This is a list of the 25 most iconic female anime characters. Some are heroes, some are villains, but all have become icons in their respective genres because they have captivated audiences with their unique personalities and abilities.
The “popular female anime characters” are some of the most iconic females in all of anime. They have been around for decades and have had a significant impact on the genre.
Some anime, however, reduce female characters to little more than visual candy.
We’ve all seen it — fan service is real, and as a cliché, it can reduce any character to a less complicated personality than they should be.
As a counterbalance, we’re honoring the genuinely famous women who have appeared on anime screens over the years. From battle-hardened warriors to the kind of pals you can’t live without, and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.
I’d want to highlight the female characters that aren’t only seen, but also heard. The figures who, by their sheer genius, impacted generations, adaptations, and dedications.
Note: I’ve attempted to keep the list as spoiler-free as possible. However, they were required in one or two entries when discussing the character.
Faye Valentine (#25)
Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese anime series.
Faye Valentine is a figure that is so much more than what she seems to be on the surface, despite her femme fatale aspect.
She’s deceptively competent in a fight and is than capable of handle herself, but she also has a side that values her rag-tag bounty hunting family in the Bebop crew — all while persuading her male colleagues that having a woman on board at all is a good thing.
Imagine having to cope with all of that while also being half a century older than you are, owing to cryo-sleep and her near-total forgetfulness of her past?
It’s no surprise that she’s considered as a physically and intellectually powerful woman.
Yuno Gasai (24), Yuno Gasai (24), Yuno Gasa
Future Diary is an anime series set in the future.
I’m sure you’re thinking something along those lines.
Yuno, the obsessive-compulsive personality on the verge of psychosis? What makes her so well-known?
To put it frankly, she’s the star of the show.
The Queen of Yandere has imprinted herself on the hearts and minds of people as an unstoppable force of nature.
Her single-minded drive makes her difficult to look away from. She is willing to murder to attain her aims.
While the portrayal of mental health difficulties has been critiqued, Yuno is a character that matures with time, eventually becoming more capable of maintaining her composure.
But it’s her initial influence on fans that I’m mentioning as the basis for her position, since she’s hard to forget.
Nana Osaki (number 23)
Nana is a Japanese anime series.
Nana Osaki is a punk-rock star in her own right, as one of two Nanas in the program “Nana.”
The story centres on her and her roommate Nana Komatsu chasing their dreams from their little Tokyo flat – Komatsu hoping to find love and happiness, Osaki wanting to make it famous in the music business.
Nana Osaki portrays not just a well-rounded and well-written character, but a growing and genuine person who seems endlessly sympathetic, as she deals with challenges ranging from heartache to recognizing that some dreams are only ever dreams.
22. Yuuki Asuna
Sword Art Online is an anime series.
You’re about to encounter the greatest sword-swinging healer you’ll ever meet.
Asuna started her time in the Sword Art Online game by hiding in her in-game lodge.
She swore not to let others determine her destiny after a two-week confinement, and proceeded to defeat so many demons that she fell from weariness.
That is, without a doubt, putting life into your own hands!
Asuna is both an intimidatingly strong and truly kind-hearted character in the anime, thanks to her incredible rapier abilities and compassionate personality.
These characteristics demonstrate her ongoing appeal; even on the program, her name precedes her.
Asuna is an excellent example of leading by example.
Tohru Honda is number twenty-one.
Fruit Basket is an anime series about a basket full of fruits.
Kind, kind, and happy-go-lucky are three words that come to me when I think of you.
Tohru Honda might be excused for being a slacker — if she was. She’s just too sweet!
Fortunately, she isn’t a pushover in any way. She not only decides to remove the Zodiac curse that has befallen the Sohma family, but she accomplishes it without sacrificing any of her character in the process.
Tohru is a sophisticated and nuanced character that symbolizes a good feminine personality, despite having a “boy’s name.”
She’s also an accomplished artist. There was no way she wasn’t going to be on this list.
Konata Izumi, number 20
Lucky Star is a Japanese animated television series.
Konata, the Lucky Star crew’s commander, may be the tiniest in appearance, but she’s the biggest in heart and character!
She admits to being an otaku. Konata also has brains and athleticism on her side, even though she plays games much too often to put in the effort.
She’s also adamant about not allowing what people think of her to drag her down.
And it, in my opinion, makes her a role model in her own right.
Konata-chan may be a nerd, but then again, aren’t we all?
Asirpa (19.)
Golden Kamuy is a Japanese anime series.
In the treasure-hunting adventure Golden Kamuy, Asirpa’s first action on screen is to fend off a bear.
It doesn’t get much better than that in terms of character introductions!
Asirpa is unafraid of being sidetracked by the prospect of money; the treasure she wants is retribution for her father’s treachery, not gold.
Asirpa’s hunting and combat abilities make her a dangerous ally as well.
Her impact was so great that she became the official poster girl for the British Museum’s anime display, which says volumes about her value as a character much better than anything I could say.
18. Haru
Beastars is a Japanese animated series.
Haru is one of the more recent additions to our roster, and she is much more than meets the eye.
Despite years of being tormented and persecuted for her sex-positive attitude, she is daring to pursue what she wants.
She is the only member of the gardening club, demonstrating that, despite being treated like a delicate doll, she is in complete control of her life.
Many individuals may have focused on Haru for one reason or another.
Her character, however, demonstrates that she is more than simply a promiscuous woman.
In reality, she demonstrates a strength that is sometimes underestimated when it comes to demonstrating and confirming oneself to her peers.
Natsumi is number seventeen.
Deca-Dence is a Japanese anime series.
Deca-Dence may not be an all-time favorite among anime fans.
However, it demonstrates Natsumi’s resilience in the face of hardship.
She might be excused for depending on others, let alone requiring assistance as a maintenance worker, with a prosthetic right arm.
She is, nevertheless, determined, resolute, and committed to achieving her goal of becoming a genuine warrior.
Despite the hurdles that life has thrown her her.
Her flaw strengthens her character rather than hindering it, making it a driving force rather than a barrier.
16. Soryu Asuka Langley
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a Japanese anime series.
Asuka Langley Soryu is one of the few characters on this list that has polarized views.
The 14-year-old co-protagonist of the blockbuster anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion” has earned a reputation as one of anime’s most popular female characters… It’s also one of the most vexing.
People may alternate between the two because of her depiction as a near polar opposite to male protagonist Shinji Ikari (although she was really planned to be a female main character by herself).
However, there’s no doubting her place in the genre — she’s the archetypal tsundere character, changing from icy and aloof to warm and welcoming as the series progressed.
Whether you like or despise her, she is undeniably legendary and deserves to be on our list.
Sakura Haruno is 15 years old.
Naruto is a Japanese anime series.
Sakura, one of Naruto’s closest comrades, may have started out as a love interest in the anime, but her character grew into so much more as the series progressed.
Sakura debunked the misconception that she was just useful for a romantic subplot by becoming one of the most valuable medical-nin around and showed her value in hand-to-hand combat.
And what happened when she married and had a child?
Sakura kept that mix of family life and village service, demonstrating that she hasn’t lost her mature character’s equilibrium.
Kurisu Makise (14), Kurisu Makise (14), Kurisu
Steins;Gate is a Japanese anime series.
Kurisu has a power and self-assurance that belies her age.
She’s not just one of the show’s most essential characters, but also one of the most important female characters in anime in general.
Kurisu is first suspicious of the show’s depiction of time travel.
Later, her maturity enables her to not only embrace and believe it, but also to contribute to its success.
She could meet an untimely end early on in the play… However, these events set the tone for the whole story.
We won’t be without her fantastic persona for long, owing to good old time travel!
Winry Rockbell (age 13)
FMA: Brotherhood (Anime)
Here’s a lady that is both compassionate and pure-hearted, as well as a fan favorite among the cast of FMA.
Winry accomplished something that few characters (male or female) can: he broke the cycle of vengeance.
When offered the option of killing the person who killed her parents, Winry opted to let go of her rage instead, even going so far as to heal the offender afterwards.
You couldn’t do much worse than have Winry Rockbell on your side, with her abilities to keep Edward and Alphonse on track and her good nature on show at all times.
12. Hana
Wolf Children is an anime series.
It’s difficult enough to go through adversity while you’re young.
But how do you do it once your spouse dies and you have two small children?
That takes a lot of willpower.
Hana, the protagonist of Wolf Children, gets widowed by her werewolf husband (yeah, you read that correctly), which provides her with new obstacles in the shape of her half-wolf children, whom she must raise on her own.
Working full-time as a single mom is difficult enough.
But, given her already difficult existence and the character of her family, Hana deserves to be on this list.
Tatsumaki (No. 11)
One Punch Man is a Japanese anime series.
This is an S-Class hero with unimaginable might.
Tatsumaki’s psychic talents and strength merely go to show that size doesn’t matter when it comes to rescuing the planet.
Tatsumaki thrives as a hero despite being independent and a touch obstinate, slaying foes with a dexterity that few other heroes can match.
Her accomplishments in the show and comics are legendary (she can raise whole towns into the air with full power!). And she manages to accomplish it all with seeming ease.
Tatsumaki is the Hero Association’s most famous ally.
10. Saber
Anime: Fate/Stay Night
Saber is a cornerstone of the Fate series and is probably one of the most popular female characters of all time.
Due of her claim to the throne, her gender is first concealed from the public. She’s also warned that if she pulls the famous sword Caliban, she’ll become the king of Britain and take on all of the people’s responsibilities.
She does it without even pausing to consider it.
Saber is as selfless as they come – and a wonderful example of a real leader – being frigid by choice to protect the people of Britain, even at her own peril.
When she relinquishes the kingdom, her fighting prowess and resolve demonstrate that a crown does not define this character; rather, it is her qualities that do.
Chihiro Ogino (nine)
Spirited Away is a Japanese anime series.
Chihiro did not begin her voyage as a likable figure, learning that you should be cautious what you desire for.
Many people could have mistakenly assumed she was a spoiled brat!
Despite being a tiny kid alone in a (often) frightening world, Chihiro exhibits intelligence and bravery much above her years.
Many anime fans may remember this as one of their first encounters with an anime protagonist.
Any anime fan will remember Chihiro’s metamorphosis from selfish and fearful to deserving hero of the day – and I’m sure most won’t dispute that she merits a spot on this list.
8. Android version 18
Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime series.
You’re already notable if you can go toe-to-toe with Saiyans.
If you can achieve that while keeping Krillin relevant, that’s great.
You’ve been added to the list!
Such is the situation with Android 18, the female twin of Android 17, both of whom are programmed to murder Goku at the start of their android lives.
She changed her tune and became a part of the main cast when that failed (but not before she beat the crap out of Vegeta).
Many young females who saw the presentation were inspired by Android 18.
With her incredible strength and combat prowess, she was not only a match for some of the universe’s most formidable characters… but for a long time, she was also the only female figure who was.
That alone justifies her being here.
7. San
Princess Mononoke is a Japanese anime series.
The Princess of the Forest, who was reared by wolves and has a lot of fighting in her, is one of the most essential female characters in any anime – much alone any Studio Ghibli production.
San teaches us not just how vital it is to conserve the natural environment, but also how crucial it is to be heard and seen in order to do so.
It’s up to us to fight for it!
San is never relegated to the status of a simple amorous object. And she’s an inspiration who won’t give up on protecting the thing she cares about.
Several more characters could be able to take notes…
Tsukuyo (No. 6)
Gintama is a Japanese anime series.
Tsukuyo is the commander of the “Hyakka,” an all-female police force, and she epitomizes what it means to be a strong female leader.
She began shielding illegal courtesans she had been instructed to murder, then welcome them into the Hyakka and faking their deaths at considerable personal danger.
She’s a highly trained ninja who has practically wounded herself to follow in the footsteps of a guardian.
Tsukuyo is a genuine warrior who puts others before himself and fights for what is right.
5. Nami
One Piece is a popular anime series.
Over the years, Eiichiro Oda’s long-running series has featured many armies’ worth of notable characters.
Nami, on the other hand, towers above all of the show’s female characters.
She had intended to make a double cross on the Straw Hats. Nami, on the other hand, had a change of heart and decided to join the team as their navigator.
She’s been an integral member of the family ever then, prepared to risk her life to help them recover the One Piece.
Nami is tough, clever, and courageous, and she embodies everything a character should be while embarking on an adventure – and everything an anime character should be!
Misty Williams is number four.
Pokémon: The Animated Series
By name alone (at least by first name!) Misty is perhaps one of the most well-known characters on this list.
Though you’re a fan, you’ll know that Misty was a wonderful buddy (if a little hot-headed!) to Ash and a compassionate trainer to the Pokémon she met.
Her accomplishments as a Gym Leader speak for themselves, and she has demonstrated that she isn’t all toughness.
Misty is a balanced character who demonstrates what it means to have strengths and weaknesses – like we all do. Whether it was watching after her Togepi or looking after Ash and Brock, Misty is a balanced heroine who illustrates what it means to have strengths and flaws – as we all do.
Tsukino Usagi/Serena
Sailor Moon is a Japanese anime series.
Didn’t we all see this one coming?
The face of the Sailor Senshi illustrates that even a hesitant fighter can make a world of difference with an iconic appearance and a transformation sequence you’ll never forget.
Whether she’s in normal form or as Sailor Moon, she’s able to recognize the good in everyone.
Despite being the most immature of the gang, Usagi always has a lot of heart and grows into an indisputable leader during the course of the program.
Despite the many censoring adjustments made when the program was broadcast in the West, the “Rabbit of the Moon” retained her appeal among anime lovers – proving without a shadow of a doubt that she was a character worthy of admiration.
Mikasa Ackerman is number two on the list.
Attack on Titan is a Japanese anime series.
Mikasa Ackerman is a fierce soldier who was the best ranked soldier in the 104th Training Corps before entering the elite Survey Corps.
There’s not much she can’t do with tactical acumen or pure power.
This makes her a dangerous foe as well as a fantastic friend.
She’s worth “100 troops,” according to one character in the episode.
And it’s easy to understand why when you witness her take down Titans with an almost elegant ease.
Motoko Kusanagi, No. 1
Ghost in the Shell is a Japanese anime series.
It wouldn’t be feasible to compile a list like this without include The Major, right?
Her “ghost in the shell” (her human spirit in her cyborg body) keeps her caring for her coworkers and friends, despite her occasionally icy demeanor.
She’s also a brilliant hacker, warrior, and lover on occasion.
Motoko has often shown that she can outperform the rest of her unit (Section 9) on her own.
She has no fear of anything, to the point that she has to be instructed not to “do anything dumb.”
She’s prepared to put herself in harm’s way if it means safeguarding the public.
I can’t think of a finer character to represent what this list is all about than this one.
The “popular female anime characters 2018” is a list of the 25 most iconic female anime characters of all time. The list includes names such as Sailor Moon, Princess Mononoke, and Madoka Kaname.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous female anime character?
A: The most famous female anime character is probably Sailor Moon.
What anime has best female characters?
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