Puella Magi Madoka Magica is an anime phenomenon. When the anime was first released in 2011, it quickly generated a massive fanbase, engrossing many people with its dark, Faust-inspired magical girl tale. The series spawned a whole franchise, including numerous shows, movies, manga and video games. While many have tried to imitate the show's format since then, none have been able to capture the spark that made Madoka so popular. Here's where you can watch and read the series.
The Plot of Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica follows Madoka Kaname, a young girl who lives in the town of Mitakihara. She and her friend Sayaka Miki lead a regular life until they encounter a small white cat-like creature called Kyubey. Kyubey says that it can grant the girls any wish they want, provided they make a contract with it and become magical girls, to fight in a war between magical girls and witches.
At the same time, a mysterious transfer student named Homura Akemi arrives at Madoka's school and tries to stop Madoka from making a contract with Kyubey. They also meet Mami Tomoe, an upperclassman at their school, who offers to bring them along on her witch hunts so they can see what being a magical girl involves. However, things quickly unravel, and Madoka learns that the life of a magical girl is filled with pain, danger and suffering.
Where to Read the Puella Magi Madoka Magica Manga/Light Novels
There have been numerous Madoka manga releases. A four-volume adaptation of the anime illustrated by Hanokage was released in 2011, followed by a three-volume alternative timeline series called Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story. There is also Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura's Revenge! -- a two-volume spin-off story focused on Homura and written and illustrated by Golden Pe Done.
Besides this, a series of spin-offs unrelated to the anime exists, including Puella Magi Kazumi Magica: The Innocent Malice, Puella Magi Oriko Magica, Puella Magi Suzune Magica and Puella Magi Tart Magica: The Legend of Jeanne d'Arc. All of these focus on new characters in the Madoka universe.
Yen Press has published these both physically and digitally in America, all of which are available on ComiXology for around $7 per volume. For those who prefer physical media, readers can buy copies from most manga stores or order them online. Some series have also received omnibus re-releases that put all of the volumes into one package, making them an efficient way to get everything. Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story is also available from Yen Press for those who want to read the adaption of the newest spin-off anime as it comes out.
Where to Watch the Puella Magi Madoka Magica Anime
The original Madoka Magica series is available to watch on Crunchyroll. The site offers both the sub and the English dub for free, provided viewers are willing to sit through some advertisements. It's also available via Hulu and HBO Max. For those who prefer physical media, the complete series is also available on Blu-ray, which costs around $120 from most retailers.
However, viewers who want to watch the movies will need to look in several places, as the films have a tumultuous release history in the U.S., coming and going from several services over the years. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part I: Beginnings and Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part II: Eternal can be purchased on Google Play for $4. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion can be bought from YouTube or Google Play for $4. Viewers might also consider the movie trilogy Blu-ray boxset, which retails for about $60 from most retailers, as this means you won't need to worry about future hosting changes.
The follow-up to Madoka Magica, Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story is also available on Crunchyroll. The service is currently simulcasting Season 2 and has Season 1 in its archive.
