Hikaru Shidou
main character
TV
7.1
My TrackerPLANNING
Episode: 0 / 20
My Score:
Anime DetailsFINISHED
- Format
- TV series
- Episodes
- 20
- Episode length
- 24 min
- Total watch time
- 8 hours
- Status
- Finished
- Aired
- October 17, 1994 – March 13, 1995
- Season
- Fall 1994
- Source
- Manga
- Studio
- Tokyo Movie Shinsha
- Director
- Toshiki Hirano
- Original creator
- CLAMP
- Music
- Hayato Matsuo
- Age rating
- PG — Teens 13 or older
- Country
- Japan
- AniList score
- 71/100
Estimated watch time
8h
⚡ 4 days at 5 eps/day
Tags & Tropes
Magic93%Super Power92%Swordplay88%Isekai86%Female Protagonist81%Medieval79%Shoujo78%Primarily Female Cast74%Ojou-sama73%Super Robot69%
TVFINISHED1994 FALL7.1 / 10 AniList score
Magic Knight Rayearth
魔法騎士（マジックナイト）レイアース
Synopsis
Three young girls, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, are transported to a magical world called Cephiro during a field trip to Tokyo Tower. They are soon greeted by Master Mage Clef, who explains to them that they have been summoned to become the Legendary Magic Knights and save Cephiro. The girls are less than enthusiastic about this idea, and only want to return home. Clef further explains that they must seek out the three Rune Gods to help them fight. He bestows armor and magical powers to each of them. They learn from Clef that High Priest Zagato has kidnapped the Pillar of Cephiro, Princess Emeraude. The Pillar of Cephiro has the sole responsibility of keeping Cephiro alive and in balance with her prayers. Without Princess Emeraude, Cephiro would fall into ruin. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must fight off Zagato's henchman and find the Rune Gods if they ever want to get back home. They soon learn that friendship and loyalty are the only things they can rely on in the crumbling Cephiro. (Source: Anime News Network)
Should you watch Magic Knight Rayearth?
Magic Knight Rayearth has been well received, with an average AniList score of 71/100 — 45% of 5,246 ratings are 8/10 or higher.
It ranks #6 highest-rated anime of 1994, and #2 most popular anime of 1994 on AniList.
Of the 10.8K AniList users who started it, 5.4% dropped it, so it is dropped at a typical rate; 7.8K have finished it.
At about 8 hours in total, plan on one to two weeks at a couple of episodes a day.
Best for viewers who enjoy Action, Adventure, Comedy — especially magic, super power, swordplay, isekai.
Where to Watch Officially
Availability, audio and subtitles vary by region and service.
Episodes
20 episodes are listed.
Main cast & voice actors
Creators & key staff
- Original creator
- CLAMP
- Director
- Toshiki Hirano
- Character design
- Atsuko Ishida
- Music
- Hayato Matsuo
Where it fits in the series
- Start here. Magic Knight Rayearth is the first entry in its story.
- Watch next: Magic Knight Rayearth II (1995)
- Optional extras: Rayearth OVA, Magic Knight Rayearth (2026)
Related entries
Opening & ending themes
Openings (1)
- OP1“Yuzurenai Negai” by Naomi Tamura
Endings (1)
Theme data from AnimeThemes.moe.
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Magic Knight Rayearth FAQ
How many episodes does Magic Knight Rayearth have?
Magic Knight Rayearth has 20 episodes of about 24 minutes each, roughly 8 hours in total.
How long does it take to watch Magic Knight Rayearth?
About 8 hours back to back. At two episodes a day it takes 10 days; at one hour a day, about 8 days.
Is Magic Knight Rayearth finished?
Yes. Magic Knight Rayearth has finished airing — the final episode aired March 13, 1995.
Is there a season 2 of Magic Knight Rayearth?
Yes — the story continues in Magic Knight Rayearth II (1995).
Where do I start Magic Knight Rayearth?
Start here: Magic Knight Rayearth is the first entry, followed by Magic Knight Rayearth II.
Is Magic Knight Rayearth based on a manga?
Yes. Magic Knight Rayearth adapts the manga by CLAMP.
Who animated Magic Knight Rayearth?
Magic Knight Rayearth was animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and directed by Toshiki Hirano.
Who sings the opening of Magic Knight Rayearth?
The opening, "Yuzurenai Negai", is performed by Naomi Tamura.
Where can I watch Magic Knight Rayearth?
Magic Knight Rayearth is listed on Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Crackle, Tubi TV, RetroCrush, YouTube. Availability varies by region — check the streaming links on this page.