Updated April 3, 2022 by Mayra Rifat
For more than 60 years since the beginning of anime productions, we have rarely seen female main characters. But to my surprise, since there are lots of genres covered in anime, there is actually a large amount of anime with female leads in their own respective genres. I know you can name a few of them, but you might be surprised as to how many great anime are out there with female main characters.
Table of Contents
Without further ado, here is the list of anime with female leads. And remember, this is open to all kinds of genres so expect a wide variety of anime here but I bet there will be titles in here that will be right up your alley.
ANIME WHERE THE MAIN CHARACTER IS A GIRL
28. Fairy Tail
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 14/20 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 33/50 |
Lucy Heartfilia has one wish. To join the well-known guild Fairy Tail. The said guild is one of the magical wizard guilds being established around the continent. Her lucky encounter with Natsu Dragneel, who is a member, gets her into the Fairy Tail Guild. Together with Natsu’s rival Gray, and the battle goddess Erza, Lucy teams up with them and finds herself being among these misfit wizards. Every time they face troubles and danger, there is always a single name muttered, Zeref, the master of Dark Magic.
If you like your magical battle action, this is an ideal anime for you because it explores so many types of magic that are entertaining to watch.
27. Michiko and Hatchin
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 13/20 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 33/50 |
Michiko and Hatchin is your unusual duo who are always in crazy situations as they are running away from the cops. You might say they are partners in crime. Hatchin is a young girl who was abused by her family wishing someone would take her away. On the other hand, there’s Michiko Malandro. She is an escapee who rescues Hatchin. And to her surprise, Michiko knows Hatchin’s father and the crazy duo sets out on a journey to find him.
Despite their opposite personalities and demeanor, these two manage to complement each other and cover each other’s weaknesses. What’s more, is that their bonds strengthen because of their genuine care for each other.
26. Dusk Maiden Of Amnesia
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 13/20 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 35/50 |
Seikyou Private Academy has been carrying a dark past for 60 years. It says that the school is haunted by a ghost named Yuuko, a woman who died in the basement of the school building. Since she has no memory of her death, she heads towards the Paranormal Investigations Club to search for answers. Teiichi, one of the members, grows close with Yuuko and decides to help her.
Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a story of young students searching for answers regarding Yuuko’s death. But many unexpected developments will happen as you watch the series.
25. Hanasaku Iroha
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 13/20 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 35/50 |
Ohana Matsumae is outgoing and full of energy. She lives in Tokyo together with her single mother. But unexpectedly, her mother runs away from the debt collectors with her boyfriend, leaving her daughter, and forcing her to fend for herself. In rural Japan, her grandmother runs a small inn. Since Ohana is a city girl, she has to adapt to this new environment and lifestyle in the countryside. Ohana is now challenged as she works as a maid and makes friends along the way.
Hanasaku Iroha follows the daily life and journey of a young woman who is already facing challenges in the reality of life. Though this anime is a slice-of-life, the developments here are memorable.
24. Yona of the Dawn
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 14/20 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 35/50 |
Yona is a princess of Kouka who has everything easy. But one day, her father is murdered by her cousin. Yona and Son Hak managed to escape and set off to find warriors that could help her save the kingdom. As she meets different warriors, expect some romantic events happening every now and then in this series.
Yona has one of the best developments after her father’s untimely death. From being a bratty and spoiled princess to a strong-willed woman, she definitely became the center point of the men surrounding her. Oh! And I almost forgot to mention but the men I was pertaining to that surrounds Yona are actually really good-looking and are a bunch of gentlemen. Good luck to whoever wins Yona’s heart.
23. Snow White With The Red Hair
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 14/20 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 35/50 |
Shirayuki is an energetic woman residing in the country of Tanbarun. She works as an apothecary in her herbal shop. One day, her life changed when the prince of Tanbarun wanted her to be his concubine. Since she wants to be free, Shirayuki escapes to the forest. She was rescued by Zen from the prince of Tanbarun. Zen turns out to be the second prince in a neighboring country. Since she hopes to repay her debt, she works as a herbalist in Zen’s country, Clarines.
Zen’s desire to become worthy as a prince and Shirayuki’s new life—the growing relationship between the two could possibly develop into something more than friendship, as well as newly formed enemies. But could their bond be something more than we expect?
22. Kino’s Journey The Beautiful World
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 14/20 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 36/50 |
Kino travels the world with her motorcycle named Hermes. In every place she visits, she specifically has a schedule of three days and two nights. She believes she can learn something in this time period in the location she would be in.
Since cultures, people, and environments are different in every location she goes, obviously, she learns different things from them. But what makes this interesting is that every place has a brand new story. It also explores some philosophical aspects in it that manages to complement the theme they have in a specific location.
21. Ergo Proxy
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 36/50 |
Ergo Proxy is set in a dystopian society. People are forced to live inside the dome and living outside would be impossible. In order to recover humanity, they developed “Autoreivs”. A human-like robot that assists humans in their daily lives. But these robots are infected by the “Cogito Virus” which enables them to be self-aware and capable of emotions. Re-l Mayer is assigned to investigate such events with her Autoreiv partner, Iggy. Instead of some simple investigation job, she is slowly confronted by humanity’s most sinister sins after learning about the proxies. On the other hand, there’s Vincent Law, a man who has a connection to the proxies. Together with Pino, an Autoreiv, they set on a journey to uncover the domed city of Romdo and learn the truth about Proxies.
Ergo Proxy is psychologically complex to watch. It requires much thought and understanding in order to fully grasp the entire point of the anime. But this doesn’t mean it’s not for everyone. You can enjoy this if you want to activate your brain.
20. Ouran High School Host Club
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 12/20 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 36/50 |
Haruhi Fujioka recently enrolled at the prestigious Ouran Academy. As a student, she tries to find the study room but she stumbled upon an unused music room. She made a one massive mistake. She broke a very expensive vase and she can’t afford to pay it back. As she was welcomed by the host club, they came up with an alternative way for her to pay it back. She will work for the club and become a host herself.
The host club consists of male members and is full of unique and eccentric individuals with their own charms. As Haruhi works for them, what kind of developments will happen in this series?
19. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 16/20 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 37/50 |
A certain otome game player reincarnated into the game she plays. But her death in her previous life is still unknown. Reincarnated into a game you played sounds cool but not for this girl. She reincarnated as the villainess in the otome game she played. Her new identity, Catarina Claes, the main antagonist of the game, fears for the doom she will encounter in every choice she makes because that was her role in the game. However, using her memories and knowledge of this game in her previous life, she intends to avoid any death flags and must affect the lives of the different characters.
This anime is one of the most unique isekai out there. Living her life as a villainess, she must change everything to survive. Aside from these, expect some chaotic romance developments because of her actions.
18. Canaan
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 37/50 |
Maria Osawa is a Japanese photographer who is currently working in Shanghai, China. Together with her partner Mino, they search for some stories that create a newsworthy event. However, some strange events happen in a carnival. She gets caught in a huge plot developing into a virus that threatens the entire humanity. Canaan appeared and helped Maria escape.
With an unusual and surprising connection between these three women, who knows how the plot will unfold. Plot aside, this also focuses on Canaan’s struggle to face her past to stop the attack and save her friends.
17. Sailor Moon
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 37/50 |
Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy girl and an average student who is bad at her studies. One day, she saved a cat with a crescent moon on its head. The cat is named Luna. Luna believes that their meeting is no mere coincidence. Luna, later on, reveals that Usagi is destined to be a Sailor Moon. A guardian that is given the power to save the Earth. With their special brooch allowing them to transform in their beautiful Sailor Moon uniforms, she has to use these powers to save the city from the monsters that are being sent by Queen Beryl from the Dark Kingdom.
Sailor Moon pretty much has a simple concept, but what makes this special is that this is the pioneer of the genre of what we know nowadays as magical girls. The magical girls genre can be enjoyed outside of its target audience and Sailor Moon proved it.
16. Saga Of Tanya The Evil
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 16/20 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 37/50 |
Tanya Degurechaff is ruthless and tactically good in her military occupation. However, inside this little girl is an actual man. Before her current life, she used to work as an ordinary salaryman in Japan and suddenly died. Due to her current circumstance, she challenges Being X, a self-proclaimed God. Since her desire is to only have a peaceful life, Being X is her biggest obstacle to having one.
Saga Of Tanya The Evil has a cool combination of guns and magic set in a militaristic world of constant warfare. So expect some action-packed military actions in this series together with our little girl MC Tanya.
15. Moribito
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 38/50 |
Balsa is a 30-year-old woman who travels and atones for the deaths of the eight people in her past. With that logic, she has to save eight people. As she does this, one of the people she saved is a young prince named Chagum. He was almost assassinated by the order from his father and Balsa became his bodyguard. As their platonic relationship is established, they embark on a journey to their father and find out the truth and reason why Chagum wants to be assassinated.
Seirei No Moribito proves that women can be badass in their own way. This story took a fresh route of having a badass heroine saving the prince from distress.
14. Chihayafuru
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 39/50 |
Chihaya Ayase has this one dream of having her sister as Japan’s successful model. One day, after defending her classmate from bullies, she is introduced and discovers the world of competitive Karuta. Her interest was piqued towards the sport. Karuta is a simplecard game. The person will recite a poem, then the players will touch the specific card mentioned, and the first to touch the card will win. Though it may be simple, it requires excellent memory because all of the cards consist of 100 poems, together with reflexes and endurance.
The sport may sound initially boring because of its simplicity and I can’t blame you for that. But once you see the reality of its competition, you might be surprised that it always leaves you at the edge of your seat in their matches.
13. Shirobako
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 16/20 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 40/50 |
Shirobako follows the story of five women with their own respective dreams in the anime industry. And their bond was already established in their animation club in school. Aoi and Ema finally work at some big-name anime production company. But Misa, Midori, and Shizuka are still struggling to get their dream jobs. They made a promise to create their own show one day, but reality hits differently. Would they be able to reunite to work on a single project?
We always enjoy watching anime, but do you know what’s happening behind the scenes of such entertainment that we enjoy? Shirobako explores the reality of making anime. To produce the best of their works, you might appreciate the creators more when you know how much they worked hard for their creations.
12. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 13/20 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 40/50 |
Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki are your ordinary middle school girls. But everything about their lives has changed after they meet Kyubey, a magician familiar with the appearance of a cat, and Homura Akemi, a transfer student. Kyuubey offers them a deal. It will grant them wishes in exchange for making them into magical girls. But they have to save and gain enough power to make their wish come true. The deal sounds tempting but Homura stopped them to become magical girls because there is something more than meets the eye.
Madoka Magica revolutionizes and deconstructs the magical girl genre because of its dark and disturbing elements. Therefore changing your perception of the magical girls genre. If you are getting into this anime, you better steel up your emotions.
11. A Place Further Than The Universe
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 14/20 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 40/50 |
Mari Tamaki always dreams of what is beyond the universe. She fears the unknown and is always apprehensive about her limitations. However, when she reaches her second year, she is determined to not let her youth be wasted by anyone. She meets Shirase, a girl who has a grand dream of going to Antarctica to search for her mother despite other people’s judgements. Because of her determination, Mari is also inspired to embark on a journey together with Hinata, a girl who wants to stand out, and Yuzuki, a high-class girl.
A beautiful tale of young people trying to set on an unforgettable journey so that they won’t have regrets as they grow up. A Place Further Than The Universe is truly inspirational and motivates us to do something we really wanted before we regret it. Don’t let anyone stop us from doing so.
10. Kakegurui
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 17/20 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | 40/50 |
Hyakkaou Private Academy is an educational institute for the richest people in the world. But what makes it different is not the rich students. In the morning, they teach typical educational stuff, but at night, it becomes a gambling place teaching the students how to deal with money and exploit people. Yumeko Jabami is a transfer student. What makes her different is she gambles for the thrill and not for winning.
Her absurd and insane way of gambling is what hooks the viewers and leaves them at the edge of the seat. If you like intense high-stakes shows, then this show is perfect for you.
9. Little Witch Academia
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 16/20 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 40/50 |
Years ago, Akko witnessed a wonderful performance of Shiny Chariot and said to her that “a believing heart is your magic!”. Because of this inspiration, she enrolled in Luna Nova Magical Academy despite her background of having no magic. Nothing goes smoothly in her life at school. She meets Lotte and Sucy and they become her first friends. One day, she discovers Chariot’s wand and takes it as her own. Who knows what this wand could bring her.
Little Witch Academia is suitable for all ages. Akko’s character alone is inspiring because of her sheer determination despite her lack of magic. Her adventures and development is something that we should follow.
8. Psycho-Pass
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 41/50 |
Set in the 22nd century, Japan enforces the Sibyl System, a technology that can determine the threat level of the citizens through examining their mental state or the crime coefficient. Akane Tsunemori is an enforcer who has a genuine desire for upholding justice. However, as she works with the veteran Shinya Kougami, she is slowly learning about the flaws of the Sibyl System’s judgment and is questioning what justice really is.
Having a system that determines upcoming crimes may sound ideal. But will you let a mere technological system determine which is morally right and wrong? Could it really enforce justice?
7. Claymore
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 16/20 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 41/50 |
Youma are known as shapeshifting demons that feed on human flesh. Claymores, on the other hand, are manufactured half-human and half-youma, made for terminating these monsters. One day, Raki’s entire family is killed by a Youma, and a Claymore saves his life. As he has nowhere else to go now, he decided to follow the Claymore named Clare on her journey,
Claymore explores the aspect of human vengeance and what drives them to have stronger willpower. Claymores are supposed to be chosen even if they are against it, but Clare, our MC, volunteered to become one for the sake of revenge. Since Claymores have a ranking system, Clare is at the bottom and is deemed a failure. But we follow her journey to rise up the ranks.
6. Violet Evergarden
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 15/20 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 42/50 |
After 4 years of conflict, the war finally ends. Violet Evergarden is a young girl who was raised only for exterminating enemies during the war. During the war’s final battles, she receives words she failed to understand from someone she held close to her heart. Since the war ends, she lives a new life as an Auto Memory Doll, whose job is to transcribe the thoughts and feelings of people in a letter. As she enters her new job, will she find the meaning of the words left by her dearest?
Violet meets different people with different feelings and thoughts that she transcribes. The anime explores the importance of conveying your feelings and emotions to the person you hold dear.
5. Spice And Wolf
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 18/20 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 5/10 | 42/50 |
Lawrence is a travelling merchant accompanied by the harvest goddess, Holo. As the years pass and the people have become more self-sufficient, it reduces Holo to become a mere folktale. In the middle of Lawrence’s travel, he encounters Holo and is asked to become his business partner with the condition of taking her home in Yoitsu. As they establish their business partnership, Holo’s charismatic negotiation skills and Lawrence’s bargaining skills will help Lawrence’s dream to open his new own shop come true.
If you find your economics class boring, then you can have fun learning economics in this anime because Spice and Wolf has something to bring you about business while being entertained at the same time.
4. Fruits Basket
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 17/20 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 43/50 |
Tooru Honda loves the story of Chinese Zodiacs because of her mother. But after a horrible family tragedy struck her, she was left all alone. She is forced to live in a tent. Without knowing, she lives beside the property of the esteemed Souma family. The Soumas discovered her eventually and let her live in their home. But later on, their secret was revealed after she realized that the Soumas will turn to Zodiac Animals whenever they are hugged by the opposite gender.
Fruits Basket is filled with comedy and romance. However, the feels are very strong in this anime so expect your heart to get crushed.
3. Nana
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 18/20 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 44/50 |
Nana Komatsu is a naive young girl who easily falls in love with guys and becomes too dependent on the people surrounding her. She travelled to Tokyo to find her boyfriend, Shouji Endo. Meanwhile, there’s Nana Osaki, a punk rock vocalist who has a desire to become a professional singer. She boarded the same train with Nana Komatsu. After their fateful encounter resulting in them sharing an apartment, these two’s lives are now filled with happiness, heartbreak, challenges, and romance as they support each other.
Nana is a tale of two women who are pushing their own boundaries to be the better version of themselves and follow their dreams. And the problems they encounter test their strong bond.
2, Ghost In The Shell
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 18/20 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 10/10 | 45/50 |
Set in the year 2029, the city of Nihama has become technologically advanced due to the rapid development of Cybernetics. People can now replace their body parts with fully functioning robotic prosthetics. Major Motoko Kusanagi investigates a case of a mysterious hacker known as the “Puppet Master”, leaving its victims’ memories stripped off from them. As she works for the investigation, section 6 starts to get involved in this crime. With the extreme complexity of the case, Motoko starts to question the meaning of her life which can only be answered by the “Puppet Master”.
Ghost in the Shell explores the philosophical theme of technological existentialism. Though it sounds complicated, it can be understood if you are able to empathize with the characters.
1. Princess Mononoke
| Female MC | Plot | Character Writing | Animation | Total |
| 16/20 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 45/50 |
Prince Ashitaka risked his life to protect the village when it was being attacked by a demon boar. As the demon dies, it curses the prince’s arm and slowly absorbs his life away. The village elders told him to travel west for the cure. As he arrives there, there is an ongoing conflict between Lady Eboshi and San (Princess Mononoke) defending against deforestation. Ashitaka seeks peace between these two while fighting the demon inside him.
Princess Mononoke teaches us how nature and technology can coexist if there is a mutual understanding going on. It could even form a symbiotic relationship if both of them are utilized correctly by humans.
Conclusion
Female leads have their own charms regardless of the genre of their show. The gender doesn’t determine the quality of the character and the show, and the leads in this list prove it. Since you finished reading the list, you must’ve now realized how a huge amount of anime have female main characters. But yeah, that’s pretty much it See ya!
