TV Shows & Movies
15 Iconic Movies That Somehow Won Nothing at the Oscars
15. Shana Of The Burning Eyes
Shana of the Burning Eyes (Shakugan no Shana) follows Yuuji, who learns he’s no longer alive after being saved by the fiery warrior Shana. As they fight to protect both worlds, their growing romance becomes the emotional core of the series. | © Funimation
14. Sugar Sugar Rune
Sugar Sugar Rune follows witches Chocolat and Vanilla, sent to Earth to collect hearts in a competition to become queen of the Magical World. Its bold characters, stylish designs, and playful twist on the genre make it a refreshing change from typical magical girl stories. | © Khara
13. Pretear: The New Legend of Snow White
Pretear: The New Legend of Snow White follows Himeno, a girl who discovers she can fuse with magical knights to fight evil. Mixing romance, drama, and a unique transformation twist, it’s an underrated gem for magical girl fans. | © Madman Entertainment
12. The Demon Girl Next Door
The Demon Girl Next Door is a lighthearted comedy about Yuuko, a hapless demon girl, and Momo, the magical girl she’s supposed to defeat but ends up befriending. Packed with wholesome humor and charming characters, it turns their “rivalry” into pure, feel-good fun. | © Sentai Filmworks
11. Searching For The Full Moon
Searching For The Full Moon follows Mitsuki, a 12-year-old with a terminal illness who dreams of becoming a singer. Given one year to live and the magical ability to transform into her 16-year-old self, she pursues her dream in a heartfelt and emotional journey. | © Viz Media
10. Magical Witch Punie-Chan
Magical Witch Punie-Chan is a parody where the sweet-looking princess heroine solves problems with ruthless, over-the-top violence. It’s a quirky, hard-to-find series that flips magical girl tropes into slapstick chaos without getting too dark. | © Media Blasters
9. Shugo Chara!
Shugo Chara! follows Amu Hinamori, a girl torn between her public image and her true self. Guided by magical Guardian Characters, she learns about growth, identity, and finding the courage to be herself. | © Kodansha
8. Magic Knight Rayearth
Magic Knight Rayearth follows three schoolgirls transported to the world of Cephiro, where they gain elemental magic and pilot giant mecha to save Princess Emeraude. Mixing magical girl, isekai, and mecha themes, it delivers a unique adventure with strong characters and memorable growth arcs. | © Anime Limited
7. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha
Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha starts with a young girl helping a talking ferret recover powerful Jewel Seeds before they cause disaster. What begins as a lighthearted adventure soon grows into a deeper, more dramatic story with surprising twists and higher stakes. | © Funimation
6. Symphogear
Symphogear follows idol heroines who channel the power of song into high-energy battles against alien threats. It starts a bit rough but quickly turns into an over-the-top, action-packed ride that only gets better with each season. | © Discotek Media
5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica begins with a familiar setup: schoolgirls make a contract for magical powers to fight witches. But as the story unfolds, it reveals the dark costs of that deal, turning the genre into a haunting and emotional experience. | © Crunchyroll
4. Princess Tutu
Princess Tutu tells the story of Ahiru, a duck who transforms into a girl, and then into the magical Princess Tutu, to restore a prince’s shattered heart. Blending fairy-tale whimsy with ballet and deeper themes about identity and free will, it’s a truly unforgettable magical girl series. | © ADV Manga
3. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena follows Utena Tenjou, a sword-wielding teen who dreams of becoming a prince and ends up in strange duels for the “Rose Bride.” It stands out for how it tackles identity, feminism, and queer themes, making it one of the most unique magical girl series ever made. | © Viz Media
2. Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura follows Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl tasked with capturing magical Clow Cards after accidentally releasing them. With charming characters, well-balanced action and drama, and a timeless 90s aesthetic, it remains one of the most beloved magical girl anime ever made. | © Cartoon Network
1. Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is more than just magical battles and dramatic moments – it’s also a surprisingly funny series with a charming “monster of the week” feel. The 90s version combines comedy, heartfelt drama, and great music into a comforting, nostalgic watch. | © Viz Media
