best episodes of The Ancient Magus' Bride poster

Hatori Chise has lived a life full of neglect and abuse, devoid of anything resembling love. Far from the warmth of family, she has had her share of troubles and pitfalls. Just when all hope seems lost, a fateful encounter awaits her. When a man with the head of a beast, wielding strange powers, obtains her through a slave auction, Chise's life will never be the same again. The man is a "magus,"a sorcerer of great power, who decides to free Chise from the bonds of captivity. The magus then makes a bold statement: Chise will become his apprentice--and his bride!

2 Seasons
48 Episodes
Ended
Animation Sci-Fi & Fantasy
episode image First impressions are the most lasting.
8.6/10 (94 votes)

#1 First impressions are the most lasting.

S2:E5

Chise learns a bit more about the history of both the College and her classmates. Zoe's secret is revealed, and a pact is formed.

episode image The cowl does not make the monk.
8.5/10 (92 votes)

#2 The cowl does not make the monk.

S2:E4

Two separate conversations reveal the multitude of revelations that Chise and Elias have had about one another, and the ways they've both grown and changed. Hazel guides them on a dangerous shortcut back to the College.

episode image Birds of a feather flock together. II
8.2/10 (96 votes)

#3 Birds of a feather flock together. II

S2:E3

Chise shares a meal with her new classmates, but several teachers and students at the College have their eyes on both her and Elias for reasons yet unknown. Chise and Elias head home for the weekend and Stella drops by for a visit.

episode image Better bend than break.
8.2/10 (81 votes)

#4 Better bend than break.

S2:E6

Alice and Chise to try and sort through their feelings on their complicated relationships with their respective masters.

episode image Slow and sure. II
8.2/10 (76 votes)

#5 Slow and sure. II

S2:E8

An otherwise educational and relaxing camping trip with her classmates ends with a terrifying encounter in the shadows of the night forest, forcing Chise to rely on her own wits and abilities instead of Elias' magic.

episode image Conscience does make cowards of us all. I
8.2/10 (75 votes)

#6 Conscience does make cowards of us all. I

S2:E9

After returning from camp, Lucy is still unconscious and it's still not clear what's behind her sudden loss of strength...this worries Chise deeply.

episode image Conscience does make cowards of us all. II
8.2/10 (75 votes)

#7 Conscience does make cowards of us all. II

S2:E10

While watching over Lucy, Chise discovers her connection to Seth and their family's tragic history. While a professor seems to have been the victim of a user of a banned book, a mysterious killer seems to resurface...

episode image Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.
8.1/10 (188 votes)

#8 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.

S1:E8

Alice sees Elias' changes and decides immediately that he could never be human. Sorcerer Cartaphilius, who is attempting to capture the black dog by manipulating Renfred and Alice, causes Elias to show a completely different side of himself when his "work" hurts Chise. Those who know Elias call him the Pilum Murialis.

episode image A small leak will sink a great ship. II
8.1/10 (72 votes)

#9 A small leak will sink a great ship. II

S2:E12

It's time for family explanations, whether between Lucy and her brother, or Alice and Renfred. The College is also going through a complicated period where other magicians seem to want to harm new students.

episode image The Balance Distinguishes Not Between Gold and Lead.
8.0/10 (226 votes)

#10 The Balance Distinguishes Not Between Gold and Lead.

S1:E3

Simon, who is assigned by the Church to keep an eye on Elias, visits with some business. One of his requests brings Chise and Elias to the ends of the earth, where they meet Elias' mentor, Lindel, along with an old race on the verge of extinction. An old one, about to return to the earth, spends his last moments sharing a dream with Chise.

episode image Talk of the Devil, and He Is Sure to Appear.
8.0/10 (186 votes)

#11 Talk of the Devil, and He Is Sure to Appear.

S1:E7

The dog, with its flowing, black hair and burning red eyes, called Chise by the name "Isabelle." The Church's final request is to investigate a black dog that emerged in a cemetetry, but the black dog ends up saving Chise from danger. Meanwhile, Renfred's apprentice, Alice, is also on the move, looking for the black dog.

episode image Slow and sure. I
8.0/10 (75 votes)

#12 Slow and sure. I

S2:E7

Chise attends P.E. as Elias looks on. Philomela is summoned home. Alice stubbornly continues her training, while Adolf consoles Renfred through his troubles. The students embark on a camping trip.

episode image Man's extremity is God's opportunity.
8.0/10 (51 votes)

#13 Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

S2:E19

Philomela bargains for Liza to undo the seal over the College so she can return home to fulfill her duty. As Chise gives chase, her power gives her a terrifying new form.

episode image Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself.
8.0/10 (48 votes)

#14 Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself.

S2:E22

As Lizbeth's plans near fruition, Philomela thinks about what it is she really wants.

episode image The show must go on. I
8.0/10 (45 votes)

#15 The show must go on. I

S2:E24

Philomela stands against Lizbeth in a final battle of wills.

episode image Love Conquers All.
7.9/10 (198 votes)

#16 Love Conquers All.

S1:E5

To sorcerer Refnred's eyes, Chise is a sad girl, being duped by a mage. But no matter what Elias' true motives are, Chise has no intention of leaving him. Elias was the first person to value her, after all. As she walks towards the epicenter, she learns of the truth behind it. The sight of a boy appears behind the tragedy.

episode image As you sow, so shall you reap.
7.9/10 (155 votes)

#17 As you sow, so shall you reap.

S1:E22

Having captured Chise, Cartaphilus begins grafting parts of her onto himself. He forces her to relive some of her worst memories.

episode image A small leak will sink a great ship. I
7.9/10 (71 votes)

#18 A small leak will sink a great ship. I

S2:E11

Apparently, a forbidden magic book called "The Testament of Carnamagos" is being used to rob Lucy and Simeon of their magical powers. But who exactly is behind it is still unclear. Elias takes care of the matter because he fears that otherwise Chise will put herself in danger for her friend and because he himself wants to protect a friend.

episode image Coming events cast their shadows before.
7.9/10 (51 votes)

#19 Coming events cast their shadows before.

S2:E18

Despite their disappointment that the College will be closed through Christmas, the students try and prepare for the holiday party. Chise takes another dive into Lucy's memories. Philomela reaches her breaking point.

episode image Even a worm will turn.
7.9/10 (49 votes)

#20 Even a worm will turn.

S2:E20

Alycone reflects on Philomela's childhood and her all-important task. An ancient and fearsome goddess blocks Chise's path on the way to the Sargant family home and demands tribute that was promised a year ago.

episode image Better to ask the way than go astray.
7.8/10 (174 votes)

#21 Better to ask the way than go astray.

S1:E12

Lindel finishes the staff that Chise had finished carving. As she finishes, she meets an old friend, who offers her some wise advice.

episode image Nothing seek, nothing find.
7.8/10 (148 votes)

#22 Nothing seek, nothing find.

S1:E23

Elias earns the help of many, and they form a search party for Chise. Meanwhile, Chise and Cartaphilus relive his past together.

episode image Live and let live.
7.8/10 (158 votes)

#23 Live and let live.

S1:E24

Cartaphilus and Chise argue over their respective approaches to dealing with their own suffering, beating each other up brutally in the process.

episode image A burnt child dreads the fire.
7.8/10 (49 votes)

#24 A burnt child dreads the fire.

S2:E21

While Zoe fights off the werewolf, the other students finally reach Philomela. Chise takes a dive into her dark memories, but as everyone's secrets begin to unravel, Philomela hesitates to take her classmates' outstretched hands.

episode image Lovers Ever Run Before the Clock.
7.7/10 (168 votes)

#25 Lovers Ever Run Before the Clock.

S1:E11

Elias, is an odd failure who pretends to be human -- but is it because of his master's words, or because of his distrust for humans, that he stopped communicating about himself? Lindel's alias, Echoes, refers to the to a song akin to the sound of snowmelt, traveling through the wind, causing the blooming of flowers and the dancing of fairies. The magic of the song turns into a mirror the surface of the water Chise peers into. What does she see beyond the mirror?

episode image Nothing venture, nothing have. II
7.7/10 (56 votes)

#26 Nothing venture, nothing have. II

S2:E14

Outside the College, the witches hunt for the missing book. Inside, the students try to juggle lessons with their own personal goals and relationships. Philomela confides in Alcyone, but an ominous message reminds her of her assignment.

episode image Needs must when the devil drives. II
7.7/10 (54 votes)

#27 Needs must when the devil drives. II

S2:E16

Violet and Chise host an after hours test of courage for their classmates by having them pair up to visit various haunted locations around campus, but the evening leads to some revealing conversations.

episode image Of two evils choose the less.
7.7/10 (45 votes)

#28 Of two evils choose the less.

S2:E23

The fight begins in earnest as Lizbeth starts to gain the upper hand, but Chise and company receive some unexpected assistance.

episode image Looks breed love.
7.6/10 (159 votes)

#29 Looks breed love.

S1:E14

With Chise being transformed into a fox, she takes off running into the woods. Elias chases after her. Later, Chise is visited by the Leanan sídhe, who is attached to Joel, claiming that Joel will not wake up.

episode image Necessity has no law.
7.6/10 (151 votes)

#30 Necessity has no law.

S1:E21

Elias and Chise attend Mariel’s coven meeting and meet Phyllis, Mariel’s high priestess. Secretly, Elias is given information that could help Chise. Following the meeting, Chise becomes suspicious of Elias' activities.

episode image Birds of a feather flock together. I
7.6/10 (110 votes)

#31 Birds of a feather flock together. I

S2:E2

It's a day of new beginnings at the College as Chise attends her first day of classes and meets some of her fellow students, and Elias adopts a mysterious guise for his first time teaching as a visiting instructor.

episode image Nothing venture, nothing have. I
7.6/10 (57 votes)

#32 Nothing venture, nothing have. I

S2:E13

The College is sealed off to protect the students and staff from whatever or whoever has been sapping magic from victims. Zaccheroni puts the students' survival abilities to the test, but with a catch: no sorcery allowed.

episode image Needs must when the devil drives. I
7.6/10 (54 votes)

#33 Needs must when the devil drives. I

S2:E15

Bored with having nothing to do but study, the students play a puzzle game, but it stirs up bad memories for Philomela and Rian. Alcyone ponders her assigned role. As the rainy season starts, Elias and Chise finally sit down to catch up.

episode image Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.
7.6/10 (52 votes)

#34 Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.

S2:E17

The mystery deepens as all the students drained of magic suddenly wake up feeling fine. Rumors about the culprit start to rise among the student body. Veronica checks in on Philomela.

episode image One Today Is Worth Two Tomorrows.
7.5/10 (218 votes)

#35 One Today Is Worth Two Tomorrows.

S1:E2

Few people know the truth about the bookstore on the outskirts of London that Elias frequents. He takes Chise there, where they meet Angelica, who teaches Chise a little bit of magic, but... The true power of the Sleigh Beggy materializes a fragment of Chise's memories.

episode image Everything Must Have a Beginning.
7.5/10 (193 votes)

#36 Everything Must Have a Beginning.

S1:E4

Long ago, the humans and cats of Ulthar, city of cats, were struck by a great tragedy. For generations, the souls of those who were at the center of this tragedy have been sealed away by the king of cats. Chise and Elias travel to Ulthar in order to complete Simon's second task: to purify the spirits that remain.

episode image There is no place like home.
7.5/10 (151 votes)

#37 There is no place like home.

S1:E15

With King Oberon taking Chise into the Fairy realm for recovery, Silke becomes agitated waiting at home. Chise slowly recovers under Dr. Shanon's care, a fairy that was raised as a human.

episode image Any port in a storm.
7.5/10 (148 votes)

#38 Any port in a storm.

S1:E19

In the land of dragons two young dragons are kidnapped from Lindel by Cartaphilius. Chise awakens from a dark dream to find, Alice, Renfred, Adolf and college administrator Tory Innis in Elias’ home. They explain Cartaphilius stole the two dragons using a teleportation device he stole from Renfred and want Elias to find the dragons and take them home

episode image You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.
7.5/10 (149 votes)

#39 You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

S1:E20

As the dragon rampages, Elias tells Chise they must absorb the dragon’s magic in order to stop it. This leaves Chise in a predicament as Elias becomes unable to help.

episode image We Live and Learn.
7.4/10 (163 votes)

#40 We Live and Learn.

S1:E10

Chise and Selkie climb aboard a dragon's back to meet Lindel, to have her own mage's staff made. Frustrated by Chise's acceptance of her being kept as a pet by Elias, he describes the time he found Elias in the darkness. Meanwhile, Elias, who had stayed at home by himself, receives a letter from a sorcerer's college.

Cast & Chracters

character image Chise Hatori (voice)

Chise Hatori (voice)

Actor: Atsumi Tanezaki
character image Elias Ainsworth (voice)

Elias Ainsworth (voice)

Actor: Ryota Takeuchi
character image Ruth (voice)

Ruth (voice)

Actor: Koki Uchiyama
character image Silky (voice)

Silky (voice)

Actor: Aya Endo
character image Lucy Webster (voice)

Lucy Webster (voice)

Actor: Minami Tsuda
character image Philomela Sergeant (voice)

Philomela Sergeant (voice)

Actor: Maki Kawase
character image Rían Scrimgeour (voice)

Rían Scrimgeour (voice)

Actor: Seiichiro Yamashita
character image Zoe Ivy (voice)

Zoe Ivy (voice)

Actor: Daiki Kobayashi
character image Veronica Rickenbacker (voice)

Veronica Rickenbacker (voice)

Actor: Reina Ueda
character image Isaac Farrar (voice)

Isaac Farrar (voice)

Actor: Koutaro Nishiyama
character image Mikhail Renfred (voice)

Mikhail Renfred (voice)

Actor: Satoshi Hino
character image Alice Swayne (voice)

Alice Swayne (voice)

Actor: Mutsumi Tamura

The highest rated episode of The Ancient Magus' Bride is "First impressions are the most lasting." (S2E5) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 94 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "April Showers Bring May Flowers." (S1E1) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 239 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie." (S1E8) with a rating of 8.10.

This episode received 188 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "April Showers Bring May Flowers." (S1E1) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 239 votes.

The highest rated episode is "First impressions are the most lasting." (S2E5) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 94 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Live and let live. II" (S2E1) with a rating of 7.40.

This episode received 115 votes.

Name Department Job
Seiki Tamura Art Art Direction
Tomomi Sugiyama Art Prop Designer
Mayo Suzuki Camera Director of Photography
Shoko Dobashi Crew Special Effects
Daisuke Imai Editing Editor
Koji Yamamoto Production Executive Producer
Kosuke Hosogai Production Executive Producer
Kyohei Shinfuku Production Producer
Misaki Hashimoto Production Publicist
Naokado Fujiyama Production Producer
Yoshihiro Hosaka Production Executive Producer
Yoshihiro Iida Production Executive Producer
Junichi Matsumoto Sound Original Music Composer
JUNNA Sound Theme Song Performance
Noriko Izumo Sound Sound Effects
Shiro Sasaki Sound Music Producer
Shoji Hata Sound Sound Director
Hirotaka Kato Visual Effects Character Designer
Kohei Tokuoka Visual Effects Supervising Animation Director
Maori Yusa Visual Effects 2D Artist
Yuko Kobari Visual Effects Color Designer
Kazuaki Terasawa Writing Series Composition
Kore Yamazaki Writing Comic Book

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