Top 10 Most Admired Anime Princesses

Sometimes princesses show up in the strangest of places. Latifah, named after the R&B artist of the same name, is the overseer of the now floundering theme park, Amagi Brilliant Park. Desperately trying to save the park and its magical residents, she calls for the help of the ever-narcissistic Seiya Kanie. She’s willing to go to extreme lengths to keep the business afloat and, as such, is admired greatly by those she rules over. Though her current situation is tragic, with the whole perpetually 14 years old thing, she never falters and continues to strive against her adversities.

Across Tenchi Masaki’s growing harem of alien warriors, one that continually attempts to steal his heart is the ever-polite Ayeka. The perfect contradiction to the fiery and lustful Ryoko, Ayeka is well-mannered and aristocratic in nature due to her upbringing as princess of the Planet Jurai. While some of the traits vary due to the different characterisations of each series, Ayeka can range from cripplingly shy to explosively emotional, but what remains at her core is a deep affection for Tenchi, and her burning rivalry with Ryoko.

In the world of Disboard, where conflicts are solved with a series of high-stake games, you have this naïve princess. Stephanie is so emotional that she not only has got enough eccentric tendencies for the gang, but she might just have the worst poker face in existence. Despite their clashes of personality, she compliments their socially obscure views by wearing her heart on her sleeve, deeply caring for the citizens of the kingdom, and having a slightly warped affection for Sora. She’s not the brightest bulb, but we think the Imanity race is in good hands with her.

The royal family of Britannia have more than their fair share of bad apples, but that’s not the case with this princess. As Lelouch’s half-sister, she stands at the pinnacle of power, but shares none of the prejudice and greed that her parents and siblings seem to carry. Believing that Britannia needs to be changed from within, she developed a tender relationship with Suzaku, and would surely go onto do great things…until Lelouch accidentally turned her into a homicidal maniac with no control over her own actions. A tragic princess if there ever was one, Euphemia and Nunnally both take the cake when it comes to characters who’ve endured more than their unfair share of misery.

Among all the warring factions of this world of magic, you have the Kou Empire. With its Eastern inspired appearance and aggressive military tactics, they certainly made a huge impact, even amidst all the djinns and dungeons. At the forefront you have the good-natured Hakuei. While she may agree with her nation’s plans of a forced unification for the sake of peace, she’s a caring individual who prefers diplomacy to violence in order to achieve that goal. She’s nowhere near powerless either, should you try to attack her you just may end up getting acquainted with her personal Djinn.

How many ten-year-old princesses do you know that would happily trek across an entire desert for the sake of her family? If you can somehow manage to get past her absolute adorableness as well as that pet panda of hers, then you’ll see that this daughter of the Emperor of Xing is kind of a badass. Well skilled in the alternate form of alchemy known as alkahestry, as well as being highly intelligent, this bubbly addition to Edward Elric’s expansive roster of friends will make your heart melt with her smile.

Now here’s a princess whose kingdom has really gone to the dogs. While originally going by the title of Miss Wednesday, Vivi was believed to be villain working for the ruthless criminal organisation Baroque Works, it’s revealed that she’s actually a princess from the kingdom of Alabasta, plotting against the infamous and deadly Crocodile. Becoming a temporary member of the Straw Hats as she tried to liberate her people from conflict, her unwavering dedication to her kingdom and what she’s willing to sacrifice for them is inspiring. Though Luffy has met princesses of all shapes and sizes, Vivi is the one who stands out the most.

While originally nothing more than a naïve pawn used to reignite the war between Earth and Mars, this young princess of the Vers Empire goes from scapegoat to protector of the people. Viewing all forms of war and violence as abhorrent, this bold woman will go to any lengths to defend her citizens and find a way to end the conflict sought in her name, she truly is one of the brighter aspects in such a bleak time. Plus she takes bullets to the head like a boss.

Miyazaki has created some of the most memorable animated characters to hit the silver screen, no more so than the princess of the valley of the wind. Swapping her crown for a jet-powered glider, she desperately tries to save her people and father not only from a wide-spreading poison but the invasion of the violent kingdom of Tolmekia. Possessing many abilities as well as an astounding amount of bravery and determination, Nausicaa proves that beyond her heritage she is a true guardian to those left in her charge.


Before we reveal our number one pick here are a few honourable mentions.

Charlotte
“Berserk” (1997)

Pina Co Lada
“Gate” (2015-)

Why stop at just being a princess when you can be a superhero as well? One of the most well-received female characters in all of anime, and spearheading a series that broke into the Western mainstream, Usagi, or Serena, is not only is the leader of the Sailor Scouts and tasked with defending the Earth from evil, but is also the reincarnation of Princess Serenity, ruler of the Moon Kingdom. Whether she’s struggling to make it through school, taking down monsters or looking fabulous to a royal decree, this is a princess who showed that just because you’ve got a crown on doesn’t mean you can’t kick some serious ass.

Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favourite princess in anime? With new top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo