Anime and manga enthusiasts recently participated inan annual pollonthe strongest female characters featured inWeekly Shōnen Jumpand the results are rather surprising. Among the top 10 rankings are some of the most exciting recent hits in Shōnen, likeJujutsu KaisenandDemon Slayer, but the top spots are claimed by women from enduring franchises likeDragon BallandNaruto.While the rankings are subjective and based on audience votes, the top choices are truly some of the most powerful female characters in the genre.
As Japan’s most famous manga magazine,Shonen Jumphas introduced countless heroines with unique personalities, incredible strength, and unforgettable stories. While heroines like Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, andInuyasha’s Kagome are some of the most recognizable women in anime, their power is eclipsed by a new generation of more complex female characters. Among them are an android, a prisoner, a jujutsu sorcerer, and even a waifu or two, brilliantly reflecting the various essential roles that women in anime, and real life, fulfill.
Shōnen Jump Readers Rank the Strongest Female Characters in Anime History
Android 18 and Jolyne Cujoh Are Femme Fatales Fueled by Vengeance
Jolyne Cujoh, the protagonist ofJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure:Stone Ocean, earns third place in the rankings. As the daughter of Jotaro Kujo, the star ofStardust Crusaders, Jolyne carries the legacy of the Joestar family. Her story unfolds with her wrongful imprisonment and determination to clear her name, which immediately endears her to the audience. It’s no surprise the resilient, gritty, and cocky heroine resonates with viewers worldwide and inspirescosplay from stars like Megan thee Stallion.
In the runner-up position isAndroid 18,Dragon Ball Z’s formidable female fighter. Originally created as a weapon by the villainous Dr. Gero to destroy Goku, Android 18 later aligns herself with the Z Fighters and marries Krillin. Known for her perpetual energy reactor and superhuman combat ability, 18 evolves into a protective mother and loyal wife, while still maintaining her edge and competing in tournaments. Her redemption arc, and iconic battles with Vegeta inDBZand Cell Max inDragon Ball Super, elevate her to one of the strongest female characters in anime history.
Dragon Ball Android 18 Cosplay Gives the Series' Strongest Woman the Live-Action Version She Deserves
Android 18 is brought to life through a cosplay of her iconic look from the Cell Saga that captures Dragon Ball’s strongest woman’s powerful attitude.
Naruto’s Sakura Haruno Clinches the Top Spot
The #1 Anime Heroine Recently Returned in Boruto: Blue Vortex
Claiming the top spot isSakura Haruno, the central female character from theNarutofranchise. As a member of Kakashi’s Team 7 alongside Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura evolves from lovestruck young Chunin to one of the most skilled medical ninjas in the series. Much of this radical glow-up is thanks to the mentorship of the #11 ranked heroine, Tsunade, who passes down generational medical training to her young protégée. Her character arc, plus her unwavering devotion to Sasuke, eventually won the hearts ofNaruto’s audience, and her popularity endures even after a long absence.
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Shinobu Kocho
Demon Slayer
While Sakura plays a large role in pivotal battles throughoutNaruto, she has only recently returned to the spotlight inBoruto :Two Blue Vortex. Little is known about her development, since she is largely absent fromBoruto, adding to the anticipation of her return and learning what delightful new tricks she’s picked up. Sakura was not always a fan-favorite, and this poll shows how female character representation continues to evolve and recontextualize as time goes on. NowNaruto’s pink-haired heroine is on top, and continues to inspire the next generation of fierce women in manga and anime.
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
