Most anime series—especially those in the shonen genre—feature female characters who are designed to win the hearts of viewers via their physical appearance, body features, and outfits. And while many female anime characters that rank highly do exhibit a certain level of sexiness and charm, physical appeal alone usually isn’t enough for a female character to top the charts. Let’s look at some of the most popular female anime characters ever created and explore what makes them so beloved.
15. Hinata Hyuga (Naruto)
Though not as deadly as her clan, not as strong as her cousin Neji, and not as fierce as Sakura or Tsunade, Hinata Hyuga still made herself known in the ninja world as a hardworking kunoichi. With her unconditional and undying support of the series’ main character Naruto, and with her role in the sequel series Boruto, Hinata solidified herself as a popular female anime character.
14. Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Our all-time favorite magical girl needs to make an appearance on this list. Cardcaptor Sakura has been winning over hearts ever since her first anime appearance in 1998. This young girl—who’s brimming with innocence and charm, blessed with magical powers, and surrounded by supportive friends—isn’t only adorable, but successful on her quest to capture all the Clow Cards and convert them into her own Sakura Cards.
13. Konan (Naruto)
Konan was one of the three students—next to Yahiko and Nagato—who were taken under Jiraiya’s wing for training. With one of the best masters in the world, she became a formidable ninja. So formidable, in fact, that the powerful Tobi needed to use a forbidden technique just to defeat her. On top of her skills, Konan had a unique kind of charisma that allowed her to gather support for Akatsuki, the mercenary group that she started with Nagato.
12. Princess Vivi (One Piece)
A daughter of a falling king, Vivi joined the troupe of terrorists who brought turmoil to her kingdom. With her resolve and strong love for her father and kingdom, she managed to save it from falling deeper into chaos with the help of her new found friends, the Strawhat Pirates.
11. Charmy (Black Clover)
This cute little Black Bull is as deadly as her captain Yami. A girl with peculiar looks and a shiny forehead, Charmy loves to eat and make food—and she even has a spell that conjures cooking sheep. With her adorable quirks and attitude, Charmy has risen to become one of the more popular female characters in Black Clover. No one suspects that this little girl hides a monster in her, and that makes her one of the more formidable mages in the series.
10. Orihime Inoue (Bleach)
Orihime is one of the most charming and supportive friends in anime. She stands out with her attitude of anti-violence, which doesn’t quite have a place in a fight-heavy anime like Bleach… …but that just adds to her charm. Her stance contradicts many of the central themes of the series, which is what makes her presence so important. Her ability to support her friends is unmatched. Orihime also tends to exhibit comical outward behaviors that hide her true feelings. While she isn’t as strong as Rukia or as cool as Yoruichi, she’s absolutely adorable as one of the series’ lead females.
9. Milim Nava (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
“Demon Lord Milim” may sound dangerous, but this is one of those cases where you shouldn’t judge a book by its name. Yes, Milim is one of the strongest characters in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. And yes, her overwhelming magic powers allow her to do whatever she wants. But she throws childish tantrums like no other, which gives Great Rimuru a hard time. As a great ally, great friend, and one of the cutest characters in the series, Demon Lord Milim is truly a top female anime character.
8. Pakunoda (Hunter X Hunter)
Pakunoda is a member of the Genei Ryodan, a group of thieves and criminals in Hunter X Hunter. She has the ability to communicate through minds, and even read the thoughts and memories of those who have been in contact with her. She ultimately sacrifices herself by using Memory Bombs to transfer crucial memories and information to the Troupe members, which activates the Judgment Chain that kills her. It’s one of the saddest—and most badass—moments in the anime. Although she’s one of the villains, her loyalty and resolve make her one of the most popular ladies in anime.
7. Mereoleona Vermillion (Black Clover)
Mereoleona is a powerful female character with the ability to generate and manipulate fire. She also has an aura so menacing that even other squad captains are silent in her presence. She’s so strong that she manages to stand alone and single-handedly fight a team of elves using nothing more than raw power. But next to her fierce attitude and strength is a softer, intelligent side. Mereoleona is a brutral trainer of magic knights, but the lessons she imparts are treasures for them to keep. Her way is one that makes her strive, survive, and surpass other female characters in the series.
6. Pitou (Hunter X Hunter)
Who doesn’t love cats? Pitou (full name Neferpitou) isn’t just a feline Chimera Ant—she’s one of the Royal Guards. She has a strong and menacing manner that she uses to observe her surroundings and guard the base. Add in her her cat-like physical appearance and you get one of the most popular female characters in Hunter X Hunter, even though she’s a villain.
5. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Mikasa Ackerman is a member of the Scout Regiment, a military branch that’s tasked with scouting territory beyond the city walls and protecting the city against Titan attacks. Throughout her training as a Cadet and beyond, Mikasa was always one of the most aggressive Titan killers thanks to her uncanny ability to maneuver herself in any situation and strike at any moment. Some even put her skills on par with the infamous Captain Levi. Her aptitude, tactics, and resolve make her one of the best soldiers in the city, and one of the best female characters in all of anime.
4. Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Nezuko Kamado, a girl-turned-demon in Demon Slayer, is outwardly cute but actually a deadly character. But her cuteness is always on display. The entire series features many adorable moments, and you can’t help but adore this lovable little girl. And you’ll be alright as long as you never forget that she’s a powerful character, both in and out. She even overcame her demonic cravings for human flesh to become an ally of the Demon Slayer Corps. What’s not to love? No wonder she’s so popular!
3. Sasha Braus (Attack on Titan)
Though not as aggressive as Mikasa, everyone still loves the Potato Girl. Her insatiable hunger and constant need to munch on food provides much-needed levity in a series as dark as Attack on Titan. Her love of food can turn her crazy, which plays off well with her usual innocence and ditzy behavior. Who could forget the time she smuggled meat from her superior officers to share with the squad? But despite her quirks and humorous moments, Sasha is dependable and responsible. No one has ever doubted her, and she’s never given any reason to be doubted. For that, she’s easily one of the most popular favorites in Attack on Titan.
2. Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)
Shinobu Kocho isn’t just “yet another deadly female character” in Demon Slayer. She lacks the physical strength needed to cut off demon heads, but she’s deadly in other ways—and quite quirky. Her first appearance in the series left viewers amazed right up to the end of the scene. Her style and wit make her unique and different from others. Her gentle voice when talking makes her adorable on the outside, veiling her lethal spirit on the inside.
1. Uraraka Ochaco (My Hero Academia)
Uraraka Ochaco is one of the most loved female characters in My Hero Academia, and one of the most popular characters in any anime series. Just look at how many people cosplay as her at events! She’s an individual who works hard for her dream of earning a living as a professional hero. She doesn’t have a flashy or powerful ability—she can nullify gravity on any object she touches—but she’s intelligent in how she uses her powers to turn battles in her favor. The cherry on top is that she’s super cute, bubbly, optimistic, and happy-go-lucky. She’s fun and uplifting to have around, and she proves to be useful at several key moments. Read next: Why Is My Hero Academia So Popular? Explained
