Who are the most popular female anime characters and why do viewers like them so much? That's a great question!
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 of all time and explore what makes them so beloved.
20. 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.
19. 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.
18. 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.
17. 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.
16. 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.
15. 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.
14. Rem (Re:Zero)
Rem is the blue-haired maid servant of Roswaal L. Mathers in Re:Zero. She's actually part human and part Oni (a monstrous creature from Japanese folklore), but by all appearances she's a cute girl.
She's beautiful in her own way, which has caught the attention of anime fans and made her popular. Although she isn't as bubbly as some of the other anime girls on this list, Rem is still a great companion for her loyalty and caring attitude.
She's also pretty popular among cosplayers! There are always events where you'll see not just one but many Rem characters.
13. 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.
12. 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.
11. 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!
10. 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.
9. 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.
8. Makima (Chainsaw Man)
Cold and brutal. Those are the two words that best describe Makima of Chainsaw Man. She's someone whose pure evilness is coated with captivating beauty, which can be deceptive and disarming.
It's not just her beauty that makes her popular, though. Her character is also incredibly well-written and she has a terrifying ability that allows her to literally crush her victims in an instant.
Chainsaw Man has plenty of other badass characters, but it wouldn't be complete withour her. She's one of our favorite anime girls and we aren't surprised by her overall popularity amongst anime fans.
7. Yor Forger (Spy X Family)
Yor Forger is the mother figure to Anya and the pretend wife of Loid, who all make up the fake-but-wholesome Forger family.
Although she presents as cute and a bit ditzy, Yor is a high-caliber assassin who easily blends into community life. Despite her occupation, she's caring and shy and aloof, which endears her to us.
So while she's spilled a lot of blood, she isn't malicious or hateful. Between her soft side and her love for her family—including her motherly protection of Anya—we can't help but love her.
6. Robin Nico (One Piece)
In the early parts of One Piece, most fans loved Nami. However, in the later arcs of the anime, pretty much everyone fell in love with Robin Nico, the more mature female character.
Though she's one of the main pirate crew, she often disappears into the background and gives the "Monster Trio" their time to shine.
But when the Wano Country Arc came around, Robin started getting some important developments, as seen in her fight with Black Maria (one of the top fighters of the Beast Pirates).
Furthermore, as the archaeologist, she serves an important role in the journey of the Straw Hat Pirates. In fact, she's the key to the One Piece.
5. Shoko Komi (Komi Can't Communicate)
Shoko Komi is a fresh new character in a brand new anime that brings us an original take on the romance genre. With a name like Komi Can't Communicate, you already know this isn't your typical anime.
That's right, Shoko has a hard time talking and socializing with others. But that doesn't mean she doesn't deserve a spot on this list! Not only is she a head-turner with her incomparable beauty, she's gentle both inside and out and she's just lovely to watch on screen.
Most importantly, Shoko is always trying her best to overcome her communication disorder and to make friends with the people around her, which is admirable and relatable. What's not to love?
4. Anya Forger (Spy X Family)
We've already highlighted a character from Spy X Family in Yor Forger, but as popular as she is, Anya Forger is even more popular. In fact, there isn't a single character in modern anime who's like her.
Anya is known for her ability to read the minds of nearby people and animals. But she's also six years old—and she really acts like a six-year-old child would act. She's no mastermind. In fact, she often misinterprets the thoughts she hears, leading to all kinds of hijinks.
Between her cute speech patterns and the love she has for her adoptive mother and father, she's the heart and soul of Spy X Family who elevates the series to legendary status. It's hard not to love Anya Forger.
3. Chika Fujiwara (Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War)
While Kaguya Shinomiya is the main female lead of Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War, it's Chika Fujiwara who's the most popular among fans.
Why is Chika so lovable? She's fun, bubbly, bright, and she's pretty much at the center of all the comedy in the series, which often involve her childish antics.
Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War is one of our favorite rom-com animes, and it'd be nothing without the energy that Chika brings. She's really popular among fans of the series and we get it!
2. Kaori Miyazono (Your Lie in April)
In Your Lie in April, Kaori Miyazono is a talented musician, just like Kosei Arima. She plays the violin while he plays the piano, and together they can put together an incredible musical performance.
There's no mystery as to why Kaori Miyazono is so popular: she has an infectious attitude that's perfectly jolly and outgoing, and she's just incredibly captivating to watch on screen.
She's the kind of anime character who you can really get attached to, which makes her story in Your Lie in April all the more tragic.
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.
