Top 15 Anime With Strong Female Characters

strong female characters

Top 15 Anime With Strong Female Characters (Ranked 2023)

For this list, we're taking the anime with not one or two, but several strong, strong, well-written female characters who also impact the plot. Some of them have women as the protagonists while in others the supporting characters are just as intriguing as the main characters.

Now, without further ado, let's jump straight into the top 15 anime with strong female characters.

Top 15 Anime With Strong Female Characters

15) Yashahime: Half-Demon Princess

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon

Strongest female characters: Towa Higurashi, Setsuna, Moroha, Kagome Higurashi

Anime Name Hanyou no Yashahime: Sengoku Otogizoushi
MAL ratings 6.71
Number of episodes 48 (2 seasons)
Genres Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural
Studio Sunrise
Broadcast 2020 – 2022

Although Yashahime hasn't received the same critical acclimation as its previous series, the series still stands out with its three female main characters.

Towa and Setsuna are the titular half-demons, with Moroha being the daughter of Inuyasha and Kagome, the protagonists of the prequel series. The girls prove that fights can be just as awesome with female fighters as they are with male fighters.


14) Aria the Scarlet Ammunition

Aria the Scarlet Ammo

Strongest Female Characters: Aria Holmes Kanzaki, Riko Mine, Shirayuki Hotogi, Reki

Anime Name Hidan no Aria
MAL ratings 6.80
Number of episodes 12
Genres Action, Comedy, Romance
Studio JCS Staff
Broadcast 2011

Aria the Scarlet Ammo is one of those anime that contains more female characters than male. But unlike most anime of this type, the female characters in this anime are all awesome and powerful.

They are talented fighters who will not hesitate to make any man eat their own words. Characters like Aria, Riko, Reiki, Jeanne are a treat to watch.


13) High School DxD

High School DxD

Strongest female characters: Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, Koneko Toujou, Raynare

Japanese name Dxd high school
Rating BAD 7.34
Number of episodes 48 (4 seasons)
Gender Comedy, Romance, Ecchi, Harem
Studio(s) KNP
Broadcast 2012 – 2018

Although High School DxD is remembered for its heavy use of ecchi elements, people often overlook the strength of its female characters. Most of the girls in Issei's harem are not damsels in distress and can hold their own against anyone. Some, like Rias and Akeno, are even stronger than our hero himself.


12) Akame ga Kill!

Akame ga Kill!

Strongest female characters: Akame, Esdeath, Mine, Leone

Anime Name Akame ga kill
Rating BAD 7.47
Number of episodes 24
Genres Action, Fantasy
Studio White fox
Broadcast 2014

Akame ga Kill! is controversial for killing off its main characters in a brutal manner. But another defining point of the anime is its strong female characters.

The titular Akame and the anime's sadistic villain, Esdeath, are two best examples of this. Besides them, the anime also has Mine, Chelsea, Najenda, Leone, Sheele among the strong female characters.


11) Fairy Tale

Fairy Tail

Strongest female characters: Erza Scarlet, Selena, Mirajane Strauss, Mavis Vermillion

Anime Name Fairy tale
Rating BAD 7.66
Number of episodes 328 (3 seasons)
Gender Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Ecchi
Studio(s) Satellite, A-1 Photos
Broadcast 2009 – 2019

Fairy Tail is one of the most shonen anime out there, known for its stunning fight sequences and liberal use of ecchi elements. Another great thing about this anime that sets it apart from other shonen anime is its female characters.

From Erza, Lucy, Juvia to Minerva, Ilene, Ultear, it contains many female characters that not only look great and are used in romantic contexts.

These characters all possess great power and will give a hard time to all the men in the series. This is why Fairy Tail is one of the best anime with strong female characters.


10) Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon

Strongest female characters: Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Venus, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury

Anime Name Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
MAL ratings 7.72
Number of episodes 200 (5 seasons)
Genres Fantasy, Romance
Studio Toei Animation
Broadcast 1992 – 1997

If the discussion is about great anime with strong female characters, one can't help but mention Sailor Moon. An icon of the magical girl subgenre, the anime features a stellar cast of strong female characters.

The titular protagonist and her fellow Sailor Guardians don't need any man to finish their fights for them or protect them from danger. The characters are not only strong but also endearing.


9) Claymore

Claymore

Strongest female characters: Clare, Teresa, Miria, Galatea

Anime Name Claymore
MAL ratings 7.74
Number of episodes 26
Genres Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Studio Crazy's house
Broadcast 2007

Claymore tells the story of man-eating demons known as Youma and female warriors who are a hybrid of humans and Youma, known as Claymores.

It is clear from the synopsis itself that the anime contains many strong female characters. From the protagonist Clare to the other Claymores like Teresa, Miria, Galatea, Irene, this anime is filled with ladies that you will root for with all your might.


8) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia

Strongest female characters: Mirko, Ochako Uraraka, Tsuyu Asui, Himiko Toga

Anime Name Boku no Hero Academy
Rating BAD 7.90
Number of episodes 136 (6 seasons)
Genres Action
Studio Bone
Broadcast 2016 – 2023

My Hero Academia belongs to the new generation of shonen anime where female characters are sidelined and used only in romantic angles.

The women of My Hero Academia, the main and supporting characters, are strong and determined, and no less than any men in the anime.

In fact, some of the most intriguing characters are women. This is undoubtedly one of the best anime with strong female characters.


7) Kill Kill

Kill la Kill

Strongest female characters: Ryuuko Matoi, Satsuki Kiryuuin, Nonon Jakuzure, Ragyou Kiryuuin

Anime Name Kill la Kill
MAL ratings 8.08
Number of episodes 24
Genres Action, Comedy, Ecchi
Studio Triggering
Broadcast 2013 – 2014

Action anime usually have one guy as the central protagonist, but Kill la Kill came in brilliantly and proved what a bad decision that was. With Ryuuko Matoi driving as the main character in search of her father's killer.

All the main characters in this anime are female and all of them are badasses. With stylized action scenes and exaggerated ecchi, this anime made a strong impression with its wonderful female characters.


6) Black clover

Black Clover

Strongest female characters: Noelle Silva, Mereoleona Vermillion, Charlotte Roselei, Vanessa Enoteca

Anime Name Black Clover
Rating BAD 8.14
Number of episodes 170
Genres Action
Studio Pierrot
Broadcast 2017 – 2021

When Black Clover was first released, it was often compared to Naruto for the similarities between their protagonists and the Deuteragonists as well as the big dream the protagonist is working towards.

However, one thing that differs between the two anime is Black Clover's powerful female characters. Unlike Naruto, the women of Black Clover are given ample screen time to show off their fighting skills.


5) Fate/Stay Night: unlimited blade operation

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Strongest female characters: Saber, Rin Tohsaka, Sakura Matou, Illyasviel von Einzbern

Anime Name Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
MAL ratings 8.19
Number of episodes 25 (2 seasons)
Genres Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Studio ufotable
Broadcast 2014 – 2015

The Fate series is as grand as the Holy Grail War itself, with numerous versions and spin-offs. But they all contain strong female characters.

For this list, we are particularly taking Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works which focuses on Rin Tohsaka's journey.

The Fate series has many wonderful and strong female characters like Saber, Rin, Sakura, and Illyasviel, among others.


4) Madoka Magical Girl

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Strongest female characters: Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi, Kyouko Sakura, Sayaka Miki

Anime Name Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
MAL ratings 8.36
Number of episodes 12 + 3 films
Genres Drama, Suspense
Studio TREE
Broadcast 2011

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is great for many reasons. The series not only completely shakes up the magical girl subgenre, but it also contains some strong and interesting female characters.

The girls in this anime all benefit from a well-written background and understandable motivations. The characters are intriguing to watch, with their psychological disorders forming the backbone of the anime.

It will always be one of the best anime with strong female characters.


3) Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan

Strongest female characters: Mikasa Ackerman, Annie Leonheart, Sasha Blouse, Ymir

Anime Name Shingeki no Kyojin
Rating BAD 8.53
Number of episodes 89+ (4 seasons)
Genres Action, Drama, Suspense
Studio Wit Studio (season 1 – 3) MAP (season 4)
Broadcast 2013 – present

The world of Attack on Titan may be dark, but at least there seems to be gender equality. No female character in this anime is without depth or without their own strength.

Mikasa is an iconic badass and force of nature. Annie is one of the best antagonists in anime. Sasha acts as both comic relief and a brave warrior.

Later in the anime we see strong characters like Pieck, Gabi, Ymir and many others. This is a great, compelling anime with strong female characters.


2) Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen

Strongest female characters: Nobara Kugisaki, Maki Zen'in, Mei Mei,

Anime Name Jujutsu Kaisen
Rating BAD 8:65 a.m.
Number of episodes 26 + 1 movie
Genres Action, Fantasy
Studio MAP
Broadcast 2020

Jujutsu Kaisen is the newest anime on this list of anime with strong female characters. Many of the next-gen shonen anime, Jujutsu Kaisen offers better treatments to its female characters.

The women in this anime are particularly vicious and strong, with their main traits not being the typical "nice and sweet" or even "quirky tomboy". But they are quite well developed and powerful.


1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Strongest female characters: Riza Hawkeye, Izumi Curtis, Olivier Mira Armstrong, Lust

Anime Name Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
MAL ratings 9.11
Number of episodes 64
Genres Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Studio Bone
Broadcast 2009 – 2010

Often considered one of the greatest anime of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood boasts a strong, well-written cast of male and female characters.

Characters like Riza Hawkeye and Olivier Mira Armstrong play pivotal roles in the series and are rooted in human characteristics. Another strong female character in the series is Homunculus Lust who plays a crucial role early in the series.

With this, we will conclude the list of 15 best anime with strong female characters. Every anime on this list is very enjoyable and if you haven't seen them yet, check them out now. And be sure to keep an eye out for exciting leaderboards and other anime-related content like this.


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