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Top 15 Anime With Strong Female Characters (Ranked 2023)

Anime has a lot of reasons to be as beloved an entertainment form as it is but it also has some problematic things about it. For example, the female characters in most anime leave a lot to desire. But there are also several anime which contain strong, badass female characters who are well-developed and memorable. This is the top 15 anime with strong female characters ranked.

For this list, we’re taking the anime with not one or two, but multiple strong female characters who are strong and well-written as well as have an impact on the plot. Some of these have females as protagonists while in some, the side characters are just as intriguing as main ones.

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

Top 15 Anime With Strong Female Characters

15) Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon

Strongest Female Characters: Towa Higurashi, Setsuna, Moroha, Kagome Higurashi

Anime NameHanyou no Yashahime: Sengoku Otogizoushi
MAL Ratings6.71
Number of Episodes 48 (2 seasons)
Genre(s)Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural
StudioSunrise
Aired2020 – 2022

Though Yashahime didn’t receive the same critical acclimation as its predecessor series, the show 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 with males.


14) Aria the Scarlet Ammo

Aria the Scarlet Ammo

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

Anime NameHidan no Aria
MAL Ratings6.80
Number of Episodes 12
Genre(s)Action, Comedy, Romance
StudioJ.C.Staff
Aired2011

Aria the Scarlet Ammo is one of those anime that contain more female characters than males. But unlike most such anime, the female characters of this anime are all awesome and powerful.

They are skilled fighters who won’t 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 NameHighschool DxD
MAL Rating7.34
Number of Episodes48 (4 seasons)
GenreComedy, Romance, Ecchi, Harem
Studio(s)TNK
Aired2012 – 2018

Though High School DxD is remembered for its heavy use of ecchi elements, people often overlook the strength of its female characters. Most girls in Issei’s harem are no 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 NameAkame ga Kill
MAL Rating7.47
Number of Episodes24
Genre(s)Action, Fantasy
StudioWhite Fox
Aired2014

Akame ga Kill! is controversial for killing its main characters in brutal fashions. But another characteristic point about the anime is its strong female characters.

The titular Akame and the anime’s sadistic villain Esdeath are two best examples of that. Aside from them, the anime also has Mine, Chelsea, Najenda, Leone, Sheele are also among powerful female characters.


11) Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail

Strongest Female Characters: Erza Scarlet, Selena, Mirajane Strauss, Mavis Vermillion

Anime NameFairy Tail
MAL Rating7.66
Number of Episodes328 (3 seasons)
GenreAction, Adventure, Fantasy, Ecchi
Studio(s)Satelight, A-1 Pictures
Aired2009 – 2019

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

From Erza, Lucy, Juvia to Minerva, Ilene, Ultear, it has plenty of female characters who not only look good and are used in romantic contexts.

These characters all possess great power and will give any men from the show a run for their money. That’s 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 NameBishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
MAL Ratings7.72
Number of Episodes200 (5 seasons)
Genre(s)Fantasy, Romance
StudioToei Animation
Aired1992 – 1997

If the discussion is about great anime with strong female characters, we cannot help but mention Sailor Moon. An icon in the magical girl sub-genre, the anime has 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 relatable.


9) Claymore

Claymore

Strongest Female Characters: Clare, Teresa, Miria, Galatea

Anime NameClaymore
MAL Ratings7.74
Number of Episodes 26
Genre(s)Action, Adventure, Fantasy
StudioMadhouse
Aired2007

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

It’s evident from the synopsis itself that the anime contains plenty of strong female characters. From the protagonist Clare to the other Claymores like Teresa, Miria, Galatea, Irene, this anime is filled with ladies for whom you’ll cheer with all your might.


8) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia

Strongest Female Characters: Mirko, Ochako Uraraka, Tsuyu Asui, Himiko Toga

Anime NameBoku no Hero Academia
MAL Rating7.90
Number of Episodes136 (6 seasons)
Genre(s)Action
StudioBones
Aired2016 – 2023

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

The women in My Hero Academia, both main and side characters are strong and determined, and no less than any man in the anime.

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


7) Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill

Strongest Female Characters: Ryuuko Matoi, Satsuki Kiryuuin, Nonon Jakuzure, Ragyou Kiryuuin

Anime NameKill la Kill
MAL Ratings8.08
Number of Episodes 24
Genre(s)Action, Comedy, Ecchi
StudioTrigger
Aired2013 – 2014

Action anime usually have a guy as the central protagonist, but Kill la Kill came with a bang and proved what a bad decision that is. With Ryuuko Matoi taking the wheel as the main character looking for her father’s killer.

All the main characters in this anime are females and all of them are badasses. With stylized action scenes and over-the-top ecchi, this anime made an impression with its wonderful female characters.


6) Black Clover

Black Clover

Strongest Female Characters: Noelle Silva, Mereoleona Vermillion, Charlotte Roselei, Vanessa Enoteca

Anime NameBlack Clover
MAL Rating8.14
Number of Episodes170
Genre(s)Action
StudioPierrot
Aired2017 – 2021

When Black Clover was first released, it was often compared to Naruto for the similarities between their protagonists and deuteragonists as well as the grand dream that the protagonist works towards.

However, one thing that is different between the two anime is the powerful female characters in Black Clover. Unlike Naruto, the women in Black Clover get plenty of screen time to show off their fighting chops.


5) Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Strongest Female Characters: Saber, Rin Tohsaka, Sakura Matou, Illyasviel von Einzbern

Anime NameFate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
MAL Ratings8.19
Number of Episodes 25 (2 seasons)
Genre(s)Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Studioufotable
Aired2014 – 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’re particularly taking Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works which focuses on the route of Rin Tohsaka.

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


4) Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Strongest Female Characters: Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi, Kyouko Sakura, Sayaka Miki

Anime NameMahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
MAL Ratings8.36
Number of Episodes 12 + 3 movies
Genre(s)Drama, Suspense
StudioShaft
Aired2011

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is great for a lot of reasons. The show not only completely turns the magical girl sub-genre over its head, but it also contains strong, interesting female characters.

The girls of this anime are all given well-written backgrounds and understandable motivations. The characters are intriguing to watch, their psychological turmoil making the backbone of the anime.

It will always be counted among 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 NameShingeki no Kyojin
MAL Rating8.53
Number of Episodes89+ (4 seasons)
Genre(s)Action, Drama, Suspense
StudioWit Studio (season 1 – 3)

MAPPA (season 4)

Aired2013 – present

The world of Attack on Titan might be bleak but at least it seems to have gender equality. No female character in this anime is without depth or their own brand of strength.

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

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


2) Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen

Strongest Female Characters: Nobara Kugisaki, Maki Zen’in, Mei Mei, Yuki Tsukumo

Anime NameJujutsu Kaisen
MAL Rating8.65
Number of Episodes26 + 1 movie
Genre(s)Action, Fantasy
StudioMAPPA
Aired2020

Jujutsu Kaisen is the newest anime on this list of anime with strong female characters. Many many new generation shonen anime, Jujutsu Kaisen provides better treatments for its female characters.

The women of this anime are particularly vicious and strong, their primary traits not being the typical “kind and gentle” or even “quirky tomboy”. But rather, they are well-developed and powerful.


1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Strongest Female Characters: Riza Hawkeye, Izumi Curtis, Olivier Mira Armstrong, Lust

Anime NameFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
MAL Ratings9.11
Number of Episodes 64
Genre(s)Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
StudioBones
Aired2009 – 2010

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

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

With this, we’ll conclude the list of the top 15 anime with strong female characters. Every anime in this list is very enjoyable and if you haven’t seen them yet, check them out now. And make sure to keep an eye on Otakus’ Notes for exciting rankings and other anime-related content such as this.


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