Anime's Greatest Women Ranked!

The Influence of Female Characters in Anime

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.

Yumeko flashes red eyes in Kakegurui

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.

A Silent Voice Shoko

The Top Female Anime Characters

As we delve into the world of anime, we encounter a plethora of memorable and influential female characters. Each with their own unique traits, struggles, and impact on the audience, these characters have left an indelible mark on the anime community. Let's take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy female characters in anime and the series that defined them.

Jolyne Cujoh unraveling Stone Free from her hand in Stone Ocean.

Starting with Yumeko Jabami from Kakegurui, she is the charismatic leading lady enrolled in a school for gambling. Her addiction to the thrill of a game is both exaggerated and realistic, drawing the audience in with her deadly and disturbing expressions. Despite her controversial nature, Yumeko is a well-written and strong female lead in the series, showcasing the complexity of female characters in anime.

JJBA-Jotaro-Save-Jolyne

Next, we have Shōko Nishimiya from A Silent Voice, a character who quickly stole the hearts of fans despite being from a movie. Her sweet nature and personal struggles with bullying and deafness made her sympathetic and relatable, firmly establishing her as one of the best female anime characters.

Jolyne Cujoh

Jolyne Cujoh from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is another remarkable character. As the daughter of a legendary hero, Jolyne exceeds expectations with her unbreakable determination and tragic story. Her resilience and strength in the face of adversity place her among the best anime characters of all time.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Jotaro Saves Jolyne

Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen stands out as a strong and opinionated female lead. Her unique powers, humor, and unwavering will make her a serious threat and one of the best depictions of a strong female role in the series.

Jolyen and Ermes slowly turn into snails while standing next to a car in Stone Ocean

Power from Chainsaw Man is a deceptive character with layers that go beyond her initial impression. Her growth and genuine care for her friends elevate her from a one-note heroine to one of the most interesting and likable characters in the series.

Nobara from Jujutsu Kaisen turned to the side in front of window

Violet Evergarden, the titular heroine of her series, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love in the aftermath of war. Her emotional story and relatable character instantly captivate anime lovers, solidifying her as a fan-favorite.

Nobara smirks in Jujutsu Kaisen

Nezuko Kamado from Demon Slayer, despite being turned into a demon, wins hearts with her caring nature and impactful appearances. Her wholesome moments and epic transformations make her one of the most popular female anime characters of all time.

Nobara-Kugisaki

Major Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell is an iconic presence in anime history, known for her power and introspection. Her existence as a brain in a robot body raises deep questions about identity and humanity, making her one of anime's deepest female characters.

Mahito attacks Nobara in Jujutsu Kaisen

Utena Tenjou from Revolutionary Girl Utena is a subversive and revolutionary character who challenges traditional gender roles and fairytales. Her dedication to her convictions and the exploration of gender identity mark her as one of anime's greatest female characters.

JJKs Nobara Kugisaki vs Mohito 4

Mikasa Ackerman from Attack On Titan, built on love and dedication, is a popular and fascinating character known for her loyalty, tragic past, and conflicting emotions. Her strong mentality and physical abilities make her a standout female character in the series.

Power in Chainsaw Man episode 2

Chihiro Ogino from Spirited Away is a realistic and heartwarming portrayal of a girl on the edge of adulthood. Her growth and maturity throughout the film make her one of the most realistic anime characters of all time, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Chainsaw-Man-Cover-2

Finally, Mima Kirigoe from Perfect Blue is a compelling character whose journey to reclaim her identity is a captivating character study. Her story is a brutal deconstruction of the culture of possession surrounding idols, establishing her as anime's greatest female character.

Denji, Power, and Aki from Chainsaw Man

The Legacy of Female Anime Characters

The legacy of female anime characters is one that spans genres, generations, and cultures. These characters have not only entertained and inspired audiences but also challenged societal norms and expectations. From their resilience and strength to their vulnerability and humanity, female anime characters have shaped the landscape of anime and continue to leave a lasting impression on fans around the world.

Power Chainsaw Man

As we celebrate the diversity and depth of female characters in anime, it's evident that their influence goes beyond entertainment. They are a reflection of the industry as a whole, showcasing the complexity and depth of storytelling that anime has to offer. The impact of these characters on the anime community is immeasurable, and their presence will continue to shape the future of anime for years to come.

Chainsaw Man characters Denji, Power and Aki join the mobile game Bloodline in a crossover