Summary
- Yumeko Jabami from Kakegurui is an interesting, well-written, and strong female lead in this anime series centered around gambling. (100 characters)
- Shōko Nishimiya from A Silent Voice is a likable and relatable character who deals with the effects of bullying and connects deeply with the audience. (100 characters)
- Jolyne Cujoh from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean surpasses expectations with her unbreakable determination, tough fights, and tragic story, ranking her among the best anime characters. (100 characters)
It's no understatement to say that women are the backbone of anime, naturally making fans try to rank the greatest female anime characters. While male anime protagonists are still generally the norm, anime still offers a wealth of interesting female characters that can't help but steal the show. From strong leading ladies to heart-wrenching love interests, no matter the plot or genre of the anime, female anime characters have captured the hearts of fans.
Though stereotypes might reduce women in anime to one-dimensional love interests, the truth is that women in anime are just as diverse as their male counterparts. Though shojo anime is always a great source of female characters, even shonen anime has its share of interesting women. Great female characters can be found in every genre of anime, making ranking the best difficult. In a way, the best female anime characters can almost be considered a reflection of the industry as a whole.
12 Yumeko Jabami - Kakegurui
Animated By Mappa & Based on the Manga By Homura Kawamoto & Tōru Naomura
As the charismatic leading lady from Kakegurui, Yumeko Jabami is the perfect example of an anime character where one doesn't necessarily have to have watched the series to recognize her. Enrolled in a school for gambling, this thriller anime ranks students by their winnings. A prolific and eccentric gambler, Yumeko's addiction to the thrill of a game is somehow both exaggerated and realistic, leading her deadly and disturbing expressions work to draw the audience in. While she may not be the most wholesome character, she is certainly an interesting, well-written, and strong female lead in this anime series.
11 Shōko Nishimiya - A Silent Voice
Animated By Kyoto Animation & Based on the Manga By Yoshitoki Ōima
Despite not being an anime series, the female protagonist of the instant anime classic movie, A Silent Voice, Shōko Nishimiya quickly stole the hearts of fans. A story that focuses on the effects of bullying and a blossoming connection between two high schoolers, the film tackles many heavy topics. Clinically deaf and with a pure heart, Shōko comes across as highly likable due to her sweet nature. While she may not have too strong of a personality, she nevertheless formed deep connections with fans. Her personal struggles with both her physical and mental health made her both sympathetic and relatable to audiences, cementing her firmly as one of the best female anime characters out there.
10 Jolyne Cujoh - JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean
Animated By David Productions & Based on the Manga By Hirohiko Araki
As the daughter of one of anime and manga's most legendary heroes, Jotaro, Jolyne had a lot to live up to with her debut in part 6 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Luckily for fans of the franchise, Jolyne not only lives up to her mythic father, she exceeds him in many ways. What defines Jolyne is her unbreakable determination. Jolyne experiences some of the series' toughest fights, and yet every time she gets back up ready to fight again. On top of that, Jolyne's story is a tragic one as she experiences some of the most heartbreaking moments in JoJo's history. All of that adds up to Jolyne earning a respectable rank among the best anime characters of all time.
9 Nobara Kugisaki - Jujutsu Kaisen
Animated By Mappa & Based on the Manga By Gege Akutami
As one of the female leads in the action-packed series Jujutsu Kaisen Nobara stands out among the other characters in the show for being one of the best depictions of a strong female role. Strong in both will and physicality, Nobabra is a serious threat. She also provides plenty of funny moments and isn't ever afraid to share her opinions. On top of this, Nobara's unique powers are visually interesting and despite her strong competition, she stands out as one of the best female characters.
8 Power - Chainsaw Man
Animated By Mappa & Based on the Manga By Tatsuki Fujimoto
Chainsaw Man is filled with powerful women, and though Power might not be the strongest, she certainly ranks as the most interesting and likable. Power is a deceptive character who is so much more than her first impressions suggest. Initially appearing to Denji and viewers as a completely irredeemable narcissist, Chainsaw Man slowly reveals there are layers to the seemingly one-note heroine. Power's over-the-top exterior makes it all the more heartwarming when she genuinely bonds and grows to care for her friends Denji and Aki. There aren't many anime characters who have had fans laughing out loud quite as much as Power, earning her a high ranking among the greatest women in anime.
7 Violet Evergarden - Violet Evergarden
Animated By Kyoto Animation & Based on the Light Novel By Kana Akatsuki & Akiko Takase
Violet Evergarden follows the titular heroine who wants to understand herself and find the meaning of love in the wake of war. Violet is a character who audiences and fans can connect with deeply as they follow her journey through the emotional highs and lows of the series. The beauty of the show is reflected throughout in her character and while the anime is short, the emotional story that surrounds Violet Evergarden instantly hooks and cements her as a fan-favorite with anime lovers.
6 Nezuko Kamado - Demon Slayer
Animated By Ufotable & Based on the Manga By Koyoharu Gotouge
One of the most popular female anime characters of all time is Nezuko from Demon Slayer. Despite being turned into a demon, her cute and caring nature towards her brother, Tanjiro, makes her a very easily likable character. While she doesn't get as much time on screen as her fellow main characters, when she does appear, she makes a big impact, whether it be from her wholesome moments or her recent epic transformations.
5 Major Motoko Kusanagi - Ghost in the Shell
Animated By Production IG & Based on the Manga By Masamune Shirow
Major Motoko Kusanagi from the Ghost in the Shell franchise is one of the most iconic women in anime history. Whether it be her appearance in the 1995 classic film or her appearance in Stand Alone Complex, Kusanagi is always a compelling presence whose power and introspection draw viewers in. The Major's existence as essentially a brain in a robot body raises numerous deep questions about identity and what it means to be human. It's ultimately these questions and the Major's response to them that make her one of anime's deepest female characters.
4 Utena Tenjou - Revolutionary Girl Utena
Animated By J.C. Staff & Created By Be-Papas
Few anime women are as subversive as the titular heroine from Revolutionary Girl Utena. More than living up to her title as revolutionary, Utena subverts classic anime and fairytales alike by vowing to one day become a valiant prince instead of a princess in need of rescuing. This one decision sends her life on a collision course with the Student Council of Ohtori Academy who secretly duel for the hand of the Rose Bride, Anthy. What follows is a story that explores gender identity, sexuality, and the power of the stories. At the heart of all of it is Utena, a girl whose dedication to her convictions marks her as one of anime's greatest female characters.
3 Mikasa Ackerman - Attack On Titan
Animated By WIT & Mappa, Based on the Manga By Hajime Isayama
A character built on love and dedication, Mikasa Ackerman's loyalty to the main character, Eren, is one of the reasons why she is the most popular female character in Attack On Titan. While these aspects of her personality could mean that she is left on the sidelines, this is far from the truth, as she is grounded in her strong mentality and physical abilities. Mikasa's tragic past and stoic but caring personality are also what makes her popular among fans. The central conflict of Mikasa's devotion to Eren brushing up against doing what's right also make her one of the most fascinating female anime characters.
2 Chihiro Ogino - Spirited Away
Spirited Away is the only anime film to ever win an Oscar for good reason, and a large part of that is its protagonist, Chihiro. A startlingly accurate portrait of a girl on the edge of adulthood, Chihiro is one of the most realistic anime characters of all time. Though she might initially come across as whiny to some, watching her grow and mature throughout her experiences in the bathhouse is genuinely heartwarming. Chihiro's journey into adulthood is not an easy one, but that's what makes it so powerful and what makes her one of anime's greatest female characters.
1 Mima Kirigoe - Perfect Blue
Animated By Madhouse & Based on the Novel By Yoshikazu Takeuchi
The late Satoshi Kon's first anime film, Perfect Blue, focuses on a former idol named Mima. Unfortunately for Mima, her post-idol career is interrupted by an obsessed former fan-turned-stalker. What follows is a slow-motion psychological breakdown as Mima's sense of self and reality deteriorates day by day. Mima's quest to reclaim her identity isn't just a fascinating character study, it's also a brutal deconstruction of the culture of possession surrounding idols. It's heartbreaking to watch Mima lose her sanity, which makes the brief glimmers of hope all the more uplifting. Mima's story might have its tragic moments, but it's ultimately a cathartic story that leaves Mima as anime's greatest female character.