Since its creation in the early '90s, Sailor Moon has profoundly influenced the "Magical Girl" genre, ushering in new generations of impressive and memorable franchises. As with any pioneers in the entertainment industry, Sailor Moon was followed by countless "Magical Girl" anime seeking to capture that same enduring quality.
Though Sailor Moon wasn't the first franchise to be categorized as a "Magical Girl" series, it undeniably brought the genre to the mainstream, inspiring other studios to do the same. Though clearly inspired by Sailor Moon, the anime included on this list are remarkably unique and noteworthy in their own rights.
10 Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch
Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch began as a manga published in a monthly anthology called Nakayoshi in 2002. Due to the manga's popularity, Mermaid Melody was soon adapted into an anime the following year. The story follows a mermaid princess, Lucia Nanami, who is tasked with recruiting six other "Mermaid Princesses" to summon Aqua Regina.
As a true "Magical Girl" anime, Mermaid Melody bears many similarities to Sailor Moon. Like the Sailor Guardians, Nanami and the other princesses can transform, giving them magical powers. Nanami even has an iconic mascot who provides guidance during missions. However, instead of using magic wands, the Mermaid Princesses defeat monsters through the power of songs.
9 Pretty Cure
Pretty Cure is a long-running "Magical Girl" anime heavily influenced by Sailor Moon. First introduced in 2004, the franchise has more than 800 episodes to its name, with eighteen anime installments, various manga iterations, and even video games.
Each Pretty Cure installment follows a group of teenage girls who can transform into magical warriors called "Pretty Cures" using unique items. Like Sailor Moon, the Pretty Cures use their abilities to combat evil in a constant attempt to save the Earth.
8 My-HiME
My-HiME was initially distributed to North American audiences by Bandai Entertainment in 2006, following the success of the series in Japan several years prior. The plot centers around a highschooler, Mai Tokiha, who recently transferred to a mysterious school, Fuuka Academy.
On the surface, My-HiME may seem unlike Sailor Moon; however, the two share some undeniable similarities. Soon after attending Fuuka Academy, Tokiha learns that she is one of twelve gifted girls who bear the "HiME" mark, giving her unique abilities. Together, Tokiha and the twelve HiME set out to protect the world from "Orphans," the series' primary antagonists.
7 Akazukin Chacha
Interestingly, the Akazukin Chacha manga was first published in 1991, the same year as Sailor Moon, resulting in some unmistakable similarities. Oddly enough, Akazukin Chacha's story was rewritten for the anime adaptation of the series in 1994. Though it has many of the same characters, the plot is significantly different.
The premise focuses on the titular Chacha, who is given a magical Princess Medallion, allowing her to transform into a "Magical Princess." However, the medallion only works when her fellow classmates, Riiya and Shiine, are present.
6 Magic Knight Rayearth
Back in 1994, Magic Knight Rayearth, a popular manga in Japan, was adapted into an anime series by Tokyo Movie Shinsha studios. The anime follows three girls, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, who are transported to another world called Cephiro while on a field trip in Tokyo.
Like Luna from Sailor Moon, the three girls are guided by a magical creature, Mokona, eventually awakening their magical elemental powers. Their powers, or "Rune-Gods," allow the protagonists to summon and pilot giant mecha to battle evil.
5 Yuki Yuna Is A Hero
Though released more than 20 years after Sailor Moon, Yuki Yuna is a Hero was undoubtedly influenced by the long-running franchise. Yuki Yuna is a Hero is a miniseries with only 12 episodes; however, it has since gained notable popularity amongst fans of the "Magical Girl" genre.
The story is set on an island called Shikoku and follows four middle schoolers, Mimori, Yūna, Itsuki, and Fū, who are all members of the Sanshu Middle School Hero Club. The anime provides an interesting modern take on the "Magical Girl" genre, as the protagonists use a phone app to transform into their magical counterparts.
4 Tokyo Mew Mew
Fans of the "Magical Girl" genre who also love cats may want to check out the popular franchise Tokyo Mew Mew. In 2002, 4Kids Entertainment licensed the North American release of Tokyo Mew Mew, which spanned over 50 episodes.
Tokyo Mew Mew, as its title indicates, is set in Tokyo and follows Ichigo Momomiya. After an earthquake at an endangered species exhibit, Momoiya encounters a rare "Iriomote Cat" who fuses with Momoiya's DNA, allowing the protagonist to transform into Mew Ichigo.
3 Cardcaptor Sakura (Cardcaptors)
The award-winning series, Cardcaptor Sakura, is perhaps one of the most well-known "Magical Girl" franchises to date and was heavily inspired by Sailor Moon. In 2000, the series was licensed for Noth American audiences, under the title "Cardcaptors," which aired for several years.
Cardcaptor Sakura revolves around the titular Sakura Kinomot, who unintentionally summons forth magical "Clow Cards" from an ancient book. Sakura soon learns that she possesses magical powers allowing her to retrieve the Clow Cards and seal the otherworldly entities within.
2 Nurse Angel Ririka SOS
Nurse Angel Ririka SOS was adapted into an anime in 1995, only a few years after Sailor Moon began airing in Japan. The main character, Ririka Moriya, has many similar characteristics to Sailor Moon's Usagi Tsukino as well. Both are characterized as clumsy, struggling students with iconic blonde hair that can transform into magical guardians.
Nurse Angel Ririka SOS follows fourth-grader Ririka Moriya, who is given a magical nurse hat on her 10th birthday. As it turns out, the cap allows Moriya to transforms into a powerful guardian called "Nurse Angel." She soon learns of her task to save Earth using the power of the "Flower of Life."
1 Wedding Peach
Wedding Peach was undeniably influenced by Sailor Moon, even down to the "Love Angels" costumes. However, considering that the primary character designer, Kazuko Tadano, worked on both franchises, the similarities should come as no surprise.
The series features three high schoolers, Momoko, Yuri, and Hinagiku, who are confronted by a devil while walking home after school. Like Sailor Moon's protagonist Usagi, who is given a magical brooch, Momoko eventually receives a compact case, allowing her to transform into "Wedding Peach."