The Best Female Anime Characters of 2023 - New Classics!

We all have a favorite character in a series, and we've already discussed the male ones extensively, especially our blue-eyed king, Gojo. Today, we're going to do something different, a little lighter: we're going to talk about the most popular anime girls.

Of course, we all have our favorites (waifus for some), but this list will be based on popularity, so don't be sad if your favorite doesn't appear here!

Who knows, maybe she'll be on next year's list? Oh, and of course, anime characters that we're super passionate about were also excluded to maintain impartiality. Feel free to comment on your favorites in the comments below!

To keep everything fair and clear, we are a very transparent website. This list was made based on reviews, without cheating. For each anime, we chose the most popular character and used the anime's average rating to define the ranking. So without further ado, let's get to the list!

Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey's End)

MAL Rating: 9.3

MAL Position: 1

Genres: Adventure, Fantasy

Frieren is a powerful and extremely wise elf, who appears to be just melancholic, introspective and distant. What wins us over is the side of her that takes us a little longer to get to know, perhaps because she opens up more as the anime progresses or perhaps because we haven't bothered to really get to know her (a theme repeated in the anime itself).

Frieren is careless, sleepy and socially inept in an adorable way. She may have lived for centuries, but not all that time has been able to erase this side of her personality.

Maomao (The Apothecary Diaries)

MAL Rating: 8.89

MAL Rank: 22

Genres: Mystery, Drama, Historical

Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries may seem like just a shy, quiet servant, but that's where she's deceiving us. This girl has a sharp, curious mind, obsessed with poisons and mysteries, and it's this contrast between her reserved appearance and her surprising intelligence that makes her magnetic.

Maomao's charm lies precisely in how she solves problems in a pragmatic and unusual way, always with a practical and straightforward approach. She is a character who may not attract attention at first glance, but will definitely win you over as the story progresses.

Mitsuri Kanroji (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Swordsmith Village Arc)

MAL Rating: 8.21

MAL Rank: 364

Genres: Action, Fantasy

Mitsuri is a Hashira who captivates with her caring nature and incredible strength, a contrast that enchants. Known as the Pillar of Love in Demon Slayer, she is a unique combination of kindness and devastating power. What truly shines about Mitsuri is her huge heart and genuine will to protect those she loves. At the same time, she cares a lot about her appearance and how others see her, which makes her even more human and easy to connect with.

Ultimately, she is a mix of sweetness and strength that is hard to resist. We won't tell you what you're thinking.

Miyo Saimori (My Happy Marriage)

MAL Rating: 7.74

MAL Rank: 1159

Genres: Romance, Drama, Fantasy

Miyo, from My Happy Marriage, is resilience itself. Despite having a difficult childhood, being neglected and abused by her family, Miyo has not lost her sweetness and kindness. Over time, she learns to value herself and find her own happiness, and it is precisely this emotional journey that makes her so beloved.

Her evolution throughout the series is inspiring, and who wouldn't be inspired by a character who, in addition to being strong on the inside, shows us that love and self-respect can flourish even in the most difficult situations?

Akane Kinoshita (My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999)

MAL Rating: 7.8

MAL Rank: 1011

Genres: Romance, Comedy

Akane, from My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999, is a gamer who hides her feelings behind a facade of smiles, but deep down, she is full of insecurities and intense feelings.

The coolest thing about Akane is how she balances this strong personality with a hidden sweetness. Her passion for video games and her somewhat clumsy way of dealing with her own feelings make us root for her.

Shizuka Mikazuki (Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead)

MAL Rating: 7.78

MAL Rank: 1054

Genres: Action, Comedy, Supernatural

Shizuka, from Zom 100, is the kind of character who exudes calm. She is methodical, calculating, and perhaps a little cold at first glance, but over time, we realize that this facade hides an extremely protective and caring person.

As she survives amidst the zombie chaos, Shizuka shows that even in the apocalypse, there is room for kindness and compassion. Her calm and determination are the aspects that draw the most attention.

Sagiri Yamada Asaemon (Hell’s Paradise)

MAL Rating: 8.09

MAL Rank: 519

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural

Sagiri, from Hell’s Paradise, is a fearless warrior who, behind her strength, faces internal struggles. She seeks to balance her duty as an executor with her own humanity, which makes her an incredibly complex character. Sagiri carries a strong presence, but also a sensitivity that is only revealed little by little. It is this duality between the sword and the heart that gives her a rare emotional depth.

Kana Arima (Oshi no Ko)

MAL Rating: 8.62

MAL Position: 83

Genres: Drama, Mystery

Okay guys, I lied, my favorite is on the list. Kana Arima, from Oshi no Ko, represents the difficulties of growing up with talent. From a very young age, she already showed what she was capable of as an actress, but her real struggle is against the constant pressure of maintaining that perfect image. What makes her special is the vulnerability we see behind the star.

She tries to balance her public image with her inner insecurities and her fear of irrelevance, created by all the recognition she received as a child. This conflict makes her more human and relatable. Kana, despite shining in the spotlight, shows us that behind all the glamour, there is a person with fears and dreams.

Mitsumi Iwakura (Skip and Loafer)

MAL Rating: 8.12

MAL Position: Top 472

Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance

Mitsumi, from Skip and Loafer, is pure energy and optimism. She is determined, full of dreams and with an extremely positive outlook on life. But what really wins you over is how, even when things don't go as planned, Mitsumi never loses her essence.

Her sincerity and desire to always improve herself make her a character who lights up any room, and it's impossible not to be charmed by her contagious joy.

Isaki Magari (Insomniacs After School)

MAL Rating: 8.07

MAL Rank: 534

Genres: Slice of Life, Romance, Drama

Isaki, from Insomniacs After School, is a character who wins us over with her calm and somewhat reserved demeanor. She finds solace in her friendship with Ganta, and the way their relationship evolves, slowly and naturally, is captivating. Isaki is a character who reminds us of the value of small interactions, and how they can be so meaningful.

Her introspective and, at the same time, affectionate way makes her a special character who wins over just as much as the protagonist.

Honorable Mention: 100 Girlfriends Who Really Really Love You

MAL Rating: 7.76

MAL Position: Totally deserved honorable mention

Genres: Comedy, Romance

This anime brought so many charismatic female characters that it was hard to choose just one. They all have their qualities and make you laugh and fall in love at the same time. So, let's give a special mention to the whole work!

So, did you like the 2023 list? It's always hard to choose, after all, each one of them brings something unique to the table — be it Mitsuri's strength, Maomao's charisma, Isaki's easygoing charm, or Arima's perfectly written character. In the end, what really matters is how much these characters manage to captivate us and create a connection with us. Of course, lists like this always generate discussions, and that's the fun: everyone has their favorite!

And now we want to hear from you! Who was missing from the list? Who do you think deserves a prominent place here? Leave your comment, and who knows, maybe they'll appear in the next edition?