Entering the world of anime is like opening a door! It leads you to exciting adventures and fantastic stories. And, among the protagonists who let us explore these journeys, there is a special group. It shines with a light of its own: the female characters.
So, In this blog, I invite you to explore 15 anime movies with a female lead!
So come with me and discover the power of women in anime.
15 Anime Movies With a Female Lead That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Highlights
- All the scores are my personal opinion
- Some of the anime movies mentioned here are available on Netflix
- Not all of the anime films here are kids-friendly! If you want a list of family-friendly movies, read our other text
15. Napping Princess
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 21/30 |
Talking about female lead anime, this one is perfect! Especially if you enjoy fantasy movies. Check out:
In a fantasy adventure, we follow Kokone Morikawa’s journey. She is a young girl with the strange power to daydream. The brown-haired girl struggles with everyday challenges and her family’s expectations. Honestly, this is the type of story where you can deeply love the main character!
Suddenly, Kokone realizes the link between her dreams and reality. Insane, isn’t it? With all that, she is determined to unravel the mysteries behind her dreams. She wants to find answers to the questions that haunt her.
The movie has a thrilling and beautiful story. The film has an inspiring message about the importance of following our dreams and believing in ourselves. It reminds us of the power of imagination and perseverance. If you want a good female lead anime, go for this one!
14. Ponyo
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 21/30 |
Hayao Miyazaki directs this story and It is enchanting! In it, we meet Ponyo, an adorable little fish. Yes, you heard me right, a fish! But it’s a different type of fish… The humanized and adorable type. Looking for an anime with female lead? This is the one!
Everything changes when she falls in love with a human boy. Venturing beyond the depths of the sea, Ponyo strives to become human and stay by her lover’s side. However, she upsets the balance of nature.
Throughout her journey, Ponyo learns about compassion and respect for nature. She realizes that genuine power comes from being able to love and be loved.
Strong message, right?
This movie reminds us of the magic of love and the need to protect our precious natural world. If you want a family-friendly anime with female lead, go for this one!
13. Mary and The Witch’s Flower
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 22/30 |
I talked about this movie before, but it’s worth mentioning it again! Why? Read and you’ll understand:
This anime film is a magical adventure full of imagination and enchantment. We follow the journey of Mary, a young girl who finds a magical flower. It gives her temporary witch powers and they take her to a secret magic school in the clouds. Wow, what would you do if it was you? I’d love to have temporary powers!
Continuing, Mary is determined to wield her new powers for good! She sets out to protect the school and her friends from a sinister threat lurking in the shadows. So brave of her, huh?
“Mary and The Witch’s Flower” takes us on an exciting journey through a world of magic and adventure. Are you a fan of fantasy like me? You’ll love this female protagonist anime!
12. In This Corner of the World
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 23/30 |
Okay now, this one is a little too emotional. So, if you don’t want to cry, don’t watch this. Otherwise… Here’s the plot for you:
The story is a sensitive portrait of life in Japan during World War II. We will follow Suzu Urano, a young woman who marries and moves to a small coastal town. Suzu faces the challenges of war and the struggles of daily life. She fights to keep her family and community together in the middle of chaos and uncertainty.
I teared up only writing about it. So I recommend you to take napkins to the room if you want to watch this movie. I mean it! One of the best anime movies with a female lead.
11. The Cat Returns
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 23/30 |
This adorable adventure through a magical kingdom of cats will make you fall in love. We follow the story of Haru, a young adorable girl. She finds herself caught up in an enchanted world of cats after saving a mysterious cat. I, as a cat lover, would never want to come back if I was her!
There, Haru discovers that she is now engaged to marry Prince Lune, ruler of the kingdom. With the new scenario, she gets help from many odd characters to come back to her world. “Oh, Haru, why would you want to come back?” Well well, my dear friend… I can’t tell you that. Watch the movie and figure it out!
“The Cat Returns” is not about cute cats. It shows a young girl finding her worth and strength. The film has a timeless message about courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
10. Whisper of the Heart
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 24/30 |
This movie is a delicate story about coming of age and passion. Just with that, I’d want to watch it! If you like movies about life and growing up, you’ll love this one.
You will follow the life of Shizuku Tsukishima, a teenager with a love for books and writing. As she grows up and finds herself, Shizuku is inspired by a mysterious cat named Muta. She is also inspired by a charming young man named Seiji Amasawa. I fall in love with him every time I watch the movie.
The movie has an interesting story and lovable characters. “Whisper of the Heart” teaches us self-knowledge and personal growth. The film reminds us of the importance of following our passions and pursuing true happiness.
One of the most fun anime movies with a female lead!
9. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 10/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 25/30 |
Let’s be brutally honest here: you can ALWAYS expect the most intriguing stories from Japanese animations! Consequently, most of them will cause you intense emotions. Why am I telling you this right now? Because this anime movie will make you curious, confused and maybe you’ll think the story is crazy. But before you know it, my dear reader, you’ll be crying your eyes out! Here’s a tiny piece of the story for you:
The female lead anime is based on the Japanese folktale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”. It tells the amazing journey of a mysterious princess. She was born from a bamboo tree, and that’s why you might find the story a little crazy. This princess is known as Kaguya. She is raised by an elderly couple in the countryside. However, as she learns her true origin and destiny, Kaguya finds herself torn. She must choose between her adoptive family and her true heavenly home.
I bet my dignity that you won’t be able to hold back your tears until the end!
“The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” will take you to an intense trip of beauty and sadness.
8. Wolf Children
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 25/30 |
After her beloved Hana tragically died, a young single mother faces the challenge of raising her only children by herself. A fact you’ll like to know is that the babies are half human, half wolf. The mother is determined to protect them from society’s misunderstanding and prejudice. After all, she moves to the countryside to find a peaceful life.
To be honest, I’d be really afraid to know what people would do if such creatures existed! Would you trust humans to live with different creatures like that? It’s a cool reflection the story brings us. As expected, Hana faces many difficulties and uncertainties.
The movie has a moving story about love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. “Wolf Children” makes us reflect on what it means to be human. Want a film that shows the importance of accepting diversity? This one will teach you a lesson.
7. Ghost in the Shell
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 26/30 |
Now I’m talking to you, science fiction anime lover! This will call your attention for sure:
In a bleak future, the line between human and machine is blurry. We follow Major Motoko Kusanagi, an elite cyborg who leads a unit called Section 9. Motoko has superhuman abilities and a sharp mind. The cyborg faces cyber threats and terrorists in a cyberpunk metropolis. Kind of spooky, huh? I’m super afraid of robots, I admit.
Between all that chaos, she faces existential questions about her identity and humanity. In this world, the line between man and machine is always challenged. You’ll question the meaning of free-will and consciousness while watching it.
The movie “Ghost in the Shell” has a unique mix of exciting action and deep thinking. It brings us a dark and fascinating future with an odd perspective of the world. What can I say about the main character? This is the strongest female lead anime you’ll ever watch!
Tell me: do you want our future to be as technological as the movie?
6. Millennium Actress
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 26/30 |
Chiyoko Fujiwara, a legendary Japanese actress, captivated generations with her talent. Her beauty and perfect skill on screen inspired many viewers throughout her career.
Everything changes when Chiyoko is interviewed by a young filmmaker. She needs to look back on her life and career. With that, she recounts her epic adventures and tragic romances in search of a lost love. After all, an actress’s life is never like what we see on screens.
Chiyoko becomes a character in her own stories. She is chasing a man she believes to be her true passion. However… Does true love really exist?
“Millennium Actress” is a fulminating tribute to cinema’s power to capture life. You will see how cameras can picture real frames from life. In the end, art is inspired by life, isn’t it?
5. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 26/30 |
This is a true girl power anime movie! Believe me, this is one of the best anime movies with female lead. Since this main character has such a strong presence!
The world is ravaged by ecological devastation and human conflict. Princess Nausicaä comes to the scene as a beacon of hope and compassion. The brave princess leads her people through the poisoned lands. An interesting fact about her is that Nausicaä can talk to the creatures of the forest! She uses this ability to find peace between humanity and nature. What a poweful female protagonist anime we have here, huh?
The charming girl becomes a strong warrior and an inspiring leader. (Do we have any Joana D’arc fans here?) Determined to protect her people and her home, she faces seemingly insurmountable challenges with courage and compassion. Nausicaä discovers that only through mutual understanding can we find peace and healing. Oh, how I wish everyone watched this movie…
With its epic narrative and memorable characters, the film reminds us of the fragility of our planet! Just like the responsibility we all have to take care of it.
Checking out the world we live in now, I think we’re not taking enough care of our so-called home: Earth. Do you see it too?
4. Princess Mononoke
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 28/30 |
Talking about nature, this anime movie is also a great example of ecological conscience:
In an epic fantasy realm set we witness the struggle of a courageous warrior called Princess Mononoke. She is determined to protect the forest and its creatures from the advances of civilization. Princess Mononoke fights a fierce battle against the defenders of unbridled industrialization. This is one of my favorites anime movies with a female lead, for sure!
With her impressive combat skills, she becomes a legendary figure in the fight for environmental preservation. However, as the conflict intensifies, she is faced with moral dilemmas and difficult choices.
“Princess Mononoke” takes us to a world of wonder and danger. Where the destinies of humanity and nature are complexly intertwined. This film will teach you a lesson about respecting nature.
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 28/30 |
In a world full of magic and enchantment, we follow the journey of Kiki. She is a 13-year-old witch who is eager to discover her place in the world. She sets off on an adventure with her flying broom and her cat. Why? All because she wants to be independent! If you’re more into cute female protagonist anime, this might be the one.
Arriving in an unfamiliar town, Kiki sets up a delivery service! Since she’s a bright girl, Kiki quickly makes friends. However, she faces unexpected challenges and struggles to balance her responsibilities. Kiki begins to question her magic and her purpose in this new environment.
With a touch of charm and imagination, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” takes us on a thrilling journey. The film reminds us of the importance of persevering in the face of challenges.
If you want anime movies with a female lead, definitely go for this one!
2. Perfect Blue
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 29/30 |
Who loves the fabulous world of the entertaining industry? If you said “me!”, I don’t want to break it to you, but… This movie will make you question this admiration. Hear me up:
We will follow the footsteps of Mima Kirigoe, a former member of a popular pop band. Nice, right? Well, she seeks a new career as an actress. However, her transition into the world of cinema quickly spirals into a series of disturbing events. Trust me, when I say “disturbing”, I mean it! As she dives into her new identity, Mima finds herself confronted with the dark side of fame. As much as with fan obsession. You’ll see that it’s way too creepy.
As increasingly strange events begin to occur around her, Mima struggles to distinguish reality from fantasy. She finds herself caught in a web of paranoia and psychological terror. Mima must fight to regain control of her own narrative and find the truth within the fog of illusion.
With a blend of psychological suspense and horror, “Perfect Blue” takes us in the mind of a woman in search of identity. The film has a complex narrative and surprising twists.So, it’ll leave you questioning what is true and what is a creation of the human mind.
I know… It’s absolutely thrilling!
1. Spirited Away
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 30/30 |
Now it’s time for our 30/30 anime movie! At this point, you’re not even surprised anymore, right? I always talk about this film…It’s not my fault that this is an anime with a female protagonist too! So, of course I need to talk about it again. Ready? Let’s go:
The movie portrays a fantastic journey through a world full of spirits and magic! There, we witness the journey of Chihiro. She is a brave young girl in search of saving her parents. Not only that, she also needs to return to the human world. The girl is determined to survive and find a way to restore her normal life. Chihiro faces strange creatures and magical obstacles with tenacity and courage. What a powerful female lead!
With its richly imaginative narrative, “Spirited Away” transports us to a world of wonder. The film shows us a message about the importance of moving forward. Yes, even in the face of the most daunting adversity!
Would you be capable of overcoming that many problems? I can say that I could try to… But succeeding is another story! For the grand finale, this is one of the best anime movies with a female lead you will ever see!
Final Notes
I guess that’s it for today, readers! Together we explored 15 anime movies with female lead. Did you make it to the end? Let me know!
I hope these recommendations have touched your heart as much as they touched mine when I wrote them. Those female lead anime movies are my personal favorites! So, if you’ve fallen in love with any of these characters, I invite you to join us in other recommendations! Right here at AnimeFleek.
I promise you, you’ll love to travel with us to other universes of anime!
FAQ
Who is the strongest female anime character?
One of the most powerful female characters in anime films is Motoko Kusanagi from “Ghost in the Shell”. Her exceptional combat skills, combined with her intelligence make her one of the most impressive figures in the anime world.
Who is the best female character in anime?
A notable choice for the best female character in anime films is Chihiro Ogino from “Spirited Away”. Her journey of personal growth makes her a deeply memorable character for many people.
