Top 10 Greatest Female Anime Characters in Movies

“The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” (2006)

Makoto is your average schoolgirl...until she acquires the ability to literally leap through time that is. Makoto initially abuses this power for fun and her own benefit. Eventually realizing the consequences of her actions, she starts to use time hopping to help others. Even then, things don't always go according to plan. Despite being occasionally selfish, Makoto is also a charming and relatable heroine, who, at the end of the day is both average and extraordinary. Learning that the best intentions can still have a negative outcome, she still just wants to do the right thing.

“Redline” (2009)
While “Redline” isn’t without a few pure fan service moments, Sonoshee is a hell of a lot more than simple eye candy. Also known as Cherry Boy Hunter, this hovercraft racer lives life in the fast lane. As the winner of the Yellowline race, she acts as a rival, friend, and love interest for our protagonist, JP. Behind her smile is a fiercely driven competitor who won’t settle for anything less than first place. Even before hitting the big leagues, Sonoshee pushed herself to be the best racer possible.
Behind the wheel or riding shotgun, Sonoshee never give up, and will always cross the finish line.

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984)

This wont be the only time you see one of Hayao Miyazaki’s strong female leads on this list, as he is responsible for some of the best women in all of animation. Nausicaä is one the first heroines he brought to the silver screen in this adaption of his manga series. This plucky young lady is the titular princess of the, ummm… titular Valley of the Wind. Unlike many typical princesses’ however, Nausicaä isn’t the kind of girl who hopes ‘some day her prince to come’. Rather, she’s an adventurer who leaps into action after her father becomes sick. With a strong connection to nature, Nausicaä aspires to unite the human world and the creatures of the wild. Possessing brains and brawn, she’s an affectionate warrior who fights for harmony above all else.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004)

Hayao Miyazaki's films are always filled with colorful personalities and bizarre circumstances, but there's still an identifiable main character at the core of everything. The protagonist of “Howl’s Moving Castle” is no exception. An eighteen-year-old hatter who's transformed into a ninety-year-old cleaning lady, Sophie seeks a way to break her curse by boarding a magical fortress. Throughout the film, she maintains the lively spirit of a young girl, but also gains great wisdom and perspective. She additionally brings out the best in Howl, a wizard who's on the verge of losing his humanity. While the plot can get a little convoluted at times, Sophie’s strength, good cheer, and optimism keeps us invested with every step the moving castle takes.

“Spirited Away” (2001)

Miyazaki strikes again. The legendary animator was just about ready to retire from filmmaking when he met a friend’s daughter and her peers. Miyazaki was inspired by the imaginative children to make Spirited Away, a coming of age story like no other. At the heart of this grand, bizarre, and masterful anime is an ordinary girl named Chihiro. Like many girls her age, Chihiro can be whiny and apathetic on the surface with so much imagination and promise just underneeth. When her parents are transformed into pigs, she summons the confidence inside herself to survive a both wondrous and dangerous world. Although “Spirited Away” overflows with extraordinary creatures, Chihiro herself stands out as a voice for everyday girls everywhere.

“Wolf Children” (2012)

Being a single parent is already a challenge, but bringing up wolf children is an entirely different ballgame. After her werewolf husband dies, Hana is left alone to raise her two children, who are both half human and half wolf. This loving mother speaks to parents everywhere, especially those who have children with special needs. Like all parents, she doesn't have all the right answers and occasionally makes mistakes. Even when Hana is at her wits end, she still proves herself to be dedicated, smart, and nurturing. Learning something new every day, she ultimately discovers the importance of community and letting your offspring choose their own path.

“Paprika” (2006)

Paprika is the woman of our dreams, but not in the way you’re thinking of. In the real world, Doctor Atsuko Chiba is a mild-mannered psychiatrist. Compassionate and caring, she only wants what’s best for her patients, even if those patients have other motivations. In order to aid her patients, she enters their dreams using a device known as a DC Mini and dawns the persona of Paprika. As beautiful as she is enigmatic, Paprika isn’t just a shell that Chiba wears. As the dream world merges with the real world, she develops into a separate individual who practically leaps off the screen with her charisma.

“Princess Mononoke” (1997)

Like Nausicaä, San is another Miyazaki character that acts as a link of sorts between people and nature. Having been raised by wolves, though, this warrior princess denounces her humanity and fights for the forest. Passionate, hotheaded, and vicious, she attempts to assassinate the leader of Irontown to protect her home. Upon encountering a noble prince named Ashitaka, San begins realize that maybe there can be a middle ground between these two feuding worlds. In the end, she finds the value of humanity while also holding onto her wolf heritage, striking just the right balance between beauty and beast.

“Ghost in the Shell” (1995)

For many western audiences, “Ghost in the Shell” was their introduction to the phenomenon of anime. Motoko Kusanagi is just one of the reasons why the film resonated with many. A person concealed in an artificial body, this cyborg leads Public Security Section 9 as they hunt down the illusive Puppet Master. In addition to being a resilient physical force, Kusanagi is a highly gifted hacker and detective. This character has particularly earned praise for not being confined to a traditional gender role. Kusanagi is her own unique individual who feels incredibly human, despite her cybernetic exterior.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Princess Kaguya
“The Tale of Princess Kaguya” (2013)

Natsuki Shinohara
“Summer Wars” (2009)

Sheeta
“Castle in the Sky” (1986)

Ponyo
“Ponyo” (2008)

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989)

Kiki is a thirteen-year-old witch in training hoping to find her place in the world. Even if you took her magic powers out of the equation though, Kiki would still be one of the most relatable, engaging, and delightful protagonists animation has to offer. She just lights up the screen with her charm and determination. At the same time, the audience completely sympathizes with Kiki as she faces discrimination, disappointment, all while battling an identity crisis. Kiki isn't only a great role model for young adults, but a fully fleshed out human being we all wish was real. Whether making deliveries on foot or on broomstick, we'd gladly follow this wholesome witch anywhere.

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite female anime movie character? For more entertaining Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.