Netflix’s First Major Anime Drop of 2026 Is a Must-See ’90s Classic 

As anime continues to grow in popularity, major streaming platforms are expanding their catalogs to include influential anime titles. One streaming giant, Netflix, will soon add a classic title to their library, allowing both longtime fans and newcomers to revisit one of the most iconic anime titles of the 1990s.

Magic Knight Rayearth, a beloved 1994 fantasy anime from CLAMP, is officially returning to streaming on Netflix beginning January 15, 2026. As one of the platform’s first major anime additions of the new year, the series's arrival stands as a must-watch title for anime fans that appeals to a broad audience.

Magic Knight Rayearth Is Officially Coming to Netflix

With Magic Knight Rayearth officially heading to Netflix, it provides an opportunity for anime fans to experience one of the most influential anime series of the mid-1990s. The series is a classic that was ahead of its time, best known for its unique blend of genres that effectively captured the attention of audiences around the world.

The series centers on three middle school girls, Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, who find themselves teleported from Tokyo to the magical world of Cephiro. In order to return home, the girls must become legendary Magic Knights and save Princess Emeraude, the world’s pillar, from the evil High Priest Zagato.

Magic Knight Rayearth blends fantasy with isekai, magical girl, and mecha genres. Paired with its universal themes, the anime appealed to a broad audience, turning it into a timeless classic that has influenced generations of creators and fans.

Magic Knight Rayearth Is Getting a Reboot in 2026

The arrival of Magic Knight Rayearth on Netflix comes ahead of the series’ revival. Announced in July 2024, with further details confirmed in 2025, CLAMP, in partnership with TMS Entertainment, has revealed that the series will receive a remake to honor its 30th anniversary.

Although specific production details have yet to be fully revealed, the remake is currently slated to air sometime in 2026. The announcement has not only generated renewed interest in the series but also stands as part of a growing trend in the anime industry in which studios are revisiting classic series through reboots or remakes.

This allows the series to reintroduce itself to modern audiences while offering a nostalgic throwback for longtime fans. However, with Magic Knight Rayearth's revival on the horizon, now is the perfect time to revisit or discover the original series on Netflix, which stood out for its distinctive art style, strong heroines, and compelling themes, making it a must-watch classic.