Highlights

  • Dark anime girls add depth and complexity to shows, making them more emotionally engaging and entertaining.
  • These powerful and twisted female characters are not to be underestimated, as they are capable of extreme violence and cruelty.
  • From cunning manipulators to ruthless killers, these dark anime girls are not your typical heroines, but they still steal the spotlight.

While some of the most popular anime characters are goodhearted and inspirational, in many cases, evil and dark anime characters are just as beloved as the heroes of the show. Some of the bravest female anime characters had epic battles and even violent deaths because of these diabolical and homicidal maniacs. While these horrible characters are certainly not role model material, they do make these shows more entertaining and often more complex and emotional.

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Thanks to these imaginatively dark anime girls the anime world's smartest female characters have been put to demanding challenges that helped them turn into the heroes fans fell in love with. Anime viewers can find all kinds of dark and twisted characters in a wide variety of shows who stop at nothing to achieve their goals or just simply create suffering and destruction everywhere they go.

Updated March 2, 2024 by Sarah Prado: Having a good person as the lead in a series is nice and all, but nothing beats having a dark and wicked lady standing in their way. From young girls to femme fatales, these dark anime girls bring a lot of chaos and destruction to the world around them. If their personalities aren’t enough to scare those around them, their skills in a fight will do it.

They are some of the deadliest and strongest characters out there, and everyone should be afraid if they appear. Their appearances are meant to bring drama and send viewers to the edge of their seats. Should anyone run into these deadly girls, it’s best to run the other way.

20 Akito Sohma (Fruits Basket)

Having Power At A Young Age Does A Lot To A Person

Akito Sohma Fruits Basket 2019 anime
Fruits Basket (2019)
Comedy
Slice of Life
Romance
Supernatural

Release Date
April 6, 2019
Studio
TMS Entertainment
Number of Episodes
63

Akito is one of the hardest villains to feel sorry for, but at the same time, it’s a little understandable why she is the way that she is. Being abused by her mother and expected to be the head of the family at a young age after her father’s death, Akito was afraid of being alone and forced the other Zodiac members to be close to her. She controlled their lives through fear and reveled in the pain she caused them, abusing them both physically and psychologically.

Akito injured Hatori after he asked for her permission to marry Kana which led to their break up and Hatori erasing Kana’s memories. She pushed Rin out of a window after her relationship with Hatsuharu was revealed. There is much more to how she abused the members, and no one can blame the others for being distant.

19 Nana Hiiragi (Talentless Nana)

The Friendliest Face Can Be The Most Cunning

Nana in Talentless Nana
  • Release Date: October 4, 2020
  • Genres: Suspense
  • Studio: Bridge
  • Number of Episodes: 13

Talentless Nana is one of the twistiest psychological anime shows, all thanks to the seemingly cute and innocent Nana Hiiragi. She's one of anime's ultimate plot-twist queens who can fool anyone with ease.

Nana is a deceptively cunning young girl, who is capable of playing the friend card flawlessly while plotting everyone's downfall. Nana is convinced that these kids' talents could cause the end of humanity. So, even though Nana is driven by a good cause, she's still a dangerous murderer. Her character is brilliantly crafted, so Nana is able to fool not only the other kids who are with her on the island but the viewers as well.

18 Shiro/The Wretched Egg (Deadman Wonderland)

The Bubbliest Person Can Have The Darkest Side

Shiro The Wretched Egg Deadman Wonderland anime
Deadman Wonderland
Action
Supernatural

Release Date
April 17, 2011
Studio
Manglobe
Number of Episodes
12

Shiro herself is a very bubbly girl despite the grim environment she’s in. However, it’s her other half, the Wretched Egg that others should be worried about. The complete opposite of Shiro, the Wretched Egg personality is vicious and merciless to everyone around her. Because of the horrible experiments done to her body, Shiro created the Wretched Egg personality as a way of coping with the pain.

Though they usually disagree on most things, the only thing Shiro and the Wretched Egg can agree on is their love for Ganta. However, this doesn’t stop the Wretched Egg from harming those around him and is the one responsible for slaughtering his entire class at the beginning of the series.

17 Tanya Degurechaff (Saga Of Tanya The Evil)

Her Body Count Is High Despite Her Young Age

Tanya Degurechaff in Saga Of Tanya The Evil
Saga of Tanya the Evil
Action
Isekai
War

Release Date
January 6, 2017
Studio
NUT
Number of Episodes
12

Tanya Degurechaff is one of the darkest anime girls with a surprisingly high kill count. The Saga of Tanya the Evil's pint-sized powerhouse is not what she seems since she's a reincarnated salaryman turned military prodigy in an alternate war-torn world. She's driven by logic, self-preservation, and a vendetta against Being X, a mysterious god-like entity.

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What makes Tanya especially dangerous is that she enjoys battles, often uses extreme and ruthless methods, and joyfully leaps into battle with both tactics and tantrums. She happily climbs the military ranks, so she can live a cushy life, while also trying to defy the divine.

16 Makima (Chainsaw Man)

Uses Anyone And Everyone To Achieve Her Goals

Makima in Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man
Action
Supernatural

Release Date
October 12, 2022
Studio
MAPPA
Number of Episodes
12

Chainsaw Man's most popular dark anime girl is no doubt Makima. There were plenty of unforgettable twists and fights in Chainsaw Man and many of them were thanks to this chillingly intriguing character. Beneath Makima's poised exterior lies a mind that's always three steps ahead and ambitions as vast as the sea.

She's one of the show's top-tier devil hunters with a penchant for manipulation and control. Nothing is more important for Makima than power, and she's not afraid to use any tactics necessary as well as people, devils, or whatever she needs to achieve her goals.

15 Kirari Momobami (Kakegurui)

Obsessed With Understanding Human Nature

Kirari Momobami in Kakegurui
Kakegurui
Psychological
Drama

Release Date
July 1, 2017
Studio
MAPPA
Number of Episodes
24

While Kakegurui's world is filled with gambling addicts no one is as ruthless as Kirari Momobami since she isn't just playing games; she's turning them into psychological warfare. She is the enigmatic student council president at Hyakkaou Private Academy, who skillfully made high-stakes gambling the heart of school culture.

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However, for Kirari, gambling is not about the money; it's the intoxicating thrill of seeing one's true colors under pressure. She’s obsessed with understanding human nature and uses her academy as her personal lab. Thanks to her unforgettable and terrifying gaze that can freeze anyone, and her sharp mind, she quickly became the queen bee in this hive of gamblers.

14 Android 18 (Dragon Ball Z)

Killed The Z Fighters In Another Timeline And Still Deadly In The Present

Android 18 in Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z
Action
Adventure
Comedy

Release Date
April 26, 1989
Studio
Toei Animation
Number of Episodes
291

Android 18 is one of the most powerful female characters in shonen anime who has a rather sadistic side. She also had one of the most interesting character arcs in Dragon Ball Z since she was one of the few deadly villains who turned things around and became a hero. However, during her villain time, she killed hundreds of thousands of people just for fun or because she felt bored.

For a long while, she was one of the most unstoppable and cruel villains in Dragon Ball Z who then ended up marrying one of the franchise's kindest heroes, Krillin. DBZ follows the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors who try to protect Earth and battle against some of the most terrifying and powerful villains in the universe.

13 Noriko (Gunbuster)

Calm Yet Deadly And Merciless In A Fight

Noriko in Gunbuster
Gunbuster
Action
Mecha

Release Date
October 7, 1988
Studio
Gainax
Number of Episodes
12

Noriko was one of the deadliest space pilots who killed her enemies she did it ruthlessly and without any doubts or regrets. While she was mostly a calm character she switched when it came to battle and turned into a killing machine while piloting her space robot.

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Norkio is also one of the anime girls with the highest kill counts and one who was one of the most merciless fighters of all time. Gunbuster is among the best sci-fi anime that's also one of the most underrated classic anime shows. The story follows Noriko's adventures as the young girl gets selected to be one of the vital pilots who'll have to defeat alien life forms.

12 Daki (Demon Slayer)

Beautiful Yet Very Deadly When Angry

Daki in Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer
Action
Adventure

Release Date
April 6, 2019
Studio
ufotable
Number of Episodes
55

Daki is one of the darkest anime girls of all time who was also one of the most powerful and terrifying demons in Demon Slayer. She was one of the most strong-willed demons who didn't like to take orders from others and was especially dangerous when angry.

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She was also one of the Upper-Rank Six demons who became even more powerful when her brother was attached to her so much so that she became immune even to decapitation. Demon Slayer is one of the most heartbreaking and scariest anime shows of all time. Its story follows the young Tanjiro, who sets out to become a demon slayer after most of his family members are murdered, and his sister is turned into a demon.

11 Ai Enma (Hell Girl)

Hatred And Vengeance Fuels Her Power

Ai Enma Hell Girl anime
Hell Girl
Horror

Release Date
October 5, 2005
Studio
Studio Deen
Number of Episodes
90

Ai is a young girl who becomes a youkai after being sacrificed to the mountain god for a bountiful harvest. Betrayed by her cousin and angry at the villagers, Ai swore revenge on them and burned the village down when she rose from the dead. This brought her to the attention of the Master of Hell, who made a bargain with her: her parents’ souls wouldn’t be sent to Hell if she became his messenger.

Since then, Ai has been a messenger of vengeance and hatred. She has a cold personality and is indifferent to even the most emotional situations. Though the Master of Hell ordered her to forget her emotions, there are times she defies them, especially if it’s hatred or another negative emotion she’s feeling.

10 Kasane Kujiragi (Durarara!!)

Cold And Calculating Under Her Calm Gaze

Kasane in Durarara!!
Durarara!!
Action

Release Date
January 8, 2010
Studio
Brain's Base
Number of Episodes
60

Kasane is one of the most powerful characters and greatest antagonists in Durarara!!. She's a skilled fighter who can use her masterful sword-fighting skills to defeat almost anyone. Thanks to her quiet demeanor and her ability to control her emotions at all times no one knows that she's a calculating and cold-hearted villain.

Durarara!! has some pretty unique and powerful characters with exceptional skills, and it's one of the few shows that have characters who can manipulate darkness. Its story is set in a dark fictional part of Tokyo where all kinds of dangerous creatures roam the streets alongside humans.

9 Megumi Shimizu (Shiki)

Rising From The Dead Has Its Perks

Megumi Shimizu Shiki anime
Shiki
Horror

Release Date
July 8, 2010
Studio
Daume
Number of Episodes
22

Megumi started as a sweet and kind girl but was often bullied because of her looks and aspirations to move away to the city. However, she was also self-centered and looked down on the other villagers for their appearances. After becoming a Shiki, Megumi became utterly sadistic and malicious and had no problems taking the lives of those who bullied her. If anything, she enjoyed being one because it made her life a lot less boring than it was before.

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Having been mocked and criticized for her outfits, Megumi takes pleasure in tormenting the villagers and enjoys watching them suffer. The only person she liked was Natsuno since he was always polite to her and wanted to leave the village too. However, these feelings turned into obsession as she also targeted those close to him.

8 Yuno Gasai (Future Diary)

As Ruthless As They Come

Yuno Gasai in Future Diary
Future Diary
Mystery
Suspense
Action

Release Date
October 10, 2011
Studio
Asread
Number of Episodes
26

Yuno Gasai is one of the darkest anime girls and is one of the most popular yandere girls in anime. While she might seem like a lovely young girl she's a ruthless murderer who'd do anything to make sure that she and Yukiteru survive the deadly game.

Future Diary is one of the scariest anime like Squid Game with plenty of violence and surprising deaths. It's about a group of young kids who all get a Future Diary they can use to fight each other to survive the evil God of Time and Space's cruel game.

7 Lust (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

The Ultimate Spear Lives Up To Her Title

Lust Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood anime
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

Release Date
April 5, 2009
Studio
Bones
Number of Episodes
64

Lust is one of the most well-known femme fatales in the anime world and for good reason. She will use her looks to seduce men to get what she wants as seen when she seduces Jean Havoc, one of Roy Mustang’s men. Like most of the other Homunculi, she cares little for humans and is very sadistic, taking pleasure in other people’s pain.

Being the Ultimate Spear, she’s one of the strongest and cleverest Homunculi. Her fighting abilities made her a fierce opponent to fight and very few could keep up with her because of how fast she was.

6 Esdeath (Akame ga Kill!)

Loves Using Her Power To Cause Suffering

Esdeath in Akame Ga Kill
Akame ga Kill!
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
July 7, 2014
Studio
White Fox
Number of Episodes
24

Esdeath is one of the most powerful dark anime girls who enjoys using her power to cause pain and suffering. She especially despises the weak and thanks to her sadistic personality, she not only causes physical harm but enjoys manipulating others to cause great emotional agony too.

Akame Ga Kill is a thrilling action anime about Tatsumi who leaves his safe village in the hope of finding a job and making good money. However, soon decides to join a group of assassins called Night Riad to fight against the corrupt Empire that causes suffering to its helpless residents.

5 Himiko Toga (My Hero Academia)

Proves That Love Can Be A Scary Thing

Himiko in My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia
Action
Superhero

Release Date
April 3, 2016
Studio
Bones
Number of Episodes
138

Himiko is My Hero Academia's cutest and darkest character who wants to become as menacing and murderous as The Hero Killer. She's also one of the strongest members of The League of Villains. She's got an odd sense of humor and a weird infatuation with Deku, but Himiko is a great fighter and while she might seem like she's not all there she's quite intelligent.

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My Hero Academia is a highly motivational anime with plenty of heartwarming moments in the series it's still not without darkness and epic fights. Its story follows Deku after he finally gets a very special Quirk and embarks on a challenging and often painful journey to becoming a true hero.

4 Rize Kamishiro (Tokyo Ghoul)

Pretty Looks Can Be Very Deceiving

Rize Kamishiro in Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul
Action
Supernatural

Release Date
July 4, 2014
Studio
Pierrot
Number of Episodes
24

Rize Kamishiro is Tokyo Ghoul's terrifying binge eater. She looks like a harmless and shy young girl, but she's actually a bloodthirsty monster who can't stop eating humans. She not only kills her victims but enjoys playing with and torturing them. Thanks to her sadistic personality and big appetite she's one of the darkest characters in the series that's filled with horrifying ghouls.

There are only a few dark anime like Tokyo Ghoul and even fewer have such a high number of creepy and dangerous creatures as this iconic show. Tokyo Ghoul is about a young boy named Ken who is attacked by Rize but due to a freak accident, he ends up being turned into a half-ghoul.

3 Miyo Takano (Higurashi When They Cry)

A Cruel Mastermind Who Enjoys Using Others

Miyo Takano in Higurashi When They Cry
Higurashi When They Cry
Horror
Mystery

Release Date
April 5, 2006
Studio
Studio Deen, Passione
Number of Episodes
100

Miyo Takano is one of the darkest anime girls who was not only able to keep her true identity from other characters but from the fans of the show too. She's a cruel mastermind behind the curse of Oyashiro and is obsessed with immortalizing herself and her grandfather's research. She loves manipulating and using people as guinea pigs without caring about how much suffering and pain she causes.

Higurashi When They Cry is one of the most heartbreaking and terrifying anime series with mature themes and a few surprising comedy elements. It's about a young group of friends who live in a fictional Japanese village that's terrorized by mysterious curses.

2 Lucy (Elfen Lied)

Inflicts The Cruelty She Suffered On Others

 Lucy in Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied
Action
Drama
Horror
Psychological

Release Date
July 25, 2004
Studio
Arms
Number of Episodes
13

Lucy is the sweetest and most dangerous dark anime girl in one person because of her split personality disorder. While Lucy is normally a kind and even naive young girl her other personality is a brutal and cruel killing machine. Even though Lucy wants to be good, she's still one of the most dangerous anime characters because of her uncontrollable side.

Elfen Lied is a thrilling but violent anime about two students who come across the seemingly harmless Lucy who's secretly a serial killer on the run and is set in a world where a mutant race, called the Diclonii wants to kill all humans and take over the world.

1 Junko Enoshima (Danganronpa)

Very Dangerous And Sadistic

Junko Enoshima in Danganronpa
Danganronpa
Mystery

Release Date
November 4, 2013
Studio
Lerche
Number of Episodes
36

Junko Enoshima's cruelty is unmatched. She finds great pleasure in causing suffering and pain to everyone she can. Her highly toxic personality and intelligence make her an especially dangerous character. She feels no remorse and is purely motivated by the joy she gets from seeing others in emotional and physical pain.

Danganronpa is a creepy show with plenty of sad deaths in the series and it follows 6 students who get locked inside their school and are forced to kill each other. However, they will also have to go through a trial without being found guilty.

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