5 Magic School Anime You Should Watch Instead of That Harry Potter TV Show

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The world of Harry Potter is getting a new TV series on HBO Max, starting with the original books. While that’s exciting, there are also plenty of great anime series about magic schools to enjoy. Warner Bros. is rebooting the popular Harry Potter franchise for a new generation, but launching it now will be more challenging than when the movies first came out.

Some fans of the original Harry Potter books and movies might be hesitant about the new TV series, but there are other options available. If you’re looking for a similar magical school experience, several anime series capture a similar feeling. While none are direct copies, they might satisfy your craving for that Harry Potter magic without having to engage with the franchise directly.

5). The Irregular at Magic High School

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+

Tsutomu Sato’s work is a well-known example of a magic school anime, but it’s quite different from Harry Potter. What sets it apart is its length – it’s the longest magic school anime available, with many seasons, a spin-off series, and even movies. However, one drawback is that the magic system relies more on science and technology than traditional fantasy.

This series features a unique protagonist. Tatsuya and his sister attend a school where she’s celebrated for her natural talent, while he initially faces rejection because he relies on skill and effort to compensate for his weaker abilities. If you decide to watch it, you’ll be glad to know there’s a lot of content to enjoy.

4). Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun!

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

The creator of Ichi the Witch (a fantastic manga about magic and wizards that hasn’t been made into an anime yet) also brought us Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun! This series shares a similar feel to Harry Potter, centering around the main character, Iruma. He had a difficult childhood, as his parents mistreated and eventually sold him to a demon. Surprisingly, the demon wasn’t cruel – he wanted to raise Iruma as his loving grandson.

I recently started watching Iruma-kun, and it reminded me a bit of Harry Potter – the main character suddenly finds himself in a completely new world and a school filled with magical beings. He’s starting at the very bottom, alongside other students who don’t quite fit in, and it’s just a really enjoyable series about his everyday life. While there are some exciting story arcs with great fights, what I really love is seeing Iruma genuinely happy in a kind and lighthearted setting. With four seasons out now, it’s a fantastic adventure to get lost in.

3). Little Witch Academia

Where to Watch: Netflix

If you enjoyed the family-friendly fun of Iruma-kun and are looking for a show with a stronger focus on magic, Little Witch Academia is a great choice. This complete 25-episode series feels similar to Harry Potter, taking place at a school for young witches. The story follows Atsuko, who dreams of becoming a powerful witch like her idol, despite lacking any natural magical ability. However, when she finds her hero’s magical staff, everything begins to change.

As Atsuko and her friends investigate the mysteries surrounding the school staff and handle the resulting challenges, they face increasingly difficult situations throughout the series. The show delivers on its promise of exciting magical adventures, making it a fun and generally wholesome experience for the whole family. Like the early Harry Potter books, it also includes a touch of darkness that adds to its appeal.

2). Wistoria: Wand and Sword

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

If you enjoy the more mature themes in Harry Potter, Wistoria: Wand and Sword delivers a similar experience. The story centers around a magical school where powerful mages climb a massive tower to safeguard the world. However, the protagonist, Will Serfort, lacks any magical abilities himself. Driven by his exceptionally talented childhood friend who has already risen to the top, Will is determined to join her, and will do whatever it takes to reach the summit.

Will isn’t strong in traditional magic, so he has to fight monsters in dungeons to earn points. He relies on his sword-fighting skills, battling everything from other mages to demons and dark creatures. If you enjoy exciting action and rooting for an underdog, this story is for you.

1). Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+

If you’re tired of magical school stories, or think another Harry Potter adaptation is just a way to make more money, then Mashle: Magic and Muscles might be exactly what you need. It throws out all the usual tropes and delivers something completely different. Like the protagonist in Wistoria: Wand and Sword, Mash Burndead lacks magical abilities, but he takes things to the next level. Instead of learning spells, he pushes his physical training to the absolute limit, becoming so incredibly strong and fast that his movements appear magical.

He mimics flying by frantically kicking his legs, can lift massive rocks with one hand, and faces a powerful enemy who wants to kill six people to achieve ultimate power—a twist on the usual quest for soul fragments. If you’re looking for a funny, over-the-top parody of Harry Potter that highlights the absurdity of the magical world, while still being action-packed and entertaining, Mashle is a perfect choice.

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2026-04-09 01:11