Modern anime has improved female character writing significantly. Here are 10 women who carry their series through depth, agency, and appeal.
10. Nobara Kugisaki (Jujutsu Kaisen)
No waifu-bait—just competence and attitude. Nobara fights on equal terms with male leads, has distinct philosophy about strength, and never becomes romance prop.
9. Makima (Chainsaw Man)
The villain who controls through affection. Makima is terrifying because she’s genuinely compelling. Her philosophy makes sense even as her methods horrify.
8. Yor Forger (Spy x Family)
Assassin learning domesticity. Yor could be one-note (hot killer mom), but her genuine struggles with normalcy and love for Anya add real depth.
7. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
The Ackerman soldier whose devotion to Eren became central to the ending. Her choice to kill him despite love carried the series’ emotional conclusion.
6. Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Silent but far from passive. Nezuko’s fight against demon nature drives the plot. Her protection of Tanjiro makes her more than damsel despite transformation.
5. Power (Chainsaw Man)
Chaos incarnate with genuine character arc. Power evolves from selfish fiend to someone willing to die for friendship. Her sacrifice earned through development.
4. Maki Zenin (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Rejected by her clan, she destroyed it. Maki’s journey from overlooked to world’s strongest human demonstrates earned power. Mai’s sacrifice gave her everything.
3. Frieren (Frieren)
Emotionally stunted elf learning to value mortal connections. Frieren carries an entire series through internal growth rather than action. She’s compelling through subtlety.
2. Violet Evergarden (Violet Evergarden)
War weapon learning emotions through letter writing. Her journey to understand love carries emotional weight few anime achieve. KyoAni’s masterpiece.
1. Anya Forger (Spy x Family)
Yes, she’s a child, but Anya is the most culturally impactful female character in recent anime. Her expressions, her telepathic comedy, her earnest desire for family—she’s perfect.