Image: Studio Ufotable/ Toei Animation/ J.C. Staff
When it comes to strength of character and raw power, women in anime are not far behind.
International Women’s Day is right around the corner, and it is time to celebrate the amazing women who make our lives better. If you’re an anime fan, you might have noticed that there is often a gap in power between a lot of male and female characters of the same franchise. However, that doesn’t mean the genre is devoid of overpowered women who can take down any enemies with ease. We have compiled a list of some of the strongest female characters in anime history that can stand toe-to-toe with pretty much any enemy no matter how powerful they are.
10. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Image: Wit Studio/ MAPPA
One of the most iconic characters from modern anime, Mikasa Ackerman rightfully deserves her place in the list despite not having any supernatural abilities. Due to her amazing battle sense and genius-level swordsmanship, she became one of the most formidable characters in the Attack on Titan series. Despite her love for Eren not being fruitful and the story having a heartbreaking ending, we can’t argue that Mikasa was the strongest female character in the anime without any Titan powers.
9. Yuki Tsukomo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Image: MAPPA
Both Maki Zenin and Nobara Kugisaki are incredibly powerful characters in the world of JJK. Maki destroyed her whole clan alone while Nobara was one of the main reasons why Yuji could defeat Sukuna. Canonically, however, the special grade sorcerer Yuki Tsukomo has them both beat in terms of raw cursed energy. She has a formidable shikigami named Geruda whose power she can increase to monstrous levels with her Cursed Technique. Not only can Yuki use Domain Expansion, but can also weaken the domain of others. Unfortunately, her disappointing death at the hands of Kenjaku to further the plot undermined both her character and strength.
8. Senjumaru Shutara (Bleach)
Image: Studio Pierrot
Bleach is known for its intricate power structure, especially Bankai, which lets users unleash the full power of their Zanpakuto into a physical form. Much like One Piece, there are many powerful women in Bleach including Rukia, Yoruichi, and even Orihime. However, the Fourth Officer of the Zero Division and the Divine General of the North, Senjumaru Shutara has a Bankai that’s brutal in its effects. Senjumaru’s Bankai, called ‘Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji’ takes the form of different types of clothes that can bind her enemies in a pocket dimension, weaving them away from reality. During battles, this move can be enough to overpower an army.
7. Kale (Dragon Ball)
Image: Toei Animation
The Saiyan are already incredibly powerful in the universe of Dragon Ball, but some people just take it further. Kale, who is a Legendary Saiyan and a member of Universe 6, is one of them. During the Tournament of Power, Kale comes out of her shell and unleashes her Super Saiyan Berserk ability, which even took out some of Universe 11’s Pride Troopers. Goku was only able to defeat her with Ultra Instinct.
6. Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Image: Studio Ufotable
From demons to Hashira, there are many capable and battle-ready women in Demon Slayer. However, Nezuko Kamado, with her ability to resist the sun despite being a demon, remains a touch above the rest. Her demon body is already far stronger than humans. Her fast regeneration and her ability to enhance her powers also gives her an upper hand in battles. She can grow into an adult form with a horn on her head and vine tattoos all over her body when she uses her full strength. Most importantly, her Blood Demon Art allows her to combust her own blood after splattering it. The flames of her blood are extremely harmful for demons. Overall, Nezuko is one of the strongest characters in the anime, who can keep up with even the Upper Moons.
5. Boa Hancock (One Piece)
Image: Toei Animation
One Piece, with its vast lore, houses many incredibly strong women characters. Nami and Robin, who became part of the Straw Hats early on in the series, would be perfect examples of this. However, we can’t argue that Boa Hancock, with her three types of Haki and devil fruit powers, is a worthy contender for the top spot. Boa’s Mero Mero no Mi devil fruit allows her to turn people into stone just by touching them. Although underrated, this power can have devastating effects in battle. She is so powerful, in fact, that she was the only woman amongst the Warlords of the Sea before they disbanded.
4. Tatsumaki (One Punch Man)
Image: J.C. Staff
The S-Class Rank 2 Professional Hero Tatsumaki has well-earned her hero name Tornado of Terror. The hot-headed and moody hero has a fierce sense of duty and often fights powerful monsters. She is also the most powerful esper in the franchise, with her psychokinetic abilities far surpassing other heroes. Manga artist Yusuke Murata commented that Tatsumaki could lift the whole Z-City with her power. She can also create massive storms that can destroy entire neighborhoods in a few seconds. She even pulled a meteor-sized rock formation from under the ocean during one of her fights. Overall, we can easily say that when it comes to physical prowess, few people can beat Tatsumaki.
3. Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
Image: Madhouse
Although it only came out in 2024, the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End anime took the world by storm. The protagonist of the series is Frieren, who is an ancient Elf mage. Although she’s more interested in finding mundane spells that make everyday tasks easier, Frieren is an extremely strong entity with perfect control over her mana. So much so that even experienced mages and demons can’t determine the minute fluctuations in it. She easily overpowered the 400 year old demon Aura with her mana and forced her to kill herself without lifting a finger. Later, Frieren broke through the dome around the exam area made by Serie, who is her master’s master. She also overcame the duplicate Frieren’s power with her extreme strength and skills that she polished over years. Though unassuming, Frieren is one of the most powerful supernatural beings in recent anime history.
2. Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon)
Image: Toei Animation
Usagi Tsukino, popularly known by her alias Sailor Moon is hands-down one of the most intimidatingly powerful characters across time, space, and gender. Not only is she practically immortal, her numerous supernatural powers make her a one-woman army. She can manipulate matter, space, and warp reality. She is pretty much invincible with her extreme strength and regeneration. Sailor Moon is so powerful in fact, that some of her powers can’t be used to their full extent on Earth because it’ll be instantly destroyed. Usagi can destroy and recreate celestial bodies with her numerous warping powers. And with her time manipulation and regeneration abilities, she is as strong as they come.
1. Kaguya Ōtsutsuki (Naruto)
Image: Studio Pierrot
This famous villain from Naruto earns her place at the top of this list due to the destructive nature of her power. She is likely one of the most dangerously strong beings in the franchise. Her Chakra became unparalleled after eating the God Tree’s fruit. Since she’s the first ever person to wield Chakra, she is able to consume any jutsu that she comes across, making her a formidable enemy. Her Byakugan allows her to have perfect X-ray vision in all directions. Moreover, she can take complete control of a person’s mind, and even unleash shockwaves through her eyes. Although she originally wished to bring peace, the pernicious path she chose to achieve it left the world in shambles. As one of the most dangerous villains in anime history, Kaguya is unrivaled in her strength.
Want to learn about some more awesome anime women? Here are some of the most influential female characters in anime history that you will love. P.S: There is one character that has a place in both these lists, can you guess who it is?
