Female creatorshave played a pivotal role in shapingthe anime industry, bringing unique perspectives and narratives to the medium. From iconic classics to modern hits, their works have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. These anime series not only showcase remarkable storytelling and character development but also reflect the creative talents they come from.
Highlighting anime from female creators shines a light on the diversity within the industry and demonstrates the unique and varied approaches to storytelling that women bring to the table. These works have influenced multiple genres, from shojo romance to epic shonen adventures. There are countless anime universes that have been created by women, but some stand out among the rest due to the incredible genius behind the work.
10Ouran High School Host Club
Timeless Characters and Themes for a Beloved Comedy
Ouran High School Host Clubis abeloved comedy that deconstructs the most common tropesin romance and gender roles. Created by Bisco Hatori, this reverse harem follows Haruhi Fujioka, a student who enrolls in an elite school on a scholarship and accidentally finds herself joining the host club. The show is lighthearted and oftenpokes fun on themes such as class and gender roles,making it relatable to a variety of different viewers.
The anime provides a refreshing take on gender identity through the main character, Haruhi, whose role is blurring the line between male and female. Bisco Hatori’s approach to character development allowed each club member to have a moment in the spotlight and grow beyond their stereotype.Ouran High School Host Clubwas ahead of its time andamassed a loyal fan base over the yearswith itscomedy, sharp commentary, and slow burn romance.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a 2006 anime series centered around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy. Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi joins the school’s Host Club, where handsome boys entertain female students. The series explores themes of friendship, identity, and social class, and features a diverse cast of characters including the charming Tamaki Suoh and the stoic Kyoya Ootori.
9Black Butler
The Unique Appeal of a Victorian Setting and Plot
Black Butlerisa gothic dark fantasy with gritty comedyand unforgettable storylines that get darker and darker as the story progresses. Yana Toboso sets the story in Victorian England, following the young Earl Ciel Phantomhive after he makes a pact with a demon whom he names Sebastian, ironically, after his family dog. Ciel’s goal is to avenge his family’s death while also taking up the mantle not only as Earl, but as the Queen’s guard dog.
Toboso doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes while maintaining anelegant and yet ruthless cast of characters. The anime balances historical intrigue, the supernatural, and has complex emotional depth that adds to its overall impact. As a standout work,Black Butleris set to receive yet another season covering the Emerald Witch arc, set to premier in 2025,demonstrating its ongoing popularity, nearly 20 years after its initial anime release.
Black Butler
Black Butler is an anime series set in Victorian-era England, revolving around Ciel Phantomhive, a young nobleman, and his enigmatic butler, Sebastian Michaelis. Sebastian, who is more than he seems, aids Ciel in seeking revenge on those who wronged his family. The series combines elements of dark fantasy, mystery, and supernatural themes, portraying their complex relationship and the lengths they will go to achieve their goals.
8Noragami
Noragami Balances Action with Deep Emotional Themes
Noragamiquickly became popular following its release, drawing in fans with its art style and unique storyline. Created by Adachitoka, a collective pen name for female manga artists Adachi and Tokashiki,Noragamifollows Yato, a struggling god who takes on odd jobs to build his following, and Hiyori, a human girl caught between the mortal and spirit realm. It stands out to fans worldwide for its integration of mythology and ability to tackledifficult themes like identity, belonging, revenge and forgiveness.
Adachitoka is apt in their ability to create complex characters with heavy backstories while also molding them to grow and evolve from their given pasts. Each character is realistic in their creation and unlike many anime, the bonds they create together don’t come automatically.Noragamibalances drama and comedy and providesstrong protagonists who are not overpoweredand have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Noragami (2014)
Noragami centers on Yato, a minor deity striving to gain followers and recognition. Partnered with the spirit Yukine and the girl Hiyori, who has an unusual connection to the spirit world, Yato embarks on various missions to aid humans and fulfill his goal of building his own shrine. The series explores the struggles of gods and humans, blending action, comedy, and supernatural elements.
7Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic Stands Out with Its Rich World-Building
Shinobu Ohtaka’sMagi: The Labyrinth of Magicbrings a fresh take to the shounen genre with itsrich, Middle Eastern-inspired mythology and worldbuilding. The anime follows Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana in a vibrant and magical world with complex political intrigue and magic systems within the universe. With stunning visuals and a diverse cast,Magistands out as one of the best animecreated by a woman.
Each character inMagi: The Labyrinth of Magicis driven by their own goals and struggles they must overcome. This anime creates a world full of action, evokes philosophical questions, pits kingdoms and empires against each other, and explores thecomplexity of leadership, governance, and power.Shinobu Ohtaka creates a story with a masterful balance of action and humor in a setting that is refreshing to see and not often represented in anime.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a Japanese anime series adapted from Shinobu Ohtaka’s manga. Set in a fantastical world inspired by the Arabian Nights, it follows young adventurers Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana as they explore mystical labyrinths called Dungeons to uncover ancient secrets and treasures. The series delves into themes of courage, friendship, and destiny, blending action, magic, and political intrigue.
6Nana
Nana Stands Out as a Deeply Relatable and Mature Drama
Nanais a heartfelt, mature drama that centers around two characters of the same name, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu. The anime deals with complex relationships, dreams, and personal growth in a realistic modern day setting. Created by Ai Yazawa,this anime explores the raw emotions behind the characters’ livesas it navigates mature romantic relationships, vulnerability, and unforeseen hardships that come to pass.
One Classic Anime Is Still Worth Watching Despite Having No Ending
NANA hasn’t had a proper conclusion, but its relatable characters and dramatic story remain relevant, influential, and iconic for young adults
What makesNanaparticularly stand out is how Yazawa effectively captures the highs and lows of life with alevel of maturity that isn’t often seen in anime.Nanaachieves a realistic portrayal of young adult life that isn’t afraid to show the, oftentimes, messy and inelegant transition into adulthood. Due to its realism and relatability,Nanahas etched a permanent place in many fans’ hearts.
Nana
Nana is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Ai Yazawa. The show follows the lives of two women named Nana who meet on a train to Tokyo and end up living together. While they share the same name, their personalities, ambitions, and backgrounds are vastly different, unfolding a narrative of friendship, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the bustling city.
5Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket’s Emotional Depth Sets It Apart from Other Anime
Natsuki Takaya’sFruits Basketis a classic thatevery shojo fan knows about. It was so popular that 18 years after its initial anime release, it was announced that it would be remastered and completed along with a prequel movie. Itblends romance, drama, and supernatural elementssurrounding the Chinese zodiac to create a unique and compelling tale.Fruits Basketfollows Tohru Honda, a kindhearted girl who discovers the secret of the Sohma family and becomes entangled in their dynamics.
This anime stands out due to its exploration of toughthemes of trauma, healing, and acceptancein an overall uplifting tone. Takaya creates expert character development throughout the series, showcasing how each character evolves and grows past what they once thought defined them, all thanks to Tohru Honda.Fruits Baskethas an emotional depth that connects to audiences and offersa story of not only hope, but redemption, making it a timeless, heartfelt classic.
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket (2019) is an anime adaptation following Tohru Honda, a high school girl who ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers that twelve members of the Sohma clan are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embraced by the opposite sex. The series delves into the lives and challenges faced by the cursed members while exploring themes of acceptance, friendship, and personal growth.
4Blue Exorcist
Blue Exorcist Delivers a Fresh Perspective on Exorcism and Demons
Kazue Kato’sBlue Exorcistis a mix of dark fantasy and supernatural action. The main protagonist is Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers that he and his twin brother are the sons of Satan. As Rin joins True Cross Academy, he discovers that his younger twin is already an exorcist and knows the truth behind their origins for quite some time.The premise ofBlue Exorcistis unique and compelling, drawing in viewers with precise storytelling tactics to lead into an equally intriguing plot as the story progresses.
One Underrated Shonen Anime on Crunchyroll is the Naruto Replacement You Didn’t Know You Needed
Blue Exorcist is a suitable replacement for the shonen, especially if fans enjoyed Naruto’s backstory and character arc.
Kato creates characters with unique designs that stand out and give each of themdefining strengths and weaknesses, fully fleshing them out. The dynamic between exorcists and demons and their relationship with one another adds layers to the story, making it more than just a typical battle-driven series.Blue Exorcistpairs a catching premise with a plot-driven narrative that keeps fans hooked.
Blue Exorcist
Blue Exorcist is an anime series that follows Rin Okumura, a teenager discovering he is the son of Satan. Determined to challenge his demonic heritage, Rin enrolls at True Cross Academy to become an exorcist and protect the world from demonic forces. The show explores themes of identity, family, and the battle between good and evil with a mix of action and supernatural elements.
3Inuyasha
Inuyasha is an Anime Classic
Inuyashais a must-see classic fantasy adventure thatcaptivated audiences for decadeswith its romance, action, and unforgettable cast.Created by Rumiko Takahashi, this anime follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern day schoolgirl who finds herself transported back in time to the Sengoku period where she meets Inuyasha, a half demon. While in the feudal era, Kagome comes to find that she was in possession of the Shikon Jewel, a powerful gemstone wanted by many. In the fight for the jewel, Kagome is left with no choice but to fire an arrow that hits the jewel and breaks it into shards.
Inuyashacenters around the search for the shards of the Shikon Jewel in order to restore it before evil forces like Naraku have the chance to possess it. Takahashi demonstrates her prowess in creating unique andfun character dynamics in a world full of folklore.Inuyashaincorporates a perfect blend of genres while continuously creating interesting plots to match. The anime became so popular it was given a spin off following the cast’s descendants inYashahime: Princess Half-Demon.
2Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist Blends Action and Philosophy Seamlessly
Hiromu Arakawa’sFullmetal Alchemistis an anime thatblends action and philosophyin an excellently planned narrative.The series follows Edward and Alphonse, two brothers who use alchemy in their quest to find the philosopher’s stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt at human transmutation. Arakawa is exceptional at worldbuilding and exploring deep themes such as sacrifice, ethics, and the human condition.
Fullmetal Alchemisthas a diverse cast of characters, and many have their own arcs, exploring character development and personal growth. Arakawa’s talent shines through the story she weaves,highlighting both the best and worst parts of humanity.Fullmetal Alchemistcreates a thought-provoking experience while leaving fans sitting in the edge of their seat until the end, cementing it as one of the best anime in history.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who use alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies after a failed transmutation. The series explores themes of sacrifice, the consequences of ambition, and the quest for truth in a richly developed world.
1Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon’s Legacy as a Cultural Icon
Sailor Moonis a groundbreaking series created by Naoko Takeuchi thatdefines the magical girl genreand leaves a permanent mark on anime history. The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who transforms into the magical warrior Sailor Moon to protect the world from evil threats. Takeuchi combines enchanting battles with themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery that capture the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Iconic Sailor Moon Franchise Will Officially End With Upcoming Netflix Movie Series
The Sailor Moon franchise is finally coming to an end after over three decades with Sailor Moon Cosmos which has released an exciting new trailer.
Sailor Moonstands out through its innovative approach to storytelling and itsimpact not only on the magical girl genre but on global pop culturefor generations. Takeuchi’s emphasis on a strong cast of diverse female characters and their story arcs set a new stand for anime, offering a narrative that balances action with important life lessons.Sailor Moonempowers girls across the worldand stands out for its representations and uplifting friendships.
