It is well-known that anime has magical elements that transport viewers to a wonderful realm. One popular magical element in anime is that of magical pets. It is no surprise that so many people love anime. Creators often pull inspiration from real-world circumstances and embellish them with enchantment, enabling spectators to connect to the tale and go on an exciting journey.

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One of the most heartwarming additions to these stories is the magical pets and the bonds they have with their owners. These special relationships play out differently in each story, with each providing comfort, protection, insight, and laughter. Not only that, but the character designs are totally adorable.

10 Clara Sparks A Friendship

Princess Jellyfish

Clara from Princess Jellyfish.

As made obvious by the title, Princess Jellyfish, the main character, Tsukimi, has a fascination with jellyfish. Tsukumi's love of jellyfish began during her childhood when she went to an aquarium with her mother before she died. She likens the lace-like tendrils that jellyfish have to princess dresses because of their delicate appearance.

In the first episode, a jellyfish named Clara is responsible for bringing the group together. Tsukimi observes the jellyfish at a pet shop being improperly cared for. She tries reasoning with the clerk to let her rescue the pet, but is pushed out of the store. Then, she meets Kuranosuke Koibuchi, who helps her convince the clerk to give them the jellyfish. Together, they bring Clara back to Tsukimi's apartment, and their friendship begins.

9 Mokona Modoki Are An Adorable Pair

xxxHolic

Mokona Modoki from xxxHolic.

Mokona Modoki are the twin bunny-like creatures from CLAMPS' series XxxHolic. This magical duo adds humor and adventure to the story.

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They each have their own unique personalities. The white Mokona Modoki is very energetic, while the black Mokona Modoki is the more calm and level-headed one. Still, these two tricksters are often a big tease, always looking to pull a fun gag. Of course, having fun is not their only role. They both possess magical abilities, such as time traveling, clairvoyance, and teleportation.

8 Mike Is A Guard Dog Fit For Assassins

Hunter x Hunter

Mike from Hunter x Hunter.

Leave it to the Zoldyck family of Hunter x Hunter to have an out-of-this-world pet. Their guard dog, Mike, is over 12 feet tall and weighs nearly 900 pounds. As observed by Gon and his friends, this dog is a machine, and only obeys orders from the family.

Mike definitely gave the group a scare. However, once they trained properly and entered the grounds following the rules, Mike let them be. The lesson here is that when entering someone's house, one must respect their ways. If Gon wants to see Killua again, he'll have to win over the family first.

7 Jiji is Kiki's Perfect Familiar

Kiki's Delivery Service

Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service excitedly points to an image of a similar-looking black cat on a mug.

Every witch needs a black cat. Kiki's Delivery Service follows the story of cute witch KiKi and her familiar, JiJi, as they embark on a new adventure. But JiJi has another role other than Kiki's companion.

Upon arriving in a new city, Kiki meets Tombo, a boy obsessed with airplanes. He is smitten with Kiki, but she finds him annoying. While Kiki is fine closing herself off to new people, Jiki befriends a white cat. Kiki eventually loses her ability to understand Jiji or fly. She learns that she has to open herself up to new people and ideas in order to grow as a person.

6 Pen Pen Is As Quirky As Miss Misato

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Pen-Pen from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Poor Shinji of Neon Genesis Evangelion can't catch a break in the first episode. Not only does he survive an apocalyptic angel attack and pilot an Eva for the first time, but he has new roommates to adjust to. After reluctantly moving in with Miss Misato, Shinji has another surprise in store.

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Just when Shinji gets a moment to take a relaxing bath, he meets Pen Pen, a warm water penguin. Not only does Pen Pen like a hot bath, but he also enjoys reading the newspaper, watching TV, and drinking beer.

5 Ein Is An Einstein

Cowboy Bebop

Ein stands in briefcase panting in Cowboy Bebop.

While tracking down a new bounty, Cowboy Bebop's Spike ends up in a pet shop. This corgi, unbeknownst to him, is a data dog with a very high IQ. Despite Spike's assertions that he despises pets, Ein becomes the Bebop's newest member after Spike rescues him.

Throughout Cowboy Bebop, Ein offers comedic relief. He also forges a heartwarming connection with Ed, another eccentric who found her way onto the ship. While Ein's time aboard the ship was brief, this furry companion left an indelible mark on Bebop's found family.

4 Luna Is Sailor Moon's Celestial Guide

Sailor Moon

Luna teasing Usagi with a doodle about her weight from Sailor Moon.

It's fitting that Sailor Moon would include a cat named Luna. Not only do the title character and Luna share celestial names, but it's Luna who sends Usagi on her journey as a superhero.

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Usagi first meets this black cat, and Luna tells her that she is, in fact, Sailor Moon and her first mission is to find the other sailor scouts. Throughout Sailor Moon, Luna acts more as a mentor and mother than a typical pet. It is also later revealed that Luna isn't a terrestrial cat, but a "cat person" from the planet Mau.

3 Teto Is The Most Adorable Guardian

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Teto from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind opens with the meeting of Nausicaä and Teto, a magical fox squirrel. Her mentor, Lord Yupa, mistakes Teto's cries for those of a human child and attempts to rescue him. Chaos ensues, and Nausicaä swoops in to guide Yupa away from danger.

The pair discover Teto, who is understandably terrified. As a sign of good faith, Nausicaä allows Teto to bite her finger, which calms the creature. From there, the two build trust and forge a memorable companionship. Teto becomes Nausicaä's guardian pet and warns her when danger approaches.

2 Ponyo Teaches The Responsibility Of A Child's First Pet

Ponyo

Ponyo swimming in Ponyo.

The adorable Ghibli movie Ponyo follows the story of Ponyo and Sosuke. Originally named Brunhilde, this little fish ventured away from her family and became trapped in a jar. Five-year-old Sosuke rescues her and names her Ponyo.

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This cute spin on the mermaid story finds a similar transformation tale, and Ponyo transforms into a little girl. Ponyo's father, the guardian of the seas, declares that Sosuke must pass a test and protect Ponyo, or she will turn into sea foam. This adorable tale teaches responsibility for others, which children often learn from their first pet.

1 Pikachu Is The Ultimate BFF

Pokémon

Ash and Pikachu from Pokémon Masters EX.

Pikachu is an incredibly recognizable anime magical pet. He is also unfathomably adorable. With his chubby build and bright red cheeks, it is no surprise Pikachu became the mascot of the Pokémon franchise. He is also Ash's first partner Pokémon.

At first, Pikachu largely ignored Ash and would shock him whenever he made a command. However, after Ash defended him against a flock of Spearow, Pikachu realized he could trust him. From there, this dynamic duo began their magical journey in the world of Pokémon.

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