10 Greatest Female Anime MCs of the 2020s So Far, Ranked

It’s so over for typical male protagonists in anime. With so many anime featuring female leads dominating both critically acclaimed and popular modern anime, it’s clear how much fans care for a well-written female protagonist, perhaps even more so than a male one.

More particularly, if we only take the anime from the 2020s so far into consideration, the 10 female MCs we’ve listed below have absolutely stolen the show from their male counterparts, if there even is one, that is. Each of them is also ranked based on their narrative brilliance and how influential their overall character has been throughout their respective series.

10 Jolyne Cujoh Boasts One of the Strongest Female MC Arcs

Although the original JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime series was released way back in the early 2010s, Part 6, Stone Ocean, was released this decade, introducing Jolyne Cujoh as the protagonist of this JoJo part for the first time. And honestly, even among the many other JoJo MCs, Jolyne boasts one of the strongest protagonist arcs. Not only is she a muscular baddie, but she also possesses a strong will and tough spirit alongside her feminine sensitivity. Still, compared to the others on the list, we had to rank Jolyne at the bottom.

9 Momo Ayase Steals the Spotlight From Dandadan’s Okarun

Right from its premiere, Dandadan has become a global sensation. But as much as fans love Okarun, the male MC of the series, the major focus still remains on Momo, and we can’t deny that. Momo essentially pulls Okarun out of his introverted shell and drives the plot forward. Also, as one of the best representatives of the gyaru character archetype in anime, Momo absolutely nails her role. However, Momo’s overall influence may not be as significant, which is why she is ranked ninth.

8 Bocchi’s Crippling Social Anxiety Can Be Relatable to Many

Every introverted anime nerd gathered together to hail Bocchi as the final boss of social awkwardness. While some people may think that she is a little too extra, if you can ever put yourself in the shoes of a true hikikomori, then you’d realize how accurate Bocchi’s persona is in the anime. Plus, the way her personal character growth is shown in Bocchi the Rock! is a masterclass. However, because much of the story’s focus also shifts between the other female leads, Bocchi is ranked only eighth on the list.

7 Marin Kitagawa Has an Unavoidable Charm to Her Presence

Marin has become an irresistible waifu for so many anime fans. Her entire personality brims with charm and glamour. Especially, the spicy character dynamic between the assertive Marin and submissive Gojo brings some of the most iconic moments in romance anime that you wouldn’t want to miss. My Dress-Up Darling also masterfully explores otaku and overall anime culture in Japan through Marin’s obsession with cosplay. Therefore, she at least deserves the seventh spot on the list.

6 Kaoruko Waguri Brought New Hope to Romance Anime Fans

If Marin had been the best waifu in anime, then Kaoruko would be the best “wife.” Among the many reasons why The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is the best new-gen romance anime, Kaoruko is one of them. It made us realize once again that true love does exist, even if it’s only in fiction. The way she and Rintaro gradually develop feelings for each other is inarguably one of the best examples of modern-day first love done right. Kaoruko didn’t leave any room for toxic love triangles or wacky misunderstandings, and that’s exactly why she ranks sixth here.

5 Nazuna Nanakusa Grabs Your Entire Attention in the Anime

You probably can’t even imagine yourself falling for a vampire, right? However, not only does Yamori end up head over heels for Nazuna, but fans can’t deny her irresistible charm either. Call of the Night is an anime that might fly under many people’s radar, but it arguably has some of the best nighttime vibes in all of anime. What makes Nazuna even better is that she isn’t just a bishoujo female MC. As one of the vampires in the series, she also possesses monstrous strength. With everything combined, she easily secures a spot in the top 5.

4 Ruby Goes Through a Phenomenal Character Development Arc

With every season, the Oshi no Ko anime keeps getting better and better. And of course, Ruby has been a central figure in the main storyline, but the spotlight was more on Aqua during the first two seasons. However, what Ruby does in the latest third season instantly places her in fourth place on the list. She becomes an absolute menace in her pursuit of revenge against the killer of her mother. Even Aqua felt left behind by Ruby at one point. She single-handedly raised the thrill and stakes of the series by manifold.

3 Shizuka Has One of the Darkest Character Stories in All Anime

The anime may not be for the faint of heart, because we can’t even begin to describe how dark Shizuka’s character arc is in Takopi’s Original Sin. Every episode will leave you traumatized by the things she goes through and the decisions she makes. But the worst part is that most of the scenes shown in the anime are closely based on possible real-life incidents. Therefore, it’s traumatizing yet absolutely brilliant. So, in terms of character writing, Shizuka easily deserves a spot in the top 3, no questions asked.

2 Frieren Embarks on a Truly Inspiring Journey of Self-Discovery

Frieren changes the way we perceive fantasy anime. While fans were already so used to watching fantasy or Isekai anime with a grand plot and a clear end goal, this anime has neither. The way the narrative portrays Frieren’s forced numbness toward human connection makes total sense. However, after losing Himmel and being able to embark on a journey with Fern and Stark, she starts to reevaluate the value of life and the connections she makes along the way. And it’s not just Frieren; every episode offers something inspirational for the viewers as well. Thus, she deserves the second spot.

1 Maomao Is the Best Female Anime MC of the 2020s As of Yet

Only once in a blue moon do we come across such a strong female lead as Maomao. She is the entire heart of The Apothecary Diaries anime. From being kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace to rising through the ranks within the court, her journey weaves together so many unique narratives, with each story arc feeling better than the previous one. The way she uses her knowledge as an apothecary to solve so many mysteries within the Imperial Palace is absolutely insane. After even winning the Crunchyroll Award, Maomao has proven herself to be the best female MC of the 2020s.

So, how satisfied are you with the list? Also, did you wish some of your other favorite anime queens made the list? If so, feel free to share them with other fellow weebs in the comments.