20 Anime Series with Strong Female Leads 

These characters are not just strong in the fighting sense, but they’ve also inner strength that’s inspiring. They’ve been through a lot and they keep going.

Mikasa from ‘Attack on Titan’ or Riza from ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood—they’re tough, but they also stand up for what’s right no matter what. And then there’s Usagi from ‘Sailor Moon,’ who starts out as this clumsy girl but grows into this leader who saves the world.

These characters aren’t just cool to watch in action; they’ve taught us that strength is about more than just muscles. It’s about facing challenges and staying true to yourself.

Attack on Titan – Mikasa Ackerman

Attack on Titan - Mikasa Ackerman

Mikasa is a total badass. She’s incredibly strong, super skilled with her gear, and so much loyal to her friends, especially Eren. She’s not just physically strong – she’s emotionally tough too. She’s been through a lot but keeps pushing forward. Also, her fighting scenes are just epic to watch! She’s one of my favorite character.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Riza Hawkeye

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood - Riza Hawkeye

Riza is the definition of cool under pressure. She’s an amazing sharpshooter and totally devoted to her job and to Colonel Mustang. But what really makes Riza stand out is her strength of character. She has a strong moral compass and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right, even against her superiors.

Sailor Moon – Usagi Tsukino

Sailor Moon - Usagi Tsukino

Usagi starts as a crybaby, but later She becomes an amazing leader who’s always there for her friends. What’s great about Usagi is that she stays true to herself – she’s still goofy and loves food and video games, but she also saves the world on the regular. She shows that you can be both strong and feminine.

Naruto Shippuden – Sakura Haruno and Tsunade

Naruto Shippuden - Sakura Haruno and Tsunade

Sakura has one of the best character developments in the series. She goes from being useless to becoming an incredibly strong ninja and an amazing healer. Tsunade, on the other hand, is powerful from the start. She’s not just physically strong, but she’s also a brilliant leader as the Hokage.

Princess Mononoke – San

Princess Mononoke - San

San is wild and fierce. Raised by wolves, she’s not afraid to stand up to humans to protect the forest. What’s cool about San is that she’s strong in her own way – she’s in tune with nature and fights for what she believes in, even when it’s dangerous.

The Promised Neverland – Emma

The Promised Neverland - Emma

Emma is all about determination and quick thinking. She’s optimistic but not naive – she comes up with clever plans to save her family from a pretty terrifying situation. Her strength lies in her compassion and her refusal to leave anyone behind.

Jujutsu Kaisen – Maki Zenin, Nobara Kugisaki, and Mei Mei

Jujutsu Kaisen - Maki Zenin, Nobara Kugisaki, and Mei Mei

Maki is physically strong and skilled, even without cursed energy. Nobara is confident, and sassy, and uses her unique hammer-and-nail technique. Mei Mei is a badass special-grade sorcerer who’s all about getting paid. They’re all different kinds of strong, which is awesome to see.

Claymore – Clare

Claymore - Clare

Clare is intense. She’s half-human, half-monster, fighting to protect humans from demons. She has a cool, calm exterior but there’s a lot of emotion underneath. Her journey from a scared girl to a powerful warrior is really compelling to watch.

Demon Slayer – Nezuko, Mitsuri, Shinobu, Kanao

Demon Slayer - Nezuko Kamado, Mitsuri Kanroji, Shinobu Kocho, Kanao Tsuyuri

Nezuko fights her demon nature to protect humans. Mitsuri, the Love Hashira, has incredible strength hidden behind a sweet personality. Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, uses speed and poison to fight demons. Kanao starts as a timid girl but becomes a skilled fighter who overcomes her past trauma. Each shows different types of strength – physical power, determination, intelligence, and emotional growth.

Yona of the Dawn – Yona

Yona of the Dawn - Yona

Yona starts as a sheltered princess but grows into a strong, determined leader. After her kingdom is taken over, she sets out to reclaim it, learning archery and gathering legendary dragon warriors. Her journey from pampered royal to skilled fighter and compassionate leader is really inspiring to watch.

Violet Evergarden – Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden - Violet Evergarden

Violet is a former child soldier trying to understand emotions and her place in a post-war world. She becomes an “Auto Memory Doll,” writing letters for others. Her strength lies in her determination to understand human connections and her gradual emotional growth. It’s beautiful watching her learn to express herself and help others. She’s my another favorite character.

Spy x Family – Yor Forger

Spy x Family - Yor Forger

Yor is an assassin pretending to be a normal wife and mother. She’s incredibly strong and skilled, often taking out bad guys while still making it home for dinner. What’s great about Yor is how she balances her deadly job with genuine care for her fake family. Also, her fight scenes are just awesome!

Kill la Kill – Ryuko Matoi

Kill la Kill - Ryuko Matoi

Ryuko is fierce and rebellious, on a mission to find her father’s killer. She’s not afraid to stand up to anyone, even when facing seemingly impossible odds. Her determination and growth throughout the series are really compelling, and her fights are super intense and creative.

Made in Abyss – Riko

Made in Abyss - Riko

Riko is young but incredibly brave and curious. She ventures into the dangerous Abyss to find her mother, facing terrifying creatures and harsh conditions. Her strength lies in her unwavering determination and quick thinking in the face of danger.

Akame ga Kill! – Akame

Akame ga Kill! - Akame

Akame is a skilled assassin with a strong sense of justice. She’s quiet but deadly, and her sword skills are unmatched. What’s interesting about Akame is watching her struggle with her past and her growing bond with her team members.

Sword Art Online – Asuna Yuuki

Sword Art Online - Asuna Yuuki

Asuna goes from being a newbie in the death game of SAO to becoming one of its strongest players. She’s smart, skilled with a rapier, and a great strategist. Her strength isn’t just in combat – she’s also a leader who cares deeply for others.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Nausicaä

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind - Nausicaä

Nausicaä is a princess who’s brave, compassionate, and in tune with nature. She fights to protect both her people and the environment in a post-apocalyptic world. Her strength lies in her empathy and her ability to communicate with and understand creatures others fear.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Frieren

Frieren Beyond Journeys End - Frieren

Frieren is an elf mage who outlives her human companions. Her journey is about understanding the value of human connections and memories. Her strength is in her magical abilities, but also in her growing emotional understanding and her dedication to honoring her friends’ legacies.

Beyond the Boundary – Mirai Kuriyama

Beyond the Boundary - Mirai Kuriyama

Mirai comes from a clan of spirit-world warriors with the power to manipulate blood. She’s initially shy and unsure of herself but grows into a strong fighter who protects others. Her character development as she overcomes her fears is really well done.

Fairy Tail – Lucy Heartfilia and Erza Scarlet

Fairy Tail - Lucy Heartfilia and Erza Scarlet

Lucy is a celestial wizard who grows from a newcomer to a key member of Fairy Tail. She’s smart, and caring, and becomes increasingly powerful. Erza is known as “Titania,” the queen of fairies. She’s incredibly strong, can require different armor and weapons, and is a natural leader. Both show different kinds of strength – Lucy in her growth and determination, and Erza in her power and leadership.

These characters all show different kinds of strength – physical, emotional, and intellectual. Some start strong, others grow into their strength. They’re all complex, well-developed characters who play crucial roles in their stories.