Best Female Anime Characters - Top 10 Iconic Anime Girls
by Subhashree M | Updated Mar 16, 2023
Anime Women
Anime, which originated in Japan, is a form of hand-drawn and computer-generated animation. When referred to in English outside of Japan, the term anime specifically pertains to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and Japanese, the term anime (derived from the English word animation) is used to describe all forms of animated works, regardless of their style or origin. Similar animation produced outside of Japan is commonly referred to as anime-influenced animation. Commercial Japanese animations date back to 1917, with a distinctive art style emerging in the 1960s with the works of Osamu Tezuka. Today, anime is distributed through various channels such as theatrical releases, television broadcasts, home media, and the Internet. It includes original works and adaptations of manga, light novels, or video games, and is classified into numerous genres to target various audiences.
Best Female Anime Characters
The world of anime is filled with some of the most iconic and beloved female characters in all of fiction. From skilled warriors to compassionate heroines, the best female anime characters are complex, multifaceted, and unforgettable. Some of these characters are strong physically, such as Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan or Ryuko Matoi from Kill la Kill, who can take on any foe with their incredible strength and skill. Others, like Akane Tsunemori from Psycho-Pass or Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell, are brilliant thinkers and strategists who can outwit their opponents with their intellect alone.
S.No
Anime Characters Female
1
Mikasa Ackerman
2
Hinata Hyuga
3
Asuna
4
Nezuko Kamado
5
Motoko Kusanagi
6
Nobara Kugisaki
7
Nico Robin
8
Kaguya Shinomiya
9
Tohru Honda
10
Erza Scarlet
Top Anime Female Characters
1. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan
Mikasa Ackerman is the most dominant and established female character in Attack on Titan, a popular anime with numerous strong female leads. She is an unwaveringly loyal friend to the protagonist Eren Jaeger and has one of the most tragic backstories in the series, having witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. Consequently, she was raised by Eren's family and committed herself to safeguard Eren. Mikasa remains unfazed even when fighting against deadly Titans, but her overwhelming devotion to Eren causes her to assume excessive responsibilities, leading to a darker character arc as the plot unfolds.
2. Hinata Hyuga – Naruto
Naruto, an anime series adapted from a popular manga, is widely recognized for its enduring popularity. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a ninja orphan with aspirations of becoming his village's leader and strongest ninja. Hinata of the Hyuga clan is initially portrayed as a delicate and kind girl, rejected by her father when she fails to meet his expectations. Despite this setback, Hinata persists and learns to be more assertive through Naruto's influence. Hinata is a unique anime character, renowned for her beauty and unconventional traits. Throughout her arduous journey, Hinata transforms from a timid girl to a fearless member of Team 8. Her unwavering support of Naruto, even after the Fourth Great Ninja War, results in a heartwarming conclusion.
3. Asuna Yuuki – Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online features Asuna Yuuki as its primary female lead character. The anime takes place in 2022, where thousands of players are trapped within a virtual MMORPG. Kirito, an avid gamer, investigates the phenomenon and searches for a way out. Asuna is introduced as a compassionate and resilient young woman whose life is transformed by her encounter with Kirito in the game world. Asuna is one of the most well-developed characters in the anime, and while some of the storylines depict her as emotionally reliant on Kirito, she is far from being a damsel in distress. Asuna is a powerful decision-maker in the series, and her choices often have significant consequences. Yet, throughout her struggles, Asuna remains grounded in her humanity.
4. Nezuko Kamado – Demon Slayer
Nezuko Kamado is a pivotal character in the dark fantasy anime series Demon Slayer and has quickly become one of the most beloved female anime characters. She is a shining star in the series and is worth keeping an eye on. The heart of the anime revolves around Nezuko's relationship with her brother, Tanjiro, as they become the only survivors of a demon attack. Unfortunately, Nezuko begins to transform into a demon. To preserve her humanity, Tanjiro sets out on a mission. Despite her transformation, Nezuko is unlike any other demon in the series, with many nuances to her demonic form. Additionally, she is a capable fighter and does not require her older sibling to rescue her.
5. Motoko Kusanagi – Ghost in the Shell
Major Motoko Kusanagi, the protagonist of Masamune Shirow's manga series Ghost in the Shell, is one of the most badass female anime characters. She is an advanced cyborg with a human brain and leads Public Security Section 9, tackling the most notorious technology-driven crimes in a futuristic dystopian society. Despite her immense responsibility, the most intriguing conflict with Kusanagi is the tension between her mechanical and human selves. Throughout the 1995 movie, the sequels, and later in the series, Kusanagi deeply reflects on how her cybernetic enhancements have impacted her humanity. While there have been many female cyborg characters in anime, such as Alita and Mardock Scramble, Kusanagi's identity crisis raises profound philosophical questions about humanity, leaving viewers contemplating her character long after the show ends.
6. Nobara Kugisaki - Jujutsu Kaisen
Nobara Kugisaki is a character in the anime and manga series Jujutsu Kaisen. She is a student at Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College and a member of the Jujutsu Sorcerer team led by Satoru Gojo. Nobara has a sassy and confident personality, often making sarcastic remarks toward her fellow teammates. She is skilled in cursed techniques that allow her to control and manipulate nails, which she uses as a weapon in battles against cursed spirits. Nobara is also known for her fashion sense, often wearing trendy and stylish outfits during missions. Despite her tough exterior, Nobara has a caring and empathetic side, especially toward her close friends and teammates.
7. Nico Robin - One Piece
Nico Robin is a character in the anime and manga series One Piece. She is a former member of the criminal organization Baroque Works and is currently a member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Nico Robin possesses the ability to use the Hana Hana no Mi devil fruit, which allows her to sprout multiple copies of her body parts from any surface she touches. She is also a highly skilled archaeologist and historian, with a vast knowledge of the world's history and the ability to read Poneglyphs, ancient stones that hold important information about the lost civilization. Despite her cold and distant demeanor, Nico Robin deeply cares for her crewmates and is willing to risk her life to protect them. Throughout the series, she struggles with her traumatic past and the betrayal she faced from her former allies, but ultimately finds a sense of belonging and acceptance with the Straw Hat crew.
8. Kaguya Shinomiya - Kaguya-Sama
Kaguya Shinomiya is a character in the romantic comedy manga and anime series "Kaguya-sama: Love is War". She is a high school student and the vice president of the student council at Shuchiin Academy, one of the most prestigious schools in Japan. Kaguya comes from a wealthy and influential family and is known for her intelligence, beauty, and elegance. She is also extremely competitive and cunning and enjoys playing mind games with her rival and fellow student council member, Miyuki Shirogane, whom she secretly has feelings for.
9. Tohru Honda - Fruits Basket
Tohru Honda is the main character of the anime and manga series "Fruits Basket." She is a kind and optimistic girl who, after her mother's death, ends up living in a tent on the property of the wealthy Sohma family. Tohru is determined to make a life for herself despite her circumstances, and she ends up being taken in by the Sohmas. She learns that the Sohmas are under a curse that turns them into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Tohru becomes determined to break the curse and help the Sohmas find happiness. Her kindness and positive attitude have a profound impact on the Sohma family, and she becomes an important figure in their lives.
10. Erza Scarlet – Fairy Tail
The Fairy Tail manga series follows Lucy, a young aspiring wizard who desires to join the legendary guild known as 'Fairy Tail' in a world where magic is ubiquitous. Among the guild's members is Erza Scarlet, a fierce warrior woman who can intimidate her foes into submission with ease. Erza is a highly independent and motivated individual who rarely requires assistance from others during her missions. Her fighting skills are diverse, and even when she's vulnerable, she can deliver a decisive blow. With her indomitable will, Erza Scarlet is undoubtedly one of the most powerful female anime characters out there.
Top 10 Anime Girls
S.No
Anime Girls
1
Nico Robin
2
Lum
3
Power
4
Makima
5
Charlotte Linlin
6
Anya Forger
7
Kaguya Shinomiya
8
Yor Forger
9
Shoko Komi
10
Hana Ichijo
Who is the Best Female Character in Anime?
Mikasa Ackerman is a character in the popular anime series Attack on Titan. She is one of the main protagonists of the show and is known for her incredible strength, agility, and combat skills. Mikasa is the last surviving member of the Ackerman family, and after being rescued by Eren Yeager, she becomes fiercely loyal to him and dedicates her life to protecting him from harm. Mikasa's backstory and character development make her one of the most complex and interesting female characters in anime. She struggles with trauma from her past and her identity as a member of a persecuted minority group. Despite her tough exterior, Mikasa is also shown to have a softer side and deeply cares about those close to her. Her determination, loyalty, and skill in battle have made her a fan favorite and cemented her as one of the best female anime characters of all time.
Which Anime Girl is Popular?
The female protagonist of Demon Slayer, Nezuko Kamado, is widely considered the most popular female anime character. Despite her transformation into a demon, her endearing and affectionate demeanor towards her brother Tanjiro has made her a highly appealing character.
Anime Girl Characters
Anime girl characters refer to female characters featured in Japanese animated productions, commonly referred to as anime. These characters can range from protagonists, supporting characters, and antagonists, and often have unique personalities, appearances, and storylines. Some popular examples of anime girl characters include Sailor Moon, Asuka Langley Soryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan, and Kagome Higurashi from Inuyasha.
Best female Anime characters-FAQ
It's subjective and varies from person to person, but some popular choices include Sailor Moon, Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell, and Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan.
It could be a combination of factors, including the character's personality, backstory, development, powers, and impact on the story and viewers.
Yes, many female anime characters are considered role models, such as Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell, Haruhi Suzumiya from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Lina Inverse from Slayers.