Celebrating the Power of Women in Anime: 15 Influential Characters

Celebrating the Power of Women in Anime: 15 Influential Characters

Gojasu on Mar 21st 2024

1. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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)

Image of 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