Women tend to be underestimated in anime. More often than not, the author drops the ball when writing their female characters. Consequently, audiences regard them as weak, obnoxious, or even just a plot device to enhance the protagonist. However, quite a few women in anime are independent and can hold their own. They break stereotypes and sometimes become the strongest characters in the series.
A common trope is the "damsel in distress," during which the male protagonist swoops in to save his love interest. However, many women in anime don't need a man, or anyone else for that matter, to save them.
10 Erza Scarlet Has Defeated Many Formidable Enemies All By Herself
Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail is one of the Guild's strongest members, even stronger than most of the men. When she was younger, she escaped the Tower of Heaven, in which she was held captive. Erza accomplished many more feats, such as when she singlehandedly defeated all 100 monsters during the Grand Magic Games.
She even defeated Kagura and Minerva during the Grand Magic Games with no backup. Erza's strength is undeniable, and the fact that she was able to defeat such formidable opponents singlehandedly should not be overlooked.
9 Merlin Is The Most Powerful Mage In Britannia
Merlin from The Seven Deadly Sins doesn't just have powerful magic abilities; her intelligence is also off the charts. She is more intelligent than even some demons and goddesses. Merlin singlehandedly outsmarted several from those species during the anime.
Because of her strength, nobody has to worry about saving her during a battle. Instead, people rely on her as a protective figure. Though Merlin is just a side character, many fans love her because of her indomitable strength and wisdom.
8 Kaguya Otsutsuki Objectively Has No Weaknesses
Kaguya Otsutsuki from Naruto is one of the strongest characters in the entire anime. She is a celestial entity, the first chakra wielder who turned into the Ten-Tails. Kaguya has several powerful abilities and can blend with nature to manipulate it. In addition, she can read people's minds and can also fly.
Because of her power, she objectively has no weaknesses. Kaguya became immensely feared by humans because of her overwhelming, omnipresent power. Because of her insane powers, it's evident that Kaguya does not have to rely on others to save her.
7 Nezuko's Strength Is Impressive For A Demon Who Has Never Consumed A Human
Tanjiro's mission in becoming a Demon Slayer was to find a cure for Nezuko to save her after she became a demon. However, Nezuko has proven that she doesn't need a savior during combat. Her demon abilities are superhuman, and she's come through for Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu quite a few times. Nezuko's strength is quite impressive, especially considering that she has never once consumed a human.
During her fight with Daki, she could regenerate with immense speed. She put up a good fight, though her demon side did take over. Nezuko could even have the strength of one of Muzan's Upper Moon demons.
6 Tatsumaki Is One Of The Strongest Heroes Of All Time
Tatsumaki from One-Punch Man is one of the strongest heroes in the entire show. Some would even describe her strength as godlike. She is the S-Class Rank 2 amongst the Hero Association. Tatsumaki is also regarded as the most substantial Esper.
Tatsumaki has psychokinetic powers that help her defeat dangerous opponents while also allowing her to fly and shield herself with magical barriers. Her powers are practical, but they also provide her with immense aid during some of One-Punch Man's most fantastical fight scenes.
5 Akame Could Easily Be Misconstrued As A Superhuman
Akame is the protagonist of Akame Ga Kill!. She is powerful and is very talented with a sword. She underwent brutal assassin training, resulting in her outwardly coldhearted demeanor. Akame can be easily misconstrued as a superhuman because of her unbelievable speed, reflexes, and durability during fights.
However, all of these attributes are just the result of the training she underwent as a child. Akame can defeat the most formidable, deadly opponents with a single slash from one of her blades. Her skills can even surpass those of military generals.
4 Mikasa Ackerman Is As Intelligent As She Is Strong
Mikasa Ackerman from Attack On Titan is perhaps one of the most well-written characters in the series. She learned how to fend for herself after human traffickers brutally slaughtered her parents. Other characters recognize Mikasa's intelligence, and some would even consider her a genius.
She's a prodigy with her blade, and she makes slicing up a giant Titan look like an everyday task. Mikasa is a quick learner regarding weapons, and she quickly became a master of using Thunder Spears with precise accuracy to blow up the Titans.
3 Ochako Uraraka Shouldn't Be Underestimated — And Bakugo Learned It The Hard Way
Ochako Uraraka from My Hero Academia has a quirk that doesn't look like much at first glance. With Zero Gravity, anything she touches can float. It doesn't seem practical in combat, but Uraraka proved every misconception wrong about her quirk. Not only is it beneficial for rescuing people, as seen during the Pro Hero License Exam, but it's also effective during combat.
Granted, it does take quite a bit of strategizing, but that's not an issue for Uraraka. Bakugo learned the hard way during the Sports Festival that Uraraka should never be underestimated. She put up an excellent fight against him by gathering concrete to release directly on him in the sky. Uraraka will go far as a pro-hero.
2 Nobara Kugisaki Stays True To Herself
Nobara Kugisaki from Jujutsu Kaisen is steadfast in her conviction to never back down and never forget who she is. Though she is brash and isn't always kind in how she speaks, Nobara tells it like it is. She doesn't care if the other person is offended or not.
During the Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc, one of the third-year sorcerers provoked Nobara into an argument by listing off all of the expectations for female sorcerers. However, Nobara didn't want to hear it. While throwing nails to activate the straw doll technique, Nobara says that she doesn't care about 'men' this or 'women' that. She then says that she loves herself no matter what, further enforcing that Nobara abides by no one's rules except her own.
1 Jolyne Cujoh's Resolve And Determination Never Wavers
Jolyne Cujoh from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is the series's first and only female protagonist. Her stand, Stone Free, is one of the strongest in the entire series. Because of how she grew up, she realized the importance of fending for herself. She knows that she can't easily rely on others, especially after being framed for murder and then thrown in jail because of it.
Jolyne never forgives, and she certainly never forgets any wrongdoing from others. When she escaped prison, she cut Romeo's tongue as retribution for his betrayal. It could be said that Jolyne runs on pure spite alone, though others would argue that she simply has the resolve found across the Joestar lineage. Regardless, Jolyne's determination is unwavering, and she endures every single hardship thrown at her, coming out stronger every single time.