Magical girls have come a long way since their beginning. Throughout the years, they've become more and more popular, with a multitude of varieties. While many follow the classic formula even still to this day, magical girl series have become more subversive and innovative in recent years. Some don't even feel like magical girl anime at all, despite falling into that category.

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Magical girl series aren't for everyone. There are plenty of people who find them too repetitive and boring. Meanwhile, others simply aren't interested in their style. With the definition of what makes a magical girl constantly changing, there's a series out there for everyone.

10 Cute High Earth Defense Club Love! Is A Satire Of The Genre

Cute-High-Earth-Defense-Club Cast

Many who can't seem to get into the magical girl genre aren't a fan of the tropes and clichés found in each series. That's why Cute High Earth Defense Club Love! is a perfect fit. The series is a satire of the genre, and it parodies many of the tropes that anime fans have grown tired of.

It points out the silliness of many classic parts of magical girl series, such as cute animal mascots, the "monster of the week," and villains bent on taking over the world. While some take the series more seriously than they should, those who see the humor in it will enjoy poking fun at the decades-old genre.

9 Magical Girl Site Is Much Darker Than Most Are Used To

Anime Magical Girl Site Gun Pointed

There are plenty of magical girl deconstruction series out there, but few are as dark as Magical Girl Site. The series covers much heavier topics than most fans are used to from the genre, such as bullying, abuse, and suicide. It shows the audience the ugly, harsh side of being a magical girl and the consequences of wielding such power.

Some claim that it's too edgy and is simply trying to ride on the coattails of Madoka Magica's success. But for some, it is an interesting spin on a tired, old formula. If nothing else, the psychological aspects of the story are worth a watch and will pique the interest of anyone looking for a magical girl story with darker tones.

8 Puella Magi Madoka Magica Is The Original Magical Girl Deconstruction Series

shattered screen madoka from madoka magica

Famous for pioneering the trend of magical girl deconstruction, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a must-watch for any fans tired of the classic magical girl series. It's anime's first look at a series that takes all the typical magical girl tropes and puts a dark and twisted spin on them.

While most expect magical girls to be nothing but sunshine and cuteness, this series rejects that notion. Instead, it asks viewers, "What if being a magical girl isn't what it seems?". The series is one of the most influential magical girls since Sailor Moon, creating a whole new subset that those who normally turn away from the genre can enjoy.

7 Full Moon O Sagashite Has Depth And Emotion That Pulls Everyone In

Full Moon Mitsuki Takuto

From the famed Arina Tanemura comes the beloved series Full Moon o Sagashite. It is a much different take on magical girls and is a breath of fresh air among the genre. While most series focus on heroines who transform to save the day, protagonist Mitsuki just wants to achieve her dream of becoming a singer.

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It is much deeper and emotional than the typical magical girl series, with few of the common tropes seen in the genre. It has a much darker tone and covers heavy topics such as grief, loss, suicide, and coping with illness in a sensitive and meaningful way.

6 Princess Tutu Is More Than Meets The Eye

Ahiru from Princess Tutu looking at the audience from inside Drosselmeyer's realm

It may not sound like it from the title, but Princess Tutu is another darker take on the magical girl. It is the predecessor of series such as Madoka Magica and is perfect for those who enjoy a more serious anime. The series combines ballet techniques and fairytales to create a harrowing story unlike any other.

It has very little of the typical tropes in the genre, toting a flair all its own. Despite its girly facade, Princess Tutu is filled with action and high stakes. It is a unique take on the genre that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

5 DNAngel Has Qualities Of The Genre But Is More Unique

DNAngel Daisuke Dark and Satoshi

While it isn't exactly a magical girl series, DNAngel has many of the same qualities found in the genre. While it consists of many of the classic tropes, it's filled with action and has a much darker and more complex storyline. It's perfect for anyone tired of the repetitive formula of magical girls, giving the audience a fresh take on the genre.

Unlike other "magical boys," this series doesn't parody the genre either. Instead, it takes the usual characteristics of magical girls and uniquely presents them, making them feel brand-new.

4 Panty & Stocking Is The Exact Opposite Of Most Magical Girl Series

Panty And Stocking Get Ready To Transform

Even years after it first aired, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is a highly successful series with fans still raving about it today. It is one of the most unique takes on the magical girl to date, subverting many tropes in a way completely different from the typical series. Rather than the usual cute heroines, this series features a pair of raunchy and seductive angels who check none of the boxes for the average magical girl.

Panty & Stocking takes everything that makes a magical girl series and puts a mature, comedic spin on it. It's not for everyone by any means, but for those tired of the sweet little girls of the genre, it's a welcome change.

3 Kill La Kill Has More Edge Than The Usual Magical Girl

Satsuki And Ryuko With Their Weapons At Each Others Throats In Kill La Kill

It's almost shocking to think that Kill la Kill counts as a magical girl series. Looking at it, the hit anime seems like anything but. It has none of the typical tropes, nor does it look or feel like a magical girl anime in the least. While there's always fighting to be expected in magical girl shows, Kill la Kill is much more action-packed than most.

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The fighting can get pretty intense, with actual blood shown, something very uncommon in the genre. Ryuko Matoi isn't your typical magical girl protagonist also. While most heroines are ditzy and cute, she's headstrong, fierce, and independent. With its action, strong characters, and higher stakes, it's perfect for anyone looking for a series with more edge and less frill.

2 Magic Knight Rayearth Is A Classic That Fans Shouldn't Overlook

the cast of Magic Knight Rayearth

Technically, the classic series Magic Knight Rayearth is a combination of magical girl and the isekai anime genre. Despite falling into that category, it strays far from the usual tropes found in magical girl anime. It is a fantasy story that centers around action, adventure, and magic the whole way.

Though the heroines loosely follow the typical archetypes of the genre, they stand out individually compared to most heroines. Their journey is enjoyable from start to finish, feeling much more like a fantasy epic than a magical girl series. It's a perfect anime for anyone, no matter how they feel about magical girls, with many surprising twists to keep fans invested.

1 Wonder Egg Priority Is Unlike Any Other Series Of The Genre

ai wonder egg priority

Wonder Egg Priority is yet another series that doesn't feel anything like a magical girl series but technically is one. It has many of the same plot points as the typical magical girl series, with a group of girls using magical weapons to fight off monsters in a strange world. Like many modern magical girls, it has a dark undertone and covers many psychological aspects of the genre.

Though this is nothing new, the series manages to do so in a way that sets it apart from the usual magical girl deconstruction. It's a remarkable story that is unlike anything else in the genre, and anyone who watches can easily forget they're watching a magical girl series.

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