Simple Synopsis: Puella Magi Madoka Magica is everything but it would seem, as you learn very early on, though it constantly evolves overtime. It starts off as a very easy going show. Madoka, our main Heroine wakes up to a strange dream she had about a girl in the midst of battle. That girl later transfers to her school, in which she goes out of her way to try and be around Madoka, though not giving any proper reason. Later on the 2 friends Madoka and Sayaka end up encountering a creature known as Kyuube, once being called out to. It is at this point they learn of Magical Girls from a Magical Girl named Mami, and the plot is set from there.
What I like about it and why I recommend it: Madoka in my opinion, is very special in the fact it has a fantastic plot that evolves over time, no matter how much you think you know, or how much it changes;it just continues to evolve more and more.
It's a Psychological show, with hints of horror. The way these elements play out in the story are very incredible and engaging, often leaving you shocked, and intrigued to keep going.
The art style is very unique and bubbly/cutesy. Honestly I think it's quite nice and I enjoy it for what it is.
Though my favorite part about Madoka Magica had got to be the scenery and atmosphere it creates. Some scenes are handled so well, that they carry more emotion and feeling to their meaning then you'd normally expect. A lot of stuff hits very hard visually, whether it be emotionally or artistically. I often found myself a lot more ''sad'' or ''spooked'' at simple scenes, just as much as I found myself adoring or being captivated by the sheer beauty of them. It's just pure eye candy at points and I loved it very much.
The fights are very well done and if you're a fan of action, I assure you'll most likely enjoy watching them.
The animation I found to be very nice as well, something else that kept me watching.
Good soundtrack, I enjoyed the opening as well as the ending theme, and the BG music, especially during fights.
Lastly, and what I consider Madoka Magica's greatest feat;character development.

Spoiler, click to view

Man if I've EVER seen amazing character development, it'd be this show. Trust me when I say mostly everyone has some major change to them over time, whether it completely changes them, or makes them better. Really, almost no character is the same as they were when you first met them.

My only words of advice going into Puella Magi Madoka Magica;whatever you think you know, you really don't.