The world of anime is expansive and offers many unique stories with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver unique and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines and characters.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime with incredible female protagonists. From unknown gems like The Slayers to modern hits like Bocchi The Rock, there’s a great selection of anime on this list that’ll whet your appetite.
Feel free to leave your comments about our choices below.
Kino’s Journey
Kino’s Journey is an exceptional anime that stands out for its exploration of philosophical themes and captivating female lead, Kino. She embarks on a journey through various countries, each with its unique customs and ideologies. As a traveler, Kino provides a fresh take on the mailing of life and her ability to adapt to different situations makes her an endearing lead to observe.
Throughout her travels, she encounters multiple people and is faced with many moral dilemmas. Her introspective nature allows her to question societal norms and consider the implications of her actions. While she may not be your typical hero, she’s certainly a protagonist who’ll prompt fans to think critically about situations.
Nana
Nana is a great series about two women named Nana. They meet by chance and form an unlikely connection. Both Nana carry strong passions, and emotional depth, and grow gradually over time. They’re depicted as complex leads with troubled pasts. However, they’re filled with enough determination to achieve their dreams despite the hardships that plague their lives.
For example, Nana Osaki’s strong sense of identity and individuality contributes to her incredible characterization. She refuses to conform to society’s expectations, even when faced with difficult hurdles. Her punk rock persona, combined with her genuine emotions and unwavering loyalty to her friends, makes her a refreshing lead to follow in the story.
Little Witch Academia
Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn is a fascinating fantasy anime with an equally interesting lead heroine. The series follows Yona, a princess who loses it all and embarks on a quest of self-discovery and growth. Yona’s transformation from a naive and fragile princess to a resident one makes her a worthy female lead in many fans’ eyes.
At the start, Yona is heavily dependent on others and lacks confidence in her abilities. However, as she travels and tackles various obstacles, she finds her own strength and inner resolve. Her journey is one of strength, emotion, and mental growth, making for a tale that’ll be cherished by fans for many years.
The Slayers
The Slayers offers a parodic take on the fantasy genre. It contains exceptional magic battles, enjoyable story beats, and an incredible female lead with Lina Inverse. Lina is a powerful sorceress with a fiery personality. Her wit, intelligence, and unwavering determination make her a force to be reckoned with in The Slayers.
As a sorceress, Lina has immense potential, and her quick thinking and resourcefulness in combat make her formidable. However, it’s her unique mix of vulnerability and strength that sets her apart. She’s not a flawless person and often struggles with internal matters on timely occasions. Nevertheless, it’s her sense of humor and charm that’ll truly captivate fans.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a phenomenal Netflix original that everyone should watch. It has an engaging narrative, beautiful visuals, and an endearing female lead. Violet Evergarden, the lead in question, embarks on an emotional journey of personal development that’ll leave fans in awe. As she traverses through numerous environments, Violet gradually learns to understand and express herself.
Her transformation from a stoic individual to one that’s more empathetic is moving and compelling. Through her interactions with others, Violet learns about love, loss, and the significance behind human interaction. Therefore, her journey will resonate with folks who struggle to cope with or understand these aspects of life.
You can read our thoughts on Violet Evergarden in our full-season review here!
Ghost In The Shell
Ghost In The Shell is an iconic sci-fi anime with a gorgeous setting, a fascinating set of principles, and an engaging lead protagonist. Makoto Kusanagi’s complex personality, interesting background, and amazing skill set will leave a lasting impression on anime fans. Makoto’s human and cybernetic status will leave fans puzzled about concepts surrounding identity and consciousness.
As a cyborg, Makoto grapples with issues of self-identity and what it means to be human. She struggles to reconcile with her human nature due to her cybernetic enhancements, allowing her to appear multi-dimensional. Through Makoto’s quest, Ghost In The Shell delves deep into these existential themes and the boundaries that plague one’s humanity.
Bocchi The Rock
Bocchi The Rock is a captivating slice-of-life anime. It delves into aspects of the music industry and follows one girl’s quest to overcome her social anxiety to help her and her friends achieve their goals. Hittori, Bocchi The Rock’s female protagonist, is relatable, charming, and engaging to follow throughout the show’s first season.
Fans will get a kick out of seeing her fail at life’s simple tasks. However, they’ll praise her when she surpasses a hurdle life throws at her. Additionally, Hittori is a talented musician who is passionate about her hobby. She’s willing to put herself in many uncomfortable situations to improve herself and to others’ benefit. On top of being a girl with humorous tendencies, Bocchi The Rock is another great anime to watch if you love stories with fascinating female leads.
You can read our thoughts on Bocchi The Rock in our full-season review here!
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Although Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’s first season hasn’t concluded (as of this writing), the story’s managed to surpass many folks’ expectations with its clever writing, meaningful scenarios, and endearing cast. One of the cast members, Frieren the Mage, serves as a driving force in the narrative and is someone who continuously impresses audiences with her interesting views and powers.
Frieren’s expertise in the magic field is unprecedented. From her unwavering willpower to the relationship she’s forged with her former master, allies, and enemies, she’s certainly someone worth keeping your eyes on. In addition to having beautiful visuals and an immersive soundtrack, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is shaping up to be one of 2023’s best anime series yet.
Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain is a 90s sci-fi series brimming with psychological depth. Lain Iwakura, this show’s female protagonist, is a complex heroine who exceptionally contributes to the anime’s take on identity, technology, and the nature of reality. Her journey sets her apart from many female leads in anime. Initially portrayed as an introvert, Lain becomes immersed in a world of advanced AI.
As she delves deeper into this realm’s mysteries, her character transforms from an innocent bystander to an active conspiratory participant. Moreover, Lain’s internal struggles make her a relatable figure. She’ll question her identity and her isolated habits will resonate with viewers suffering from similar issues. If you’re looking for an anime that offers a profound view of the human condition, this is a remarkable choice.
So, there we have it, our picks for the 10 best anime with incredible female protagonists through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!