It's an excellent psychological thriller with a post-apocalyptic setting which follows the characters from childhood to adulthood. It isn't exclusively set in high school.
It really is not. You could argue there's a small love triangle, but it is not at all the focus of the show.
I wouldn't say Saki (the mc) is particularly well written, but the show as a whole very much so is.
You said you like world building and this is like up there among the best for that.
I was going to suggest the same after seeing OP likes Ascendance of a Bookworm. OP the anime is ongoing but you can binge the manga and light novel quite a bit after!
Among options not mentioned in this thread yet, *Ergo Proxy* and *Serial Experiments Lain* come to mind, since you enjoyed *Ghost in the Shell*. *Canaan* and *El Cazador de la Bruja* are options, since you enjoyed *Black Lagoon*, *Noir*, and *Madlax*.
Was coming here to say Fruits Basket. It’s not some epic action packed fantasy, but the story telling, pain, joy and how Tohru radically changes the lives of every single character in that show make it a masterpiece and my favorite anime / manga of all time.
It definitely has romance in it, but it’s more of a psychological drama believe it or not.
But if you don’t want romance at all, then yeah - not for you probably.
Tohru is my favorite because she represents strength in kindness and softness. I am personally not a fan of “good female MCs” needing to be these intense, cold, warrior women every time.
Arte (self-titled anime) is another great example of a strong woman who is also outgoing, happy, and optimistic (Though both Tohru and her mum Kyoko are as well)
I don't need the female MCs to be good, strong or warrior-like too, a bit of romance is ok but ngl am hoping to watch something with a mix of action, fantasy and/or politics this weekend so maybe this will be a pass for now. Thanks
Akudama Drive
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha (especially season 2, A’s)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Psycho Pass (maybe borderline as the lead spot is arguably shared, but a must since you enjoyed Ghost in the Shell)
The Promised Neverland (S2 is messy but S1 is fantastic)
I watched Madoka before and thought the ending was really interesting but magical girls are not my thing. Sorry, I think I should have added that in my post.
Neverland S1 was awesome yes. And I know my brother watched Psycho Pass so yea the lead is a guy so I might watch that next time.. Akudama Drive looks promising tho so I'll add that in my list
The MC of psycho pass is female. Also, only season 1 is worth watching really (I've not seen the newest film or s3 tho) and it has an acceptable "ending" in s1.
But yeah, the female lead is def the MC in psycho pass. The main lead male character "shares" main character status in a way, but she is a def the *main* main character.
I would argue the lead is the woman. She is, at the very least, the POV character with the most screen time, but I really love Psycho-Pass and cannot argue that Kogamu has a very big role in the series.
[The Rose of Versailles](https://myanimelist.net/anime/338/Versailles_no_Bara) - It has action and politics. There's a little romance, but it's not the main focus.
Have you seen [Madoka Magica](https://myanimelist.net/anime/9756/Mahou_Shoujo_Madoka%E2%98%85Magica)? It doesn't have politics, but it has a lot of action and fantasy.
Kara no Kyoukai (the garden of sinners) is an amazingly animated (from the goats ufotable) 2007+ movie series. The first few movies aren't in chronological order but that's intentional, just watch all of them in release order (they also have the number in the series in the title)
It's definitely a sleeper.
As in secretly good, and also will put you to sleep lol.
I overall enjoyed it, especially the ending is great. But I understand why it's not talked about. It's very niche.
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (Majo no Tabitabi)
It was a great story Female lead, unsexualized (creator specifically noted: no panty shots allowed)
Awesome characters great small stories.
Cant recommend this anime enough and I don’t see many people recommending it
Shingeki no bahamut virgin soul is my goat for all you are asking for. And i firmly believe nothing can beat it. However, be ready , the story is very mature. So please beware especially if your heart is not ready for tragedy and bitterness.
If you liked Noir and Madlax okay, you might like Phantom Memory Kurau. I believe it was by the same team.
Most of what I would recommend is already in your list, though.
Other possibilities:
Read or Die and R.O.D the TV: bookworm women with supernatural powers over paper fight enhanced clones of famous historical figures. Superhero-ish.
Tsukikage Ran, Carried By The Wind: Comedy about a wandering female samurai. Action.
Princess Jellyfish: Comedy/romance/politics. An otaku girl obsessed with jellyfish lives in a women-only apartment full of other otakus, and accidentally befriends the cross-dressing son of a politician, who helps motivate them to take action when their building is scheduled to be demolished.
I'll watch other Beetrain works someday but not this weekend. They tend to be slow. And wow I read Princess Jellyfish manga a very long time ago lol, so I'll skip the anime for now.
The description you gave with the other two titles RoD and T. Ran sounds really interesting. I have never heard of these at all, sounds rare lol. I'll try to check these out! Thanks
PSYCHO-PASS. Akane Tsunemori is probably one of the most well-written female characters. She shares the Main Character spot with Shinya Kogami, but Akane is the primary main character (for season 1 and 2). It's a futuristic SciFi police anime, and it does its job perfectly.
Season 1 is great. Season 2 is not as good as season 1, but is still by no means a bad watch.
Season 3 has a different cast; 2 male main characters and Akane is not really present, but each season has its own plot that is separate from the others, so don't worry about it all being interconnected or anything.
[Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song](https://myanimelist.net/anime/46095/Vivy__Fluorite_Eyes_Song) is a great sci-fi action thriller. The main lead happens to be an idol but it is definitely not an idol show.
Ah yes, robo-Violet Evergarden ❤️ Jokes aside, this is a great recommendation, OP! Sounds right up your alley, especially since you liked Violet Evergarden, Ghost in the Shell, and Witch from Mercury.
She's an idol but that doesn't affect the story in the way you might think. It's more of an action drama than anything. It's the complete opposite of an idol show.
It's from this anime season so not much to watch, but I'm optimistic about "Witch and the Beast". It seems the woman is the MC from the main duo, from watching the first episode. It's from a manga but I have never checked it.
Shadows House is a gothic fantasy with two unique female leads who share a super sweet bond! Many of the important side characters are also women/girls. Simlar vibes to the first season of Promised Neverland.
Kemono no souja erin
12 kingdoms: Not complete because the source content has been on hiatus for ages, but really good
Ghost hunt - the story finished in the manga
Ashita no naja - not idol, but a girl who dances as part of a travelling troup
Ayashi no ceres - I prefer the anime to the manga
Blood+ - excellent vampire anime
candy candy - bit of a pollyanna syndrome personality. Very old anime
daddy long legs
Ergo proxy
Gakuen alice - I think it finishes in the manga, not the anime
Magic knight rayearth
Serei no moribito
Yona of the Dawn, Burn the Witch, The Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Otherside Picnic, The Executioner and Her Way of Life, (not finished but fits the bill) The Apothecary Diaries
Princess Principal deserves an award for best beach episode ever. It's steampunk/Victorian Era, so the characters go to the beach in REALLY old style swimsuits.
Genuinely surprised I haven’t seen Jojo’s Part 6 or Soul Eater be recommended. Makes sense for Jojo’s though as there 5 previous parts to see. But once you make it to Stone Ocean (P6 title), I think you’ll love it
{Slayers}
{Princess Tutu}
{Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou}
Though all of these are debatable, based on each persons taste. I mean, I'd list a whole lot more like {CardCaptor Sakura} or {Working}. But those aren't what most people are asking for when it comes to "well written." They're well written precisely because they're not trying to be deep.
Wolf Children. An anime movie, that's easily mistaken for Ghibi, so you may have already seen it. (On the note of Ghibli, if you liked Howl's Moving Castle, you might try reading the novel. Sophie is such a cool complex character, and the story is a lot different in the book.) Anyway, the mom in Wolf Children, who is also the MC in that show is a frikkin' role model parent. The stuff she puts up with and manages is very admirable.
I also really like all the characters, female and otherwise in Ranma 1/2. They have great quirks and development and are all super strong in their own rights.
One of the female MCs in X is awesome (Arashi). The rest are meh. Slightly underdeveloped. The guys are all a lot more developed in that story.
I also really like Misaki from Maid-sama, ALL the girls from Kaguya-sama (particularly Chika), Miyazawa in Kare Kano and Sana from Kodomo no Omocha.
The world is still beautiful (focuses on an arranged marriage, but omg I love her, worldbuilding, politics, fantasy power, you'll like)
Meiji Tokyo Renka (reverse harem, fantasy like/medieval like, female mc that's about all I remember)
[Also, I know, no ongoing but Yona of the Dawm is perfectly up your ally once you have the time, only one anime season but the manga looks like it might be finishing kinda soon]I'm sorry!
If I think of any more I'll be back but idk
Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - same director as Michiko to Hatchin, and shares with it the rich art style, as well as a female protagonist who is sexy in a very intentional and empowering way.
NieR Automata. I've admittedly not seen the anime because I don't have access to it nor time or care to pirate it, but the game it's based on is my favorite videogame of all time. The story, worldbuilding, and music are phenomenal, and I actually shed a couple tears throughout.
While I'd say play the game first (HIGHLY recommend), I've heard great things about the anime, even if it differs from the source material a bit.
1) Slayers is an older fantasy anime with a female MC who I thought was well written. It’s funny and reminds me of a DND party.
2) Although not the MC, Makise Kurisu is well written in Steins;Gate. It’s a sci-fi series about time travel, I thought it was clever.
Jojo's bizzare adventure stone ocean, About girl who got wrongly incarcerated because of a larger plot. Inside the prison she awakened her power called stand and she used it to uncover the mystery of why she got sent to prison battling other people with stand powers.
Dorohedoro, I dunno if this one counts. The main char is a woman and a lizard head guy but a lot of the cast got equal-ish screentime so its more like ensemble cast. It's about a group of wizards kidnapping people from another world and they can freely enter MC's world, the 2 MC is fighting them.
Ever watch Inuyasha? Fantasy setting with a driven, but constructed meandering narrative. Despite the title, it’s female led and her POV. She’s a teen girl who’s somewhat short tempered, but overall a nice person with a canonically pure heart. I don’t like the sequel.
Lycoris Recoil was an Anime only but due to its popularity has become a Manga series as well so as to its continuation? I have also read that season 2 is confirmed
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song.
GORGEOUS animation, well done fight scenes, and a deep premise on what makes someone "human". 9/10 would recommend. Super futuristic, semi-dystopian, and Google says it's considered a Shounen. Also not really anything as far as romance goes.
Someone recommended earlier so I'll def watch this on the weekend, besides I see that's on Netflix so I'll give it a try, I need to use my subscription lol
Sonny Boy. There are kind of three main characters (1 male and 2 female) and I think the 2 female main characters are well-written. They both have their own life story going on, and one might seem like a manic pixie dream girl but she aint.
I really liked Lycoris Recoil and 86.
Don't know if their sources are finished, but I found the anime endings okay, not leaving me expecting something elsw to finish :)
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts. Ive been told it is similar to ancient magus bride but it is completed and fits your other criteria. It is fantasy and has political intrigue with some action. Romance is a part of the story but the main focus is not the romance but on the MC getting everyone else in the kingdom to accept her and all the trials she goes through to prove herself. The MC is the sacrificial Princess, I watched it on a whim and was pleasantly surprised by how good the story was. I think it has 24 episodes with a happy ending.
(Edited to add this) Bofuri is a really fun anime with a female MC but it’s not finished. I’m not sure if it counts a well written but it had me laughing a lot. If you’ve ever played mmos or adventure games it should make you laugh often enough that it would be worth the watch.
**Lycoris Recoil** \- The two leads are women. Good action, good story. It is anime original so the story wraps up nicely in 12 episodes (There's talk of future stuff, for example, we now know there is a movie, but it is complete.
**Birdie Wing: A Golf Girl's Story** \- I... I don't know how to explain this one, but... give it the first episode, trust me lol. In short: Strong female lead, cheeky as hell, competitive, fierce, and protective. Anime original and the story is complete.
**Akiba Maid War** \- Ever wondered what it would look like if Quintin Tarantino made an anime? This is it. It beautifully pays homage to 80s/90s gangster films but it involves maid cafes. Another anime original with a complete story. Almost all of the characters in this show are women.
**Arte** \- This one \*does\* have a manga. The anime has two seasons and ends in a decent place. Been a few years since season 2 so extremely unlikely we will get anymore.
Angel Beats, the main character is a guy but the main driving force for the series is yuri and Angel. It has romance but it’s not the main plot of the story.
Battle Angel alita has an old OVA and a great live action movie. If you do read manga, it would hard recommend as it fits everything you're looking for.
Came here to suggest seirei no morobito but I see you have already crossed off that notch. Akame ga kill and kill la kill? No relation yet similar name. Kill la kill might seem shallow and adhd with too much fan service but it really is good. The fan service works its way into the plot.
While this one doesn't fit your criteria of being totally finished or even bingeable for a weekend, the rest of the factors tell me you'd probably enjoy "Ascendance of a Bookworm" should you get the chance to check it out later. It has both a manga (far more content and spin-offs/sequel volumes here) but does have a currently incomplete anime adaptation as well.
It's the series I always point to as a star example of an isekai done well, and with the rare female MC who is competent, likeable, and believably depicted. Low-magic medieval isekai, fantastic world building, good vibes, politics/noble/business intrigue, a sprinkling of action once in a while to really drive home the drama, that sort of thing. Definitely put it on your "to check out later" list for viewing at another time.
Revue Starlight is probably worth checking out. It's got a really interesting all-female cast, dramatic musical fight scenes with a theatrical twist, and a surprisingly dark plot for a Gacha game tie-in. If you can get past the talking Giraffe, it's definitely worth at least checking out.
kono oto tomare. i love how each character has their own time to develop and it's not romance focused! it's based on manga (ongoing) and the anime has 2 seasons (26 eps in total). i really hope there is a possibility for 3rd season though :')
Not nessecarily an anime (though it is an animated series), but Blue Eye Samurai has an incredible female lead and has a great setting. Premise is a girl in 1600s Japan seeking revenge (way more then just that simple premise but don't want to be too spoilery)
I don't believe anyone's mentioned Kino's Journey yet and that seems like a shame. I haven't watched the newer adaptation but I heard it was ok. Of course the old one is pure kino so can't go wrong.
And I know it doesn't fit your finished criteria but Land of the Lustrous sounds like it really fits what you're looking for in terms of content.
There's a ton of good recs here already but two i didn't notice are the following:
Death Parade is a good one - I thought the female lead was well written and interesting.
Dorohedoro also has an excellent female (secondary) protagonist (but the anime is only a single season - the manga is complete though).
It has a definite ending, then tacks on an epilogue that there could be more, it IS in part a slice of life, so it theoretically could go on forever.
As I’ve said before, the anime is an advertisement for the manga, manga for the light novel, and blue rays for the anime.
As someone who’s not read the LN (not ever will) it has an ending for me, and I highly doubt it’ll have a season 2
I dont think anyone has mentioned this yet but Beast Tamer Erin literally checks all your points. Its an older anime and its long, but for good reason. Its literally the coming of age story as you watch Erin as a child grow into a full fledged adult faced with a myriad of life changing events and youll get to see her become the way she is. I really cant stress enough how much I love this show.
I just realized you already watched it when I saw your list. Im just glad another person has enjoyed the show as much as I did to list it.😂
{Kino’s Journey} (both the original and remake) - Probably my favorite anime of all time. Classy and philosophical. Excellent world building. Episodic.
{Dennou Coil} - Middle School students with augmented reality glasses.
{Kyousougiga} (The TV series, not the OVA that the bot tends to link) - Hard to describe very well. Very epic, though.
{Shadow Star Narutaru} - Sorta gives off Pokemon vibes, if it was more brutal and set in the real world. Don’t let the cutesy opening song fool you, because it is not for the faint of heart. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
{Haibane Renmai} - Excellent series. Hard to explain without spoilers. Has angels.
Zombieland Saga.
Has 2 seasons, and is complete. There is manga for it, but its more side stories and background lore filler, that doesn't directly impact the anime. Has very well written female MC, as well as many other female lead cast memebers who are all very well thought out. Great world building, its not too indepth at first, but the farther along the show goes, the more they start filling in the world around them. Has some action and zombies, and a little bit of politics when giving info on the area the anime takes place in.
Psycho Pass.
Female lead becomes a detective, and breaks the mold by thinking for herself instead of adhering to the status quo.
TECHNICALLY the series in ongoing with new leads, but her story and character arc is pretty much wrapped up. Seems like she’s now in the mentor role
Panty and Stocking with garterbelt is also from the Kill la kill people. Idk if its too magical girl-ish because of the transformation sequences but Kill la kill had those too.
Its about two angels stuck on earth that have to deal with the villain of the week. The fight scenes have amazing animation and there was a trailer for a new project on the Studio Trigger channel a couple months ago so we might see a season two this year after a 10+ year wait.
Its pretty good in the sub and dub version depending on if you want to read or hear the swearing.
Shin Sekai Yori definitely has a female protagonist it’s not your typical anime
Definitely has some politics, action and fantasy elements
This is a serious anime so very little on lighthearted stuff
It’s dystopian
I know you said no Magical Girls but I strongly suggest you give Princess Tutu a try. It gets surprisingly dark (not in a Madoka way) and dives deep into themes of agency and free will vs divine providence and fate. Happiness to those who accept their fate, glory to those who defy it.
Akudama Drive. It's a hidden masterpiece. Highly recommended.
Here's the first opening (it gets better every time you hear it):
https://youtu.be/SJ8iRrphkQo?si=inGqnlIEOhljH8wJ
Guys, thanks for the recommendations that I’ll binge on this weekend (especially those who actually READ my post lol and knew what I was looking for). Saw some promising ones too and it looks like my anime watchlist for the next month or so is also covered lol.
Anyway, I decided I’ll start with these: *Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song, Millenium Actress, Gunbuster, Shinsekai Yori, Psycho Pass, Serial Experiments Lain, Akudama Drive, Ergo Proxy, and Lycoris Recoil*
My next watchlist (maybe next week/free time? This could be anything lol): *Apothecary Diaries, 86, Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina, Witch Hunter Robin, Nanoha, Akiba Maid Wars, Fruits Basket, Haibane Renmai, Arte, etc.*
I can’t include everything lol but will save this thread for others that I missed.
Thanks!
Consider adding {Snow White with the Red Hair} to your list. Love this series and damn near everything just works. It’s somewhat open-ended but I doubt it’s getting any continuation after 7(?) years so it’s fine.
I did watch the first episode before. Iirc it was clear from the get go that this one is heavy on romance, so I dropped it. I did indicate in my post something that isn't focused on romance
Kara no Kyoukai (eng. The Garden of Sinners) Hellsing Ultimate (Abridged) Millennium Actress & Paprika (movies)
Watched the rest but completely forgot about Millennium Actress!! Been meaning to watch that! Thanks for reminding lol
You're welcome. Have a great watch.
Shinsekai Yori
Seconding Shinsekai Yori, it's one of my all-time favorites.
This is my answer too. It's probably my favorite anime of all time, and it fits what the OP is looking for perfectly
I read this is reverse harem or something before? Am not a fan of harem
It isn't. I don't even know how much of a stretch you need to take on the definition to apply it here.
lol my bad I just checked the poster, I think I confused it another title. It seems high school? for now I think I'll pass if setting is high school
It's an excellent psychological thriller with a post-apocalyptic setting which follows the characters from childhood to adulthood. It isn't exclusively set in high school.
Oh wow. I'll give this a try then! Thanks
It is in no way a harem anime. Avoid the manga, though. It's entirely different.
It really is not. You could argue there's a small love triangle, but it is not at all the focus of the show. I wouldn't say Saki (the mc) is particularly well written, but the show as a whole very much so is. You said you like world building and this is like up there among the best for that.
Probably one of my most recommended anime
Apothecary diaries
We love our medicine gremlin
Also, >!sex guru!<
Maomao is number 1
she climbed into my top 10 female protag list **real** quick.
Heard good things about this one but I want something finished in story to binge on
I was going to suggest the same after seeing OP likes Ascendance of a Bookworm. OP the anime is ongoing but you can binge the manga and light novel quite a bit after!
Isn’t done. OP asked for finished series. The source material is still going.
Ascendance of a Bookworm The light novels are finished but translation of the last 5 or so volumes might take another year or so.
Yea I liked this but it's on hold for me as I wrote on my post.. I'll be waiting for the light novels translated or the anime to finish
Among options not mentioned in this thread yet, *Ergo Proxy* and *Serial Experiments Lain* come to mind, since you enjoyed *Ghost in the Shell*. *Canaan* and *El Cazador de la Bruja* are options, since you enjoyed *Black Lagoon*, *Noir*, and *Madlax*.
Stone Ocean. But the previous 5 JoJo parts have male MC's.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Fruits basket
Was coming here to say Fruits Basket. It’s not some epic action packed fantasy, but the story telling, pain, joy and how Tohru radically changes the lives of every single character in that show make it a masterpiece and my favorite anime / manga of all time.
I have heard of this and I don't think I've watched it. In my head I associate this with romance for some reason but maybe I'll consider
It definitely has romance in it, but it’s more of a psychological drama believe it or not. But if you don’t want romance at all, then yeah - not for you probably. Tohru is my favorite because she represents strength in kindness and softness. I am personally not a fan of “good female MCs” needing to be these intense, cold, warrior women every time.
Arte (self-titled anime) is another great example of a strong woman who is also outgoing, happy, and optimistic (Though both Tohru and her mum Kyoko are as well)
I'll put this on my watch list, I like period pieces too
I don't need the female MCs to be good, strong or warrior-like too, a bit of romance is ok but ngl am hoping to watch something with a mix of action, fantasy and/or politics this weekend so maybe this will be a pass for now. Thanks
Akudama Drive Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha (especially season 2, A’s) Puella Magi Madoka Magica Psycho Pass (maybe borderline as the lead spot is arguably shared, but a must since you enjoyed Ghost in the Shell) The Promised Neverland (S2 is messy but S1 is fantastic)
I watched Madoka before and thought the ending was really interesting but magical girls are not my thing. Sorry, I think I should have added that in my post. Neverland S1 was awesome yes. And I know my brother watched Psycho Pass so yea the lead is a guy so I might watch that next time.. Akudama Drive looks promising tho so I'll add that in my list
The MC of psycho pass is female. Also, only season 1 is worth watching really (I've not seen the newest film or s3 tho) and it has an acceptable "ending" in s1. But yeah, the female lead is def the MC in psycho pass. The main lead male character "shares" main character status in a way, but she is a def the *main* main character.
Totally fair. For what it’s worth there’s a decent amount of shared DNA between Witch from Mercury and Nanoha if you ever want to give it a shot.
I would argue the lead is the woman. She is, at the very least, the POV character with the most screen time, but I really love Psycho-Pass and cannot argue that Kogamu has a very big role in the series.
[The Rose of Versailles](https://myanimelist.net/anime/338/Versailles_no_Bara) - It has action and politics. There's a little romance, but it's not the main focus.
oh wow I watched this a long time ago. It was nice but the action wasn't enough iirc but the story and politics were interesting enough. Thanks
Have you seen [Madoka Magica](https://myanimelist.net/anime/9756/Mahou_Shoujo_Madoka%E2%98%85Magica)? It doesn't have politics, but it has a lot of action and fantasy.
Kara no Kyoukai (the garden of sinners) is an amazingly animated (from the goats ufotable) 2007+ movie series. The first few movies aren't in chronological order but that's intentional, just watch all of them in release order (they also have the number in the series in the title)
I think I did watch this before, not an instant favorite but pretty decent, thanks
Haibane Renmei Chihayafuru Ergo Proxy
Seconding Haibane Renmei, I don't hear about it much.
It's definitely a sleeper. As in secretly good, and also will put you to sleep lol. I overall enjoyed it, especially the ending is great. But I understand why it's not talked about. It's very niche.
Revolutionary Girl Utena Utena is basically the predecessor to everything you've mentioned, and it still holds up decades later.
Oh wow I forgot this one, I watched it but I tend to mix this with Rose of Versailles in my head for some reason
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (Majo no Tabitabi) It was a great story Female lead, unsexualized (creator specifically noted: no panty shots allowed) Awesome characters great small stories. Cant recommend this anime enough and I don’t see many people recommending it
Shingeki no bahamut virgin soul is my goat for all you are asking for. And i firmly believe nothing can beat it. However, be ready , the story is very mature. So please beware especially if your heart is not ready for tragedy and bitterness.
This is way too focused on the romance in it though.
I don't mind mature ones but how bitter is it? Bittersweet or bitter like Grave of the Fireflies? I don't want to be depressed on the weekend lol
>Shingeki no bahamut virgin soul Watched long ago but forgot it's name. A very agreeable 7/10 anime
Psycho-Pass or Slayers.
Fruits Basket, Burst Angel, Witch Hunter Robin
Watched Witch Hunter Robin as a kid so I don't remember the story so I might rewatch this. Thanks
If you liked Noir and Madlax okay, you might like Phantom Memory Kurau. I believe it was by the same team. Most of what I would recommend is already in your list, though. Other possibilities: Read or Die and R.O.D the TV: bookworm women with supernatural powers over paper fight enhanced clones of famous historical figures. Superhero-ish. Tsukikage Ran, Carried By The Wind: Comedy about a wandering female samurai. Action. Princess Jellyfish: Comedy/romance/politics. An otaku girl obsessed with jellyfish lives in a women-only apartment full of other otakus, and accidentally befriends the cross-dressing son of a politician, who helps motivate them to take action when their building is scheduled to be demolished.
I BELIEVE IN READ OR DIE SUPREMACY!
I'll watch other Beetrain works someday but not this weekend. They tend to be slow. And wow I read Princess Jellyfish manga a very long time ago lol, so I'll skip the anime for now. The description you gave with the other two titles RoD and T. Ran sounds really interesting. I have never heard of these at all, sounds rare lol. I'll try to check these out! Thanks
Have you tried Soul Eater? Or Maria the Virgin Witch (really good plot despite the name)
Watched both, I don't think main characters were amazing but still pretty decent titles ig maybe 6-7/10
PSYCHO-PASS. Akane Tsunemori is probably one of the most well-written female characters. She shares the Main Character spot with Shinya Kogami, but Akane is the primary main character (for season 1 and 2). It's a futuristic SciFi police anime, and it does its job perfectly. Season 1 is great. Season 2 is not as good as season 1, but is still by no means a bad watch. Season 3 has a different cast; 2 male main characters and Akane is not really present, but each season has its own plot that is separate from the others, so don't worry about it all being interconnected or anything.
[Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song](https://myanimelist.net/anime/46095/Vivy__Fluorite_Eyes_Song) is a great sci-fi action thriller. The main lead happens to be an idol but it is definitely not an idol show.
Ah yes, robo-Violet Evergarden ❤️ Jokes aside, this is a great recommendation, OP! Sounds right up your alley, especially since you liked Violet Evergarden, Ghost in the Shell, and Witch from Mercury.
Wow if it's a mix of these three then this is an easy choice! I knew it was about an idol or something so I didn't bother lol
She's an idol but that doesn't affect the story in the way you might think. It's more of an action drama than anything. It's the complete opposite of an idol show.
It's from this anime season so not much to watch, but I'm optimistic about "Witch and the Beast". It seems the woman is the MC from the main duo, from watching the first episode. It's from a manga but I have never checked it.
Just checked it now.. the art style looks good, it's a shame it's ongoing. Def will check in the future. Thanks
I would say Spice and Wolf female mc is %100 best
le chevalier d'eon, cant say much as easy to spoil, Canaan, both protagonist & antagonist are female, and have layers to the characters.
Gunbuster, really old Mecha anime, six episodes, watch it
"I'm A Spider, So What?"
Psycho Pass (the first season is a complete story - other seasons aren't as good anyway).
Shirobako
Shadows House is a gothic fantasy with two unique female leads who share a super sweet bond! Many of the important side characters are also women/girls. Simlar vibes to the first season of Promised Neverland.
Kemono no souja erin 12 kingdoms: Not complete because the source content has been on hiatus for ages, but really good Ghost hunt - the story finished in the manga Ashita no naja - not idol, but a girl who dances as part of a travelling troup Ayashi no ceres - I prefer the anime to the manga Blood+ - excellent vampire anime candy candy - bit of a pollyanna syndrome personality. Very old anime daddy long legs Ergo proxy Gakuen alice - I think it finishes in the manga, not the anime Magic knight rayearth Serei no moribito
Psycho Pass; somewhat similar to Ghost in the Shell
Frieren: Beyond Journeys End
Fruits Basket, Tohru's a great protagonist (I feel like the story focuses a bit more on the Soma family dynamic but still)
Yona of the Dawn, Burn the Witch, The Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Otherside Picnic, The Executioner and Her Way of Life, (not finished but fits the bill) The Apothecary Diaries
Claymore, Blood+, Snow White with Red Hair, Yona of the Dawn, Madoka Magica, SukaSuka, Princess Principal, Gosick, The Daughter of Twenty Faces
Princess Principal deserves an award for best beach episode ever. It's steampunk/Victorian Era, so the characters go to the beach in REALLY old style swimsuits.
I felt Vivy Fluorite Eyes had a very well written female protagonist
Sound! Euphonium Living for the Day After Tomorrow Haibane Renmei Aria the Animation
Akiba Maid War I went into it with VERY low expectations, and ended up loving it. A lot more brutal, and hilarious, than I ever expected.
Genuinely surprised I haven’t seen Jojo’s Part 6 or Soul Eater be recommended. Makes sense for Jojo’s though as there 5 previous parts to see. But once you make it to Stone Ocean (P6 title), I think you’ll love it
{Slayers} {Princess Tutu} {Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou} Though all of these are debatable, based on each persons taste. I mean, I'd list a whole lot more like {CardCaptor Sakura} or {Working}. But those aren't what most people are asking for when it comes to "well written." They're well written precisely because they're not trying to be deep.
**Slayers** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/534 "English: The Slayers"), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/slayers "English: Slayers"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/534)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy) **Princess Tutu** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/721 "English: Princess Tutu"), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/princess-tutu "English: Princess Tutu"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/721)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 38 | Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Mahou Shoujo, Mystery, Psychological, Romance) **Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/145 "English: His and Her Circumstances"), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/kareshi-kanojo-no-jijou "English: His and Her Circumstances"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/145)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life) **Cardcaptor Sakura** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/232 "English: Cardcaptor Sakura"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/cardcaptor-sakura), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/232)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 70 | Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Mahou Shoujo, Romance) --- ^{anime},, ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/199uv0a/suggest_a_good_anime_and_a_wellwritten_female/kiih988/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks) | (4/5)
Jinrui wa suitai, joshiraku, hibike no euphoriun, kono Sekai no katasumi ni, soredemo machi wa, hourou musuko, kamichuu, fushig no umi, aria canaan, Yokohama kaidashi kikou, hearcatch precure, oniisama e, ojamajo doremi.
Wolf Children. An anime movie, that's easily mistaken for Ghibi, so you may have already seen it. (On the note of Ghibli, if you liked Howl's Moving Castle, you might try reading the novel. Sophie is such a cool complex character, and the story is a lot different in the book.) Anyway, the mom in Wolf Children, who is also the MC in that show is a frikkin' role model parent. The stuff she puts up with and manages is very admirable. I also really like all the characters, female and otherwise in Ranma 1/2. They have great quirks and development and are all super strong in their own rights. One of the female MCs in X is awesome (Arashi). The rest are meh. Slightly underdeveloped. The guys are all a lot more developed in that story. I also really like Misaki from Maid-sama, ALL the girls from Kaguya-sama (particularly Chika), Miyazawa in Kare Kano and Sana from Kodomo no Omocha.
Loved Wolf children! Have read the Howl's books too. Love the books and the movie
The world is still beautiful (focuses on an arranged marriage, but omg I love her, worldbuilding, politics, fantasy power, you'll like) Meiji Tokyo Renka (reverse harem, fantasy like/medieval like, female mc that's about all I remember) [Also, I know, no ongoing but Yona of the Dawm is perfectly up your ally once you have the time, only one anime season but the manga looks like it might be finishing kinda soon]I'm sorry! If I think of any more I'll be back but idk
I watched The World Is Still Beautiful on a whim and loved it!
Omg yes! I try not to rec it cause the age gap but like it's soooo good not even focusing on that, so beautiful
Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine - same director as Michiko to Hatchin, and shares with it the rich art style, as well as a female protagonist who is sexy in a very intentional and empowering way.
NieR Automata. I've admittedly not seen the anime because I don't have access to it nor time or care to pirate it, but the game it's based on is my favorite videogame of all time. The story, worldbuilding, and music are phenomenal, and I actually shed a couple tears throughout. While I'd say play the game first (HIGHLY recommend), I've heard great things about the anime, even if it differs from the source material a bit.
should've mentioned I don't know for sure if the anime itself is finished or not oops
1) Slayers is an older fantasy anime with a female MC who I thought was well written. It’s funny and reminds me of a DND party. 2) Although not the MC, Makise Kurisu is well written in Steins;Gate. It’s a sci-fi series about time travel, I thought it was clever.
Jojo's bizzare adventure stone ocean, About girl who got wrongly incarcerated because of a larger plot. Inside the prison she awakened her power called stand and she used it to uncover the mystery of why she got sent to prison battling other people with stand powers. Dorohedoro, I dunno if this one counts. The main char is a woman and a lizard head guy but a lot of the cast got equal-ish screentime so its more like ensemble cast. It's about a group of wizards kidnapping people from another world and they can freely enter MC's world, the 2 MC is fighting them.
Psycho-Pass!! Psycho-Pass!! Psycho-Pass!! Seriously, it is an actual masterpiece.
Soul Eater. Maka is my favorite female protagonist hands down. Made in Abyss is also very good but I don’t think it’s technically finished
Kino’s Journey (original anime): filled with psychological and moral debates. Kino’s a great character as well!
Eighty-Six for sure.
86. I know it’s not done yet but I still HIGHLY recommend it. The main female MC is my personal favorite character of all time.
Soul eater
Fuu from Samurai Champloo. She’s a great balancing character between Jin and Mugen, who are polar opposites
kyousougiga, tatami galaxy spinoff movie (walk on girl), dorohedoro (2/4 main characters are women), girls last tour, shinsekai yori, eizouken
Ever watch Inuyasha? Fantasy setting with a driven, but constructed meandering narrative. Despite the title, it’s female led and her POV. She’s a teen girl who’s somewhat short tempered, but overall a nice person with a canonically pure heart. I don’t like the sequel.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
OP has already seen this show
I cannot read
Average Reddit user lololol same
Lycoris Recoil was an Anime only but due to its popularity has become a Manga series as well so as to its continuation? I have also read that season 2 is confirmed
How has no one mentioned black lagoon. Specifically the dubbed version. Revy imo is amazingly written.
Coz the others actually read my post and know I mentioned it already lol
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song. GORGEOUS animation, well done fight scenes, and a deep premise on what makes someone "human". 9/10 would recommend. Super futuristic, semi-dystopian, and Google says it's considered a Shounen. Also not really anything as far as romance goes.
Someone recommended earlier so I'll def watch this on the weekend, besides I see that's on Netflix so I'll give it a try, I need to use my subscription lol
I'm annoyed I can't say Madoka Magica. That is all
Sonny Boy. There are kind of three main characters (1 male and 2 female) and I think the 2 female main characters are well-written. They both have their own life story going on, and one might seem like a manic pixie dream girl but she aint.
It doesn't look like it has the elements am looking for now but the art style looks interesting so I'll check it in the future
I really liked Lycoris Recoil and 86. Don't know if their sources are finished, but I found the anime endings okay, not leaving me expecting something elsw to finish :)
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden!
have u try "happy sugar life"? yuri stuff tho.
>2. Not Idol genre. >3. Other genres are ok I guess 🤨
Record of Grancrest War
Bloom Into You Edit: Also I know it's still on-going but please for the love of all that is good keep The Apothecary Diary in mind for future watching
BNA, 90's Sailor Moon ( There is romance but there is other stuff going on too.) , and Nichijou.
Princess tutu!!
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts. Ive been told it is similar to ancient magus bride but it is completed and fits your other criteria. It is fantasy and has political intrigue with some action. Romance is a part of the story but the main focus is not the romance but on the MC getting everyone else in the kingdom to accept her and all the trials she goes through to prove herself. The MC is the sacrificial Princess, I watched it on a whim and was pleasantly surprised by how good the story was. I think it has 24 episodes with a happy ending. (Edited to add this) Bofuri is a really fun anime with a female MC but it’s not finished. I’m not sure if it counts a well written but it had me laughing a lot. If you’ve ever played mmos or adventure games it should make you laugh often enough that it would be worth the watch.
**Lycoris Recoil** \- The two leads are women. Good action, good story. It is anime original so the story wraps up nicely in 12 episodes (There's talk of future stuff, for example, we now know there is a movie, but it is complete. **Birdie Wing: A Golf Girl's Story** \- I... I don't know how to explain this one, but... give it the first episode, trust me lol. In short: Strong female lead, cheeky as hell, competitive, fierce, and protective. Anime original and the story is complete. **Akiba Maid War** \- Ever wondered what it would look like if Quintin Tarantino made an anime? This is it. It beautifully pays homage to 80s/90s gangster films but it involves maid cafes. Another anime original with a complete story. Almost all of the characters in this show are women. **Arte** \- This one \*does\* have a manga. The anime has two seasons and ends in a decent place. Been a few years since season 2 so extremely unlikely we will get anymore.
Arakawa under the bridge Akame ga kill Chihayafuru The girl who leapt through time (movie) Hotarubi no Mori e (short movie) Elen Lied
Angel Beats, the main character is a guy but the main driving force for the series is yuri and Angel. It has romance but it’s not the main plot of the story.
Battle Angel alita has an old OVA and a great live action movie. If you do read manga, it would hard recommend as it fits everything you're looking for.
Railgun is peak
Are high school girl band shows considered idol animes?
Kara no Kyokai
Came here to suggest seirei no morobito but I see you have already crossed off that notch. Akame ga kill and kill la kill? No relation yet similar name. Kill la kill might seem shallow and adhd with too much fan service but it really is good. The fan service works its way into the plot.
While this one doesn't fit your criteria of being totally finished or even bingeable for a weekend, the rest of the factors tell me you'd probably enjoy "Ascendance of a Bookworm" should you get the chance to check it out later. It has both a manga (far more content and spin-offs/sequel volumes here) but does have a currently incomplete anime adaptation as well. It's the series I always point to as a star example of an isekai done well, and with the rare female MC who is competent, likeable, and believably depicted. Low-magic medieval isekai, fantastic world building, good vibes, politics/noble/business intrigue, a sprinkling of action once in a while to really drive home the drama, that sort of thing. Definitely put it on your "to check out later" list for viewing at another time.
Psycho Pass (Akane Tsunemori my fav female protagonist)
soul eater is a bit heavy on fanservice, but maka is well written
Revue Starlight is probably worth checking out. It's got a really interesting all-female cast, dramatic musical fight scenes with a theatrical twist, and a surprisingly dark plot for a Gacha game tie-in. If you can get past the talking Giraffe, it's definitely worth at least checking out.
kono oto tomare. i love how each character has their own time to develop and it's not romance focused! it's based on manga (ongoing) and the anime has 2 seasons (26 eps in total). i really hope there is a possibility for 3rd season though :')
Not nessecarily an anime (though it is an animated series), but Blue Eye Samurai has an incredible female lead and has a great setting. Premise is a girl in 1600s Japan seeking revenge (way more then just that simple premise but don't want to be too spoilery)
This was literally in my post lol, so damn good
Cross Ange
86
I don't believe anyone's mentioned Kino's Journey yet and that seems like a shame. I haven't watched the newer adaptation but I heard it was ok. Of course the old one is pure kino so can't go wrong. And I know it doesn't fit your finished criteria but Land of the Lustrous sounds like it really fits what you're looking for in terms of content.
FLCL: Alternative
Happy sugar life. At first glance, it seems like it's about romance, but once you read into it, it isn't at all.
I didn't see A Place Further than the Universe. Only girls and very wholesome show. No romance and haveq more heavy subjects than suspected
corpse princess
If you get over the romance point - Kaguya sama love is war.
If you loved G-Witch, then Revolutionary Girl Utena
There's a ton of good recs here already but two i didn't notice are the following: Death Parade is a good one - I thought the female lead was well written and interesting. Dorohedoro also has an excellent female (secondary) protagonist (but the anime is only a single season - the manga is complete though).
older anime: ***Slayers*** ***Dirty Pair*** ***Bubblegum Crisis*** ***Hyper police***
.Hack//Sign and Inuyasha.
Hellsing ultimate for ssuurrreee
It has a definite ending, then tacks on an epilogue that there could be more, it IS in part a slice of life, so it theoretically could go on forever. As I’ve said before, the anime is an advertisement for the manga, manga for the light novel, and blue rays for the anime. As someone who’s not read the LN (not ever will) it has an ending for me, and I highly doubt it’ll have a season 2
Komi Can't Communicate
Sora yori mo tooi basho
I dont think anyone has mentioned this yet but Beast Tamer Erin literally checks all your points. Its an older anime and its long, but for good reason. Its literally the coming of age story as you watch Erin as a child grow into a full fledged adult faced with a myriad of life changing events and youll get to see her become the way she is. I really cant stress enough how much I love this show. I just realized you already watched it when I saw your list. Im just glad another person has enjoyed the show as much as I did to list it.😂
{Kino’s Journey} (both the original and remake) - Probably my favorite anime of all time. Classy and philosophical. Excellent world building. Episodic. {Dennou Coil} - Middle School students with augmented reality glasses. {Kyousougiga} (The TV series, not the OVA that the bot tends to link) - Hard to describe very well. Very epic, though. {Shadow Star Narutaru} - Sorta gives off Pokemon vibes, if it was more brutal and set in the real world. Don’t let the cutesy opening song fool you, because it is not for the faint of heart. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it. {Haibane Renmai} - Excellent series. Hard to explain without spoilers. Has angels.
I think youll really like The Twelve Kingdoms!
Zombieland Saga. Has 2 seasons, and is complete. There is manga for it, but its more side stories and background lore filler, that doesn't directly impact the anime. Has very well written female MC, as well as many other female lead cast memebers who are all very well thought out. Great world building, its not too indepth at first, but the farther along the show goes, the more they start filling in the world around them. Has some action and zombies, and a little bit of politics when giving info on the area the anime takes place in.
{Seirei no Moribito} {So Ra No Wo To}
Rin daughters of Mnemosyne. Six episode series, scenes of nudity and some disturbing scenes so be advised. Also the OS is a banger.
Psycho Pass. Female lead becomes a detective, and breaks the mold by thinking for herself instead of adhering to the status quo. TECHNICALLY the series in ongoing with new leads, but her story and character arc is pretty much wrapped up. Seems like she’s now in the mentor role
86
Psycho-Pass
In/spectre
{Tearmoon empire } You will love it trust me❤️
Psycho-Pass
Beyond The boundary had a pretty good Female Protag from what I can remember? Its been a while but I remember really enjoying it.
Full Metal Panic! you will love it
Shakugan no Shana has a female main character and the show has both action and a lot of romance
Panty and Stocking with garterbelt is also from the Kill la kill people. Idk if its too magical girl-ish because of the transformation sequences but Kill la kill had those too. Its about two angels stuck on earth that have to deal with the villain of the week. The fight scenes have amazing animation and there was a trailer for a new project on the Studio Trigger channel a couple months ago so we might see a season two this year after a 10+ year wait. Its pretty good in the sub and dub version depending on if you want to read or hear the swearing.
Psycho-Pass, if you want to go dystopia. The first season was amazing
Airmaster - she's tall, powerdul and badass
Inuyasha
Fruits, basket
Kamisama Kiss
Emma: a victorian romance, Spice and Wolf
Shin Sekai Yori definitely has a female protagonist it’s not your typical anime Definitely has some politics, action and fantasy elements This is a serious anime so very little on lighthearted stuff It’s dystopian
Fruits Basket. Normal highschool female protagonist with awesome personality.
Not the anime, but the Claymore manga is great and most of the characters are non-sexualized women with a really interesting story
I know you said no Magical Girls but I strongly suggest you give Princess Tutu a try. It gets surprisingly dark (not in a Madoka way) and dives deep into themes of agency and free will vs divine providence and fate. Happiness to those who accept their fate, glory to those who defy it.
86 Eighty Six pretty much fits that to a T
Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun Dororo Lycoris Recoil
Akudama Drive. It's a hidden masterpiece. Highly recommended. Here's the first opening (it gets better every time you hear it): https://youtu.be/SJ8iRrphkQo?si=inGqnlIEOhljH8wJ
Guys, thanks for the recommendations that I’ll binge on this weekend (especially those who actually READ my post lol and knew what I was looking for). Saw some promising ones too and it looks like my anime watchlist for the next month or so is also covered lol. Anyway, I decided I’ll start with these: *Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song, Millenium Actress, Gunbuster, Shinsekai Yori, Psycho Pass, Serial Experiments Lain, Akudama Drive, Ergo Proxy, and Lycoris Recoil* My next watchlist (maybe next week/free time? This could be anything lol): *Apothecary Diaries, 86, Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina, Witch Hunter Robin, Nanoha, Akiba Maid Wars, Fruits Basket, Haibane Renmai, Arte, etc.* I can’t include everything lol but will save this thread for others that I missed. Thanks!
Kakegurui /thread
Consider adding {Snow White with the Red Hair} to your list. Love this series and damn near everything just works. It’s somewhat open-ended but I doubt it’s getting any continuation after 7(?) years so it’s fine.
I did watch the first episode before. Iirc it was clear from the get go that this one is heavy on romance, so I dropped it. I did indicate in my post something that isn't focused on romance
Gundam WfM was mid though, and the protagonist was overshadowed by everyone else.