Let us list some of the most famous and memorable female anime characters, starting from Hinata Hyuga in Naruto to Nezuko Kamado in Demon Slayer.
We all know that anime and live-action movies have often portrayed women. In the past, female characters in anime were usually limited to being the love interest of a male protagonist or someone who needed to be rescued. It could have been better.
However, things have changed a lot in recent years. Nowadays, there are many strong female anime characters from various backgrounds and walks of life. Anime is no longer just made for a specific group of fans. It covers genres like dark fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and slice-of-life dramas. Moreover, quite often, the well-written and thought-out female characters steal the spotlight.
Like any storytelling medium, anime relies on specific patterns and conventions known as tropes. Unfortunately, anime often falls into the trap of using these tropes and stereotypical characterizations, especially when it comes to female characters. These characters are designed by men, leading to the repetition of certain stock character traits.
These traits include the cute girl trope, the badass trope, and the funny girl trope, among others. However, the best modern manga and anime actively challenge and subvert these tropes. Female characters in anime are no longer defined solely by one characteristic or appearance, such as their costumes or bodies. Nowadays, there is a depth of characterization in anime that defies simplistic labels like “smart,” “cool,” or “fierce.”
To celebrate this great era in the anime industry, let’s rank the top 25 captivating female anime characters:
Iconic Female Anime Characters
25. Riko – Made in Abyss (2017- )
Riko is the main character in this dark fantasy world. She experiences a strong longing or desire throughout the series. The story takes place in a different world with a huge hole of unknown depth called the abyss.
Only a few brave explorers have dared to venture into its depths. Riko’s mother is one of these explorers who has gone missing. As an orphan, Riko teams up with Reg, a robot-like being, and embarks on a journey into the abyss to search for her mother.
Riko is a strong and resilient character. Despite the sadness of losing her mother, she maintains a positive attitude and stays curious about the world around her. Even when faced with difficult situations, Riko can make wise choices.
Although she may not possess great physical strength, she handles the dangerous and eerie environment of the abyss remarkably well.
24. Kurisu Makise – Steins; Gate (2011-2015)
This sci-fi show takes us on a mind-bending journey. It follows a group of students who stumble upon a technology that allows them to alter the past. Kurisu Makise is a brilliant young scientist who becomes a neuroscience researcher at just 18 years old.
She possesses a sharp intuition and is determined in her work. Kurisu has a knack for understanding hidden meanings, and she cautions the main character, Okabe, about his obsession with time-travelling.
Kurisu ponders, “When I spot a opportunity, I feel compelled to explore it.” This scientific curiosity frequently leads her to make choices that she later regrets. However, she remains truthful and takes responsibility for her mistakes. Unlike Okabe, Kurisu is always genuine and never tries to conceal her true self.
23. Lain Iwakura – Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Lain is a character who carries a sense of mystery and ambiguity. The series has a unique and experimental visual style that might be puzzling for viewers. Now, let us delve into Lain’s story. She is a shy and quiet 14-year-old girl who initially does not show much interest in the world around her. However, her life turns when she discovers a platform similar to social media called ‘The Wired’. Lain becomes fascinated by The Wired and appears to develop a separate identity for her online existence.
Lain is a deeply saddened girl who appears to be grappling with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Despite her struggles, she possesses a compassionate nature and sincerely tries to correct the consequences caused by her other identities.
Her character is remarkably intricate, with her internal conflicts presented distinctly. Also, Lain demonstrates high intelligence and a remarkable ability to grasp new concepts swiftly.
22. Homura Akemi – Madoka Magica (2011)
The story focuses on middle-school students who transform into magical girls to combat dark creatures known as “witches.” Although the magical powers they acquire are intriguing, the series delves into the hardships and despair these magical girls face.
Madoka Magica excellently portrays the contrasting aspects of their lives, exploring themes of light and darkness. Homura Akemi is a diligent student during the day and a brave magical girl who fights witches at night.
Homura is a captivating and mysterious character in the anime series. She grabs our attention and makes us curious to know more about her. Homura often seems sceptical and prefers to be alone. However, she can also display remarkable selflessness when aiding others.
Homura understands the challenges faced by magical girls, and she goes to great lengths to prevent her classmate Madoka from becoming one. Behind her tough exterior, Homura carries a lot of emotional pain and trauma, which has shaped her into who she is.
21. Akame – Akame ga Kill! (2014)
She is a highly talented assassin and plays a major role in the 24-episode series. The story follows a teenager named Tatsumi who journeys to the Imperial Capital to earn money for his village. However, he is recruited by an assassin group called Night Raid.
As Tatsumi becomes aware of the corrupt and wicked nature of the Empire, Akame becomes a vital member of the Night Raid.
Despite her severe and distant appearance, we discover that Akame is socially awkward. This adds another layer to her character, making her multi-dimensional like a precious diamond. She is said to be in her teenage years but possesses incredible strength and speed in hand-to-hand combat. Akame is determined when facing her opponents, showing no mercy.
It’s worth noting that her unwavering determination may be rooted in her tragic past. Akame and her sister were sold to the Empire by their parents, and she had to endure a deadly trial as a child. However, she manages to confront and overcome these challenges.
20. Shizuku Tsukishima – Whisper of the Heart (1995)
we have Shizuku Tsukishima from the anime film Whisper of the Heart, written by Miyazaki and directed by Yoshifumi Kondo. The movie follows the life of Shizuku, a student in middle school who loves books. It is a tale about her experience with first love.
Shizuku faces the challenges of everyday life while also pursuing her dreams. She is exceptionally talented in writing, showcasing her genius in this area. However, her journey highlights the importance of hard work, even if you possess a natural talent.
Unlike the grand and fantastical adventures in movies like Spirited Away or Howl, Shizuku’s story in Whisper of the Heart is more focused on a smaller scale. However, she is just as exceptional and intelligent as the female characters in those movies. The way Shizuku triumphs over her insecurities is deeply relatable to all of us, making her journey touching and relevant.
19. Faye Valentine – Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Here we have Faye Valentine from the anime series Cowboy Bebop, written by Shinichiro Watanabe. Watanabe excels at creating female characters who are more than just stereotypes. Faye Valentine, the sole female member of the Bebop space crew, undergoes a captivating transformation throughout the series.
Faye awakens from a cryogenic sleep after being frozen for 54 years. To make matters more challenging, she begins her new life burdened by debt. Also, Faye becomes entangled in a con artist’s schemes, further complicating her journey.
Therefore, at first, Faye is portrayed as a strong and tough girl who is not very honest, selfless, or optimistic. However, as the story progresses, she discovers a group of people who genuinely care about her and watch out for her well-being.
Faye keeps her emotions hidden, relying on her actions to make a statement. In many ways, she is a striking contrast to the other main characters in the series, such as Spike, Jet, and Edward.
18. Asuna Yuuki – Sword Art Online (2012- )
Here we have Asuna Yuuki from the anime series Sword Art Online. Asuna is the main female character in the series. The story occurs in 2022 when numerous people become trapped inside a virtual multiplayer online game.
Kirito, a devoted gamer, takes it upon himself to investigate the situation and seek a way to escape. Asuna is a caring and determined young girl whose life takes a different turn when she meets Kirito in the game world.
Asuna is a character in the anime series depicted as a well-developed and multi-dimensional individual. While certain storylines in the series showcase her becoming emotionally reliant on Kirito, she is far from a helpless character in need of rescue.
There is no typical portrayal of a female anime character in distress here. Also, Asuna demonstrates her strength by making difficult choices throughout the series. However, she always maintains her sense of compassion and humanity, never losing sight of who she truly is.
17. Motoko Kusanagi – Ghost in the Shell (1995)
We have Motoko Kusanagi from the anime series Ghost in the Shell, based on Masamune Shirow’s manga. Motoko is a genuinely remarkable and cool female character. She is the main protagonist and leads the Public Security Section 9 team.
They tackle the most brutal high-tech crimes in a futuristic and troubled society. It is a huge responsibility. However, what makes Motoko even more fascinating is the inner conflict she experiences between her robotic body and her human essence.
In the 1995 movie, its sequels, and the later series, Kusanagi, the main character, explores the impact of her cybernetic enhancements on her humanity. Anime has often featured female characters who are cyborgs, like Alita and those in Mardock Scramble.
However, Kusanagi’s struggle with her identity raises deep and thought-provoking questions about being human. Her story encourages us to ponder these profound philosophical ideas. Kusanagi truly gets us thinking.
16. San – Princess Mononoke (1997)
Here we have San from the classic Miyazaki anime film Princess Mononoke. San, also known as Princess Mononoke, is a human girl who was adopted by the wolf goddess Moro. Despite being born human, San has a strong bond with the gods and animals of the forest.
She wears a mask that symbolizes her connection with the forest spirits. Miyazaki is famous for creating female anime characters with depth and complexity, and San is one of his most complex and fascinating female characters.
In Princess Mononoke, San is a kind-hearted girl who deeply cares for the creatures in the forest. However, when it comes to dealing with humans who harm the natural world, she shows her fierce side. At first, San rejects her human side and prefers to distance herself from it. However, as the story unfolds, she starts to accept and understand her humanity.
15. Akane Tsunemori – Psycho-Pass (2012- )
Here we have Akane Tsunemori from the anime series Psycho-Pass. Akane is a new detective living in a futuristic society with advanced technology. In this world, emotions are monitored to predict if someone might commit a crime.
Those identified as criminals are treated with drugs or therapy. Akane’s journey takes us on a thought-provoking adventure as she delves into this society’s complex and ambiguous aspects, raising profound philosophical questions along the way.
Akane is a determined and brave character, even though some people initially underestimate her because she dislikes killing. As the series progresses, she grows into a strong and independent woman with a clear sense of right and wrong.
She values justice above all else, so she does not seek revenge even when she loses someone dear to her. Akane is a prime example of a modern and powerful anime character who is complex and has many different sides to her personality.
14. Shouko Nishimiya – A Silent Voice (2016)
Here we have Shouko Nishimiya from the anime film A Silent Voice. This heartwarming story, adapted from Yoshitoki Oima’s manga, is directed by Naoko Yamada. The film follows the perspective of teenager Ishida Shoya, who carries a heavy burden of guilt for bullying his deaf classmate, Shouko Nishimiya.
Shouko is depicted as a kind and lively girl on the surface. However, unlike others, she cannot understand people’s emotions through their voices or words. This has led her to grow up feeling isolated and disconnected from others.
Despite her challenges, Nishimiya makes an effort to form connections and communicate with others. It is impressive how she does not let the bullying define her or completely isolate herself. While the past does affect her mental well-being, she manages to overcome the feeling of being excluded and strives to find happiness and build meaningful friendships.
Nishimiya is a remarkable female anime character who shows strength and resilience in adversity.
13. Sophie Hatter – Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Sophie is a talented hatmaker and a responsible young woman who lives simply. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she encounters the Witch of the Waste, resulting in a curse that transforms her into an older woman. Through a series of events, she finds herself aboard the moving castle owned by the eccentric wizard Howl.
Unlike Sophie, Howl is carefree and avoids taking on adult responsibilities. Despite their differences, Sophie remains organized, mature, and hardworking throughout their journey.
As the older version of Sophie, her responsible and mature character positively influences Howl and helps him find purpose. It is important to note that Sophie’s role in the story is not solely about saving Howl. The main focus of Howl’s Moving Castle revolves around Sophie’s personal growth and her ability to remain kind and caring despite facing challenges.
12. Uraraka Ochako – My Hero Academia (2016- )
Uraraka Ochako is a character from the popular anime series My Hero Academia. She is highly admired by fans and considered one of the best characters in the show. In this superhero-filled world, where many people have special abilities, Uraraka comes from a humble background.
Her power allows her to levitate objects. Despite her simple upbringing, she aspires to become a hero and support her family financially.
However, as the series progresses, Uraraka’s beliefs and ambitions are tested. She begins to question the black-and-white nature of heroism and the categorization of individuals as villains. Uraraka starts with a more simplistic world view, focused on action and fighting.
However, over time, she develops a deeper understanding and empathy for others, striving to comprehend the complexities of her world.
11. Chihiro Ogino – Spirited Away (2001)
In Miyazaki’s famous movie Spirited Away, we meet the main character, ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino. At first, Chihiro is portrayed as a grumpy, complaining girl who does not want to move to a new town. However, everything changes when her parents make a wrong turn and end up in an abandoned theme park.
From then on, Chihiro’s life takes an unexpected turn as she finds herself in a mysterious spirit world. The rest of the movie follows Chihiro’s journey as she navigates this new world and learns to take control of her destiny.
Chihiro is a good-hearted and careful girl who starts innocent in the movie. However, as the story unfolds, she transforms, becoming independent, courageous, and confident. It is amazing to see her grow and change throughout the film.
Miyazaki, as always, avoids relying on traditional gender stereotypes to define his female characters. As a result, Chihiro is a fully developed character with a diverse set of strengths and emotions.
10. Usagi Tsukino – Sailor Moon (1992-1997)
In the popular anime series Sailor Moon, we follow the exciting and magical journey of teenager Usagi Tsukino. She becomes part of a team of powerful female warriors called the Sailor Soldiers, whose mission is to protect the Earth from evil villains.
At first, Usagi is depicted as lazy and not very experienced. However, as the series progresses, we witness her gradual growth into a strong leader. She becomes courageous, athletic, and dedicated to fighting for justice, all while retaining her kind-hearted nature.
Even before Usagi encounters Luna the cat and gains her powers, she is naturally inclined to assist others in difficult situations. Her determination to help people in need intensifies as she becomes more skilled and powerful.
Usagi has a unique approach to dealing with the villains she faces in her battles. Instead of resorting to violence or killing, she strives to find alternative ways to redeem and change them for the better. This demonstrates her cleverness and compassion in handling challenging situations.
9. Shinobu Kocho – Demon Slayer (2019- )
Shinobu Kocho from Demon Slayer has gained a huge fan following as one of the most beloved female anime characters. Despite her small stature, Shinobu’s remarkable speed and cleverness make her a formidable opponent against the demons.
While the main focus of the series is on the journey of Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, Shinobu plays a role in their quest. Tanjiro sets out on a mission to rescue his sister, who has been turned into a demon.
At first, Shinobu tries to kill Nezuko, but she develops a caring attitude towards Tanjiro and Nezuko. She plays a crucial role in the demon-slaying team due to her extensive knowledge of medicines and venoms. This allows her to prepare for encounters with demons.
Also, Shinobu has a fascinating and intricate backstory that could be explored in a separate series.
8. Taeko – Only Yesterday (1991)
In Only Yesterday, Taeko’s character resonates with many of us as she navigates the challenges of finding her purpose in a fast-paced world. At 27 years old, she feels overwhelmed by societal expectations to marry and start a family.
Seeking solace, she temporarily moves to the countryside, where she discovers a deeper understanding of herself through the simplicity of rural life. Taeko’s journey of self-discovery in the film reminds us of our own childhood memories and the importance of finding our true selves.
Taeko’s story in Only Yesterday feels so real that we can easily relate to her struggles and uncertainties. The movie shows how Taeko tries to make sense of her past and present and find her place in the world. It is a touching and genuine portrayal of a woman discovering her strength and independence.
7. Violet Evergarden – Violet Evergarden (2018)
Violet Evergarden, the main character in the anime series of the same name, is a young girl who has experienced the horrors of war and lost her family. Her commanding officer is the only person who shows her kindness. After the war, Violet seeks purpose and becomes an “Auto Memory Doll,” someone who writes heartfelt letters for others.
Through this work, she tries to understand her own emotions and learn how to love. It is a story about her journey to reclaim her humanity and discover the power of compassion.
Unlike other anime characters that focus on their combat skills, Violet Evergarden stands out by exploring the emotional impact of war on a young girl. Throughout the series, we witness Violet’s struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and her journey towards healing and self-discovery.
The story delves into her efforts to understand and empathize with the emotions of both herself and others. Ultimately, Violet finds a way to face her complicated past and find inner peace.
6. Erza Scarlet – Fairy Tail (2009-2019)
Erza Scarlet is a powerful and formidable female character in the popular manga and anime series Fairy Tail. In the world of Fairy Tail, magic is everywhere, and skilled sorcerers form guilds to complete missions and fight against monsters.
Erza is a member of the famous guild called ‘Fairy Tail’, known for her strength and warrior skills. She commands respect and can easily intimidate her enemies with her presence.
Erza is a strong, determined woman who relies on herself and rarely asks for help. She demonstrates many abilities in battles and can hold her own against formidable opponents. Even when faced with adversity and stripped of her armour, she finds a way to deliver a decisive strike.
Her unyielding spirit and determination make her one of the most powerful female anime characters.
5. Sasha Braus – Attack on Titan (2013- )
Sasha Braus is a brave and positive soldier in the Scout Regiment, fighting against tall humanoid creatures. In the dark world of Attack on Titan, Sasha brings much-needed lightness with her friendly nature. At first, she is known for her silly antics and love for food.
However, as the series progresses, we understand the reasons behind her behaviour and see a deeper side to her character.
Sasha comes from a village where food is scarce, so she develops a habit of hoarding food uncontrollably. She also shares the same fear of death as other members of the Scout Regiment, but she copes with it differently.
While others are serious and focused, Sasha distracts herself by cracking jokes and sneaking food. In many ways, she is the complete opposite of Mikasa Ackerman, who is strong and serious.
4. Hinata Hyuga – Naruto (2002-2007)
Naruto is a popular anime series about a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and leading his village. Hinata, a member of the Hyuga clan, is initially portrayed as a gentle and delicate girl.
Unfortunately, her father loses faith in her and disowns her due to her perceived shortcomings. Despite this, Hinata does not give up and grows stronger and more confident with the help of Naruto’s influence.
Hinata is a special anime character who undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the series. Initially seen as timid and lacking confidence, she gradually becomes a courageous member of Team 8. The relationship between Hinata and Naruto plays a role in her growth, and their bond remains strong even after the intense Fourth Great Ninja War.
It’s a heartwarming journey that showcases Hinata’s inner strength and unwavering support for Naruto.
3. Renge Miyauchi – Non Non Biyori (2013-2022)
Renge Miyauchi, a first-grader in the slice-of-life anime Non-Non Biyori, is undeniably the most adorable and charming female anime character. With her long lavender pigtails, Renge’s curiosity knows no bounds. Her inquisitive nature, mature demeanour, and quirky statements provide delightful entertainment.
The anime revolves around four girls of different ages attending a small village school, capturing their lives’ simple yet heartwarming moments.
Even though Renge may not show many emotions, she is incredibly kind and loving towards those close to her. Her unique and quirky mannerisms and her cute songs are endearing in their own special way. Renge shares a special connection with Kaede, her sister’s friend who runs the local candy store. Moreover, of course, fans of Non-Non Biyori will always remember Renge’s adorable greeting, “Nyanpasu!” (which means “Meow-ning”).
2. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan (2013- )
Among the strong female characters in Attack on Titan, Mikasa Ackerman stands out as one of the most formidable and established. She is a loyal and devoted friend to the main character, Eren Jaeger. Mikasa’s past is marked by a tragic event where her parents were mercilessly killed before her.
As a result, she becomes a part of Eren’s family and devotes her life to safeguarding him.
Mikasa always appears serious and unemotional, even during intense battles against the Titans. However, her strong attachment to Eren causes her to take on numerous responsibilities.
This aspect of her personality leads her down a darker path as the story unfolds.
1. Nezuko Kamado – Demon Slayer (2019- )
Nezuko Kamado, from the anime series Demon Slayer, quickly became a fan-favourite character. She is a central figure in the dark fantasy story. The series revolves around the strong bond between Nezuko and her brother Tanjiro. After surviving a demon attack, Nezuko transforms and becomes a demon herself. This prompts Tanjiro to embark on a mission to find a way to restore her humanity.
Nezuko’s transformation into a demon sets her apart from others. She retains her individuality and demonstrates unique qualities in her demonic form. Notably, Nezuko proves herself as a skilled fighter and does not rely solely on her brother for protection or rescue.
Conclusion
Moreover, there you have it. These are just a few examples of the strong, smart, and captivating female anime characters created. They possess different qualities that make them memorable and unique, whether their strength, coolness, or relatability. Of course, many other fascinating female anime characters did not make it onto this list, but they still deserve recognition.
Characters like Yumeko Jabami from Kakegurui, Touka Kirishima from Tokyo Ghoul, Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen, and Kaguya Shinomiya from Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War is worth mentioning as well.
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