Anime Girl Characters: The Best Female Characters in Anime

Nate Scott

December 6, 2024
anime girl

What makes anime shows enticing is the persona of the protagonist and iconic anime girl characters. No matter how intense the story may be, the presence and role of the female character bring strong emotion and depth to the scene.

A prime example is the scene from Attack on Titans where protagonist Eren Yeager gives his scarf to Mikasa. This scene had strong depth and a meaningful arc throughout the show; even if fans forget other crucial moments, the scarf scene is something that holds a special place in everyone’s heart.

Because anime girls are popular and loved by fans, we have prepared a list of the best hottest anime characters. These female anime characters have left an impactful presence on the show and deserve recognition.

Top 10 Anime Girl Characters by Fans: The Most Beloved Women in Anime

The anime girl characters that are shortlisted are based on their all-time impact on the show, influence among fans, and charisma of the character. So here are our top 10 female anime characters that dwell in everyone’s heart. 

Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titans)

This would be the first time in anime history that a female side character got more popularity and attention compared to the real protagonist. Mikasa was a show stealer throughout the show, her emotions added depth to the series. Her presence kept audiences hooked, whether it was her action scenes or just a conversation with other characters of Attack on Titans.

The best part about Mikasa was how she developed her maturity and her ability to make decisions. It was just like how an actual human in her situation would behave and made everyone feel like we were encountering not just a character but the soul of the entire show.    

Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer)

Nezuko Kamado

The entire story revolves around Nezuko Kamado, the main protagonist’s sister, Tanjiro Kamado. The story of Demon Slayer starts with how Tanjiro’s sister got infected by Muzan’s blood, turning her into a demon. Tanjiro’s quest is to save her sister, and they go on to face new challenges.

The bond of sister and brother is portrayed in the most wholesome way possible. Nezuko has always been there whenever Tanjiro has his back against the wall, and every time she shows up, the audience can always expect some action.

Moreover, in the entire series, Nezuko is the only character who never trained, but it is her love for Tanjiro that lets her cross all the limits.

Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon)

Sailor Moon

Moving on with the best female anime character, the list will always remain incomplete without adding Sailor Moon. The superheroine and protagonist of the show Sailor Moon has always been a fan’s favorite, as she is a testament to women’s empowerment. 

The character has always been praised for her humor and how she is the perfect portrayal of friendship. Every 90s girl in Japan had a Sailor Moon poster that was enough to define her popularity. 

Chihiro Ogino (Spirited Away)

Chihiro Ogino

Chihiro Ogino is a pure reflection of what women’s determination and confidence look like. Just a single event transformed her from a timid girl to a brave girl who went against supernatural beings.

Considering the fact she was just 10 when her parents were transformed into livestock and showed courage to bring them back from the spirit realm. Her adventure inspired many children to take initiative and be fearless in life. 

Hinata Hyuga (Naruto)

Hinata Hyuga

What is Naruto without Hinata? Among all the characters from Naruto, the most significant impact anyone had is Hinata, and her role became more prominent as the final arc came close. 

What makes her a special anime girl character is her kindness and empathy toward others, even though she has the powers of chakra but never uses them unnecessarily. This teaches audiences to keep their ego aside and stay humble. 

Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle)

Sophie Hatter

Ghibli Studios never fails to amaze us with such diverse characters and the best female portrayal in their movies. After Spirited Away, the best female anime character from Ghibli Studios is our beloved Sophie Hatter. She teaches us to accept our flaws and that real beauty is from the inside and not what people perceive. 

The internal strength depicted by the character easily engraves her place in the top 10 female anime characters. Even being the most vulnerable character in the movie, her unique abilities fix everything. 

Shouko Nishimiya (Silent Voice)

Shouko Nishimiya

A character that is cherished by the audience without even uttering a single word. Shouko Nishimiya is a deaf and mute character from Silent Voice who was bullied in high school by the main protagonist, Shoya Ishida. 

However, the story is based on the POV of Shoya, but it never feels like it is about him due to the strong presence of Shouko. The reason why she deserves to be on this list is due to the fact that she managed to live in a society with such impairment, always keeping a smile on her face. 

She surely hit rock bottom once when she decided to end her life. After this incident, she realizes her mistake and decides to forge a new journey. 

Nami (One Piece)

Nami

One Piece show is no less than a thriller, and its character makes the show even more alive. Nami is an anime girl who never lost her touch and is still loved by fans even after years. 

Her positivity, compassion, and courage make her the iconic female character from One Piece. She has always contributed to plans and is mainly presented as the best supportive character. 

Bulma (Dragon Ball Z)

Bulma

The entire show of Dragon Ball Z is filled with intriguing characters, each representing unique traits. Bulma is a character that has always been the brains for Vegeta and Goku; her innovative ideas and bag full of gadgets always come in handy for the protagonists. 

She is the most underrated female anime character who needs special recognition from fans. Bulma’s spot in the show and contribution as a supportive element surely captivated audiences’ interest. 

Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tale)

Erza Scarlet

One of the strongest characters from Fairy Tales and the perfect combination of beauty with brawn. Erza has a ruthless personality, and there are only a few who can match her aura and fearless attitude. 

Her natural leadership skills and ability to face challenges with determination make her a beloved anime girl. Moreover, the spark on her face and straightforward attitude inspire many girls worldwide. 

These were the all-time top 10 anime girl characters that hold a special place in the hearts of anime lovers. Each year we get to stream new anime shows, and new characters are introduced. Let’s have a rewind and take a look at the best anime girls of 2024. 

Most Popular Anime Girl Characters of 2024: Who’s Leading the Rankings?

Explore the most popular anime girl characters of 2024 and see who’s leading the rankings!

  • Mitsuri Kanroji: The most searched and talked about female anime character is Mitsuri Kanroji from Demon Slayer. Fans can’t wait for the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Arc release to see more of her action. During the Swordsmith arc, Mitsuri was a show stealer and left the fans in awe with her mesmerizing beauty and move-set.  
  • Nezuko Kamado: Yet another popular anime girl of 2024 is from Demon Slayer. IGN has also recognized Nezuko as the most popular character from the show, she is easily considered the backbone of Tanjiro. If it weren’t for her, Tanjiro would have died in the battle on numerous occasions.
  • Emilia: Emilia from Re:Zero gained wider attention mainly due to her dynamic thinking and her reaction, which is very similar to human behavior. Moreover, she is regarded as the cutest girl in the entire series, making her the best portrayal of an anime waifu.   
  • Anna Yanami: Anna’s chaotic personality and fun-loving aura make her the most cheered character from Too Many Losing Heroines. Her mischievous behavior and the way her daily lifestyle is depicted are something every teenage girl could relate to. 
  • Yor Forger: Simple-looking girl who loves cooking food with deadly instincts makes her the most admired waifu material. Her maid costume design is quite popular among anime lovers and worn by many, which displays her popularity in the past year or so. 

Top Female Anime Characters – Most Popular of November 2024

Let’s take a look at the previous month’s popular anime girl characters, who were loved by fans worldwide. Additionally, their popularity grew on social media, meme culture, forums, and discussions about their iconic moments trended widely.

  • Emilia: Emilia is a popular character from Re: Zero mainly due to her mesmerizing looks and positive traits. The chemistry and interaction she has with other characters, especially Puck, show her as an adorable character. Emilia’s purple eyes and frosty hair make her a charismatic character who is adored by viewers worldwide.
  • Tendo: The main female protagonist from Ranma 1/2 has recently gained wider attention, mainly her chaotic life is what compels audiences to keep them hooked. Her struggles and day-to-day life are quite relatable, making her the most likeable female anime character of last month.
  • Kano: What sets Kano apart from other popular anime girls is her character development. Unlike other characters that grow throughout the show, we witnessed the mature character from day one. Her athletic ability and complex persona add to the appealing element, hence growing her popularity.
  • Ayase: Ayase also known as Momo Ayase, is a confident personality who tackles every situation on her own. The biggest key factor of her popularity is her belief system, which also sets an example for audiences. The entire series of Dan Da Dan shows her as a lead female character who sticks to her beliefs.
  • Shihoin: Shihoin’s skills are unmatched in the entire Bleach series. Her speed, agility, ability to transform, and much more intriguing skills make her the most cheered character. Recently her mentions in social media have been boosted, showcasing her popularity among anime lovers.

Anime characters’ roles are not only limited to entertaining their fans but there is always a sense of maturity that inspires many. Moving on let’s list down the top anime girls that fans relate to and consider them as their role models.

Top Anime Female Characters: Why They Resonate with Fans Worldwide

Inspiration can be drawn from anywhere; even the most neglected element of society could be something meaningful for others. It’s no longer a conflicting fact that the characters in anime hold more depth and teach a lot about reality. 

There are some female anime characters that fans across the globe resonate with due to their ability to think and behave in certain circumstances. 

Shouko Nishimiya

Shouko from Silent Voice is a character that perfectly represents introverts. She endured long pain and negligence from society but still held on to tears. Nevertheless, after such harsh treatment, she never blamed society and continued her life without any grudges. 

Shouko is not only a perfect character that people having social issues can relate to but teaches us the power of forgiveness.

Nami

Nami is not only a fun and entertaining character to watch but also holds a depth that only true One Piece fans could notice. Her compassion and empathy often shine through the entire show, where she is always upfront to help others.

Nami’s balance of humor, generosity, and strength makes her one of the iconic anime girls that fans relate themselves to.

Winry Rockbell

Winry Rockbell from Fullmetal Alchemist is regarded as the best-supporting anime character. The reason why anime fans resonate with her lies in emotional depth.

Her kindness sets her apart from other characters, giving her a special focus where, despite the tragedies, she remains resilient. Moreover, even when she gets to know about the murderer of her parents, her choice to forgive and rise above hatred demonstrates maturity and strength.

Daki

Daki might be a demon, but lowkey she was a character fans loved. Her tragic backstory added complexity to the character, where her sibling’s bond was portrayed perfectly. Her story serves as a reminder of how circumstances and choices shape people, sometimes making the person villainous.

Makima

Makima is an enigmatic character from Chainsaw Man; her story and intentions are always kept in the shadows. The twist and unpredictability surrounding the character give her the title of a mysterious anime girl. Her loneliness and inability to form genuine connections hint at an underlying sadness. This tragic aspect makes her somewhat relatable, even as fans condemn her actions.

There are several layers of female anime characters that divide them into several categories. Some fans like those characters based on their strength, and some may consider those portrayals as their inspiration.

Let’s take a look at several of the best anime girl characters based on their intelligence, combat, characterization, and so on.

The Strongest Female Anime Characters: From Combat to Intelligence

A character is considered the strongest when his/her mental and physical abilities are equally higher. These are the strongest female anime characters in terms of combat and intelligence. 

  • Misa Amane: Some popular anime characters drive us to watch their show, only to discover the reason behind the popularity. Misa Amane and Light Yagami are prominent characters from Death Note in the world of anime that are considered the reasons to start watching anime. Misa is a model, but her looks can be deceptive, as she is the most deadly Death Note character due to her high IQ combined with Shinigami eyes. 
  • Yoruichi Shihouin: It’s hard to pen down the reasons why Yoruichi is the strongest female character in Bleach. She can move at incredible speed, transform into a cat, and possess lightning powers, with skilled hand-to-hand combat making her the strongest. 
  • Sailor Moon: Sailor Moon has always been an iconic role model for girls. Since the 90s, her popularity never faded. As the leader of the Sailor Scouts throughout the series, it’s difficult to weigh her actual abilities, which can only be determined towards the end of the show. 

Top 5 Anime Hot Ladies Who Define Empowerment and Strength

There are a majority of anime girls that have portrayed a strong characterization and left an undimmed impression on audiences. Handful of them have captured audiences’ hearts because of their immense strength and how they inspire female spectators. 

1. Lisa Lisa (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Lisa Lisa

Lisa Lisa was a powerful fighter who was shown underpowered throughout the show. She was trained by Straizo, so it’s safe to assume how skilled she was. Lisa knows how to use Hamon, due to which she stays young forever and has a ball of energy through which she portrays immense strength. 

2. Mitsuri Kanroji (Demon Slayer)

Mitsuri Kanroji 

The most talked about and loved Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji has extraordinary skills and abilities which were highlighted during her battle against Zohkuten. She is also the most anime hot lady character of 2024. Even though she has thin limbs, her endurance and strength are unmatched; it is stated that she was just 15 months old when she could lift a 15 kg rock all by herself. 

3. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titans)

Mikasa Ackerman

Mikasa is not just known for her physical strength but her fortitude as well. The show perfectly balanced both attributes, making her the strongest and baddest anime hot lady of Attack on Titans. 

No matter how intense the situation was, Mikasa always had her swords up to tackle the situation. 

4. Annie Leonhart (Attack on Titans)

Annie Leonhart

Annie Leonhart, popularly known as the Female Titan, had the best hand-to-hand combat skills in the entire series. Her skills and cunningness keep her one step ahead and make her the most formidable opponent for anyone. 

5. Tatsumaki (One Punch Man)

Tatsumaki

One Punch Man is a series where every superhero is stronger than the other. Tatsumaki’s powers haven’t been portrayed well till now, but her glimpse looks promising, and we may get to see her most dominant version in season 3. 

These female anime characters are the true representation of empowerment and strength. They not only enthralled their audiences with their depth but also inspired them to bring the best out of themselves. 

The Most Complex Female Anime Characters: A Deep Dive into Their Journeys

Moving further with the list of popular anime girls, there are some characters with complicated self-discovery journey that inspires teenagers. The mind frame of these female anime characters kept audiences hooked.

Mikasa Ackerman | Finding Purpose

A true Attack on Titans fan would surely agree with how complex and evolving the character Mikasa was. She was just a child when her parents died, and she started to live with Eren, and how quickly her entire life turned upside down. 

From being a mercenary to joining the Survey Corps, she couldn’t find her true purpose. Always questioning her destiny, the dilemma of her real identity could be visible on her face. 

Her entire journey accompanying Eren puts her in a state where the thin line between right and wrong starts to get vague for her. Toward the end of the show, she truly gets her purpose and does whatever is necessary.

Kurise Makise | Emotional Issues

Emotional issues have been a prominent subject for the Makise, throughout the Steins Gate series, her presence was quite irritating for audiences. The relationship with her father was traumatizing for her, which could be the major reason for her lack of emotions. 

Her ability to see every situation rationally without emphasizing emotional aspects has made her make some dark decisions. Moreover, her death in the series was quite unfortunate, and the character never got to complete her arc.

Anna Liebert | Moral Dilemmas

Anna from Monsters has a strong sense of what’s right or wrong, but the major flaw of the character lies within herself. Strangled by her past, there is an empathy that is portrayed in her conversation. 

Her goodness is often reflected in her actions, but throughout the show, there are many circumstances where she finds herself in a tricky situation. Just because of her search to find good and deliver the right justice, she often feels misunderstood. 

Sophie Hatter | Strong Will Power

Sophie Hatter is a perfect representation of how looks can be deceiving and what truly matters is the confidence inside of you. She was turned into an old woman by a witch’s curse, and throughout the story of Howl’s Moving Castle, her shoulders were never down. This signifies a strong willpower and a spark to prove that she is capable of a lot more. 

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Anime Girl Characters

These famous anime girl characters have been a testament to empowerment and a perfect representation of the determination of women. Whether it’s the strength of Mikasa or the courage of Chihiro, these female anime characters have engraved a strong presence by breaking all sorts of stereotypes. 

Each character has a unique element forcing us to inherit those qualities and be a better version of ourselves. Furthermore, these top anime girls are merely just sketches but hold depth and soul, giving life to series or movies. 

FAQ

Who is the cutest female character in anime?

It’s hard to name the one cutest character, the handful of them are Nezuko Kamado, Shouko Nishimiya, and Anya Forger.

What were the popular female anime girls of 2024?

Nezuko Kamado, Mikasa Ackerman, Kaguya Shinomiya, Daki, and Mitsuri Kanroji.

What are some popular female anime antagonists?

Daki, Lust from Full Metal Alchemist, and Annie Leonhart.

Nate Scott
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Nate Scott is an anime lover and a dedicated writer passionate about uncovering the secrets of the anime world. He has a deep love for animated series and storytelling. Nate keeps himself updated about the popular manga, upcoming seasons, and anime trends.