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Table of contents

Highlights

  • Anime shows with strong female leads are becoming more prominent and rivaling those with male leads. The diversity in genres allows viewers to find something that interests them.
  • Some anime, like Puella Magi Madoka Magica, show the dark and dangerous side of being a magical girl, challenging the perception that cute things are always good.
  • Shows like Carole and Tuesday provide healthy rivalries and friendships between female characters, promoting support and growth instead of toxicity.

There are plenty of anime shows out there that have strong female leads. With titles like Sailor Moon, the Ghost in the Shell series, and Revolutionary Girl Utena being some of the most well-known. These titles paved the way for other quality titles with diverse leads.

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Some leading ladies have made their name in the anime world with their strength while others have brains. If there’s one thing they all have in common: it's determination. These ladies won’t let anything stop them from doing their jobs or accomplishing their goals.

Updated on March 15, 2024, by Sarah Prado: There are plenty of anime with female protagonists that have been largely successful thanks to shows like Sailor Moon and Ghost in the Shell. More female-led anime have been steadily popping up and have become some of the best in their respective genres. These leading ladies have the wits, strength, and comedic timing that make them stand out. Viewers won’t be able to look away when watching them because they’re very entertaining to watch. There’s a variety to pick from, but fans who are looking for female-led anime should check these shows out.

30 Legend of Basara

A Teen Picks Up Her Fallen Twin Brother’s Mantle

Legend of Basara anime Sarasa
  • Studio: KSS
  • Release Year: 1998
  • Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
  • Number of Episodes: 13
  • My AnimeList Score: 7.37

An oldie, but goodie that still holds up today. Sarasa is a young woman whose twin brother, Tatara, was chosen to be the savior of Japan who will stop the tyrannical rule of the Red King. However, Tatara is killed when their village is destroyed and Sarasa pretends to be him to keep hope alive and avenge her brother’s death.

Though she’s quick to cry and has some moments of weakness, Sarasa doesn’t give in to the pressure and remains strong in her mission to avenge Tatara. Though the animation is outdated, fans should check this anime if they're looking for a good anime with a strong female lead.

29 The Story Of Saiunkoku

A Young Woman Working Hard Even When Her Gender Works Against Her

The Story Of Saiunkoku Color Cloud Palace anime Shurei Hong Ryuki Shi Koyu Ri
The Story of Saiunkoku
Adventure
Fantasy
Romance
Reverse Harem

Release Date
April 8, 2006
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
78
MyAnimeList Score
7.98 (Season 1)

Shurei Hong is a young woman who dreams of having a government job, but this post is forbidden to women. Her family has fallen on hard times and Shurei works various odd jobs to make money. However, her luck changes when the emperor’s grand advisor asks her to be the emperor’s consort and teach the emperor, Ryuki Shi, to be a good ruler. Shurei takes this opportunity as a way to make money, but also make her dreams come true.

It’s inspiring to see Shurei working with what she has to achieve her goals and not let it get her down. Court life and politics aren’t things to blow off and Shurei is determined to make Ryuki into a great emperor.

28 Princess Mononoke

A True Princess Of Nature Protecting It From Humans

Princess Mononoke anime Studio Ghibli San
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Adventure
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
July 12, 1997
Runtime
133 Minutes
Studio
Studio Ghibli

The movie follows a young man named Ashitaka, who’s been banished from his village until he finds a cure for his curse. His journey brings him to Irontown where a war between the humans and the mountain gods. He meets the mysterious young woman, San, who is fighting on the mountain gods’ side.

Though the movie mostly follows Ashitaka, plenty of screen time is given to San and shows her growth in accepting her own humanity but still maintaining her own beliefs. Even when she realizes her feelings for Ashitaka, it doesn’t make her change her mind about living in the forest nor does it change how she feels about humans.

27 Flip Flappers

Two Middle Schoolers Going On Bizarre Magical Girl Adventures

Flip Flappers Cocona Papika
  • Studio: Studio 3Hz
  • Release Year: 2016
  • Genre: Magical girl, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Number of Episodes: 13
  • My AnimeList Score: 7.63

Cocona is a middle school girl whose life is pretty ordinary until she meets the mysterious and eccentric Papika. Papika decides to bring Cocona into Flip Flap, an organization looking for strange fragments that can grant wishes in another world. During their second mission, they are sent to another world to defeat a monster, but a rival magical group defeats it. Cocona and Papika become determined to perfect their transformations and get stronger so they can collect more fragments.

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Flip Flappers is a pretty good show for magical girl fans who want something a little more zany than traditional shows like Sailor Moon and not dark like Puella Magi Madoka Magica. This is a more comedic and lighthearted show that focuses more on the coming-of-age aspects.

26 Azumanga Daioh

A Great Comedy With A Female Cast

Azumanga Daioh anime student Chiyo Sasaki Ayumu Osaka Koyomi Yomi Tomo Kaguya
Azumanga Daioh
Slice of Life
Comedy

Release Date
April 9, 2002
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
26
MyAnimeList Score
8

This anime follows the everyday lives of a group of female students and their two teachers. Chiyo is a child prodigy student who’s struggling to find her place in the school, poor Sakaki loves cute animals but they seem to hate her, Ayumu’s too busy daydreaming the day away, Yomi struggles to be the voice of reason for her crazy friends, Tomo has mastered the paradoxical art of being an energetic slacker, and Kagura is struggling with her one-sided athletic rivalry with Sakaki. Meanwhile, teachers Yukari and Minamo, are hilariously struggling to navigate relationships and work.

This is one great comedy anime for anyone who doesn’t want to follow a complex storyline. It’s just following the girls and teachers as they live normal lives but with that perfect blend of anime absurdity and outbursts.

25 Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Proof That Being A Magical Girl Isn’t All Sunshine And Rainbows

Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime Madoka Kaname Homura Akemi Mami Tomoe Sayaka Miki Kyouko Sakura
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Magical Girl
Drama
Action

Release Date
January 7, 2011
Studio
Shaft
Number of Episodes
12
MyAnimeList Score
8.36

Middle school students Madoka and Sayaka discover the world of magical girls after meeting Kyubey, a mysterious talking cat-like being. Kyuybey offers them a wish in exchange for their souls and become magical girls. However, they quickly learn that being a magical girl isn’t what they thought it would be and that the truth is much darker and deadlier than anything they could ever imagine.

If anime fans are looking for a pretty dark magical girl anime, this one is it. Puella Magi Madoka Magica shows that not everything is sunshine and rainbows for the girls who choose to become magical girls. Not to mention Kyuybey shows that just because something looks cute, doesn’t mean it’s good.

24 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

It’s Not Everyday That Female Otaku Are Given The Spotlight

Wotakoi Love Is Hard For Otaku anime Narumi Momose Hirotaka Nifuji Hanako Koyanagi Taro Kabakura
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Comedy
Romance

Release Date
April 13, 2018
Studio
A-1 Pictures
Number of Episodes
11
MyAnimeList Score
7.94

Narumi Motose is a young woman who's excited to start her new job. After being shown around the office, she runs into her childhood otaku friend, Hirotaka Nifuji. Though happy to see him again, she tries to hurry away before he reveals her otaku lifestyle in front of their coworkers, Hanako Koyanagi and Taro Kabakura. Little does she know, Koyanagi and Kabakura are also otakus and a friendship between the four of them blossoms.

The anime gives equal screen time to all four characters, but Narumi and Koyanagi’s scenes are comedy gold. The two of them share a lot of similarities with a strong love for cosplay (in Narumi’s case, she doesn’t dress up but admires those who do), BL manga and anime, and video games. Even when they have disagreements, it’s hilarious to watch and a breath of fresh air that they don’t get toxic.

23 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean

The First Female Jojo Proves Her Worth As A Joestar

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean anime Jolyne Cujoh Stone Free Stand
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
October 6, 2012
Studio
David Production
Number of Episodes
190
MyAnimeList Score
7.89 (Season 1)

Framed for vehicular manslaughter, Jolyne Cujoh, the daughter of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusader’s protagonist Jotaro Cujoh, finds herself in prison and wondering how to get free. Her father visits her and gives her a pendant that unlocks her powers while also telling her that Dio Brando’s disciple is the one who framed her. He attempts to free her, but Jotaro is defeated by the disciple and it’s up to Jolyne to save him and stop Dio’s disciple.

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In a long line of men being the hero, Jolyne is the first female protagonist in the series. Being a member of the Joestar family, it’s only fitting that Jolyne is just as strong as them. She’s a bit more aggressive, but Jolyne has a strong set of morals and does everything she can to protect those she loves and cares about.

22 Carole And Tuesday

Two Girls’ Journey To Become Famous Musicians

Carole And Tuesday anime Carole Stanley Tuesday Simmons
  • Studio: Bones
  • Release Year: 2019
  • Genre: Musical, sci-fi, drama
  • Number of Episodes: 24
  • My AnimeList Score: 7.86

Carole Stanley is a young woman living on Mars who loves music and wants to be a musician. While her luck hasn’t been great so far, she’s not letting it get down. Her life changes when she meets Tuesday Simmons, a runaway girl who is also a musician. They decide to become a singing duo and chase after their dreams of being famous. Luckily for them, a video of them goes viral and catches the eye of a former music manager who is looking for the next big thing and Angela Carpenter, a famous model wanting to switch careers and become a singer.

This show mostly focuses on Carole and Tuesday, but it also gives a good amount of screen time to Angela. It shows a healthy rivalry between her and the duo as they push each other to their best when performing, but also shows Angela isn’t afraid to talk a little smack without being toxic or insulting.

21 Belle

A High Schooler Finds Her Voice In An Online Game

Belle anime Suzu Naito Bell Belle avatar
Belle
Fantasy
Idol

Release Date
July 16, 2021
Runtime
124 Minutes
Studio
Studio Chizu

Suzu Naito is a teen girl who is struggling to come to terms with her mother’s death after she died when Suzu was little. Known to those around her for being a talented singer and songwriter, Suzu no longer sings or writes as doing so is too painful for her. One day, her friend Hiro urges her to play the game “U” to help her and Suzu is able to find her singing voice again, becoming famous in the game. After a mysterious player known as the Dragon crashes one of her in-game concerts, Suzu sets out to learn more about him.

This movie is great for anyone wanting to see a musical anime as they’re not common in the anime world. The CGI scenes are beautiful to see and it’s a great story as viewers watch Suzu go from being quiet and meek to becoming stronger to help the Dragon both in the real world and in “U”.

20 Violet Evergarden

A Former Female Soldier Learns About Love Through Ghostwriting

Violet Evergarden anime Violet
Violet Evergarden
Drama
Fantasy

Release Date
January 11, 2018
Studio
Kyoto Animation
Number of Episodes
13
MyAnimeList Score
8.67

This coming-of-age anime is different from most. Violet is a young woman who used to be a tool for war. After the final battle, she and Gilbert, her caretaker and a soldier, are separated after they are knocked unconscious. The last words Gilbert told were “I love you.” Violet becomes a ghostwriter to learn the meaning of the words. Throughout her journey, she meets new people and learns more about the words, and how they can mean a lot of things.

This anime was a big hit when it first came out and is considered one of the best on Netflix. Violet is a strong woman and her emotional growth is worth watching as she tries to reintegrate into society after fighting for so long. It’s the perfect show for those who want to watch a drama with some fantasy and steampunk elements.

19 Kill La Kill

A Show That Flips The Magical Girl Genre On Its Head

Kill La Kill anime Ryuko Matoi Satsuki Kiryuin
Kill la Kill
Action
Comedy

Release Date
October 4, 2013
Studio
Trigger
Number of Episodes
24
MyAnimeList Score
8.04

This anime takes viewers on a crazy ride. The story centers around high school student Ryuko Matoi, a girl who is looking for the murderer of her father. Her search takes her to Honnouji Academy, a militaristic school ruled by student council president Satsuki Kiryuin and her underlings, the Elite Four. With their outfits granting them special powers, Ryuko has to fight her way to the top with the help of her unique uniform, Senketsu, to find out the truth about her father’s murder.

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This show is a mix of fan service, comedy, drama, and action that’ll leave fans laughing and rooting for their favorite characters. It flips just about every trope that comes with magical girl shows on their heads. Even with the fan service, viewers shouldn’t let that stop them from watching this great anime.

18 Nana

Two Girls With The Same Name, But Very Different Personalities

Nana anime Nana Osaki O Nana Komatsu K Hachi
Nana
Drama
Romance

Release Date
April 5, 2006
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
47
MyAnimeList Score
8.54

An anime that takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, this show is about two young women, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, who move to Tokyo to pursue their dreams. Nana O. wants to become a successful musician, while Nana K. wants to be with her boyfriend. After some events happen in their lives, the two women find their paths crossed and living under the same roof. Despite all the bad that has happened, both of them are ready to take on life’s hardships together.

It’s a classic show about two women who wouldn’t look like they would run in the same social circles becoming best friends and each other’s biggest supporters. This anime tackles some real-life issues that come with growing up and striving to accomplish goals. Nana O. and Nana K. aren’t perfect, but they’re both strong in their own ways and help each other when they need it.

17 Chihayafuru

A Hard-Working Girl Striving To Become The Best Karuta Player

Chihaya, Taichi, and Arata from Chihayafuru holding karuta cards
Chihayafuru
Sports
Drama
Romance

Release Date
October 5, 2011
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
74
MyAnimeList Score
8.18 (Season 1)

Chihayafuru is quite unique and should be given a chance if not seen yet. This anime is about a high student named Chihaya, a girl who works hard to make her older sister’s dream of becoming a successful model come true. During her younger years, Chihaya saved her classmate, Arata, from being bullied by her childhood friend, Taichi. Arata introduces her to the world of karuta, an intense card game that requires memory, speed, and endurance. Now in high school, Chihaya makes it her goal to become the best karuta player in Japan.

There’s drama, romance, and all the typical high school tropes, but there’s a lot more to this show. Even with all the drama going on, Chihaya is able to push her feelings aside when it comes to her goals and doesn’t let them hinder her.

16 Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

Three Girls Navigating The Anime Production World Together

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken anime Midori Asakusa Sayaka Kanamori Tsubame Mizusaki
  • Studio: Science Saru
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Genre: Slice of life, comedy
  • Number of Episodes: 12
  • My AnimeList Score: 8.13

This slice-of-life anime has the perfect blend of comedy and adventure. Midori Asakusa is an artist who’s constantly drawing detailed landscapes and backgrounds in her sketchbook. She becomes friends with Sayaka Kanamori, a girl who loves money-making activities, and Tsubame Mizusaki, another artist who wants to be an animator. The three of them create their own anime club at school and set out to make their own anime.

All three girls are different, still have similarities, and balance each other out very well. They go through a lot of ups and downs, but they stick together no matter how tough it gets to produce their anime and even get help from other people around them. Though there are only 12 episodes, all three girls have their own character growth. It’s nice to see a group of girls without any drama between them. Any time they have a conflict, they find a resolution that satisfies all parties.

15 Silent Mobius

A Great Sci-Fi Drama Show With Strong Leading Ladies

X Best Anime With Female Protagonists Silent Mobius
  • Studio: Radix
  • Release Year: 1998
  • Genre: Sci-fi, drama, action
  • Number of Episodes: 26 + 2 movies
  • My AnimeList Score: 6.80

A mashup of action, sci-fi, and paranormal that somehow works, Silent Mobius has two films that came out in the early 90s. But the series that came out in 1998 expands the story and characters. This anime is about a group of female officers known as the Attacked Mystification Police (AMP) that protect their city from alien-like creatures known as Lucifer Hawks. The group is an all-female force with various abilities to help them fight.

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This series might be dark, but it has its light-hearted and touching moments when the ladies have time to relax. They're all strong in their own way and go through a lot throughout the series' run. From having to learn to trust each other to heartbreak, they have a lot on their plates.

14 Witch Hunter Robin

A Powerful Teen Witch Uses Her Powers To Hunt Other Witches

X Best Anime With Female Protagonists Witch Hunter Robin
Witch Hunter Robin
Supernatural
Thriller

Release Date
July 2, 2002
Studio
Sunrise
Number of Episodes
26
MyAnimeList Score
7.24

She might look and act mature, but Robin Sena is only 15 years old. Witch Hunter Robin follows her as she works for a secret organization that hunts down witches. Even though she’s a witch herself, Robin does her job while also on another mission to find an artifact.

Robin never had the typical teenager’s upbringing nor did she lead a typical life. With everything going on around her, most might forget she’s a teen while she deals with various tough situations. As her powers grow, she has to worry about her own witch-hunter comrades turning on her. She already seems pretty grown-up at the start of the series and grows up even more as it goes on.

13 Ergo Proxy

An Investigator Seeking Answers About A Virus

X Best Anime With Female Protagonists Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy
Sci-Fi

Release Date
February 25, 2006
Studio
Manglobe
Number of Episodes
23
MyAnimeList Score
7.90

A post-apocalyptic anime with cyberpunk and psychological thriller elements mixed in, Ergo Proxy is about 19-year-old Re-l Meyer. She’s an investigator who's in charge of investigating a string of brutal murders by AutoReivs (cyborgs) who are infected with a virus. The virus makes the AutoReivs self-aware. During her investigation, she learns about Proxies, humanoids with god-like powers which then turns her investigation into more than just a basic murder case. After meeting Vincent Law, a man connected to the Proxies, the two of them team up to learn the truth about them.

Re-l Meyer is a tough, no-nonsense woman who is a little haughty and impassive due to being raised as a soldier and having a privileged life. She loosens up emotionally while on her journey with Vincent.

12 Moribito: Guardian Of The Spirit/Seirei No Moribito

A Wandering Warrior Seeking To Atone Sins From Her Past

X Best Anime With Female Protagonists Moribito Guardian Of The Spirit Seirei No Moribito
  • Studio: Production I.G
  • Release Year: 2007
  • Genre: Fantasy, action, adventure
  • Number of Episodes: 26
  • My AnimeList Score: 8.13

A role reversal of the “save the princess” trope, Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is about a 30-year-old woman named Balsa, a wandering warrior who is looking to atone for eight deaths in her past. She has vowed to save eight lives to do this. In doing so, Balsa saves a young prince named Chagum, whose father has ordered his assassination, and becomes his bodyguard. Balsa and Chagum go on the run from his father while finding out why he wants him killed.

Balsa is definitely one of the strongest heroines out there whether it comes to fighting or teaching Chagum. She is determined to not kill anyone even though she can with her strength and weapon.

11 Claymore

A Young Woman Seeking Revenge Against Her Master’s Killer

X Best Anime With Female Protagonists Claymore
Claymore
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
April 4, 2007
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
26
MyAnimeList Score
7.74

Claymore is an anime about one woman’s journey for revenge. Clare is a young woman who was found by a Claymore warrior (half-human and half-demon hybrid) named Teresa. After saving her from some Yoma (demonic creatures), Teresa takes Clare in and grows a mother-daughter relationship in their travels. Unfortunately, this happiness is short-lived after Teresa is killed by a former comrade and Claymore who gave in to her Yoma side. Clare becomes determined to be a Claymore and get revenge on Teresa’s killer.

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Clare goes through a lot on her journey. She is the only known girl to volunteer to become a Claymore, as the rest are chosen and created more or less against their will. She's also a little different than most. She starts at the very bottom and is considered a failure, but gets stronger throughout her journey.