Unleashing the Enchanting Power: The Ultimate List of Extraordinary Fantasy Anime Stars

In the realm of anime fantasy, it's no secret that it has predominantly catered to male audiences. However, there are exceptional anime series out there that showcase strong female protagonists for those who are willing to explore beyond the surface. Whether your preference lies in grand, captivating narratives or whimsical satires on traditional fantasy themes, there's a treasure trove of content waiting to be discovered.

Without further ado, we present 10 remarkable fantasy anime series with female leads that every fan seeking more representation should not miss out on. This compilation encompasses both timeless classics and hidden gems, ensuring that whether you are just starting your journey into the world of fantasy anime or have been a devoted fan for years, there's something new and thrilling to captivate your imagination.

10 Frieren

9 Little Witch Academia

Frieren is set in the aftermath of a grand adventure similar to Lord of the Rings. A band of warriors fought against the Demon King for a decade, ultimately saving the world. However, as time has passed, the mortal members of the group have aged while the elf, Frieren, remains unchanged. The anime delves into Frieren's unique perspective on time, mortality, and knowledge. She observes the passage of time through the changes it brings to the world around her. Although the anime is only a few episodes in, it is based on a well-crafted manga and Frieren is an intriguing character who offers a fresh interpretation of fantasy conventions.

Although not classified as a Magical Girl anime, this tale revolves around a group of magic girls. Little Witch Academia follows Akko, an enthusiastic yet magically inept student, as she joins Luna Nova, a witch school, in hopes of emulating her idol, the renowned witch, Shiny Chariot. With her unwavering determination and genuine passion for magic, Akko compensates for her lack of ability. While there is a larger storyline that affects the fate of the entire magical world, Little Witch Academia predominantly offers a comedic portrayal of everyday life in a magical environment. Apart from a few male supporting characters, the cast mainly consists of female students attending Luna Nova. Notably, Luna Nova's professor of Philosophy is a fish wearing a witch's hat.

8 Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid

The narrative of Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid commences with an intriguing Reverse Isekai twist. With a touch of drama, the Dragon Tohru makes her appearance at the doorstep of the unassuming office worker, Kobayashi, assuming a human form. Following a groggy hangover, Kobayashi unexpectedly extends an invitation for the Dragon to reside with her, leading to a complete disruption of her mundane existence. Gratefully, Tohru designates herself as Kobayashi's new maid, setting the stage for humorous moments as the mundane aspects of Kobayashi's life collide with the fantastical nature of the Dragon characters. Notably, the series predominantly features an all-female cast, and their interactions serve as the primary allure of the storyline.

7 Don't Hurt Me, My Healer

The fantasy parody series gets its title from a request made by Alvin, the clumsy novice adventurer, to Carla, the Dark Elf healer and female lead of the show. Carla is more prominent than Alvin, mainly due to the curse she inadvertently places on him; a curse that will take his life if he strays too far from her. Together, they form an inept duo, with Alvin constantly relying on Carla's assistance, only to find themselves in even deeper trouble. The deadpan humor of the series is skillfully maintained in the English dub, which is no small feat considering it adds a significant amount of joy to the anime.

6 Yashahime: Princess-Half Demon

A sequel series called Yashahime continues the beloved and iconic Inuyasha story. Set fifteen years after the original series, it follows the adventures of Towa and Setsuna, the daughters of Sesshomaru, and their cousin Moroha. While the original author, Rumiko Takahashi, had minimal involvement in the sequel, Yashahime successfully captures the tone and visual style of Inuyasha. Although some fans were disappointed with story revelations connecting the two series, Yashahime stands on its own merits and remains compelling.

5 The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated

After the Dark Realm was defeated by a heroic Magical Girl, the once-powerful demon Jahy finds herself banished to Earth. Without her Mana Crystals, she is trapped in a childlike form and must work as a waitress to cover the expenses of ordinary life. While Jahy outwardly claims to be focused on conquering the world and restoring the Dark Realm, her day-to-day reality revolves around struggling to pay rent and provide necessities. The stark contrast between her supervillain nature and the mundane setting creates comedic moments, but the series also explores the relatable theme of working in a dead-end job just to get by. Although Jahy never fully gives up her evil ways, her interactions with Boss and Landlord, her former minion from the Dark Realm, as well as a helpful little girl from the neighborhood who assists her in her quest for Mana Crystals, bring about personal growth and development.

4 Slayers

Existing at the halfway point between parody and a sincere fantasy tale infused with unmistakable Dungeons & Dragons influence, Slayers is a comedic series that follows the journey of the sorceress Lina Inverse and her companions. Packed with a delightful ensemble of absurd yet capable characters, Slayers takes on the task of saving the world in a playful and self-aware manner. While there are moments of genuine tension, the overall tone of the series remains light-hearted. Undeniably the central figure, Lina has recently attained recognition as the main character through the translation of the original light novels into English for the first time.

3 Claymore

Claymore shares similarities with Attack on Titan in terms of its premise - a medieval-fantasy society struggling to survive on an island infested with cannibalistic monsters, relying solely on a select group of highly skilled warriors known as Claymores to defend them. This series features empowered female heroes, who face internal conflicts as they navigate through their monstrous nature. Furthermore, Claymore presents captivating action sequences, challenging the notion that such feats are exclusive to male protagonists. Additionally, it delves into the tension between personal and societal power dynamics, as the Claymores fight to protect a society dictated by male leadership.

2 The Vision of Escaflowne

1 Sailor Moon

The Vision of Escaflowne is widely revered as one of the top anime of the 1990s, having achieved a cult status. Its original airing in the United States was marred by the fact that it never aired in its entirety, adding to its allure. Primarily an Isekai romance tale, the narrative revolves around Hitomi, a high school student who is suddenly transported to the enchanting realm of Gaea. It is here that she encounters Van, the prince of the long-deceased Fanelia empire, who commands Escaflowne, a shape-shifting mechanical warrior fueled by the heart of a dragon. Despite being rooted in romance, Escaflowne enthralls viewers with gripping mecha battles that showcase the harrowing toll on human lives, ultimately contributing to its removal from American television screens.

Sailor Moon, the most iconic and influential Magical Girl series of all time, serves as the quintessential model for female-led fantasy anime. For decades, Sailor Moon has maintained its popularity, with the Sailor Guardians becoming one of the most recognizable teams of heroes in both the anime world and pop culture as a whole. This all-female team epitomizes unity, supporting each other during times of crisis and bringing out the best in one another. Their awe-inspiring power fantasy has been replicated many times, but never surpassed.

Female-led fantasy anime can be a hidden gem for fans to discover, offering a plethora of captivating stories that often revolve around empowering women and girls, showcasing their strong relationships and remarkable independence.