Celebrating the Power of Women in Anime: 15 Influential Characters
Gojasu on Mar 21st 2024
1. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)
- A cyborg police officer who constantly questions the nature of humanity and her own place in the world.
- Her strength, philosophical musings, and cool demeanor make her an enduring figure.
2. Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon)
- The iconic magical girl who popularized the transformation scene and the "fighting for love and justice" trope.
- Sailor Moon and her companions inspired countless young girls and remain a beloved classic.
3. Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Known for her enigmatic aura and complex relationships within a story of psychological struggles and giant mechas.
- Rei stands as one of the most analyzed female characters in anime.
4. Asuka Langley Soryu (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Asuka's fiery personality, piloting skills, and tragic backstory make her a popular character full of contradictions.
- Her confidence in the face of internal struggles still resonates with viewers.
5. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
- Incredibly skilled fighter with unwavering devotion to her loved ones in a brutal world.
- Her quiet strength, loyalty, and combat prowess are unmatched
6. Winry Rockbell (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
- Passionate automail mechanic and a vital emotional support system for the Elric brothers.
- She shows a different kind of strength—compassion, technical skill, and standing up for what she believes in.
7. Nana Osaki (Nana)
- Punk rock singer and one half of an iconic (and tumultuous) friendship central to the series.
- Nana's raw emotionality, artistic spirit, and determination against adversity make her compelling.
8. Haruhi Suzumiya (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)
- An eccentric high schooler who unknowingly warps reality around her desires.
- Despite being self-centered, her energy and ability to shake up everyone around her create memorable chaos.
9. Kagome Higurashi (Inuyasha)
- A girl from modern times who travels to feudal Japan and breaks a powerful curse.
- Her bravery and compassion shine through as she forms a bond with the half-demon Inuyasha.
10. Android 18 (Dragon Ball Z)
- Originally designed as a weapon, she becomes a surprisingly caring, down-to-earth figure in the DBZ universe.
- Her independence and combat skills are a force to be reckoned with.
11. Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)
- Powerful S-class mage known for "requipping" magical armor and weapons mid-battle.
- Her loyalty to Fairy Tail and her protective nature make her a beloved character.
12. Boa Hancock (One Piece)
- The beautiful and arrogant pirate empress whose power is matched only by her obsession with Monkey D. Luffy.
- A complex character balancing vulnerability, strength, and a flair for the dramatic.
13. Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
- While controversial, her arc showcases immense growth. She starts as less skilled but develops exceptional medical ninjutsu and inner strength.
14. Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
- Colonel Mustang's sharpshooting right-hand, a calm voice of reason with unshakeable loyalty.
- She balances fierce determination with a vulnerable side that makes her complex and relatable.
15. Olivier Mira Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
- A force of nature commanding the northern fortress, known for her swordsmanship and sharp mind.
- Uncompromising and a bit intimidating, yet ultimately a protective and caring leader