With such a positive start to 2022, with recent anime releases like Attack On Titan, Demon Slayer, and many more, anime has spotlighted numerous excellent female characters. While male anime protagonists are still generally the norm, anime still offers a wealth of interesting female characters that can’t help but steal away the attention.
From strong leading ladies to heart-wrenching love interests, no matter the plot or genre of the anime, female anime characters have captured the hearts of fans. Despite not necessarily being in the leading role, these anime women proved themselves to be fan favorites among anime fans and voters on Ranker.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Yumeko Jabami: Kakegurui
As the charismatic leading lady from Kakegurui, Yumeko Jabami is the perfect example of an anime character where one doesn’t necessarily have to have watched the series to recognize her. Enrolled in a school for gambling, this thriller anime ranks students by their winnings.
A prolific and eccentric gambler, her addiction to the thrill of a game is somehow both exaggerated and realistic and her deadly and disturbing expressions work to draw the audience in. While she may not be the most wholesome character, she is certainly an interesting, well-written, and strong female lead in this anime series.
Akame: Akame Ga Kill!
This action anime focuses on a group of assassins set to rebel against a corrupt government. As the titular character in Akame Ga Kill!, Akame is a character who, at first, comes across as a cold-blooded killer.
However, she has much more depth than that and often suppresses her emotions, meaning that while fans get to see her merciless, deadly side during epic fight scenes, there is also a balance of emotion too. Easily one of the most powerful characters in the show, this balance in her personality makes her easy to enjoy watching, as the audience follows her journey through the series.
Shōko Nishimiya: A Silent Voice
Despite not being an anime series, the female protagonist of the instant anime classic movie, A Silent Voice, Shōko Nishimiya quickly stole the hearts of fans. A story that focuses on the effects of bullying and a blossoming connection between two high schoolers, the film tackles many heavy topics.
Clinically deaf and with a pure heart, she comes across as highly likable due to her sweet nature. While she may not have too strong of a personality, she nevertheless formed deep connections with fans. Her personal struggles with both her physical and mental health made her both sympathetic and relatable to audiences, cementing her firmly as one of the best female anime characters out there.
Sasha Braus: Attack On Titan
On the brink of extinction, humanity must survive behind walls to escape the man-eating Titans. While being one of the main supporting characters in Attack On Titan, Sasha Blouse quickly became popular despite her lack of screentime in comparison to other characters in the show.
Affectionately named Potato Girl, Sasha often provides the much-needed comedic relief in the midst of a dramatic and, at times, heavy series. Her overenthusiastic love for food and positive relationships with other characters made her one of the most likable and well-loved characters in the series making her one of the most popular female anime characters of all time.
Nobara Kugisaki: Jujutsu Kaisen
A fantasy anime focuses on a secret organization set to rid the world of demonic curses, as one of the female leads in the action-packed series Jujutsu Kaisen Nobara stands out among the other characters in the show for being one of the best depictions of a strong female role.
She also provides plenty of funny moments and isn’t ever afraid to share her opinions. On top of this, her unique powers are visually interesting and despite her strong competition, she stands out as one of the best female characters.
Mai Sakurajima: Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
This comedy-drama anime series follows the story of a high schooler’s life, which changes drastically when he sees a wild bunny girl that seems to be invisible to others around him.
The heroine and protagonist of Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, Mai Sakurajima often comes across as a polite but serious individual, however, it’s her moments of becoming easily flustered that fans find the most endearing. Her characterization is arguably more realistic than a typical anime character and her popularity with fans was clear when she won Crunchyroll’s Best Girl award, becoming their Eighth Best Girl in 2019.
Violet Evergarden: Violet Evergarden
This short anime series follows a girl who wants to understand herself and find the meaning of love in the wake of war. The titular main character in this drama anime of the same name, Violet Evergarden is a character who audiences and fans can connect with deeply as they follow her journey through the emotional highs and lows of the series.
The beauty of the show is reflected throughout in her character and while the anime is short, the emotional story that surrounds Violet Evergarden instantly hooks and cements her as a fan-favorite with anime lovers.
Mikasa Ackerman: Attack On Titan
A character built on love and dedication, Mikasa Ackerman’s loyalty to the main character, Eren, is one of the reasons why she is the most popular female character in Attack On Titan.
While these aspects of her personality could mean that she is left on the sidelines, this is far from the truth, as she is grounded in her strong mentality and physical abilities. Her tragic past and stoic but caring personality are also what makes her popular among fans.
Shinobu Kocho: Demon Slayer
This highly popular fantasy anime follows a group of demon slayers but focuses heavily on the humanity behind each character. Despite her position as a side character in the anime, so far, Hashira Shinobu Kocho has become a popular favorite with fans.
One of the most interesting aspects of her character is the way in which she holds onto the negative parts of herself, her anger at the past, in particular, drawing fans into her character, especially when paired with her quiet stoic but deadly nature. A lot of mystery surrounds her character and anime fans are eager to see more of what will unfold for her.
Nezuko Kamado: Demon Slayer
Inarguably the most popular female anime character is the female lead of Demon Slayer. Despite being turned into a demon, her cute and caring nature towards her brother, Tanjiro, makes her a very easily likable character.
While she doesn’t get as much time on screen as her fellow main characters, when she does appear, she manages to make a big impact, whether it be from her wholesome moments or her recent epic transformations.