Some of the most action-filled shonen anime series have served fans with well-crafted, fearless, and powerful female characters. However, there are many other anime types including shojo that have inspiring and courageous characters who make these anime stories more compelling and exciting.
These well-thought-out female anime characters have been making fans cry, laugh, and get goosebumps for decades, all while motivating viewers with their bravery during difficult and dangerous situations. It's easy to find both bad and good anime cliches that take away or add something extra to a series, but often these imperfections will make a show and a good character more relatable.
8 Android 18
Dragon Ball Z is one of the most beloved and popular anime series ever created. The show has a fascinating story, brilliant characters, one of the best anime openings, and the most badass anime androids too. Android 18 is not only an impressive fighter but also has an extremely strong sense of self.
She demands respect from everyone around her including the fighters who others wouldn't dare to mess with. She not only has a great character but an interesting storyline too, as she is one of the most impressive warriors in the series who goes from villain to hero.
7 Tsunade
Tsunade is a fan-favorite character in Naruto. She is not only one of the strongest medical ninjas but also a skilled fighter who never backs down from a challenge. She's also famously short-tempered, which makes her both feared and respected in equal measures.
No matter if it's about a battle or an injury, thanks to Tsunade's special abilities, like her unmatched chakra control and quick thinking, she's always there for everyone who's in trouble. Tsunade showed her bravery during many battles and even created her own special Jutsu technique that's powerful enough to heal any wound.
6 Kiryuin Satsuki
While Satsuki might not be the most likable character in Kill La Kill, she's certainly one of the most powerful and brave. Although she's an arrogant leader with extremist ideals, she's also one who bravely stands behind the decisions she makes.
Satsuki is cold towards almost everyone, but she also cares for those who are close to her. She's not only physically strong, even though she does have super strength and super speed, but she's also a fierce leader and an intelligent and tactical thinker. This makes her respected and feared by those around her.
5 Erza Scarlet
Erza is the most powerful Mage in Fairy Tail and is capable of defeating even the strongest evil wizards. Thanks to her unmatched magical abilities, strength, and speed, she's respected by everyone who knows her.
Erza is also a straightforward and strict person who gets angry easily. However, despoite her fiery temper, she's a fierce protector and is a reliable friend who never shies away from difficult situations or conversations. Erza is a prideful warrior with a strong sense of justice. These compelling features make her character so loved and admired by fans.
4 Olivier Mira Armstrong
Olivier is one of the most fearsome members of the noble Armstrong Family. As a Major General, she was the only female member of Central's High Command and was in full command of the Fortress at all times. While Olivier inherited her extra strength, what helped her win any fight was her exceptional combat skills, determination, and fearlessness.
Olivier had a cold and commanding presence, and she was not afraid to act violently and mercilessly toward her enemies. Her soldiers both respected and feared her and even gave her the nickname the "Ice Queen" which she proudly wore. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood had many great characters who were not afraid to face the toughest situations and Olivier was certainly one of them.
3 Usagi Tsukino
Sailor Moon is one of the most iconic anime series ever created with great plot twists and wholesome and inspirational characters. Its lead Usagi was a great example of this and is one of the most flawed and relatable characters not only in Sailor Moon but in anime history.
She was just a clumsy crybaby when she had to take on the role of Sailor Moon to fight against supernatural evil and save the world. While Usagi often acted selfishly and showed jealousy towards others she always overcame her shortcomings when it was most needed. Usagi showed unparalleled bravery many times and, as the series has progressed, she's grown as a person and warrior and achieved many new and more powerful forms.
2 Mikasa Ackerman
Mikasa is one of the deadliest and most honorable characters in Attack on Titan. While she rarely showed her emotions, she deeply cared about her loved ones and protected everyone around her. Despite her slender stature she was the fiercest cadet and became a fearless and powerful soldier who was never afraid to go into battles against the gigantic Titans.
During the show's seasons, Mikasa proved her loyalty and exceptional combat skills to all fans and became a fan-favorite character. Her special connection with Eren made many decisions more difficult for her, but eventually, she always chose to do the right thing no matter how hard it was for her.
1 Tatsumaki
Tatsumaki is one of the most exciting new female anime characters with unmatched powers as an esper and great endurance and speed. One Punch Man's Tornado of Terror is one of the most powerful anime heroes of all time. Thanks to her psychokinetic output, she's capable of defeating her enemies with ease.
While Tatsumaki managed to learn how to control and use her unparalleled powers with ease, she does have issues when it comes to social interactions. She's very impatient, intolerant, and often rude to others, especially if she thinks they're weak or incompetent. However, her unique way of thinking actually helps her during battles.