, so it is worth to save from the memory’s vault.
9. Shuumatsu no Izetta (Izetta: The Last Witch)
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Oct 1, 2016 to Dec 17, 2016
It is 1940. Europe is in the middle of a war, and Germania plans to conquer the little country of Elystadt. The princess of this country is also kidnapped, but then the last witch, Izetta, escapes her prison. Izetta knew the princess, so she pledges to protect Elysdat from Germania.
There have been a few attempts to combine witches and war, but the latest one has been an interesting and fresh experiment. Izetta and Princess Fine have contrasting personalities. They both can be taken as too young and naive, but they have to mature to prove they can handle the situation. Full of action, mystery and a bit of Macross nostalgia (because of the boosting morale part), Shuumatsu no Izetta tells us the story of a unusual witch.
8. Mahou Shoujo-tai Arusu (Tweeny Witches)
- Episodes: 40
- Aired: Apr 9, 2004 to Mar 4, 2005
What do you do when you believe in magic? Some people say that you should follow your dreams, but should you do so even it means to go into another world? Arusu is transported to a realm where witches rule, capturing sprites and, forcing them into slavery. So yeah, dreams are not always as nice as you thought they were, but Arusu has a plan to change things up…
Mahou Shoujo-tai Arusu had a dynamic, complex and detailed art style for its time. The contrast between a magical lover and a world where magic is a tool of oppression was also original, and reminds us a bit of RPG fantasy style anime that would become popular in later years. However, the best part of the epic adventures of Arusu is that they are not overly depressing or serious; there is room for fun! Full of personality and imagination, the characters of Mahou Shoujo-tai Arusu are a delight for Witch anime lovers.
7. Junketsu no Maria (Maria the Virgin Witch)
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Jan 11, 2015 to Mar 29, 2015
Welcome to medieval France! We are here to meet Maria, who lives with her two familiars in the middle of the war against England. Because our heroine constantly uses her magic to protect the innocent, the archangel Michael is sent from the heavens to stop her. So, the archangel issues a decree that states that if Maria loses her virginity, she will lose her magic too. The protagonist will not have it, though, and as the situation gets more and more dangerous, the church plots to stop her.
Junketsu no Maria starts as a historical adventure with a lot of comedy. However, as the series progresses, the tone gets more serious from time to time. Double moral should be punished, and Maria will not have it! It helps that she is a happy teenager and that there is some ecchi here and there.
6. Sugar Sugar Rune
- Episodes: 51
- Aired: Jul 2, 2005 to Jun 24, 2006
Chocolat Meilleure and Vanilla Mieux are two friends who, besides that, are witches. They are in a contest to see who will become the new Queen of the World of Witches, so they have to travel to the Earth to collect human hearts. This means that they are also rivals! Will their friendship survive? You will have to watch Sugar Sugar Rune to find it out!
If you like your witches in the cutest girl power shape possible, you have to watch Sugar Sugar Rune. Fun, exciting, and magical at every minute, this story promises to capture your attention. Do not worry, because although it looks like just one of many fluffy shoujo anime, it has its depth. Also, it is looong, which let’s you get to know the characters better and leaves room for a surprise or two.
5. Flying Witch
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Apr 10, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
When a girl turns 15, some special things happen, but in the case of witches, they have to be serious about studying witchcraft. When Makoto Kowata turns 15, she travels to Aomori with her black cat Chito. There she will find exactly what she needs, as nature helps with magical studies. Together with Makoto’s cousins Kei and Chinatsu Kuramoto, our witch will train hard while she pretends to live the life of a normal girl.
If you ever wondered how Kiki (from Kiki’s Delivery Service) would have been if she was a teenager, look no further. Makoto is an enchanting lead who takes life at her own pace. This entire series is devoted to the appreciation of nature, which is astounding in Aomori. Everything and everyone feels authentic, not forced or over the top. Flying Witch is the perfect combination between magic and slice of life.
4. Umineko no Naku Koro ni (Umineko: When They Cry)
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: Jul 2, 2009 to Dec 24, 2009
Ok, so maybe the slice of life and happy witches are not your cup of tea. Maybe you want to watch a witch anime that really scares the hell out of you. In that case, let us recommend Umineko no Naku Koro ni. An isolated island, a who dunnit mystery, lots of horror, and a powerful witch await here. When the Kinzou family’s head senses his death approaching, he requests the family to get together in the island. They do so once a year, but this time, the patriarch is so desperate to see Beatrice, the love of his life, that he immerses himself in black magic.
Yeap, we know that playing with black magic usually does anything but help. Still, thanks to some deeply disturbed characters, we testify a twisted game where reality becomes surreal. Death is hiding in every corner and the least you want to know is who is gonna get rich once Kinzou is dead. What we all want to know is the backstory of Beatrice, the Golden Witch!
3. Witch Hunter Robin
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: Jul 2, 2002 to Dec 24, 2002
Robin is a 15 year old teenager who has witches genes and memories. She arrives in Japan to work with the STN Japan division as a witch hunter. However, Robin’s mission is to capture the witches alive and try to find out why and how they acquired their powers. In using the power of modern medicine to fight the witches, our heroine will find out more than she expected at the beginning.
Every chapter of Witch Hunter Robin is full with mystery and action. If you like sci-fi and thrillers, the right witch for you is Robin. This anime has a more adult tone, starting with a monster of the week plot style. Once the characters and the setting are well established, the main story captures you.
2. Little Witch Academia
- Episodes: 25
- Aired: Jan 9, 2017 to Jun 26, 2017
Atsuko Kagari, a.k.a Akko, has always admired the witch Shiny Chariot. Dreaming to be a witch herself, our protagonist enrolls in Luna Nova Magical Academy. There she will make friends with Lotte Yansson and Sucy Manbavaran, but the best part is that she finds Shiny Chariot’s wand! However, being a witch involves much more than the girls think it is, and they will not have it easy, especially Akko, who does not come from a magical family.
If your favorite witch anime is on the lines of Harry Potter or The Worst Witch, Little Witch Academia has the same spirit. Akko has all the enthusiasm in the world, but although her adventures are in a happy tone, there is a bit of mystery to keep your attention in the screen. Overall, the themes of effort and friendship are all there, warming our hearts. And oh, that world building, so full of detail!
1. Majo no Takkyuubin (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
- Episodes: 1
- Aired: Jul 29, 1989
When witches come of age, they have to leave their parents home. Kiki has turned 13, so she takes her black cat Jiji and moves into the coastal town of Koriko. After a hard time adapting to her new surroundings, she finds a room in Osono’s bakery, where she starts working doing deliveries. That is how Kiki gets the idea of having her own delivery service.
Who is better to tell us a magical tale than Studio Ghibli with Hayao Miyazaki? Kiki has the charm of being an enthusiastic little girl in search for her true call in life. She has hardships, warm moments, decisive moments… This movie has been around for decades and still is popular among otaku. As a classical tale about a witch who conquered everything and everyone with her pure heart, this is the ultimate witch anime!
Final Thoughts
Witches will always be there to remind us that there are mysteries surrounding us even in our normal, daily lives. They also embody the power of nature, the power of the unknown or simply what we still are not aware of. Witch anime will always be a success, but do tell us. Which is your favorite witch anime? Don’t forget that we are open to all of your comments! See you in the magical otaku realm.
Halloween has come and gone, but a lot of us still look back at all the good times we had dressing up as our favorite characters. For hundreds of years, there has always been one costume that has stood out amongst them all, and that is the witch. Witches possess the ability to call upon spirits, and cast magical spells to thwart off enemies. They also have the ability to sit atop a broomstick and fly majestically in the air, without much effort. Not all witches fly on broomsticks however, as some prefer to weild weapons using special spells or mantras. This is why we have decided to bring you an article on bringing you the best of both worlds. Let us hop right in!
10. Yamada-kun to Nananin no Majo [Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches]
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: April 12 2015 – June 28, 2015
Flying into the tenth spot on our top ten witch anime is Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches. The story stars Yamada, a trouble maker in high school who often finds school to be a bore. In an awkward incident, Yamada falls down a flight of stairs, landing on top of Shiraishi, locking lips. After waking up from the fall, he realizes that he swapped bodies with Shiraishi. The two come to a realization that it was in fact the kiss that swapped their bodies, and the only way to reverse it was to kiss. Soon after, a club within the school opens, with witches who have magical powers, which are activated by a kiss.
This witch comedy anime is a great choice because, it shows off the more light hearted side of witchcraft. Yamada stumbles upon this mysterious club full of attractive witches, which leads to a variety of antics and ecchi spells that are sure to make you laugh. Witch harem is certainly a rare occurrence to come by, and so it felt right to place this on the list because of its outlandish behavior, paired with magical spells to entertain you.
9. Little Witch Academia
- Episodes: 1
- Aired: March 2, 2013
Casting its way onto our top ten list is Little Witch Academia. This wonderful story will surely brighten your day, as it is filled with an array of comedy, and enough fantasy to keep your imagination flowing. Atsuko is just your ordinary girl who falls in love with a famous witch named Shiny Chariot. Her admiration for the famed lady compelled her to join the witch academia, in hopes to becoming as popular as her idol. Despite not having any magic casting experience, her dedication to mastering the art of witchcraft is what keeps her going.
The reason Atsuko makes it onto our witch list is because the show really captures the true essence of spell casting and crafting. She shows a deep passion for the art, which eventually leads to her being able to cast spells on her own alongside her friends. Atsuko also uses the spells she learns in a positive way, sharing her ideas with her close friends. This demonstrates friendship despite the negative connotations that come with witchcraft. This is a wonderful heart warming anime for anyone to watch!
8. Witch Craft Works
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: January 5, 2014 – March 23, 2014
Making its way into the eighth spot our top ten witch anime is Witch Craft Works. Quirky student Takamiya has had a crush on his classmate Ayaka for some time, and neither have spoken despite sitting next to each other. Things turn serious when Takamiya suddenly comes face to face with the grim reaper, as a part of the school building is about to send him to the next dimension. Before he could even blink, Ayaka comes flying to his rescue, only not as a student but as a witch. The truth is finally revealed to Takamiya, with Ayaka stating that it is her mission to protect him at all times.
Ayaka is the all time classic rendition of what a witch truly represents. Her image consists of an overly large pointed hat, along with the broom witches are known for. Ayaka's goal is to use her magic powers to protect Takamiya, since other more powerful witches are after them. It shows a nice relationship between two people who, despite their differences can build a great bond and overcome to the obstacles in front of them. It's a mixture of good and evil in this anime, with a nice blend of trickery and finesse in the art of witchcraft. This is a must watch for those who enjoy a little taste of everything.
7. Umineko: When They Cry
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: July 2, 2009 – December 24, 2009
With a darker feel to the art of witch craft, Umineko: When They Cry makes its way to number seven on our witch anime list. Continuing the popular franchise, When They Cry is the third season which further explains the story around Battler. Every year, the Ushiromiya family gather on the island of Rokkenjima to discuss financial matters regarding inheritance. Matters start to turn sour when the head of the family Kinzo, confesses that his life is fading and that his wish is to meet his true love Beatrice, who is the golden witch. Kinzo has had a fascination for the dark arts for years and demands that the family conduct a ceremony to revive Beatrice. Things turn ugly fast when suddenly, a typhoon hits the very island they're on, trapping all of them without much assistance to rescue them. Mysterious murders begin to pop up and so now the family must fight for their lives.
Umineko truly displays the darker side of witchcraft, using mind manipulation to inflict pain and suffering on others. While the other witches on our list use potions and other magic spells, Umineko use psychological witchcraft to commit murders throughout the series. This is what creates the excitement throughout the show, because you're always wondering how the next person will be killed. This is a great watch for those who enjoy mystery.
6. Witch Hunter Robin
- Episodes: 11
- Aired: July 2, 2002 – December 24, 2002
We are flying closer to the end of our top ten, but we couldn't help but throw Witch Hunter Robin into the witch mix. Robin is a 15 year old craft specialist who came to Japan from Italy, to work for the STN- Japan Division. She was to replace a member who was killed in battle, and so it became her mission to capture witches alive to further discover why they became witches in the first place. In a world full of betrayl, Robin is on a journey to not only uncover the mysteries of the existence of witches, but to uncover the dark pasts of her own life leading up to Japan. She comes across a male individual named Amon, who she becomes attracted to, and the two work together to chase conspiracies. Amon shares somewhat of a similar dark past to Robin, and so her mission is to dig into his life to find more answers.
Witch Hunter Robin is such an awesome anime because of how much versatility is used pertaining to dark magic. The many witches that Robin encounter have the power to mind control, use telekinesis, and various spells to dispose of enemies. Robin also has the ability to use her own mastery of the arts, but more so to immobilize them to capture. This show is a perfect fit for any witch fan.
5. Rental Magica
- Episodes: 24
- Aired: October 8, 2007- March 24, 2008
Itsuki has now taken over his father's family business ever since his mysterious disappearance. The magician dispatch service has become Itsuki's responsibility, which employs magicians and other supernatural beings to help those in need of assistance. Due to his lack of business experience and cowardly ways, he must learn enough leadership to deal with his employees and enemies who threaten his business.
Rental Magica uses more magic spells in the more helpful fashion, since Itsuki's business is all about employing magicians to protect. So while the art of witchcraft is used predominantly within the series, much of it is used to ensure the safety and well being of the citizens. There are times however, where magic is used as a way to corrupt others, but in the end it was incorporated to guard the family business from being destroyed. This fantasy, supernatural anime will surely impress those who are into the more protective arts of witchcraft!
4. Soul Eater Not!
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: April 9, 2014 – July 2, 2014
If you've watched the Soul Eater series, this is a side story of the original. This story focuses on Tsugumi, along with his friends Meme and Anya. The three decide to take part in the normally overcome target (NOT) class to learn how to harness their powers more consistently when trouble arrives. Maka, who is their other colleague takes part in the especially advanced talent (EAT) which specializes in more battle oriented magic.
Soul Eater Not! is a comedy that is full of ecchi and supernatural powers. The reason why it makes our top ten witch list is because of the array of powers each character possesses. Meme and Anya focus their magic powers to ensure they stay out of trouble, for example Anya making clumsy mistakes, or when something ecchi takes place. Maka on the other hand, use her spells to protect herself and battle evil monsters much like a warlock would do. It's a great mix of dark and light which is similar to that of a priest and mage.
3. Junketsu no Maria
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: January 11, 2015 – March 29, 2015
Junketsu no Maria follows the story of Maria, on her life of being the most powerful witch during the hundred year's war in Medieval France. This blonde haired, blue eyed girl is your stereotypical witch with a unique broomstick in the shape of a pitchfork. She is not one to use her magic for evil however, as she despises anything to do with war. Maria uses her magical prowess to help prevent any catastrophe that tries to endanger the world around her. Due to the dangers of using magic openly, an angel named Ezekiel was hired to watch over her. Despite all of this, she still continues to wield her magic spells. She builds a relationship with Joseph, but was warned by Archangel Michael that, once she loses her virginity she loses all of her magic. Knowing this, Ezekiel ensures to protect her magic at all costs. It's a heartfelt tale of a typical witch out to prove to everyone that she is not evil, and that she is out to end war.
Junketsu no Maria makes it onto our top three because she truly embodies the life of a witch. Her appearance is very fitting, but without the pointed hat to complete the look. While her powers are not used in any way to harm the lives of others, her spell casting and mantras define that of a witch who is out to protect. Her goal oriented mind keeps her fighting, and protecting the ones she cares about. The church continues to chase after her, in hopes to kill her, but her use of spells to protect society make it hard to convict her as being dangerous. It's a fun and lighthearted take on the tale of witchcraft, along with a romantic relationship that blossoms between characters.
2. Madoka Magica
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: January 7, 2011- April 22, 2011
Madoka Magica makes its way onto the number two spot on our witch list. It stars three ordinary girls who live an ordinary school life, until magical cat Kyubey makes his way into their lives. He offers them a proposition that they can all make a wish in exchange for magical powers. One of their friends Homura, already wields magic powers, and urges them not to do it. However, these girls had a passion and so they decided to embark on a journey full of ups and downs pertaining to their relationships.
Madoka Magica shows how three girls and their friends deal with making life changing decisions, which show hope and despair in many ways than one. Each girl becomes equipped with their own magic skill which allows them to perform certain types of witchcraft. For example, Kyoko has the ability to cast spells through her ring which come from the burning desire inside of her. All of the girls use their witchcraft abilities in different ways, but in the end they use it to help protect their friends and family. Madoka Magica has a multitude of magic to keep you entertained for the entire series, so we definitely suggest tuning in for more!
1. Kiki's Delivery Service
- Episodes: 1
- Aired: July 29, 1989
Last on our list of witch anime is the ever popular Kiki's Delivery Service. Kiki is a young girl who is on her journey to becoming a witch. Kiki and her cat Jiji travel together by broomstick, on a search for adventure. Landing in a far away city from her original hometown, she sets up a delivery service which sparks a new beginning in her life.
Kiki deserves the number one spot since she is the epitome of your classic witch. She flies on a broomstick along with a cat to help her along the way. What differs in her character is how free spirited she is in comparison to the typical witch. Her personality is full of jubilance and sparkling with energy. She sets up her delivery service to further build her independence and experience, which helps her to discover new opportunities in her life. The powers she uses are for good, embracing the tradition of her family. We think you'll love this anime because of her heartwarming and outspoken persona, along with the very classic feel of witch craft.
Witches will forever live on throughout history, whether good or bad. Whether you enjoy the lighthearted potion crafting tales, or the more darker spell casting activities, there will always be something available for you. We hope you enjoyed our top ten list of witch anime. Make sure to leave a comment about your own witch suggestions down below.
As always, for your sweet anime fill, keep it locked here at Honey's Anime.
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