Before Madoka Magica left us reeling with existential dread and shattered dreams of magical girl innocence, there was Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha—a series that started bending the rules of the genre before it was cool.
Believe it or not, Akiyuki Shinbo, the same mastermind behind Madoka, took the reins for the first season of Nanoha, bringing his signature flair to the magical girl formula long before he turned it upside down.
The series is a spin-off of the Triangle Heart and its story follows a girl named Nanoha Takamachi who decides to help a young mage named Yūno to recover a set of 21 artifacts named the “Jewel Seeds”.
Nanoha may seem like your standard magical girl show at first glance, but it swaps out sparkly tiaras for high-tech weaponry and tactical takedowns.
1. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha (2004)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha |
Episodes | 13 |
Aired | Fall 2004 |
3rd grader Takamachi Nanoha stumbled upon an injured talking ferret after hearing his telepathic cries for help. The ferret turned out to be Yuuno, an archeologist and mage from another world who had accidentally scattered the dangerous Jewel Seeds throughout Earth.
Without the strength to collect the Jewel Seeds, Yuuno had resumed a ferret form and needed someone else to take on the task for him. He gave a red jewel to Nanoha explaining to her with this she could transform and use magic to combat the monsters that threatened them due to the Jewel Seeds.
But the monsters are the least of their worries, as Yuuno and Nanoha are not the only ones out to collect the Jewel Seeds.
2. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s (2005)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s |
Episodes | 13 |
Aired | Fall 2005 |
After the events of the Lost Logia case, Nanoha waits patiently for the day she can reunite with her newfound friend, Fate. Although being an exceptionally powerful mage, Nanoha spends her days normally with her friends on Earth.
But peace is once again suddenly shattered, as Nanoha is without warning attacked by a powerful mage. A group of violent mages have been attacking anything with magic power for their own goals.
Nanoha and Fate, along with their friends Yuuno, Arf, Chrono and the Space/Time Administration Bureau must once more band together to stop these renegade mages from hurting anyone or anything else. Takes place after the first season of Lyrical Nanoha.
3. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS (2007)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS |
Episodes | 26 |
Aired | Spring 2007 |
Set 10 years after Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s, Nanoha, Fate, Hayate and the rest of the crew are now working full time in the Time-Space Administration Bureau.
Nanoha is a combat instructor, Fate is a special investigator, and Hayate is a commanding officer. They must unite once again to save the dimensions.
Introducing new characters as well: Subaru, Teana, Caro and Erio. Stand by. Ready. Set up!
4. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 1st (2010)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: The MOVIE 1st |
Episodes | 1 |
Aired | Winter 2010 |
The movie is based on the first season’s story but features new battle animations and a new transformation sequence.
5. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: The Movie 2nd A’s (2012)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: The MOVIE 2nd A’s |
Episodes | 1 |
Aired | Summer 2012 |
Sequel of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st.
6. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha ViVid (2015)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid |
Episodes | 12 |
Aired | Spring 2015 |
The manga takes place four years after the JS incident in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS, and stars Vivio Takamichi, a fourth-year elementary student at St. Hilde Academy of Magic.
Vivio has learned to conjure her adult form and has received her own Device — named Sacred Heart — from Nanoha, and has promised Nanoha to never use either for mischief. Then a mysterious magical fighter appears and targets Vivio.
7. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha: Reflection (2017)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: Reflection |
Episodes | 1 |
Aired | Fall 2017 |
A pair of researchers remain on their dying planet of Eltria with their two daughters, Amitie and Kirie, in hopes of finding a way to revive the planet, but it was no use.
Against her older sister’s wishes, Kirie sets off with her childhood friend Iris to seek help from a distant alternate world. They arrive in Japan on Earth to search for the key to their planet’s regeneration.
8. Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Detonation (2018)
Title | Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Detonation |
Episodes | 1 |
Aired | Fall 2018 |
The film will delve into the history between Iris and Yuri, and the tragedy of Eltoria’s “Planet Reclamation Committee.”
In the end, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha is more than just sparkles and transformation sequences—it’s a wild ride of epic battles, deep friendships, and a sprinkle of tactical genius.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Madoka Magica or just dipping your toes into the magical girl genre, Nanoha offers a unique, action-packed take that’s worth every laser beam.