In the city of Mitakihara, two middle school students, Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki, come across Kyuubey, a cat-like creature. Kyuubey offers to grant their wishes in exchange for transforming them into magical girls to fight malicious witches. Mami Tomoe, a skilled magical girl, helps them in their witch-hunting endeavors, while new student Homura Akemi remains wary of Kyuubey's proposal without revealing why. Initially, the girls reject Kyuubey's offer due to safety concerns. However, when a new magical girl arrives in town and Sayaka wishes to assist her crush, they learn the gruesome truth about their powers and the sacrifices they require. Despite the horrors of witch-hunting, the girls decide to accept Kyuubey's offer.