10 Most Popular Sailor Moon Fanfics on AO3, Ranked: Dive into the Best Stories

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Despite having concluded its run decades ago, Sailor Moon continues to be one of the most cherished anime series ever made, and its impact endures in the present through devoted fans. On Archive of Our Own (AO3), for instance, there are more than 4,000 completed Sailor Moon fanfics available, with fans remaining passionate about Usagi’s adventures as Sailor Moon. Many authors reinterpret, expand upon, and honor Naoko Takeuchi’s original tale while adding their unique perspectives to it.

In my opinion, what truly sets exceptional Sailor Moon fanfictions apart is their ability to delve deeper into the emotional depth of Usagi’s relationship with Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask), adding layers of complexity and growth that the original series merely hinted at. Some creators even craft entirely new worlds, altering details that resonate profoundly throughout the narrative. To me, these stories serve as a testament to the boundless potential of Usagi’s tale and the enduring appeal that has kept it timeless for so long.

Girl Next Door by fortythousandth offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the bond shared between two characters, primarily seen through Michiru’s eyes. Divided into nine captivating snapshots, this tale delves into their personal lives, chronicling their aspirations for an everyday existence alongside the extraordinary challenges they confront side by side in battle.

This chapter-long story titled “Girl Next Door,” approximately 3,000 words in length, serves as a heartwarming and swift read for fans of Sailor Moon who seek a more profound exploration of one of the series’ most touching LGBT+ romances. Instead of feeling like fan fiction, it reads as an inventive love letter that delves deeper than the show ever managed to due to various limitations.

One often overlooked facet of the narrative in Sailor Moon is the rare instances when we get to witness her leading an ordinary life. The story Crown and Anchor Me by tosca1390 delves deeper into this side of Usagi’s existence, offering a compelling read for those who yearn for a richer understanding of Usagi and Mamoru’s relationship, untainted by their extraordinary destinies.

The narrative unfolds in an alternate reality, starting from the discussion between the two characters in Mamoru’s apartment during the initial season of the anime. Remarkably, their hidden identities are never revealed throughout the story, enabling them to forge a deep connection and experience heartwarming moments that resonate deeply with readers.

I can’t help but rave about tosca1390’s latest fanfic, Empty As That Beating Drum, which deserves its top-rated status on Archive of Our Own. Unlike their previous work, Crown and Anchor Me, this story delves deeper into the complexities of character development, focusing on Mamoru’s internal struggle between staying with Usagi or pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study at Harvard. A subject that the original series merely hinted at, but this fanfic breathes life and depth into it.

In this captivating narrative, I find the author skillfully portraying the internal struggles of the character, Mamoru. This resonates particularly during a critical juncture in the tale, when both his strength and health seem to falter. Yet, the story concludes with a tender and fulfilling resolution that underscores why the bond between Usagi and Mamoru continues to captivate readers for generations. Thus, “Empty As That Beating Drum” serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of their relationship among fans.

Velvet, penned by tofsla, is an extended fan fiction centered around Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus. Ideal for fans yearning to delve deeper into their backgrounds, this captivating tale spans over 10,000 words, making it a fulfilling read for those prepared to invest their time. Additionally, the story presents a heartwarming chronicle of Elsa Gray’s journey through the years.

In the series “Sailor Moon S,” Elsa emerged as a competitor, albeit friendly, to Haruka. Interestingly, Haruka was the only one who managed to outrun Elsa in contests, which made their relationship intriguing. Elsa later facilitated the introduction of Michiru to Haruka. As Haruka and Michiru’s romance developed, Elsa’s character seemed to take a backseat. However, Velvet skillfully added depth and complexity to a Sailor Moon character that didn’t receive much attention in the original narrative.

The intricately crafted fan fiction titled “Ikigai” by FloraOne, delves deep into the world of Sailor Moon, spanning across twenty-eight captivating chapters and boasting over 125,000 words. It subtly alters a minor facet of Sailor Moon’s lore and examines how profoundly this shift affects the entire narrative. In this unique twist, neither the Dark Kingdom nor Luna and Artemis have been reawakened, making Tuxedo Mask the sole warrior in the battlefield.

Upon their arrival on Earth, none of the Senshi were yet awake, but Usagi could feel a profound strength coursing through her. In this unique adaptation of Sailor Moon’s tale, titled “Ikigai,” Usagi and Mamoru are compelled to navigate their journey without the guidance of their trusted feline companions, who possess intimate knowledge about what it takes to be Sailor Guardians.

From my perspective, FloraOne’s work titled “Deception” offers a refreshing take on the tale of Sailor Moon, delving into the concept that the two protagonists were deeply involved in a long-term relationship prior to her transformation. This interpretation results in three engaging chapters filled with amusing instances of Usagi’s characteristic obliviousness, which aligns perfectly with her established character.

While trying to conceal their own hidden identities, Usagi and Mamoru find themselves drawn towards each other without realizing it, as they both are already involved romantically with the other – one as Usagi and the other as Tuxedo Mask. This delightful storyline follows the ‘love square’ theme, where Usagi is in love with Mamoru but also drawn to Tuxedo Mask, and vice versa.

One ongoing concern about “Sailor Moon” is the age difference between the characters, specifically that her love interest, Mamoru, is a college student while she herself is only 14 years old. The short story “Priorities by FloraOne,” however, offers an alternate perspective, presenting Usagi as an older character in a fast-paced, engaging narrative set in another universe.

This narrative delves deeply into sexual themes, veering significantly from the typical Sailor Moon storyline. If you’re interested in an interpretation of Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask’s relationships during their first season that is open to adult themes, then this could be just what you’re looking for.

Tosca1390’s work titled “A Faithful Leap” offers a refreshingly different take on the Sailor Moon storyline, transforming it into a gripping political drama. In this alternate reality, Mamoru is portrayed as a secluded doctor, while Usagi Tsukino emerges as an ambitious young politician dedicated to battling crime in Tokyo. As their lives intertwine, the narrative unfolds with heightened intensity.

This tale is ideal for enthusiasts of Sailor Moon who cherish the indestructible emotional connection between its two main characters. Notably, both Usagi and Mamoru exhibit deep emotional vulnerability, which lends an astonishingly authentic touch to this alternate reality, even though it deviates significantly from the original narrative.

I recently came across an intriguing narrative titled “The Unintentional Seduction of Chiba Mamoru” by FloraOne. This captivating thirteen-chapter tale skillfully blends elements of romance and humor from the beloved series, Sailor Moon. In this unique reinterpretation, our protagonist, Usagi, finds herself growing weary of her longing for Tuxedo Mask. Seeking a change, she decides to learn the art of flirting and seduction, little does she know that her unsuspecting target is none other than Mamoru, who happens to be Tuxedo Mask in disguise.

In this sprawling narrative, brimming with more than 85,000 words, I bear witness to a tale that effortlessly blends health, humor, and a poignant mutual yearning, skillfully alternating perspectives. The protagonists are seasoned individuals, free from harmful gendered stereotypes. This captivating fanfic of Sailor Moon has garnered immense popularity, boasting explicit content, making it one of the most talked-about on AO3. Given its size and nature, I’d strongly recommend readers to carefully review all content warning tags before diving into this immersive story.

The top-rated Sailor Moon fan fiction on Archive of Our Own is tosca1390’s “Oh Take Me Back to the Start,” which has garnered over 1,800 Kudos, more than 550 bookmarks, and has been viewed by nearly 24,000 readers. What makes this fan fiction stand out is its focus on a lesser-explored aspect of Sailor Moon’s storyline: Usagi’s personal journey.

In an alternate reality set during the Silver Millennium era, I find myself bearing witness to a captivating tale where Serenity is clandestinely transported to Earth and takes on the role of Prince Endymion’s protector. This enthralling narrative skillfully combines the passion of a budding romance with the intricate politics and tension that were previously unexplored in the original manga and anime series, making it an ideal prequel story for fans of Sailor Moon who crave depth and a touch of illicit love.

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2025-07-04 22:24