The Best Anime For Girls, Ranked By Fans
Let's face it, being a girl or woman who is into anime can be difficult. While most shows have female characters, they tend to be dramatically outnumbered by their male counterparts. There's also a huge risk that those female characters will fit into dehumanizing stereotypes, like anime girls with huge chests, that are more insulting than they are entertaining. This isn't knocking anime specifically - basically every kind of media is like this.
Luckily, it's not all like this. While there are a lot of fan service anime, there's also some amazing series directed toward a female audience. Some of these shows are great because they have multiple female characters with diverse personalities, or a fantastic female protagonist who is the hero of her own story. Whether you're a girl, an adult woman, or a guy looking to diversify his media choices, take a look at the best anime series for girls and vote up your favorites.
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In the quasi-historical anime Yona of the Dawn, Princess Yona goes from a sheltered royal to a skilled warrior following her father's assassination. Her personal growth and dedication, alongside her trustworthy protector Hak and other characters met along the journey create not only an exhilarating adventure but also emotional moments that would captivate any female audience.
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Fruits Basket spins a poignant tale of kindness and acceptance, centering around Tohru Honda, an orphaned schoolgirl who becomes entwined with the cursed Sohma family. This tale of magic, romance, and overcoming adversity holds special appeal for girls who will connect with Tohru's resilience while resonating with the internal struggles of the Sohma clan members like Yuki and Kyo.
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Sailor Moon is famed for its influential blend of magical girl concepts and engaging character dynamics. Usagi, the ditzy yet determined protagonist, transforms into Sailor Moon to fight evil forces. The bonds formed between her and the rest of the Sailor Soldiers like Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus are empowering, offering girls a story where friendship, loyalty, and courage reign supreme.
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Ouran High School Host Club cleverly blends bubbly humor and heartfelt moments through Haruhi Fujioka’s unexpected role in the titular club, led by the charming Tamaki Suoh. Girls would adore this series, as it subverts usual tropes and showcases varied personalities whilst conveying the importance of self-acceptance.
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The hallmark of Your Lie in April lies in its exploration of emotional trauma and renewal through music. Piano prodigy Kōsei Arima's journey of rediscovery, spurred on by free-spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, encompasses drama, romance, and robust character development that will tug at the heartstrings of many girls out there.
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A charming coming-of-age story, Little Witch Academia features Atsuko "Akko" Kagari navigating magic school alongside friends Sucy and Lotte. Its enchanting plot of metamorphosis, interspersed with relatable school-life dynamics, make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking stories around friendships and aspirations.
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Cardcaptor Sakura offers a magical narrative brimming with lovely visuals, mysteries, and touching sentimentality. Sakura Kinomoto, with her best friend Tomoyo and rival Syaoran Li, brings captivating charming frames of friendship, love, and mystery, inevitably drawing in girls who appreciate character-focused adventures imbued with light-hearted magic.
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Replete with Romantic Comedy clichés but used ironically, Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun centers around high school student Chiyo Sakura's endeavors to win over her manga-artist crush, Umetarou Nozaki. Deftly weaving humor and unique character interactions, this show elicits laughs while imparting insights about romantic relationships.
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Emotionally intense and poignantly humorous, Angel Beats! portrays teenage purgatory where students fight against reincarnation. The haphazard group led by Yuri provides a sprawling emotional landscape within which protagonist Yuzuru Otonashi navigates his past and future. Filled with numerous themes, the series beckons girls drawn towards stories with profound meanings behind laughter and tears.
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Contrary-to-form Puella Magi Madoka Magica flips the magical girl genre into darker dimensions filled with despair and bait-and-switch tactics. Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi's dualities accentuate the haunting atmosphere, the engrossing storyline, and layered character depths showcasing a poignant perspective of sacrifices - alluring for girls desiring immersive narratives beyond saccharine sweetness.
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Yuri!!! on Ice illustrates the life of Japanese figure skater Yuuri Katsuki, guided by his idol Victor Nikiforov to reach his zenith. A feisty sports-centered plotline intertwined with deep emotional journeys and evolving relationships, especially between Yuuri and Victor, has a universal appeal, speaking particularly to girls intrigued by growth, passion, and enduring bonds.
For the girls?- 12
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School life takes a melodious turn in K-On!, inviting us into the world of pop-rock band Ho-Kago Tea Time, formed by four high school girls - Yui Hirasawa, Mio Akiyama, Tsumugi Kotobuki, and Ritsu Tainaka. The camaraderie among them, combined with engaging music and vibrant animation, resonate with girls cherishing friendships and passion-soaked dreams.
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Chihayafuru embarks listeners onto Chihaya Ayase’s pursuit of becoming Japan’s top karuta player, accompanied by her childhood friends Taichi Mashima and Arata Wataya. Intertwining card-game adrenaline with sentiments of ardency and self-realization, this series connects with girls appreciating unorthodox hobbies transforming lives while exploring intricate dynamics among friends.
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Sound! Euphonium opens up the thrilling universe of concert bands through Kumiko Oumae’s experiences. Every band member's commitment echo inspirational strides towards collective success, amidst adolescence related challenges. Girls who appreciate art, depth, and symphonic melodies would find it immensely appealing.
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The offbeat Princess Jellyfish encapsulates Tsukimi Kurashita’s entry into a fashion world when she meets stylish Kuranosuke Koibuchi. The series offers commentary on society and self-esteem through the interactions of quirky, diverse characters such as the introverted fellow residents of Amamizukan. It invites girls to indulge in unique characters, defying normative expectations.
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Hanasaku Iroha chronicles Ohana Matsumae’s growth as she navigates life away from Tokyo at her grandmother's hot springs inn, Kissuisō. With well-rounded characters, deep interpersonal relations, and endearing slice-of-life elements, it often strikes a chord with girls valuing their own growth and the complex beauty of day-to-day life.
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Michiko to Hatchin captures Michiko’s prison-break and Hana 'Hatchin' Morenos' escape from her abusive foster parents. As they seek one man, Satoshi Batista's intriguing shadow feeds their tumultuous journey across Brazil. Dynamic women leads exploring freedom amidst gritty realism serve as notable attractions for girls fascinated by tales of endurance and audacity amidst chaos.
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Ballet, fables, and transformations dominate Princess Tutu, as Ahiru, aka Princess Tutu, restores the shattered heart of Prince Mytho. Laced with lyrical narration, mesmerizing dance choreography, and fateful disputes, the series engages girls taking delight in animated elegance befitting of ballet and fairy-tale based plots.
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Revolutionary Girl Utena strands viewers in metaphysical realms echoing feminism and surrealism. Protagonist Utena Tenjou, inspired by a mysterious prince, helms bouts against male chauvinism at Ohtori Academy. It promises a riveting watch for girls banking on feminist spirit powered with philosophical lessons wrapped in cryptic allegories.
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Wandering Son accompanies Shuuichi Nitori and Yoshino Takatsuki dealing with gender identity disorders - an underutilized topic within anime. Their journey through early adolescence amidst societal skepticism offers an earnest portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues. For girls valuing diversity and the quest for self-identity, this anime provides a thoughtful representation brimming with sensitivity and relevance.
For the girls?- 21
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
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