Fans rest assured: this list is in no particular order!
San – Princess Mononoke (1997)
A fierce warrior and defender of nature, San is a complex character who struggles between her wolf upbringing and her human heritage. Like most of Miyazaki’s characters, San is neither good nor evil, but instead bases her actions upon what she feels is right. She is a skilled fighter, using swords and daggers as her weapons, but more importantly, she is courageous and compassionate. San consistently refuses to be defined by other’s expectations.
Yor Forger – Spy x Family (2022)
A nervous office clerk by day but a deadly assassin by night, Yor demonstrates that you can be both kind and gentle, and a fighter. A character of two halves, Yor is a loving adoptive mother and protective sister while keeping her assassin identity a secret, indicating that all roles are just as valuable.
Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries (2023)
A servant in the Imperial Palace of Li, Maomao’s knowledge of herbs and medicines, combined with a sense of practicality and keen eye for detail sees her become an invaluable taster and apothecary in the Inner Courts. Young (she is meant to be 17) with a petite physique, her weapon is her intelligence and high perception, which helps her in solving many mysteries and crimes within the Palace.
Violet Evergarden – Violet Evergarden (2018)
A former soldier, Violet was used as a weapon in the army. However, after the war ends, she finds herself as an Auto Memories Doll at the Postal Company, helping write letters and correspondence for those who are illiterate. Having been treated as an object most of her life, Violet struggles to understand other people’s feelings and often comes across as apathetic. With the help of those around her, she grows to understand human emotions and starts to experience love and happiness, but also guilt for decisions she was forced to make in her past life.
Shōko Nishimiya – A Silent Voice (Dir. Naoko Yamada, 2016)
Shōko is the main character of the film A Silent Voice. Born deaf, she is the target of bullying and teasing by her classmates at school. Widely regarded as a compelling and complex character, she demonstrates resilience and forgiveness as well as kindness. Her navigation of adolescence is portrayed as difficult, but that makes it all the more relatable for viewers. Her deafness is also not the main focus of the plot or her character, meaning that its representation feels authentic.
Asirpa – Golden Kamuy (2018)
Despite being just 12 years old, Asirpa is the real deal. An Ainu huntress, she can hold her own in the deadly wilderness and battle soldiers and convicts, as well as wild animals and harsh weather. Although seen as cold, she demonstrates love in her relationship with her father, and pride and respect for her culture and its preservation. A guide for others on a journey to find gold, her relationships and interactions with others often highlights that she’s still a young girl finding her way like the rest of us.
Motoko Kusanagi – Ghost in the Shell (Various)
Motoko is widely considered one of the best female characters across anime and cyberpunk fiction. Her character consistently raises questions around what it is to be human and tackles the long-standing battles around identity and AI. Although physically strong and powerful, she is also highly intelligent and a capable leader. She is also often interpreted as bisexual and some fans often see her struggles with her identity and her body as a representation of the LGBTQ+ experience.
Yoruichi Shihōin – Bleach (2004)
Yoruichi is a powerful and independent woman who has the ability to transform into a black cat. Although physically strong—she is a master of a powerful combat technique and is a former captain—she is also intelligent, humorous and light-hearted. She is also a strong Black female character in a genre that is often lacking in representation and can often stereotype.
Sophie – Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Another of Miyazaki’s characters, Sophie Hatter is a ‘plain’ young girl, destined to live as an old woman after she is cursed by a witch. Deciding to leave her hometown, she sets out on a quest to have her curse reversed. Sophie is incredibly strong-willed but remains kind and compassionate towards others. Sophie’s character challenges the traditional norms of female fighters. She’s not a warrior (like San in Princess Mononoke), but instead her strength lies in her ability to persevere through adversity.
All female characters – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is full to the brim of strong women, from skilled engineers to powerful martial artists, to military commanders. Each character has their own skills, strengths and motivations, making the character arcs engrossing, believable and in line with the story and its created world. All of the female characters are multi-dimensional, and they contribute significantly to the plot, with not one of them seen as a side-character. Personal favourites are Olivier Mira Armstrong, Winry Rockbell and Lan Fan.
Princess Mononoke is showing in IMAX at Pictureville Cinema from 15 August 2025. Find out more and book tickets.