Female empowerment
Anime
An incomplete list of good anime that are generally safe to watch for women and girls. Shows that star strong and well-written female (main) characters, center around female friendships, relationships and empowerment, address important women's issues or feature feminist notions.
This is a work in progress! Some shows I have seen, others I want to.
This is a work in progress! Some shows I have seen, others I want to.
TV, 2002,
45 eps
Me:-
Author:10
"I don't need a scabbard to sheathe my mind." I will never shut up about this show. Through difficult challenges, Youko transforms from a rather naive and spineless schoolgirl to a responsible and self-reflective leader and protector of a kingdom to whom she owes nothing. Her character development is second to none.
TV, 2006,
47 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Although there is no shortage of sometimes frustrating romantic subplots in Nana, it is still a very real and touching story about female friendship and coming of age.
TV, 2013,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A controversial choice. To me, this show is a very visually and conceptually interesting look at female sexuality and embracing or, at least, coming to terms with one's own femininity.
TV, 2007,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Seirei no Moribito is a captivating series about a strong and accomplished female bodyguard who is assigned to protect the outcast prince of a neighboring country. Determined to save him and prevail against all odds, during this mission she becomes something more than the hardened warrior she thought herself to be: a mother.
TV, 2015,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A sweet and romantic story. Shirayuki knows who she is, she has dreams and goals and once she has chosen a path, she will follow it without fail. The relationship she has with Zen is very equal and trusting. He admires and respects her for who she is as a person, rather than for her beauty.
TV, 2014,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A childish princess is violently torn from her luxurious and care-free life and thrown into a risky journey to regain power. Seeing Yona develop into a strong leader, that still is vulnerable and emotional, is really gratifying.
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
This serves as a placeholder for almost every female-led Ghibli film. Ghibli generally has an amazing track record of having realistic female leads, that have agency and good development!
TV, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A surprisingly good and comfy watch. Features very sweet female friendships and relationships in general, and is - contrary to what you may think from reading the title - not centered around romance that much!
TV, 2016,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Flip Flappers is a fascinating show, with phenomenal visuals and interesting plot. The two main girls have very different personalities and have to learn to work together, which ultimately results in them forming a strong bond. Among other things, the show explores and criticizes the Yuri genre.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A fun, short series about girls being girls! Takes stale and sexist character archetypes like the busty "Galko", the well-mannered "princess" and the unassuming "Nerd Girl" and turns them on their heads. Internalized misogyny and how to overcome it, the anime!
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Violet is on a journey to learn to feel again. A beautiful show about trauma, grief and love viewed from a very soft and curious angle.
TV, 2013,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
I rewatched it recently and there definitely are quite a few panty shots, boob grabbing, a weird perverted kid and the likes. If you’re uncomfortable with that, then this one isn’t for you! I still think it fits into this list, because it’s one of the few good Battle Shounen out there with a cast that’s overwhelmingly female. A very well animated, exciting show with an interesting world and an equally intriguing cast, that features a lot of well-written, badass and multidimensional girls! Liking "girly" stuff, cute outfits and dance games is portrayed in a positive light.
TV, 2010,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
No wonder Takumi is attracted to Misaki, she's literally like a prince! She's school president, has very strong ideals and morals and doesn't take shit from anyone. Also, she gets that Maid-Cafè-coin!
ONA, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Sigh, another reverse Harem. But wait! It makes fun of the genre itself? And has a very well-written MC? They definitely could have fleshed out the parody-aspect much more, but it's still a fun watch.
*SPOILER and TW* It also touches on SA, Stalking and victim shaming experienced by a boy.
*SPOILER and TW* It also touches on SA, Stalking and victim shaming experienced by a boy.
TV, 2012,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Again, a strong female lead that doesn't take shit!
TV, 2011,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A comfy and well-written show about the lives, hopes and friendships of a group of girls working to become popstars.
TV, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
For some reason I didn't finish this one, but what I've seen I really liked. It's an interesting show about an unlikely friendship of two very different girls who connect about their passion for music.
TV, 2013,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:9
With its almost dreamlike visuals, surreal settings and quirky characters, you'd be surprised at how familiar and heartwarming the story of Kyousou Giga actually is.
TV, 2017,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A family-friendly, upbeat show about (you guessed it) witches! Other than magic, it revolves around a cast of very diverse girls and their relationships. A comfy and worthwhile watch!
TV, 2022,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
While being about literal badass high school girls who work as spies, I chose this for the honestly quite beautiful friendship of the two main girls. It also has a lot of GL undertones/bait (and well-written gay side characters!), which I appreciated. A pretty great show, if you don't pay too much attention to the plot, since it's definitely mainly character-driven.
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Has a cute female lead, who has big dreams and follows them with determination. Knows what she wants and follows through once she decides to do something. Cute little watch!
TV, 2019,
14 eps
Me:-
Author:-
