Top 10 Anime Girls of the 90s

“Tenchi Muyo!” series (1992-2005) Our boy Tenchi may have found himself wrapped up with multiple members of an alien harem, but undoubtedly the best of the bunch was this former space pirate. Totally driven by her emotions, Ryoko isn’t only a beast on the battlefield, but one lusty lady. Devoted to her beloved Tenchi, she’s more than a little eager to rock his world and keep him all for herself. Given the amount of competition she has however, you’ll forgive her for the occasional violent outburst. Sure, she’s rough around the edges, be it’s still a galactic crime that Tenchi didn’t snatch her up sooner.

“Serial Experiments Lain” (1998) What’s that smell in the air? Ah yes, the unmistakable waft of 90s angst. As an outcast even among her own family, Lain was basically bred to be an uber-introvert. If an awkward adolescence wasn’t enough, her life takes a dark turn when she discovers the global network known as the Wired; a place where lost souls can apparently upload themselves. From that point on, Lain finds herself haunted by its agents, all claiming to have found God within their new virtual paradise. She may be a little on the depressed side, but her struggle is still one we can find ourselves invested in.

“Ghost in the Shell” (1995) When it comes to clearing out New Port City’s crooked and corrupt, none do it better than the Major. As Public Security Section 9’s ace in the hole, Mokoto’s cybernetic body and expert marksmanship skills made her a living weapon, the only one capable of hunting down the deadly hacker known as the Puppet Master. Of course, what really makes the Major stand out among female protagonists isn’t her strength, rather her complex feelings towards the philosophical line between man and machine. She’s the best commander a squadron could want, but holy hell will she leave you with unanswerable questions!

“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94) Not quite the image one conjures when they think Grim Reaper, but there’s no denying that when it comes to ferrying souls, you could do a lot worse than Botan. As Yusuke’s first real introduction to the afterlife, she’s stood by as a stern ally for the Spirit Detective through thick and thin. While her combat prowess is very limited, she’s more than willing to let loose that death-dealing oar when the odd demon tries to step up. Besides, if you’re about to mosey on over to the other side, wouldn’t you rather see her pretty face than a terrifying skull?

“Berserk” (1997-98) Born into a world of violence and depravity, Casca found a new purpose in life when she was saved by the charismatic Griffith. Growing up to become a fierce warrior and utterly devoted to Griffith’s cause, Casca proved time and time again that she was a beast on the battlefield regardless of gender. Of course, her dream world would be shattered with the arrival of Guts, leading to what can only be described as a Shakespearian tragedy, one filled with both love and betrayal. Dammit Griffith.

“Cardcaptor Sakura” series (1998-2000; 2018) She’s a classic magical girl who brings joy wherever she goes, traversing the challenges of growing up while also tasked with recovering the all-powerful Clow Cards. Serving as both an inspiration for all who have come after her as well as an excellent role model for young girls, Sakura’s antics provided just as many mystical duels as it did heart-warming moments. Adorable, determined and one of the purest souls to ever come out of anime, we’re glad to see her legacy has managed to carry on other into Clear Card!

“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99) Careful boys, she may look like the sexiest thing to ever fly a spaceship, but if you aren’t careful, she’ll con you out of all your money before you can even blink. While she isn’t above screwing over Spike and the rest for her own benefit, deep down Faye is a woman in search of the truth. The truth about her past, as well as her place in the vast cosmos. She’s still an integral part of the Bebop crew, and without that charming temper of hers, it’s doubtful the rest of our happy-go-lucky bounty hunters would have never made it as far as they did.

“Pokemon” series (1997-) The original companion, the one who will never be replaced no matter how many gals Ash picks up along the way. While initially sticking around with the wannabe Pokemon Master because he owed her a new bike, Misty went on to become the voice of reason of the group. Her talent for training water Pokemon and maternal nature towards Togepi made her a wholly endearing character, and lest we forget she was the Ash’s one true love. We don’t care about some girl called Serena, Misty was first goddammit!

#2: Sailor Moon

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“Sailor Moon” series (1992-97; 2016) Usagi, or Serena depending if you’re a sub or dub purist, is arguably the pioneer of all magical girls, and we can’t deny that even after all these years she still knows how to kick a whole lot of ass. She fights evil by moonlight, wins love by daylight and somehow manages to make a miniskirt look practical in combat. She may turn into something of a brat when her attempts at romance fall short, but with her honest heart and tendency to punish all wrongdoing in the name of the moon, we can’t fault her. After all, she’s a princess who knows how to actually get stuff done.

#1: Rei and Asuka

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“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96) You really expect us to choose between these two? We value our lives you know! Feel free to battle it out in the comments on who you think is Evangelion’s best girl, but you can’t deny both have intriguing qualities about them. Asuka is a brash and stubborn EVA pilot who knows how to brutalise Angels like nobody’s business, while also trying to deny the fact she’s got the hots for the mentally traumatised Shinji. Rei has an eloquence yet ominous presence about her, serving as both a silently endearing character while also the show’s greatest mystery. So what will it be? Fire or ice? Tsundere or living porcelain doll? You decide!