The Best Female Characters Anime Has Given Us

Historically, some of the best-known series in manga and anime are shonen, or stories that focus on the coming-of-age journeys of boys and young men. However, the most popular anime are those with female characters who are just as fascinating, fierce, and fun, if not more!

With so many great characters to choose from, we had a hard time choosing only a few of our favorites. Read on to see just a glimpse of the best female characters that anime has given us to date!

Maomao

Apothecary Diaries became an overnight sensation for its mix of compelling storytelling, clever mysteries, and a cast of characters you can’t help but enjoy following. The series focuses on the lives of women in medieval China’s imperial palace, particularly those of courtesans and concubines. Each woman’s story, personality, and complexities are thoughtfully crafted, but it’s the protagonist and apothecary Maomao who is easily one of the best female characters in recent anime.

	Anya Forger Personality-wise, Anya is the complete opposite of Maomao, but Spy x Family’s Anya shows there is more than one way to solve a good mystery. A telepathic child with her own mysterious past, she uses her powers if not for good, then maybe a little mischief. Besides, any girl who goes waku waku over a cute, fluffy dog is automatically one of the best female characters in anime.
Nezuko Kamado The driving force behind Demon Slayer, Nezuko’s story arc is truly compelling. Transformed into a demon herself, she clings to her humanity and protects everyone around her. Whether fiercely slashing demons or bouncing through the forests in chibi form, it’s no surprise that Nezuko is such an easily likable and popular female anime character.

Mikasa Ackerman

Mikasa is the unflinching Scout Corps soldier from Attack on Titan, and she continues to remain not only the most famous in the series, but one of the best female characters in anime overall. Her intriguing past is what guides her level-headed, no-nonsense approach to combat, duty, and morality.

Dynamic Duos

Some of anime’s best female characters come in pairs. Whether as friends, siblings, mentors, or partners, for some, it’s hard to mention one without the other. Here are a few of our favorites:

Suletta Mercury and Miorine Rembrand

Gundam is one of the anime franchises of all time, and it’s the women who power it all, from the mobile suits to the plots themselves. From Lalah Sune and Sayla Mass to visionary leader Mineva Zabi, each Gundam universe has given us some of the best female characters in anime to date.

Skilled but shy Suletta Mercury, alongside savvy and determined Miorine Rembrand, continue this strong legacy in The Witch of Mercury. As they fight to escape the fates cruelly planned for them, they inadvertently become bound up in each other.

Ayanami Rei and Asuka Langley Sohryu

As two of the best characters from the anime Evangelion, these female characters would both say that their relationship is…complicated. What isn’t as hard to figure out is why their dynamics and dark pasts are a huge reason why people continue to rewatch this classic.

Frieren and Fern

Frieren: Journey’s End is named after the main character and her journey to re-examine the adventures alongside Himmel the Hero. As instantly iconic and popular as this female anime character is, we also have to shout out her apprentice, Fern. The way the two learn from each other is a big part of what makes this series beautiful.

Kagome Higurashi

It turns out that Kagome was no mere middle school student, but arguably the real hero behind the titular Inuyasha. There’s a reason why this gem of an anime stands the test of time, and likely will for 500 more years, and it’s primarily because of the relatability of Kagome and her unwavering strength and kindness.

Jesse from Team Rocket

Jesse from Pokémon's Team Rocket is easily one of any series’ most likable villains, making her one of the best female characters in anime for anyone who loves rooting for the (not so) bad guy (or girl). She, along with James, her partner in crime and in costume-swapping, could never quite catch that Pikachu. But did they have fun along the way and maybe accidentally help some people, too? They sure did!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Sisterhood

Many call Fullmetal Alchemist one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime of all time, and it’s mainly due to its array of strong, complex, and some of the best-written female characters. The anime’s most popular girls and women all deserve recognition, and here are just a few shining examples:

Winry Rockbell

The neighbor and loving childhood friend, Winry’s strength, talent, and feisty personality are what truly define her. Besides, nothing says “girl power” like an innovative and resourceful mechanic!

Riza Hawkeye

Riza is another popular female anime character whose caring side is as strong as her fighting side. She’s another one who has a love interest, but it’s her own fascinating story arc, smarts, and unrivaled skills that ultimately define her.

Olivier Armstrong

The commanding officer of Briggs, this female anime character is the best of the best of the already-elite fighting force. An intelligent and resolute leader and tougher than her mountainside fortress, Commander Armstrong is unwaveringly dedicated to her principles and to the people in her care.

Izumi Curtis

Fueled by grief and regret, her guidance and mentorship are what made the Elric Brothers who they are, and she is a quiet hero of the story. Besides, with just her bare feet and in her bathroom slippers, she can take down any foe, so best not to be on her bad side.

Nina Tucker

The reason why she is a particularly popular female anime character continues to dog us. Sorry, was that too soon?

Nina’s story is brief, but it is so heartwrenching that everyone who watches the show remembers her. She’s not a powerhouse like Olivier or Izumi, but her story leaves an impact.

Studio Ghibli’s Heroines

Similar to Fullmetal Alchemist, you can’t go wrong with any of the female characters from the best-loved anime films of Studio Ghibli and their signature focus on young female protagonists who are all strong, strong-willed, intelligent, and with a zest for life. From resourceful Chihiro of Spirited Away to wolf-riding Princess Mononoke to earth-saving Nausicaä, to love Studio Ghibli is to appreciate female characters who are both inspirational and highly relatable.

The Princesses of Sailor Moon Anime is getting more diverse, and with it, we get to welcome even more female characters who dare us to be bolder, dream bigger, play harder, and think faster. We close out this article by celebrating the literally transformative Sailor Moon, the shojo that has inspired countless girls and women, and across generations. From villain queens to planet-saving princesses to a talking cat, Sailor Moon’s female characters are some of anime’s best of all time, because they have stood the test of time.

Who are your favorites? Let us know by getting social with us!

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