10 Must-See Anime for Girls That Celebrate Friendship and Adventure

Anime isn’t just about action-packed battles or complex fantasy worlds—it’s also a treasure trove of heartwarming, magical, and inspiring stories that girls everywhere can enjoy. From tales of friendship and self-discovery to romances that tug at your heartstrings, anime offers something truly special for every mood.

Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy that will make you laugh, a magical girl adventure full of empowerment, or a moving drama that stays with you long after the credits roll, there’s an anime that feels like it was made just for you. What makes these series and movies so appealing is not only their vibrant art and fun characters but also the positive themes of love, courage, and personal growth.

In this list, we’ve rounded up the best anime for girls, complete with IMDb ratings, episode counts, and streaming options. From timeless classics like Sailor Moon to modern favorites like Fruits Basket and A Silent Voice, these are the shows and films that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even discover a little magic in everyday life.

1. Sailor Moon

Genre: Magical Girl, Romance, Fantasy
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Episodes: 200 (original series)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll

If you’re saying, “I want something magical and empowering,” then Sailor Moon is the ultimate pick. It follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy schoolgirl who discovers she’s destined to be Sailor Moon, a warrior fighting evil alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians. Together, they battle villains while celebrating friendship, love, and girl power.

This anime is a timeless classic and still one of the best magical girl series for newcomers. Its colorful transformations, heartfelt moments, and inspiring themes make it a must-watch for girls discovering anime for the first time.

2. Fruits Basket

Genre: Romance, Drama, Slice of Life
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Episodes: 63 (2019–2021 remake)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation

If you’re saying, “I want something emotional and heartwarming,” then Fruits Basket is the perfect choice. It tells the story of Tohru Honda, a kindhearted girl who discovers that members of the Sohma family are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

The beauty of Fruits Basket lies in its mix of romance, comedy, and emotional depth. It explores healing, love, and personal growth in a way that resonates with viewers of all ages. For girls who enjoy heartfelt storytelling, this anime is a masterpiece.

3. Ouran High School Host Club

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Episodes: 26
Where to Watch: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll

If you’re saying, “I want something funny and charming,” then Ouran High School Host Club is your go-to. The story follows Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at an elite school who stumbles into the school’s “Host Club”—a group of boys entertaining female classmates. Mistaken for a boy at first, Haruhi ends up becoming a host herself, leading to hilarious and heartwarming situations.

The anime is light, witty, and full of sweet moments that make it a great starter for girls who love romantic comedies. It’s short, easy to binge, and guaranteed to leave you smiling.

4. Cardcaptor Sakura

Genre: Magical Girl, Adventure
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Episodes: 70
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (some regions)

If you’re saying, “I want magical adventures with a strong and kind heroine,” then Cardcaptor Sakura is the pick for you. It follows Sakura Kinomoto, a cheerful girl who accidentally releases magical Clow Cards and must recapture them using her bravery and magic.

What makes this anime special is its balance of fantasy, school life, and heartwarming friendships. With stunning animation and a sweet, positive vibe, it’s one of the most beloved magical girl series ever and a perfect fit for girls new to anime.

5. K-On!

Genre: Slice of Life, Music, Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Episodes: 39 (2 seasons + movie)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu

If you’re saying, “I want something light, funny, and musical,” then K-On! is a wonderful option. The story follows a group of high school girls who form a light music club and bond through friendship, practice, and plenty of sweets and tea.

This anime is cozy, cheerful, and full of relatable moments about friendship and school life. It’s not about intense drama or action—it’s about the joy of being young, making music, and enjoying everyday life with friends.

6. A Silent Voice (Movie)

Genre: Drama, Romance
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Episodes: 1 movie (2h 9m)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video

If you’re saying, “I want something emotional and inspiring in one sitting,” then A Silent Voice is the perfect pick. The film tells the story of Shoya, a boy who bullied a deaf girl, Shoko, in elementary school. Years later, he seeks redemption and tries to mend their relationship.

It’s a beautifully animated and deeply emotional film about forgiveness, empathy, and second chances. Girls who love heartfelt stories with strong life lessons will be touched by this moving and unforgettable anime movie.

7. Your Lie in April

Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Episodes: 22
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu

If you’re saying, “I want a story about love, music, and healing,” then Your Lie in April is the anime you’re looking for. It follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the sound of the piano after a traumatic childhood. His life changes when he meets Kaori, a free-spirited violinist who inspires him to play again.

This anime is emotional, artistic, and absolutely stunning. With breathtaking music and an unforgettable story, it shows how love and friendship can help us overcome even the deepest scars.

8. Princess Jellyfish

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Episodes: 11
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

If you’re saying, “I want something quirky, fashionable, and fun,” then Princess Jellyfish is your pick. The anime follows Tsukimi, a shy girl obsessed with jellyfish, who lives with other eccentric women. Her life takes a turn when she meets Kuranosuke, a stylish cross-dressing boy who helps her come out of her shell.

This series is short, sweet, and full of charm. It’s a wonderful mix of comedy, romance, and personal growth, with plenty of fun fashion moments and a unique storyline that makes it stand out.

9. Nana

Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Episodes: 47
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

If you’re saying, “I want a mature story about love and friendship,” then Nana is an excellent choice. It tells the story of two women both named Nana who meet by chance and end up living together. Despite their different personalities, they form a deep bond while navigating love, heartbreak, and their careers.

This anime is raw, emotional, and deeply relatable for older girls and young women. It’s more mature than lighthearted romance, but its authenticity makes it a powerful and memorable watch.

10. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Genre: Magical Girl, Drama, Fantasy
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu

If you’re saying, “I want magical girls but with a twist,” then Madoka Magica will surprise you. At first, it looks like a typical magical girl anime—cute costumes, magical powers, and friendship but soon it reveals a darker, more emotional story about sacrifice, hope, and destiny.

Despite its heavy themes, it’s a short series that’s incredibly impactful. Girls who love magical adventures but want something deeper and more thought-provoking will find Madoka Magica unforgettable.

Tips for Girls Getting Into Anime

• Choose anime with relatable themes like friendship, love, and school life if you’re new.
• Don’t worry about episode length some of the best picks are short and bingeable.
• Movies like A Silent Voice or Your Name are great if you don’t want to commit to long series.
• Streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Prime Video have huge selections of anime for girls.

Anime for girls isn’t just about cute characters or love stories—it’s about inspiration, laughter, and finding joy in magical adventures and heartfelt connections. Whether you want the empowering battles of Sailor Moon, the emotional depth of Fruits Basket, or the cozy charm of K-On!, these shows and movies are a perfect place to begin. Dive in and discover your new favorite anime today!