Best anime with strong female leads have always been home to a wide variety of characters, but few shine as brightly as those strong female leads that leave a lasting impression. These women break boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and inspire viewers with their strength, intelligence, and resilience. Whether they’re warriors, strategists, or just everyday heroines, these empowering characters show that being strong isn’t just about physical power—it’s about heart, determination, and spirit.
Here’s a list of some of the best anime with strong female leads that you’ll absolutely love.
1. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
Why She’s Empowering: Mikasa Ackerman stands as one of the most iconic female characters in anime history. As a member of the elite Survey Corps, Mikasa is an unmatched fighter known for her incredible combat skills, sharp reflexes, and unshakable loyalty to her friends, especially Eren Yeager. Despite her tough exterior, Mikasa’s emotional depth and her internal struggles with loyalty, love, and loss make her an inspiring, multi-dimensional character who carries both physical and emotional strength.
2. Motoko Kusanagi – Ghost in the Shell
Genre: Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi, Action
Studio: Production I.G
Why She’s Empowering: In the futuristic world of Ghost in the Shell, Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cybernetically enhanced human who leads Section 9, an elite task force specializing in high-level crime and cyber terrorism. Motoko is known for her exceptional combat abilities, intellect, and leadership. Her character grapples with philosophical questions of humanity and identity, as her fully cybernetic body leads her to question the nature of her existence. As a pioneer of the cyberpunk genre, Motoko’s strength lies not only in her combat skills but in her intellect and deep introspection.
3. Clare – Claymore
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Studio: Madhouse
Why She’s Empowering: Clare is a Claymore, a half-human, half-Yoma (demon) warrior dedicated to protecting humans from the monstrous Yoma. Despite being seen as one of the weakest among her kind, Clare’s determination and perseverance allow her to overcome immense challenges. Her journey of self-discovery, revenge, and personal sacrifice showcases a female lead who refuses to back down, no matter the odds. Clare’s emotional resilience is as fierce as her swordsmanship, making her a true embodiment of strength and perseverance.
4. Nana Osaki – Nana
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Studio: Madhouse
Why She’s Empowering: Nana Osaki is the bold, punk-rock lead vocalist of a band and one of the two main protagonists in Nana. Unlike many other female anime leads, Nana isn’t a fighter or a warrior but is still incredibly empowering. She’s independent, fierce, and fights for her dreams with unwavering determination. Nana’s emotional journey is deeply relatable, as she struggles with love, friendship, and ambition, making her a strong character who defies conventions and seeks to define her own path in life.
5. Riza Hawkeye – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Studio: Bones
Why She’s Empowering: As one of the top-ranking soldiers in the Amestrian military, Riza Hawkeye is a skilled sniper and the loyal right-hand woman to Colonel Roy Mustang. Riza’s calm, collected demeanor under pressure and her deep sense of duty make her a standout character in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. While she is a soldier with deadly precision, Riza is also compassionate, driven by a moral compass that leads her to protect those she cares about at all costs. Her inner strength and unwavering dedication make her a true force to be reckoned with.
6. Kagome Higurashi – Inuyasha
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Studio: Sunrise
Why She’s Empowering: Though she starts as an ordinary high school girl, Kagome Higurashi is anything but ordinary. After being transported to the Feudal Era, Kagome becomes the reincarnation of a powerful priestess and takes on the monumental task of locating the shards of the Shikon Jewel. Kagome’s growth from an innocent, naive girl to a confident, compassionate young woman is empowering. She learns to use her spiritual powers, stands up for what she believes in, and helps guide her allies through countless battles and challenges.
7. Saber (Artoria Pendragon) – Fate Series
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Studio: Ufotable
Why She’s Empowering: As the legendary King Arthur, reborn as Saber, Artoria Pendragon is a symbol of honor, justice, and strength. Her leadership and swordsmanship are unmatched, but her internal struggles with the responsibilities of kingship and her desire to protect those she loves make her a deeply complex character. Saber fights not just with physical might but with an unwavering sense of duty and righteousness, embodying the ideal of a noble warrior-king in the Fate series.
8. Akane Tsunemori – Psycho-Pass
Genre: Sci-Fi, Psychological Thriller
Studio: Production I.G
Why She’s Empowering: Akane Tsunemori starts as a rookie inspector for the Public Safety Bureau, tasked with managing the justice system in a dystopian future where people’s mental states are monitored to predict crimes. Over time, Akane transforms from a naive and idealistic officer into a determined, principled leader. She challenges a broken system with her intellect, moral strength, and unwavering dedication to justice. Akane’s character arc is about growth, resilience, and standing up against corruption, making her an empowering lead in a world full of ethical dilemmas.
Why Strong Female Characters Matter in Anime
Strong female leads in anime break away from traditional roles and provide viewers with empowering stories of courage, determination, and complexity. These characters show that strength comes in many forms—whether it’s the strength to fight battles, navigate complicated emotional struggles, or challenge the status quo. They inspire us not only with their power and intellect but with their ability to overcome adversity and define their own paths.
If you’re looking for anime that highlights the brilliance and resilience of its female characters, these titles are must-watches. These women, in their unique ways, teach us that being strong means being true to yourself, standing up for your beliefs, and never backing down from a challenge.