10 Underrated Anime with Strong Female Leads in the Past Decade

10 Underrated Anime with Strong Female Leads in the Past Decade

Mikasa Ackerman, Erza Scarlet, Riza Hawkeye, and Nico Robin, are no “Damsels in Distress”. There are plenty of strong female characters in anime, but do all of them get the recognition they deserve? No, not at all. With the countless of titles released each year, it’s no wonder that some never get much recognition, if at all. With the empowering appeal that strong female characters provide, they can make the viewing experience of an anime so much better. So, let’s make this list more interesting and start a countdown from 2017 to 2004 of underrated anime (not including sequels) with strong female leads.

1.      2017 – Princess Principal

Ange le Carré, a genius cold-blooded spy in a steampunk 20^th century London, is skilled in detecting lies and quite adapt in telling her own. With her past shrouded in mystery, Ange is an undercover spy who works along side with a group of girls with their own unique set of skills to survive in the dark and dangerous world where a silent war is raging. Not only is Ange difficult to read due to her mysterious aura, but she is a character that is extremely loyal and seemingly accomplishes her missions with ease.

2.      2016 – Izetta the Last Witch

Izetta, the titular main character, at first had attempted to keep her witch heritage a secret, which causes her to become shy and self-cautious, however, upon the outbreak of the war, she breaks her taboo and begins to openly use her powers to aid Princess Finé. Despite the odd nature of seeing a witch riding on an anti-tank rifle, she is an extremely strong ally as she has proven to possess the strength greater than any army.

3.      2015 – Beautiful Bones -Sakurako’s Investigation-

Sakurako Kujou is a mysterious and eccentric woman who collects various kinds of bones. With her deep knowledge of physiology and her keen eye for detail, she makes an exceptional detective. Despite her aloof and superior behavior, she frequently aids the police in their murder investigations. Sakurako is an extremely intelligent women with a strong mind who uses her desire to collect human bones for collection to solve the strange and dangerous mysteries around her.

4.      2014 –The World is Still Beautiful

Nike Remercier is the fourth princess of the Rain Dukedom who has the ability to call fourth the rain, along with being able to manipulate the wind and see through someone’s past. As an independent girl who easily speaks her mind, she takes her responsibility as she becomes engaged to the ruler of the Sun Kingdom, who is someone much different than she anticipated. Despite being a princess, Nike isn’t too keen on following the royal customs and very simplistic and humble. With her fierce nature, she also does not hesitate to take a challenge for the sake of others, especially if her fiancé is involved.

5.      2013 – Kyousou Giga (TV)

Koto is a strange little girl who has seemingly stumbled into the City Through the Looking Glass. Despite being raised by a priest along side her non-human twin brothers, she is anything but peaceful. Upon entering the city, Koto constantly causes mayhem and refuses to leave until she finds the people she is looking for. Even though she is a young teen who makes rash decisions, she has great determination (and strength) in accomplishing her mission.

6.      2012 – Good Luck Girl!

Ichiko Sakura, a high school girl who has the power to absorb fortune energy that makes her seem like the perfect girl, with the beauty and brains. She is spoiled and self-centered, but under those layers she just a lonely girl. Upon meeting Momiji, the God of Misfortune, she begins to make friends and realizing the bonds she makes with others is more important than she once perceived. Not only is Ichiko physically strong, but she continues to fight for those who are precious to her, leading to amazing development on her part.

7.      2011 –SKET Dance

Hime Onizuka is the female lead who was formally a delinquent that has a soft spot for cute things. She is known as the fighter and only female member in the SKET Brigade. Despite being naturally aggressive and a bit cranky, she tries her best to remain optimistic and is overall a gentle soul who is determined to do her best in helping other people. This fierce and loyal young lady is someone you would want as a friend, not an enemy.

8.      2010 – Okami-san and Her Seven Companions

Ryouko Ookami, fierce like a wolf, is a high school girl who fights thugs with her special Neko Neko Knuckles. Although she puts up a tough front to disguise her true, kind and frightened nature, she holds herself together rather well, establishing herself to be a strong ally and friend. As she has been betrayed by someone in the past, she uses that experience to toughen herself up as she solves other peoples problems as a member of the Otogi Bank club.

9.      2009 – Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Mari Kusakabe is a 32-year-old biker who lives with her mother and daughter. When the devastating earthquake struck, it had prevented her from celebrating her daughter’s fourth birthday. Despite the stress that she endures for not knowing the condition of her daughter and mother, Mari still remains strong and optimistic as she helps Mirai and her younger brother get home safely to reunite with their parents. Now, this is a strong woman, as she not only struggles to become the pillar of strength to a couple of young strangers, but she becomes one without a pillar of her own.

10.  2008 – Michiko & Hatchin

Michiko Malandro is a wild independent woman that has just recently escaped from one of the most heavily guarded prisons in existence for the fourth time. Upon her escape, Michiko rescues Hana from her abusive foster parents by busting through the house with her motorbike. She claims to know Hana’s father, whom she is currently searching for. As this duo is continually being hunted down, Michiko ensures that she and Hana make it safely through the journey. Despite Michiko’s mysterious past with Hana’s father, the strange duo form a unexpectedly strong bond.