Magical academies have become a popular theme in anime, offering fantastical settings and endless adventures. The combination of a school setting with elements of magic has captivated audiences and led to a rise in popularity over the past decade. These anime series portray epic tales of heroism, drama, and the complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships.
The abundance of anime shows featuring magic academies, like The Misfit of Demon King Academy and The Irregular of Magic High School, allow fans to explore their imaginations. However, it is important to note that not all anime series set in magical academies are created equal, as there are a select few that truly stand out.
12 The Ice Blade Sorcerer Shall Rule The World
Updated on August 13, 2023, written by Oluwatokiloba Folami:The world of anime offers a wide array of genres that cater to the diverse tastes of its fans. Ranging from hilarious comedies to heartwarming romances, each genre holds a unique appeal for a diverse range of enthusiasts. Among the myriad genres found in anime, magic academy anime stands out prominently. These captivating series blend together the enchantment of magic, the allure of fantasy, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. As the summer of 2023 unfolds, fans are treated to the release of new anime shows, including Reign of the Seven Spellblades and Mashle. Although these shows share similar themes, they possess distinctive characteristics that set them apart from each other.
Ray White, the acclaimed sorcerer known for his mastery of ice-blade magic, makes a life-changing decision - he chooses to experience the simple joys of an ordinary school life by enrolling in a magic academy as a commoner. Despite being one of the formidable seven sorcerers in existence and having played a significant role in the recent war, Ray prefers to maintain a discreet presence.
However, Arnold Academy, the school Ray chooses to attend, is renowned for exclusively admitting high-powered nobles with extraordinary magical abilities. By opting to enroll as a commoner, Ray inadvertently becomes a target of disdain among the aristocracy. Simultaneously, an ominous conspiracy unfolds within the school, compelling Ray to unveil his innate powers in order to combat the impending threat.
11 Classroom For Heroes
In a bygone era, the realm was plagued by the malevolent Demon Lord, instilling fear and chaos among its inhabitants. However, a valiant champion emerged, vanquishing the nefarious entity and restoring harmony. Recognizing the precariousness of their world, this heroic figure founded an esteemed academy devoted to honing the skills of potential heroes, ensuring preparedness in the event of another malevolent uprising by a Demon Lord and the subsequent peril that would befall the continent once more.
The Rosewood Academy, known for its exclusivity and high standards, has established itself as a prestigious institution. Enter Blade, a promising newcomer whose magical abilities rival those of Arnest Flaming, the school's reigning student prodigy. Faced with Blade's impressive display of power, Arnest is vexed and reluctantly assigned to personally oversee Blade's progress, much to her dismay.
10 Reign Of The Seven Spell Blades
Oliver Horn, the son of the legendary Two Blade Chloe Halford, joins Kimberly Magic School. Within the school, he encounters Nanao Hibiya, a samurai, and discovers the exhilaration of engaging in sword battles with him. Although appearing as a regular student, Oliver secretly harbors a sinister plan to assassinate certain faculty members at Kimberly who were involved in his murder.
9 Mashle
Introducing The Reign of the Seven Spell Blades, a captivating anime series set in a magical school. In a refreshing twist, our protagonist Oliver's motivatio is driven by a thirst for revenge instead of the desire for heroic fame. As the veil is lifted and profound secrets come to light, Oliver and Nanao must forge a deeper connection with each other, transcending their rivalry in this enthralling journey.
Driven by neither wealth nor fame, the young and defiant Mash Burnedead finds himself in a world of magic where those without such abilities are persecuted in the name of preserving pure bloodlines. Despite this harsh reality, Mash is compelled to enroll at the esteemed Easton Magic Academy, determined to become a Divine Visionary. His sole purpose for doing so: to rescue his father, who is facing punishment for defending a non-magic user like himself. Tasked with surviving in a realm overflowing with magic, Mash leans on his physical strength alone, surpassing all expectations.
8 Misfit Of Demon King Academy
Following his admission into the renowned Easton Academy, Mash soon discovers that a cryptic and enigmatic faction looms in the shadows. To his surprise, it becomes apparent that they have targeted him as their primary focus.
The Misfit of Demon King Academy stands out among magical school anime as one of the best. This series explores the classic theme of a group of heroes possessing extraordinary abilities, but it goes beyond focusing solely on the protagonist.
7 Irregular At Magic High School
The content revolves around Anos Voldigoad, an exceptionally mighty demon lord from the annals of history, who undergoes reincarnation 2000 years subsequent to his demise. In this new era, where the magical capabilities of its denizens have considerably waned, Anos endeavors to reclaim his unrivaled status as the supreme demon lord reigning over the Demon King Academy.The anime series "The Irregular at Magic Highschool" stands out for its exceptional integration of magic and technology. Set in First High School, where students' magical abilities determine their rankings, the story revolves around siblings Tatsuya Shiba and Miyuki, as they navigate the challenges of their high school years.
6 A Certain Magical Index
Tatsuya, the main character of the show, lacks significant magical powers, resulting in a lower social status. However, his exceptional skill in utilizing the limited magic he possesses sets him apart. Renowned worldwide under an alias, he is celebrated as a "magic engineer" due to his unparalleled expertise in engineering. Despite being underrated in magical rankings, Tatsuya's true strength is often underestimated.
In magical academy anime, the institution itself often serves as a common backdrop. However, A Certain Magical Index takes it to the next level by showcasing its academy on a grander scale within the entire city. Academy City, a prominent location in the anime series, encompasses a diverse range of educational facilities, starting from pre-schools all the way up to higher institutions.
5 Trinity Seven
Experts in the fields of magic, esper powers, and advanced technology collaborate closely with various organizations. In the anime series, the "sorcerers" from the magic faction confront the "espers" from the single-talent faction. Both sides are competing to gain control over Index, a being that holds the secrets of over 103,000 magical grimoires.
Arata Kasuga's life takes an unexpected turn during a breakdown phenomenon. On that fateful day, his cousin and childhood friend Hijiri Kasuga vanishes, leaving behind a mysterious grimoire in his hands. As Hijiri fades away, Arata finds himself lost and desperately yearns for his world to regain its former normalcy.
4 Chivalry Of A Failed Knight
His desperate state triggers the grimoire, which in turn gives rise to an artificial world, erasing Arata's memory of the destruction that transpired. Following this, Lilith Asami, a mage affiliated with the Royal Biblia Academy, takes it upon herself to investigate this phenomenon and enlighten Arata about the situation. Consequently, Arata enrolls at the Royal Biblia Academy, where he encounters the Trinity Seven, a renowned group of seven mages.The anime series, "The Chivalry of a Failed Knight," showcases characters possessing the extraordinary talent to manifest magical weapons known as blazers from the depths of their souls. Equipped with their blazers and exceptional magical abilities, students are admitted into renowned magical academies with the aim of nurturing and fostering their skills as powerful and esteemed mage knights.
3 Aesthetica Of A Rogue Hero
: With a losing streak at the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, Hagun Academy, the magic academy of the protagonist Ikki Kurogane, underwent a significant transformation. Despite being the lowest-rated student with limited magical abilities, Ikki joined forces with Stella, a top performer with exceptional magical capabilities. Together, they formed an unconventional team determined to secure victory in the 62nd Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, supporting and compensating for each other's weaknesses.
Venturing into a mystical realm and emerging victorious, only a select few emerge with the astonishing prize of a demonic princess. Akatsuki Ousawa, protagonist of the renowned Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero anime series, personifies this extraordinary feat. Unleashed upon the anime universe three decades prior, the enigmatic Samon Syndrome bestowed its bearers with the ability to traverse between reality and the whimsical realms of fantasy.
If said characters travel and acquire mystical powers, they retain these abilities upon their reentry to Earth. Akatsuki, one of the few victorious heroes to come back, returned alongside the daughter of the vanquished demon lord. Upon his return, he was compelled to enroll in Babel, a unique academy for those who have gained supernatural abilities in a realm of fantasy.
2 Akashic Records Of Bastard Magic Instructor
In most magic school anime shows, the main character is usually a student. However, Akashic Records of the Bastard Magic Instructor takes a different approach by showcasing the world from the perspective of a magic instructor. This unique viewpoint adds a refreshing twist to the story. Set primarily in the prestigious Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, which is renowned worldwide for its excellence in magical education, the majority of the thrilling events unfold within its hallowed halls.
1 Magical Warfare
: Sistine Fibel, an esteemed noble, and her best friend and adopted sister, Rumia Tingel, are fellow students at the same school. They share a common aspiration to enhance their magical abilities through collaborative efforts and unwavering determination. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Sistine's cherished teacher decides to retire, leaving them in a state of turmoil. Their discontent further intensifies as they discover that Sistine's replacement, Glenn Radars, is seemingly an indolent individual lacking any valuable skills or enthusiasm.
The Magical Warfare anime series depicts a world that was once shattered 16 years ago by the monumental First Great Magic War. This devastating conflict split the earth into two distinct realms: the Ruined World, which represents the remnants of the old order, and the Living World, an entirely new realm born out of the aftermath of this epic battle.
Following the battle, a powerful enchantment was activated with the intent of prohibiting magicians from engaging in combat in the realm of the Living World. However, a curious turn of events unfolded as the central character, Takeshi Nanase, hailing from the Living World, made the decision to join the prestigious Subaru Magic Academy situated in the Ruined World.