The magical girl has been around for decades, creating one of the biggest and most well-known genres in anime. There are many beloved series that have shaped the genre. Some are so big that they've influenced anime and media as a whole.
With such a wide scope of series and decades of influence, everyone has an opinion on magical girls. While there are undeniable favorites, there are many series within the genre that fans are torn on. Whether it's a classic series or a new take on the genre, some magical girl series don't resonate with fans the way others do.
10 Not Everyone Loves Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is one of the most beloved magical girl series of all time. It is a defining story that shaped many of the tropes fans know today. Despite its place among some of the best anime in history, many still can't stand it. While it is a groundbreaking anime, many fans hate the tropes solidified in the genre by the series.
Meanwhile, other fans have trouble connecting with the characters, finding some too irritating to put up with, such as Chibi-Usa or even the series protagonist, Usagi Tsukino. Others simply can't stomach some of the more questionable storylines in the series, including Chibi-Usa's disturbing crush on her father.
9 Most Of Kamichama Karin's Hate Comes From Its Art Style
While never reaching peak popularity like some, Kamichama Karin was a hit during its run. It is just what one can expect from Koge Donbo, creator of acclaimed series such as Pita Ten and DiGi Charat. The series isn't hated for its story, characters, or tropes. Instead, what fans criticize more than anything is its art style. Some of the wonky frames from the series have become so infamous that they've been turned into memes.
In a sad twist of fate, these memes have reached more fame than the series itself. Kamichama Karin is a good, cute series with fans who adore it. Unfortunately, its reputation is ruined simply for looking a little weird.
8 Fans Have Changed Their Minds On Shugo Chara
During its peak, Shugo Chara was wildly popular with magical girl fans. It skyrocketed to popularity, gaining a massive fanbase with content everywhere. However, as the years have passed, many former fans look back at the series with a more critical eye. The many fillers ruin the pacing in the anime, leaving viewers bored while they wait for the plot to resurface.
Fans also criticize Amu Hinamori's character, claiming she's far too perfect to be a proper protagonist. With these issues, coupled with the many questionable romances in the series, fans now reconsider how they feel about Shugo Chara.
7 Tokyo Mew Mew Is A Generic Series According To Some
Many anime fans adore the hit series Tokyo Mew Mew, and it is slowly making its way to being a beloved classic. However, to some, the series is overrated. It's just another generic magical girl story that covers all the usual tropes. The heroines are all the basic archetypes of the genre, with nothing too outstanding or unique to them.
Though fans' biggest complaint is Ichigo's bland love interest, who barely contributes to most of the story. In addition to the main storyline, Tokyo Mew Mew A La Mode is even more hated, considered the worst of the franchise by haters and fans alike. Between the two, many feel that Tokyo Mew Mew lacks any real flavor to make it stand out among the crowd.
6 Little Witch Academia Disappoints Fans
Many had high hopes for Little Witch Academia. Coming from famed Studio TRIGGER, many expected something incredible. Overall, the series satisfies its fans. It's nothing groundbreaking but is cute and heartwarming. For most, it's an okay watch, but for others, it's far too safe.
Many expected the usual flair, memorable characters, and thoughtful message that TRIGGER is famous for. Unfortunately for those looking to be wowed, Little Witch Academia keeps it simple and straightforward. While this works for plenty of fans, others see it as a bland let-down.
5 Powerpuff Girls Z Changes Too Much For Some Fans To Enjoy It
Powerpuff Girls Z was a new spin on the beloved classic cartoon series and was met with mixed reactions upon its debut. Many fans enjoyed the fresh new version of the girls and still do today. It's considered by some to be a perfect balance of classic magical girl tropes and lore from the original cartoon. Some even see it as a classic in its own right now.
However, not everyone was happy with its portrayal. The anime changes many things fans loved about the cartoon, alienating the original fanbase from the start. Though it may have a special place in the hearts of some, others see it as a generic knock-off of a superior series.
4 Many See Magical Girl Raising Project As A Madoka Rip-Off
Ever since Puella Magi Madoka Magica rose to popularity, many series have tried to follow in its footsteps. Some argue that Magical Girl Raising Project tries to do just that. However, unlike Madoka, it fails to pull off anything new or groundbreaking.
Many of the subversion in the series are things viewers have seen before, leaving some to feel underwhelmed by what it tries to do. However, despite being a supposed rip-off of other subversive series, Magical Girl Raising Project has a sizable fanbase that loves the story and characters.
3 Pretty Cure Is Loved By Some And Generic To Others
Pretty Cure is one of the biggest magical girl franchises in history, with countless series, several movies, and multiple dubs. It's wildly popular with anime lovers and is loved by the most seasoned magical girl watchers as well as new fans. Despite its popularity, it still gets its fair share of hate.
Many find the franchise to be generic and boring. Each series is very lighthearted, with many of the typical tropes found in the drama, leaving some to feel it's nothing special. Generic or not, it's still adored by many and won't be going away any time soon.
2 Magical Girl Site Is Too Edgy And Relies On Shock Value
Magical Girl Site is yet another series many consider a rip-off of Madoka. However, unlike other series, Magical Girl Site can be too dark even for the biggest fans of magical girl deconstruction. The series takes subversion to a new level with its dark and despairing plot, covering heavy subjects like death, depression, bullying, and suicide.
Many claim it's just edgy for the sake of being edgy, seeing the horrific moments of the series as pure shock value that tries too hard to scare the audience. However, those who enjoy the series love it for that very reason. The series isn't afraid to go to very dark places and really makes the audience think about the ugly side of magical girls.
1 Puella Magi Madoka Magica Changed The Genre Forever
No matter anyone's opinion on the series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is groundbreaking for the genre. It was one of the first to take the magical girl tropes and put a dark spin on them. It pioneered the deconstruction trend, with many following suit after its success. However, many hate Madoka for its subversive nature.
While there's no denying its popularity, many despise it for how it's changed the genre. Some even believe the series ruined magical girls, as every series now tries to put a dark twist on the genre too. Because magical girl deconstruction has become so popular, many fans of the genre fear that the classic magical girl is gone forever.