Witches have long been fascinating figures in fantasy, with their flying broomsticks, magical potions, and distinctive large hats.
And fortunately, they also play a prominent figure in anime, taking on various forms and roles, from young apprentices to wise and mysterious characters and even formidable villains.
With that introduction, let’s explore the best anime with witches that you can’t miss.
Table of Contents
21. Grimore of Zero
Grimoire of Zero is an anime adaptation of a light novel released in 2017, consisting of 12 episodes.
The story revolves around Zero, a witch who embarks on a journey accompanied by Youhei, a semi-human mercenary who serves as her bodyguard.
heir quest is to locate a magical tome known as The Book of Zero, which contains powerful magic capable of destroying the world
But as they pursue this goal, several plots and conflicts begin to unfold…
Grimoire of Zero has received mixed reviews from audiences since its release.
While it may not be considered a bad anime, it does have some flaws, including a slow-paced and somewhat unengaging story.
But this is compensated by a well-crafted cast of characters, so you should definitely give it a try.
20. Black Clover
Black Clover is one of the most popular fighting anime of recent years, with an ongoing animated adaptation that continues to attract more fans.
This anime tells the story of Asta and Yuno, 2 orphans who have been abandoned at the same church on the same day so they grew up as brothers.
Since they were little they decided that they would compete for the title of Wizard King the strongest mage in the kingdom.
The only peculiarity is that Asta is born without powers in a world where magic is now everything.
What sets Black Clover apart is its approach of not introducing anything new or groundbreaking but rather incorporating the best elements from other anime within the fighting genre into one series.
But one of its significant strengths lies in its acceptable world-building within a rich fantasy setting that includes witches.
Nonetheless, Black Clover is quite weak in terms of plot, characters and pretty much execution.
19. The Dawn of the Witch
The Dawn of the Witch is the most recent anime on this list, having been released in 2022 as a 12-episode anime adaptation of a light novel.
The story is set in a world where a five-year war between the Church and witches has finally concluded, leading to an era of peace. But in the shadows, some rebels continue to nurse their hatred and grudges, preparing for another conflict.
Saybil, a student at the Wenias Kingdom’s academy of magic, is tasked with finding and stopping these potentially dangerous individuals. He is joined by Loux Krystas, known as the Dawn Witch, the prodigious Holt, and a beast man named Kudo.
Contrary to what the title might suggest, The Dawn of the Witch is a light-hearted anime centered around ecchi, romance, and comedy.
While it also incorporates elements of adventure and mystery, these aspects take a backseat to the series’ main themes. But if these themes indeed align with your interests, then this anime might be worth checking out.
18. Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches
Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches is a classic harem romance anime that brings a fresh twist to the genre with the inclusion of fantasy and witch elements.
The story revolves around Yamada Ryu and Urara Shiraishi, two high school students with contrasting personalities who suddenly find themselves in a body-switching predicament due to mysterious circumstances.
As they grapple with the cause and consequences of this phenomenon, their lives take unexpected turns.
If you enjoy classic harem romance but are looking for something with a bit of fantasy and the supernatural, Yamada-kun might be perfect for you.
17. Flying Witch
Flying Witch is another excellent slice-of-life witch-themed anime that you can’t afford to miss if you’re in the mood for a light-hearted series on this list.
The main character of Flying Witch is Makoto Kowata, a young girl who is an apprentice witch and moves to a small, quiet town.
We’ll see her attending school, making friends, falling in love, and training her magical skills.
Flying Witch is exactly what it sounds like: a delightful, relaxed, and fun witch-themed series that’s perfect for unwinding.
If this sounds appealing to you, it’s definitely worth a watch, and you’ll likely love it.
16. Maria the Virgin Witch
Maria the Virgin Witch is an anime adaptation of a seinen manga with themes of fantasy, war, and action.
The story is set during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England, and it follows the character Maria, a witch.
Maria detests war and is willing to use her magical powers, even resorting to ethically questionable actions, in an effort to protect her villagers and promote peace.
But are her efforts truly appreciated, or is there more to the story?
Maria the Virgin Witch offers a blend of themes and genres, combining a historical setting based on real events with fantasy elements, war, and psychological insights.
It’s a compelling series that we highly recommend checking out if you’re looking for something different and thought-provoking.
15. Izetta: The Last Witch
Izetta: The Last Witch is an anime with a historical backdrop that incorporates war and fantasy. It premiered in the fall of 2016 and consists of 12 episodes.
The story is set in an alternate Europe in 1939, where the Empire of Germany is launching its invasion of the continent, facing opposition from the Kingdom of Britain and the Republic of Thermidor.
After the Empire’s conquest of Thermidor, they set their sights on the small Alpine village of Elystadt and captured its Grand Duchess Finé during a diplomatic mission meant to seek Britannia’s assistance.
But during this critical moment, Finé encounters Izetta, the last remaining witch in the world, and forms an alliance with her. This unexpected development has the potential to greatly impact the ongoing war.
Izetta: The Last Witch is an anime that blends elements of war, politics, and fantasy, making it one of the most politically intrigue-focused series on this list.
If you’re a fan of these themes, as well as witches and fantasy in general, this anime is a must-watch.
14. Witch Craft Works
Witch Craft Works is a 12-episode comedy, romance, and fantasy series released in 2014.
The story follows the events of Honoka Takamiya, a boy who is in the same class as Ayaka Kagari, the most talented girl in the school in every aspect, from study to sports.
Her secret? At the same time, she is also the most powerful sorceress ever.
But there is tenderness between the two, which will lead them on several adventures.
Witch Craft Works is an excellent choice on this list if you are looking for an anime with witches that is light and focused on slice-of-life, comedy, and romance rather than action and fantasy settings.
All with some very good animation and character design, making it truly enjoyable.
13. Burn the Witch
Burn the Witch is a mini-series created by Tite Kubo, the renowned author of Bleach. He embarked on this project after concluding Bleach indeed, and it was adapted into a short series in 2020.
The story revolves around Noel Nihashi and Nini Spangle, two witches employed by the Natural Dragon Management Agency in Reverse London, an alternate version of London infused with magical elements.
Their responsibilities include fostering coexistence between specific creatures and humans, although they are sometimes tasked with eliminating malevolent entities.
Burn the Witch is a fun series filled with references to other major fantasy works, especially Harry Potter, due to its setting in a London teeming with fantastical elements.
Additionally, you’ll encounter the unmistakable style of Tite Kubo, which has become iconic today, adding an extra layer of appeal to the series.
12. Soul Eater
Soul Eater is undeniably one of the most iconic fighting anime series from the 2000s, consisting of 51 episodes.
It takes place in the Shinigami World where the main enemies are Kishin, dark humans who become more powerful by killing others.
The two main characters are Maka Albarn and her human-weapon partner Soul Eater, who can transform into a scythe to reap the souls of their enemies.
They attend the Shinigami School along with their classmates to prepare for the threat posed by the Kishin.
Soul Eater is undeniably an excellent fighting anime that should not be missing from the collection of any fan of the genre.
It features outstanding battles, well-written and entertaining characters, excellent character designs, and a fantastic fantasy setting replete with witches and human weapons, all while incorporating creepy and dark elements.
11. Witch Hunter Robin
Witch Hunter Robin is a dark-toned action anime produced by Sunrise Studio. It was released in 2002 and consists of 26 episodes.
In this world, Witches were eradicated in the past. But survivors still operate in secrecy, and their activities have recently intensified.
This leads to the creation of a dedicated organization, comprised of individuals with specialized skills to confront this threat.
Witch Hunter Robin is a top recommendation on this list if you’re seeking a dark and, at times, unsettling series centered around witches and other fantasy elements.
In terms of tone, it shares similarities with Hellsing, although it is less violent and offers a more introspective and gradual narrative.
10. Sugar Sugar Rune
Sugar Sugar Rune is a delightful magical girls anime with fantasy elements that was released in 2005 and consists of 51 charming episodes.
The story follows Chocola and Vanilla, two young witches who are chosen to compete in a contest to determine the next queen of their kingdom.
To win, these little witches must disguise themselves as ordinary girls and collect heart crystals from humans.
If you’re a fan of the classic majokko anime atmosphere and are seeking a delightful series centered around witches, then Sugar Sugar Rune is a top recommendation on this list.
Additionally, the character design and fantastic animations typical of the 2000s make this series simply amazing.
9. Iroduku: The World in Colors
Iroduku: The World in Colors is a brief 13-episode anime that premiered in the fall of 2018.
The story unfolds in a future where magic has become commonplace. The protagonist, Hitomi, is a descendant of wizards and witches.But she lost her ability to perceive colors at a young age, leaving her emotionally detached.
In response to this, her grandmother Kohaku, a powerful witch, sends Hitomi back in time to an era where she can finally experience the colors she has always longed for.
This journey awakens beautiful emotions in Hitomi, transforming her life.
Iroduku: The World in Colors is a captivating and quite underrated anime that seamlessly blends a narrative filled with magic and fantasy with a profoundly touching psychological story.
Notably, the animations are stunning, employing vibrant colors and playing with the theme of color, which is central to the storyline.
8. Mary and the Witch’s Flower
Mary and the Witch’s Flower marks the debut movie from Studio Ponoc, a recently established animation studio composed of several former Studio Ghibli animators.
As a result, you’ll notice several similarities in terms of animations and character designs between the two studios.
The story revolves around Mary Smith, a ten-year-old girl who finds herself bored during her summer vacation at her aunt’s countryside home.
But her summer takes a turn when she encounters a mysterious black kitten and a curious red flower, which lead her to embark on magical lessons that transform her into a young witch.
But at the same time, this newfound power will also attract dangerous attention…
Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a perfect choice if you’re seeking a captivating movie experience filled with nearly two hours of enchanting witch-themed magic and adventure.
And the movie’s splendid animations are clearly amazing, considering the animators involved in its creation.
7. Re:Zero
Re:Zero is undoubtedly one of the best magic anime in recent years, offering a compelling narrative filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth.
The protagonist Subaru ends up following an accident in the mysterious magical world of Lugunica, full of different creatures like demons and spirits.
Here he will make the acquaintance of Emilia, a half-elf with who he falls in love from the start.
But following an unfortunate accident in which they both lose their lives, the protagonist will realize that he can come back to life, much like a respawn in video games. What mystery lies behind this strange event?
Set in a captivating fantasy world populated by witches and various other creatures, Re: Zero goes beyond its seemingly straightforward plot to deliver a story with intricate layers, so don’t stop at appearances.
The anime boasts numerous strengths, including its well-executed plot twists, intricate political intrigue, poignant and psychological moments, complex character relationships, and even romance and comedy.
6. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
This anime is a ray of hope for fantasy anime in a world full of isekai and this anime adaptation is doing quite well so far.
Frieren is an elf-sorceress who belongs to the team of heroes that vanquished the demon king.
As an elf, the 10 years she spent with her fellow heroes represent only a small portion of her long life, a fact that doesn’t apply to her companions who must endure the consequences of their actions.
This situation leads Frieren to contemplate the significance of her memories and the broader meaning of life.
Frieren is a rare gem in the world of fantasy that has emerged in recent years. Finally, we have a fantasy series that takes a different approach, breaking free from the genre’s usual stereotypes.
The story begins at the end, with the main characters having already achieved the grand feat typically central to other series of this kind, and it centers on the aftermath, not the action itself.
Don’t get fooled by these premises because Frieren isn’t as sad as the trailer lets you believe and you will get plenty of slice-of-life moments and fun scenes with the cast.
One thing we love about it is the detailed combat system focused on magic that valorizes the prowess and expertise of the main character (and not only).
5. Little Witch Academia
Little Witch Academia is a fairly recent anime consisting of 25 episodes aired in 2017.
The plot tells the story of the protagonist surnamed Akko, a young girl who as a child witnesses the witch Shiny Chariot’s magic show.
From that moment on decides to follow in her footsteps by enrolling in the Luna Nova Academy for Little Witches. But not everything will be as easy and fun as hoped.
Little Witch Academia is a truly enjoyable and engaging slice-of-life anime with a delightful fantasy-witch theme. You’ll find yourself cheering for Akko as she embarks on adventures that are both absurd and relatable.
The animations in this series are also exceptionally well-crafted, especially for a slice-of-life anime.
4. Wandering Witch: The Journey of Eleina
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Eleina is a 12-episode anime based on Jouji Shirahishi’s light novel of the same name, and it follows the adventures of young witch Elaina around a fantasy-themed world.
The girl, an infant prodigy of witchcraft, is a fan of the book The Adventures of Nike, a collection of adventures experienced by the homonymous witch Nike.
The book inspires Elaina so much that the girl, after earning the title Ash Witch, decides to travel the world as her heroine.
But unlike what one might expect, Elaina often acts as a bystander to the events, interacting only when required and often ignoring the consequences of what happens in the various self-contained episodes.
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina is an excellent choice if you’re in the mood for a journey alongside the eccentric and peculiar main character, Elaina.
All while this anime is set in a wonderful fantasy world filled with magic and all sorts of creatures.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of Japanese animation, released in 2014 by the renowned Studio Ghibli as a movie that is a cult today.
The story revolves around Sophie, an ordinary young girl working at a hat store, whose life takes a drastic turn after a fateful encounter with a peculiar man being pursued by mysterious creatures.
Following her rescue, Sophie is cursed by the Witch of the Andes and embarks on a journey to find the wizard Howl, the very man she had encountered earlier, in order to reverse the curse.
As the narrative unfolds, Sophie and Howl develop a tender relationship, adding depth to the story.
Howl’s Moving Castle is simply a timeless fantasy masterpiece, blending wonderful settings, an excellent plot, thrilling adventure and a virtually perfect romance subplot all in one captivating story.
2. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a classic Studio Ghibli film from 1989 and arguably one of the best anime movies featuring witches.
The young aspiring witch Kiki has just turned 13, and as per her family’s tradition, she must spend a year away from home to undergo practical training in the magical arts.
She arrives in a serene seaside village called Kokiro and finds lodging with a friendly baker couple.
Here, Kiki sets out to support herself by establishing a flying delivery service, which leads her to embark on numerous adventures, accompanied by her cat Jiji and other newfound friends.
Watching this movie is like embarking on an adventure alongside the protagonist as she grows, matures, and forges meaningful connections.
All this while it’s infused with a delightful and whimsical atmosphere, featuring the iconic Ghibli animation style that has made history.
1. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
A 2011 anime produced by Shaft and Aniplex, Puella Magi Madoka Magika is a masterpiece that brought freshness into the classic Majokko and witch stereotype.
That’s because even though the first scenes make it look like a normal fantasy anime, you will soon realize that’s only appearance.
The slice-of-life setting and the cute characters won’t last long, and soon the story will take a dark and drama-filled turn.
Madoka will understand that she is not living in a fairy tale and that terrible sacrifices are necessary to fight the terrible Witches.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is the kind of anime that will catch you off guard.
Trust us when we say this series is incredibly unique and full of unexpected plot twists that uncover deeper philosophical considerations.
I’m commenting here to not clutter the discord anymore. Witches do not feel like a properly explored theme in anime. Re:cero seemed on the right track but I lost interest in it very quickly. Madoka is truly the undisputed king here. But Kiki is cute and I need to rewatch it.
Thanks for the article and have a good day.
Don’t worry man, your comments are always welcome!
Witches are really underrated, especially considering that many usually prefer Magical Girls instead of them.
Tbqh Madoka is one of the few who offered and alternative and interesting perspective on the trope… and we loved it!
Have a great day!