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The Best Episodes of The Ancient Magus' Bride

Every episode of The Ancient Magus' Bride ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Ancient Magus' Bride!

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...
Genres:AnimationSci-Fi & Fantasy
Network:Tokyo MX

Best Episodes Summary

"First impressions are the most lasting." is the best rated episode of "The Ancient Magus' Bride". It scored 8.5/10 based on 93 votes. Directed by Tetsuo Hirakawa and written by Yoko Yonaiyama, it aired on 5/4/2023. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "The cowl does not make the monk.".

  • First impressions are the most lasting.
    8.5/1093 votes
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    #1 - First impressions are the most lasting.

    Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 5/4/2023

    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.

    Director: Tetsuo Hirakawa

    Writer: Yoko Yonaiyama

  • The cowl does not make the monk.
    8.4/1091 votes
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    #2 - The cowl does not make the monk.

    Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 4/27/2023

    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.

    Director: Tomoaki Koshida

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Conscience does make cowards of us all. II
    8.3/1074 votes
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    #3 - Conscience does make cowards of us all. II

    Season 2 Episode 10 - Aired 6/8/2023

    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...

    Director: Yukio Takahashi

    Writer: Chiaki Nishinaka

  • Birds of a feather flock together. II
    8.2/1095 votes
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    #4 - Birds of a feather flock together. II

    Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 4/20/2023

    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.

    Director: Aro Morita

    Writer: Chiaki Nishinaka

  • Better bend than break.
    8.2/1080 votes
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    #5 - Better bend than break.

    Season 2 Episode 6 - Aired 5/11/2023

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

    Director: Himari Tamagawa

    Writer: Yoko Yonaiyama

  • Conscience does make cowards of us all. I
    8.2/1074 votes
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    #6 - Conscience does make cowards of us all. I

    Season 2 Episode 9 - Aired 6/1/2023

    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.

    Director: Tomoaki Koshida

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • A small leak will sink a great ship. II
    8.2/1070 votes
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    #7 - A small leak will sink a great ship. II

    Season 2 Episode 12 - Aired 6/22/2023

    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.

    Director: Kyosuke Takada

    Writer: Yoko Yonaiyama

  • Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.
    8.1/10185 votes
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    #8 - Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/26/2017

    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.

    Director: Yuumi Kawai

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Slow and sure. II
    8.1/1076 votes
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    #9 - Slow and sure. II

    Season 2 Episode 8 - Aired 5/25/2023

    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.

    Director: Kunihiro Mori

    Writer: Chiaki Nishinaka

  • The Balance Distinguishes Not Between Gold and Lead.
    8.0/10218 votes
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    #10 - The Balance Distinguishes Not Between Gold and Lead.

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/22/2017

    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.

    Director: Takeshi Ninomiya

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Love Conquers All.
    8.0/10194 votes
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    #11 - Love Conquers All.

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 11/5/2017

    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.

    Director: Tomoya Kunisaki

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Talk of the Devil, and He Is Sure to Appear.
    8.0/10183 votes
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    #12 - Talk of the Devil, and He Is Sure to Appear.

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/19/2017

    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.

    Director: Ryuta Kawahara

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Man's extremity is God's opportunity.
    8.0/1048 votes
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    #13 - Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

    Season 2 Episode 19 - Aired 11/16/2023

    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.

    Director: Aro Morita

    Writer: Yoko Yonaiyama

  • Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself.
    8.0/1046 votes
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    #14 - Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself.

    Season 2 Episode 22 - Aired 12/7/2023

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

    Director: Kazuaki Terasawa, Aro Morita, Yosuke Yamamoto

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • The show must go on. I
    8.0/1041 votes
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    #15 - The show must go on. I

    Season 2 Episode 24 - Aired 12/21/2023

    Philomela stands against Lizbeth in a final battle of wills.

    Director: Kazuaki Terasawa, Aro Morita

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • As you sow, so shall you reap.
    7.9/10153 votes
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    #16 - As you sow, so shall you reap.

    Season 1 Episode 22 - Aired 3/11/2018

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

    Director: Yoko Kanamori

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Slow and sure. I
    7.9/1075 votes
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    #17 - Slow and sure. I

    Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 5/18/2023

    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.

    Director: Tomoaki Koshida

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • A small leak will sink a great ship. I
    7.9/1070 votes
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    #18 - A small leak will sink a great ship. I

    Season 2 Episode 11 - Aired 6/15/2023

    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.

    Director: Tomoaki Koshida

    Writer: Yoko Yonaiyama

  • Coming events cast their shadows before.
    7.9/1049 votes
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    #19 - Coming events cast their shadows before.

    Season 2 Episode 18 - Aired 11/9/2023

    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.

    Director: Tomoaki Koshida

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Even a worm will turn.
    7.9/1046 votes
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    #20 - Even a worm will turn.

    Season 2 Episode 20 - Aired 11/23/2023

    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.

    Director: Himari Tamagawa

    Writer: Akimine Takahashi

  • Better to ask the way than go astray.
    7.8/10170 votes
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    #21 - Better to ask the way than go astray.

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 12/24/2017

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

    Director: Norihiro Naganuma

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Nothing seek, nothing find.
    7.8/10146 votes
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    #22 - Nothing seek, nothing find.

    Season 1 Episode 23 - Aired 3/18/2018

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

    Director: Tomoko Hiramuki, Yohji Satoh

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Live and let live.
    7.8/10156 votes
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    #23 - Live and let live.

    Season 1 Episode 24 - Aired 3/25/2018

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

    Director: Norihiro Naganuma

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • Lovers Ever Run Before the Clock.
    7.7/10165 votes
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    #24 - Lovers Ever Run Before the Clock.

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 12/17/2017

    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?

    Director: Takeshi Ninomiya

    Writer: Aya Takaha

  • A burnt child dreads the fire.
    7.7/1046 votes
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    #25 - A burnt child dreads the fire.

    Season 2 Episode 21 - Aired 11/30/2023

    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.

    Director: Tomoaki Koshida

    Writer: Chiaki Nishinaka