Anime girls have unique personalities and killer skills that deserve all the recognition and respect. They may not always be the strongest physically, but their inner strength through intelligence, resilience, and kindness is amazing. This is what makes them stand out in the eyes of the fans.
While plenty of anime heroines in the past weren’t that great, things have definitely gotten better. Now, there are more awesome female characters in anime than ever before, and some of them can definitely hold their own against the craziest monsters. These characters offer more depth and often serve as relatable and empowering role models for both male and female fans.
1. Yoko Littner, Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is well known for its tough female characters, but none of them are quite as impressive as the scantily-clad sniper Yoko. From her very introduction, it’s evident that this fiery redhead is a formidable opponent, showcasing amazing marksmanship that even the main heroes can’t match. While Yoko is definitely a hard operator, she also has a softer side and enjoys being feminine and sweet. She has the perfect combination of strength and beauty, making her a fan favorite from start to finish.
2. Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail’s Erza Scarlet is one of anime’s most iconic sword-wielding heroes. She is an S-class mage and one of the strongest characters in the entire series. Few can match her strength, endurance, and skills. While Erza’s greatest quality is strength, she is also strikingly beautiful. Her red hair and piercing eyes make her stand out from the other girls in the series. With her beauty, wit, and unmatched swordsmanship, Erza Scarlet has quickly become a fan favorite.
3. Rem, RE:Zero
Re:Zero has a colorful cast of characters, however, there’s no denying that Rem is an absolute charmer. She won the hearts of all the viewers with her cute looks, sweet personality, and amazing fighting skills. Despite her initial innocent appearance, Rem is a formidable opponent. But what fans love most about this charming maid is her fierce devotion. Rem is willing to do whatever it takes, and she will stop at nothing to destroy her enemies and protect those she cares about.
4. Rukia Kuchiki, Bleach
Shounen anime are notorious for their lackluster female representation, but Bleach’s Rukia is an exception. Don’t get fooled by her petite size and cute features, as Rukia is a skilled swordswoman with chilling abilities that eventually put her at the top of the league. Rukia can easily fend for herself in battle and stand on equal terms with the rest of the main cast. To this day, she is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise, rivaling even the likes of Orihime and Yoruichi.
5. Bulma, Dragon Ball
In a series like Dragon Ball, it’s only natural that the strongest characters get all the attention. However, those on the battlefield aren’t the only important members of the story. Bulma may not be a fighter, but she has been a major lynchpin in many battles and story arcs. As a brilliant scientist, Bulma’s work and inventions often come in handy and are sometimes even instrumental in saving the world. She’s been in the story since the beginning, and without her, the franchise wouldn’t be what it is today.
6. Mikasa Ackerman, Attack on Titan
Mikasa Ackerman is an outstanding fighter and a tough gal who can take on even the strongest titans. Mikasa is fully devoted to Eren and his cause, and she’ll do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Not only is she a powerful force, but she’s also a really likable and relatable character that many fans have come to adore.
7. Motoko Kusanagi, Ghost in the Shell
Major Motoko Kusanagi is not only the main character of the classic science fiction series Ghost in the Shell, but she’s basically the face of the entire franchise. She is a cyborg who works for the government, and with this line of work, it’s no surprise that Motoko is strong and capable of dealing with almost anyone who stands in her way. Kusanagi is hugely popular among science fiction fans, and her thought-provoking story often leaves viewers wondering about the meaning of life and what makes a person human.
8. Faye Valentine, Cowboy Bebop
Faye Valentine is much more than what she looks like on the surface. Deceptively good in a fight and more than capable of handling herself in almost any situation. She may prefer doing things solo-dolo, but her ragtag family of bounty hunters need her more than they care to admit. Imagine, all that while also having to deal with being 50 years older than you actually are, thanks to cryo-sleep and having no memories of your past life. It’s no wonder she is considered such a strong character, both physically and mentally.
9. Nami, One Piece
After over 25 years, One Piece has introduced countless heroes of all shapes and sizes (quite literally). The series has one of the most colorful and exciting casts of all time, with characters ranging from a pervy cyborg to a talking reindeer who can transform into a monster. Although Nami was introduced at the very beginning of the series, she is still one of the greatest characters in the series. Being on the weaker side, Nami is usually the brains of the operation, as her quick wits and composure keep the rest of the team out of trouble.
10. Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon
There is no doubt that Sailor Moon is one of the most important anime series of all time. Like it or not, this iconic “mahou shoujo” (aka “magical girls”) anime influenced multiple generations in ways no other series could have dreamed of, and even decades later, many still find inspiration in it. Usagi’s role as Sailor Moon brought new popularity to the magical girls genre. She singlehandedly set new standards for future heroines, and many other iconic characters followed in her footsteps.
