Josei anime rarely include magic in their plots, focusing more on realistic storylines. But that doesn't mean adult female fans don't like a few supernatural themes here and there. Some fans argue that realism can go so far and limits creativity. On the other hand, the sky's the limit when magic is involved.

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A handful of josei titles delve into the realm of magic. Some are light-hearted and funny, while others focus on heavier topics like war, crime, politics, and death. The writers have gone above and beyond to create fascinating tales that will keep any josei fan coming back for more.

10 Servamp Gives Vampire Fans Exactly What They Want

Kuro and Mahiru are back to back in Servamp.

Mahiru no longer has an ordinary life, as he must cooperate with a vampire named Kuro. A fellow vampire, Tsubaki, plans to declare war against their brethren, and Kuro wishes to stop the chaos. The two unknowingly form a blood contract, bonding them as "servant" and "master," setting off on a magical journey to keep the peace.

Vampires are an easy draw, especially for female fans. It worked well in Western media, such as in movies like Twilight and TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Anime like Vampire Knight and Seraph of the End also have large female audiences. The same can be said about Servamp, another vampire-related anime that aired in 2016. Like Seraph of the End and Buffy, Servamp has magical elements but has a battle-oriented plot

9 Karneval Has Politics, Science Fiction, & Magic Mixed Into Its Plot

Nai and Gareki hiding behind a box (Karneval)

Disguised as circus performers, a military organization called "Circus" puts on shows worldwide while their operatives gather information on "Kafka," a secret group doing illegal genetic research. Two boys find themselves intertwined with Circus' mission and become honorary members, but Nai, an amnesiac boy, has suspicious ties to Circus' prime enemy.

Josei anime tend to have realistic plotlines, and few have delved into science fiction, magic, or political stories. But Karneval is an outlier in this case, as it has a mix of all three within its world-building.

8 07-Ghost Pits The Church Against A Corrupt Empire

Teito talking with Mikage in 07-Ghost.

Teito attends a military academy only interested in his Eye of Mikhail, a mystical talisman responsible for destroying his home country. But he flees after attacking a faculty member suspected of his father's murder. Teito finds sanctuary in a church where a group of bishops decided to protect him from his pursuers.

07-Ghost's magic-based world-building, fascinating characters, and gothic aesthetics are more than enough to attract josei fans. But Teito's journey as a rare magic user will keep them intrigued in learning more.

7 The Magic In Hakuoki Is Tied To A Mysterious Elixir

A Fury-version of Saito holding his swords (Hakuōki)

The doctor who created this is rumored to be Chizuru's father, and she's desperate for answers on his whereabouts. Chizuru follows the clues to the Shinsengumi and disguises herself as a man to join their ranks. Upon discovering that she's a female, the Shinsengumi members keep her around to learn more about the doctor's goal and the Furies his elixir created.​​​​​​​

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Vampire-like creatures and Meiji-era Japan are an unusual combination, but Hakuoki made it work. The magic in this series derives from a coveted "Water of Life," destined to turn those who drink it into bloodthirsty monsters called "Furies."

6 Devils And Realist Is A Slightly Spooky But Hilarious Addition To Any Magic Fan's Watch-List

William arguing with Dantalion and Eligos (Devils and Realist)

A young aristocrat, William, learns about his family's bankruptcy. Though he's a genius, he's still in school and needs money for his upcoming tuition. Instead, he accidentally summons a demon, Dantalion, who determines him to be the interim king of hell. Much to Dantalion's irritation, William has none of it, as he doesn't believe in demons and wants nothing to do with them.

Anime fans looking for a slightly spooky magical series will enjoy Devils and Realist. The anime has a blend of supernatural and occult-ish themes wrapped in an aesthetically pleasing Victorian-era setting.

5 Magical Chaos Ensues In Merman In My Tub

Wakasa and Tatsumi sitting in a bathtub (Merman in My Tub)

High-schooler Tatsumi saves a merman, Wakasa, drying by a local polluted river. Tatsumi then lets him live in his apartment's bathtub. The strange circumstances don't faze Tatsumi too much, and he's gradually getting used to his new roommate. However, things get out of hand when his fellow mermen begin frequenting the apartment.

In some supernatural anime, magic has no source or explanation. It just exists, whether humans are aware of it or not. Merman in My Tub is one of these anime, but viewers don't need any kind of explanation. It's much too light-hearted to be taken seriously.

4 Time-Travel & Magic Are Primary Elements In Norn9

Kakeru in a field (Norn9)

A young boy named Sorata wanders onto the high-tech ship, which takes him back to 1919 and a series of magical towns. At the same time, the story shifts between the eleven travelers onboard. Each character possesses a unique magic power that contributes to the changing world Sorata finds himself in.

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Norn9 is both a time-travel and magical anime, a rare combination. The anime also highlights multiple characters' perspectives, all of whom are stuck on a ship called "Norn9."

3 Steampunk Meets Magic In Code: Realize

Cardia, Lupin, and Impey sitting in a car (Code: Realize)

The protagonist, Cardia, cannot come near anyone due to a deadly poison that melts anything she touches. It's unknown why her body is this way, but the threat is enough for her father to keep her isolated from the world. A group of soldiers breaks into Cardia's home to capture her, but a handsome thief rescues her in the nick of time. He's willing to help Cardia find a cure for her condition and locate her now missing father.

While supernatural elements are limited to the abilities the various cast members possess, Code: Realize is still an excellent option for magic anime lovers. Like 07-Ghost, the otome anime has similar gothic aesthetics that fans love, but there are also steampunk aesthetics within the character designs and world-building.

2 Saiyuki Is Based Off An Ancient Chinese Novel

Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai looking tired (Saiyuki)

A chain-smoking priest, Sanzo, must team up with three demons to stop an ancient demon from resurrecting. Usually, he doesn't team up with demons, as humans no longer interact with them, but he needs all the help he can get.

The historical-supernatural hybrid Saiyuki loosely adapts Journey to the West, the 16th-century Chinese classic, but adds a unique magical twist. Like the novel, Saiyuki blends Chinese mythology and folklore, so there's plenty of magical hijinx to go around.

1 A Heroine Investigates Cursed Books In Libra Of Admirari

Tsugumi talking with Hayato (Libra of Nil Admirari)

Tsugumi's younger brother, Hitaki, survives a suicide attempt, but she soon realizes he was under the influence of a cursed tome. She can also see the negative energy surrounding the book. But Hitaki isn't the only victim, as other suicide cases start popping up around the same time. To investigate the root cause, Tsugumi joins a specialty organization called the "Search Team."

Like Code Realize and Norn9, Libra of Admirari is an otome game turned anime. It also has magical elements within its storyline, as the characters must investigate the truth behind cursed books wreaking havoc around town.

Next: The Best Written Josei Anime Of All Time