The phrase “anime girls” conjures up images of scantily clad bodies, pretty but clueless women, complete with a feast of cleavage and panty throws. Many series feature female characters with a sexual focus to please male audiences.
In light of this, it would be surprising to find that there are still some strong females. There are so many that in fact selecting just ten for this article was a challenge. I can say with certainty that here I made you a list of the ten strongest female characters in anime.
10. Akane Tsunemori from Psycho-Pass
- Episodes: 22
- Issuance: October 2012 to March 2013
Akane enters the Office of Public Safety as a recent graduate and at the top of her class. Although intellectually prepared, she is inexperienced. Googly-eyed, compassionate, and small in stature, she seems like an unlikely candidate to be on this list. Despite all this, it turns out that she is capable of withstanding tragedy and adversity through thick and thin.
While she retains her initial strong moral inclination as a facet of her character, she adapts and grows stronger by becoming a valued member of her team. Despite the challenges she faces, she uses these experiences to grow. Akane is made of a tougher material than the rest of her cast and stands where others can fail, which is why she gets a spot on this list.
9. Riza Hawkeye from Fullmetal Alchemist
- Episodes: 51
- Issuance: October 2003 to October 2004
Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye is a highly respected soldier and firearms specialist. She is a successful woman in a male-dominated setting. Although his rank is First Lieutenant, he is often the voice of reason for his superiors. Although it is respectful, it does not tolerate any kind of nonsense, even from those with higher ranks.
She is passionate and focused – after all, it takes a lot of discipline to learn to shoot the way she does, and her reputation for deadly precision is unmatched. She is quiet, although she won’t stay quiet if she has an important opinion. She treats her words like her bullets – she shoots only when necessary and with precision. She gets noticed, commands respect, and earns herself a spot on this list.
8. Re-L Mayer from Ergo Proxy
- Episodes: 23
- Issuance: February 2006 to August 2006
Re-l Mayer works for the Intelligence Bureau as an investigator, and she’s very capable. She has a very serious personality, which can probably be attributed to her extensive training in government. Although she usually presents a cold exterior she is highly intelligent and curious, often pushing social boundaries.
In a city where most people are without compatible thinking, she is not afraid to be the black sheep. She dares to challenge the world around her, ask questions and seek answers. When she commits to something, she keeps her word and has a determination of steel. Her tenacity and innate curiosity are what puts her on this list.
7. San de Mononoke Hime
- Episodes: Movie
- Issue: July 1997
No article on strong anime girls would be complete without mentioning Studio Ghibli. Almost every movie I can think of features a strong female lead, from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to Howl’s Moving Castle. The most exemplary and possibly most famous is Saint from Princess Mononoke, the wolf princess.
The origins of San are unknown. She lives in the forest, where she was raised by wolves and considers herself one of them. This upbringing made her become a faithful guardian of nature. On many occasions, she shows her willingness to protect the forest at the risk of her own life. Her dedication to what she believes in and the ferocity with which she protects nature earn a place here.
6. Teresa of Claymore
- Episodes: 26
- Issuance: April 2007 to September 2007
Teresa is considered to be the strongest of her kind. Like Claymore, he possesses exceptional combat abilities, as well as unique sensory abilities. In addition to possessing an enormous amount of energy, he exerts it with a total lack of consciousness, until he begins to gain a different perspective.
Teresa is possibly one of the strongest females of all time in terms of combat skills and raw power. Initially, she wields this power mercilessly. However, her character development evolves through the series to show her potential for moral fortitude, which ensures her place on this list.
5. Sarasa from the Legend of Basara
- Faʻamatalaga: 13
- Lomiga: Aperila 1998 ia Iuni 1998
Sarasa loses everything when her village is destroyed in a single day. In this tragedy, his brother also loses his life. The boy who was prophesied to be the last hope of the people has died. This would be devastating if anyone found out. In an act of tremendous bravery, Sarasa cuts her hair, assumes the identity of her brother, and never looks back.
Sarasa is a complex character. She is forced to live like her brother in what begins as an effort to protect those she loves but eventually turns into an all-out assault on a corrupt government regime. At the same time, she is still a teenager. She is strong and infinitely compassionate, she is a character with whom you will easily identify; this puts her on the list.
4. Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing from Hellsing Ultimate
- Episodes: 10
- Issuance: February 2006 to December 2012
Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing could easily be dead. And after seeing the most unimaginable thing an infant could see, she might have given up. Instead, she turned adversity to advantage, assuming her late father’s position as head of the Hellsing Organization, and transformed her subjugation into justice.
While she accepted her position in power at an early age, she has earned the respect of those around her. In addition to her leadership role, she also happens to be the owner of one of the most powerful vampires on Earth. She is smart, resourceful, and determined, easily securing her place on this list.
3. Mikasa ckerman from Shingeki no Kyojin
- Episodes: 25
- Issuance: April 2013 to September 2013
Mikasa Ackerman, though peaceful and calm by nature, was regarded as the strongest, most efficient in battle than the rest of her rookie team. She is very loyal to her friends and surrogate family. He would risk his life to protect them without a second thought. This extreme loyalty is the main reason he joined the fight against the Titans.
Mikasa’s life was a traumatic tragedy long before she dealt with the Titans. After everything is taken away from him and witnessed a real atrocity; Emerge from the ashes and grab weapons to protect humanity. This determination and strength of character make her one of the strongest females in anime.
2. Revy from Black Lagoon
- Episodes: 12
- Issuance: April 2006 to June 2006
Revy is a mercenary for the Lagoon Company. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and this brand of honesty sometimes gets her in a tight spot. She has a lot of self-respect, so much so that it almost borders on arrogance. She is a very diligent opponent and difficult to face if you were ever the target of her guns.
Initially, not much is known about Revy’s past. This becomes clear over the course of the series, which serves to demonstrate her steadfast determination. As his character develops through the entire series, his flaws are explored through introspection. It’s this combination of brash charisma, determination, and depth of character that puts her second on this list.
1. Major Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
- Episodes: 26
- Issuance: October 2002 to March 2003
Major Motoko Kusanagi, a female cyborg, is the protagonist of the Ghost in the Shell series. As a result of his extensive military and martial arts training along with his cyborg implants, his physical and intellectual capabilities surpass that of an ordinary human. Little is known about her background, she is shrouded in a great deal of mystery.
She is a strong and effective leader, commanding respect for her competence, and has a strong sense of independence. In addition to being a formidable opponent and having extensive combat experience, his skills as a hacker are epic. Her strength, determination, and intellect are impressive, putting her at the top of this list.
Final Words
Contrary to popular opinion, anime is full of strong female role models. These characters are admirable, overcome challenges, and show extraordinary determination and strength. There are many series where female characters are depicted as objects and are highly sexualized, creating the unfortunate fictional perception of how girls should look in anime.
I hope this article has shown you the light and clarification of this common mistake. Many notable characters didn’t make the cut, so feel free to share your favorite characters in the comments below.
