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Anime has a vast collection of genres, and it caters to every type of audience, including those who enjoy watching female anime protagonists-centered shows. It also has space specially for dynamic and unforgettable female characters to prove that anime is not a male-dominated space. These female anime protagonists are not just supporting characters, they are the key players who drive the show. With their compelling backstories, unwavering convictions, and emotional depth, these female protagonists have captivated fans and often stolen the spotlight.
10 Best Female Anime Protagonists of all time
Here's a deep dive into ten of the best female anime protagonists of all time by being the heroines who have redefined anime in more ways than one.
1) Jolyne Cujoh – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean
Manga Chapters: Stone Ocean spans 17 volumes, serialized from January 2000 to April 2003.
Anime Episodes: 38 episodes
Studio: David Production
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is known for introducing extravagant and flamboyant characters. Jolyne Cujoh is the daughter of Jotaro Kujo. She is not only one of the best female anime protagonists but also the first true female Jojo. Her character is headstrong, every bit as bold, resourceful, and resilient as everyone else from her lineage. Jolyne is wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a crime she did not commit.
Through the story, after she awakens her Stand Power, she matures emotionally. Furthermore, her character does not rely on staying under her father's shadow, rather, she becomes her own individual. Every challenge thrown at her, Jolyne would take it head-on without a shred of doubt or fear in her mind.
2) Chihaya Ayase –Chihayafuru
Manga Chapters: The series comprises 50 volumes, serialized from December 2007 to August 2022.
Anime Episodes: 74 episodes across three seasons, plus an OVA.
Studio: Madhouse
Chihayafuru might seem like a normal card game anime. But it is more about the passionate journey of Chihaya and her lifelong dream of becoming the Queen of Karuta. She is not like other female anime protagonists, as Chihaya is clumsy and impulsive. None of her characteristics match the usual main character archetype. What sets her apart is her love for the traditional Japanese game, Karuta, and unwavering loyalty to her friends.
It is inspiring to watch her on screen as her deep desire to learn and master Karuta ignites a flame to do something in the heart of the audience. She's a reminder that chasing your dreams, no matter how niche, can be a noble and beautiful pursuit.
3) Violet Evergarden – Violet Evergarden
Manga Chapters: The series consists of 4 volumes, adapted from the original light novels.
Anime Episodes: 13 episodes, plus an OVA and two films.
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Violet is a former child soldier who is now on her journey to find peace and meaning. What makes her one of the best female anime protagonists is how her internal struggle is beautifully portrayed. In this story, she is given the task of becoming a ghostwriter and writing letters, but she does not understand the emotions and true meaning of the words she has been writing.
Therefore, she decides to go on a journey to comprehend the meaning of love, grief, and the human heart. Violet is not a typical heroine as her previous trauma and her current stoic nature slowly melt away in the series. And the result of this is, the audience gets to witness her deeply empathetic and fragile soul.
4) Frieren –Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Manga Chapters: 14 volumes, ongoing since April 2020.
Anime Episodes: 28 episodes in Season 1. Season 2 is scheduled for January 2026.
Studio: Madhouse
Frieren is an elven mage who has outlived her comrades. She must now face the true nature of time, memory, and regret. Her journey is to answer the question of what happens in a story after the grand quest is over. It is a slow-paced anime, showing the nuance of how time never stops for anyone. Frieren’s journey is not about finding fame, power, or even defeating strong enemies. But it is on how she learns to connect with others, grieve, and treasure human relationships, even if they will last for a long time for her.
Through her slow awakening, Frieren becomes the ultimate symbol of both the beauty and danger of emotional intimacy. She is one of the best female anime protagonists because of her flawed nature, and she took her time to understand that she needed to change and worked on it.
5) Zero Two –Darling in the Franxx
Manga Chapters: 8 volumes, serialized from January 2018 to January 2020.
Anime Episodes: 24 episodes
Studio: A collaboration between A-1 Pictures, Trigger, and CloverWorks
There are a few female anime characters that have divided the fandom into two categories. Fans usually love her or hate her, but no one can ignore her presence in the show. Zero Two commands the attention of the audience when she is onscreen.
She had a tragic past as she was treated like a monster by others due to being a human-klaxosaur hybrid. Moreover, the series' central story is her relationship with Hiro. Her journey is again a little different when compared to other female anime protagonists because in the series, she transforms from a selfish character to a selfless one. And this character growth is unforgettable.
6) Narumi Momose – Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
Manga Chapters: 11 volumes, serialized from April 2014 to July 2021.
Anime Episodes: 11 episodes, plus 3 OVAs
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Narumi Momose’s story is set in a romantic comedy genre. As an office worker, Narumi is a breath of fresh air as she is not your usual 9-5 employee. She has a hidden identity of being an otaku. Her character is relatable to everyone who struggles with keeping their hobbies a secret. Narumi’s character is not intense, nor does she face any world-shattering moral dilemma; rather, she represents the everyday woman who has a nerdy hobby and experiences her life as an adult.
Her chemistry with Hirotaka, her stoic gaming boyfriend, is full of charm and authenticity, and it is entertaining to witness a geeky romance story in the middle of high school romances, which gets less relatable to a lot of adult viewers. She is one of the best female anime protagonists because she shows that one can be quirky, flawed, and still deserving of real love.
7) Kaguya Shinomiya – Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Manga Chapters: 28 volumes, serialized from May 2015 to November 2022.
Anime Episodes: 37 episodes across three seasons, plus an OVA and a film.
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Kaguya Shinomiya is the vice president of a prestigious school, and she is one of the best female anime protagonists because Kaguya is also the master of mind games. In this story, she is caught in between being of an intense psychological love battle with the equally stubborn Miyuki Shirogane.
They share the same goal of making each other confess their feeling first. But Kaguya is not cold and calculative, which is gradually revealed as their story progresses. It is one of the most satisfying rom-coms to watch because it is wholesome to watch her evolve from being distant to open-hearted.
8) Maomao –The Apothecary Diaries
Manga Chapters: 15 volumes, ongoing since May 2017.
Anime Episodes: 39 episodes
Studio: A collaboration between Toho Animation Studio and OLM
In the universe of the Apothecary Diaries, Maomao is an anomaly because she tackles obstacles not by brute strength but with intellect, observation, and a touch of stubborn sass. The story takes place in China, where Maomao was the adoptive daughter of the former apothecary. He was responsible for educating her and passing down all the knowledge he possessed.
What makes her a standout character and one of the best female anime protagonists is her sarcastic nature, being unbothered all the time, and her sharp wit. She has never cared about politics or power; the only thing she wishes is to be able to study medicine and taste poison. Maomao is the kind of heroine who proves brains truly can beat brawn and claims her spot as one the the best female anime protagonists.
9) Nana Osaki – NANA
Manga Chapters: 84 chapters compiled into 21 volumes. On hiatus since 2009
Anime Episodes: 47 episodes
Studio: Madhouse
Nana has been one of the best female anime protagonists and has been beloved by fans worldwide. She is the lead singer of a band; she’s fierce, independent, and determined to make it big in Tokyo. But beneath her strong personality, Nana’s heart is full of pain as she longs to make a genuine connection with someone.
The plot of Nana revolves around two women with the same name but have different lifestyles. Nana Osaki is the central character. Throughout the story, she navigates the things that come after fame. It is about surviving the toll of fame, love, and betrayal. She is a strong yet vulnerable character, and his duality of nature makes her a realistic character who left a lasting impact on the audience.
10)Tohru Honda – Fruits Basket
Manga Chapters: 136 chapters compiled into 23 volumes
Anime Episodes: 2001 adaptation: 26 episodes / 2019–2021 reboot: 63 episodes across 3 seasons.
Studio: 2001: Studio Deen / 2019–2021: TMS Entertainment
The theme of kindness is often underrated in anime, and Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket shows us that choosing to be gentle can be revolutionary. She is the living example of compassion and heals everyone she comes across. As she stumbles into the Sohma family and understands their curse, Tohru slowly but gradually begins healing their trauma.
Her character never judges anyone; rather, she listens, understands, and then forgives. Moreover, her optimism is infectious, and the writing ensures that she comes off as authentic and realistic, and this makes her one of the best female anime protagonists of all time.
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To conclude, these ten female anime protagonists showcase a huge spectrum of what it means to be the best protagonist. Throughout these years, all of them have carved out a space for women-centered shows to continue and thrive and break free from the stereotype of them being just a side character. And the reason they have resonated so well with the audience is because they are flawed characters, which makes them deeply human and hence relatable. These ten female anime protagonists not only lead their respective shows, but they also redefine what it means to be legendary.
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