10 best anime characters like Usagi Tsukino from Sailor Moon

Usagi Tsukino, also known as Sailor Moon, is the beloved main character of the eponymous anime series. She is the leader of the Sailor Guardians, a group of magical girls who fight evil and protect the Solar System. Known for her kindness, caring nature, and deep value for friendships, she is also sometimes clumsy and whiny.

As Sailor Moon, Usagi wields magical powers and fights villains with her iconic items like the Moon Stick and Moon Tiara. Her journey sees her grow as a leader and superhero as she faces intimidating villains and dramatic battles.

If you love Sailor Moon and are looking for similar anime characters, read on for 10 of the best characters like Usagi Tsukino in terms of both personality and story arcs across the magical girl and shonen series.

Madoka Kaname, Mami Tomoe, and 8 anime characters like Usagi Tsukino

1) Madoka Kaname from Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Madoka Kaname is the sweet, good-natured central character of the popular dark magical girl anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Like Usagi Tsukino in Sailor Moon's early epsiodes, Madoka is an average middle schooler whose life changes when she meets magical creatures.

Madoka is cheerful and gentle, as well as a bit naïve at first, similar to how Usagi acts as an ordinary student before discovering her powers. Throughout the series, she faces increasingly difficult challenges in her role as a magical guardian, forcing her to find inner strength as she fights to save her world.

In many ways, Madoka goes on an emotional coming-of-age journey to develop confidence and leadership as a magical girl like Usagi Tsukino. The two share a pure heart and a strong desire to support their friends and do the right thing.

2) Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tail

Lucy Heartfilia (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Lucy Heartfilia, the Celestial Spirit mage of the Fairy Tail guild, shares several traits with Usagi Tsukino. They are both blonde teenage girls driven by love and friendship but also have emotional sides that emerge during fights and challenging moments.

As a member of the lively Fairy Tail guild, Lucy embarks on many supernatural adventures with Natsu, Gray, Erza, and others. While she sometimes finds herself in distress, Lucy's Celestial Spirit magic makes her an essential team member, much like how Usagi relies on her fellow Sailor Guardians.

Lucy also sometimes doubts herself and cries when confronted by villains, akin to Usagi's reactions. But when her friends need her, Lucy will put everything on the line to support them, echoing Usagi's sacrifice and dedication for those she cares about.

3) Sakura Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura

The whimsical world of Cardcaptor Sakura features its titular character going through many trials on her quest to collect and master magical Clow Cards. Although she wears princess-style gowns instead of sailor suits when transformed, Sakura Kinomoto shares several similarities with Usagi Tsukino.

Both start out as seemingly ordinary schoolgirls before developing their magical abilities. Sakura and Usagi exhibit boundless optimism and cheer even when confronted by powerful entities and strange creatures during their adventures.

They inspire allies to support them and demonstrate courage and responsibility when lives are at risk from shadowy supernatural foes. With high hopes and deeper magic inside, Cardcaptor Sakura evokes the charm and heart of Usagi's early days as Sailor Moon.

4) Ichigo Momomiya from Tokyo Mew Mew

The bubbly protagonist, Ichigo Momomiya, of the magical girl anime Tokyo Mew Mew also makes for a great comparison to Usagi Tsukino. As a "Mew Mew," teenager Ichigo inherits special powers from an endangered wildcat that allow her to combat hostile aliens invading Earth alongside fellow superhero girls.

Her fluffy pink dresses and secret persona as "Mew Ichigo" while battling monsters give her a very Sailor Moon-esque style and alter ego. Ichigo also enjoys sweet desserts and experiences over-the-top reactions of panic, tears, or anger when facing scary monsters or tense social situations.

Mew Ichigo, the uncertain student, matures into a competent leader, guiding her magical girl team to thwart the extraterrestrial threat, a heroic journey that parallels Usagi's own growth as Sailor Moon through tribulations.

5) Mami Tomoe from Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Mami Tomoe, another Puella Magi Madoka Magica character, serves as a strong Usagi Tsukino anime parallel. Graceful and nurturing, Mami becomes a magical girl by making a contract with Kyubey, following which she assumes the mentorship role to guide novice fighters like Madoka to prepare for vicious battles in order to safeguard humanity, much like Luna and other advisors support Usagi's continued development as Sailor Moon.

When fighting witches or consoling new magical girls, dependable Mami maintains her poise but struggles with the isolation of her role, similar to Usagi. Their unwavering dedication during times of despair lends a similar tone to the two heroines.

6) Utena Tenjou from Revolutionary Girl Utena

Utena Tenjou, an iconic anime magical girl from the visionary series Revolutionary Girl Utena, defies expectations and breaks barriers, much like Usagi Tsukino.

Utena prefers a masculine style of slacks and a blazer at her elite academy. When she heroically wins sword duels, granting access to the "power to revolutionize the world," she embarks on a fantastical, Prince-inspired journey of self-discovery, similar to Usagi's path as a soldier of justice.

Optimist Utena struggles with adversity, overcoming fears in the psychological duels' surreal environments to protect her ideals, just as Usagi Tsukino perseveres against demons attacking her mind and heart. Their shared qualities of conviction and valor have earned them fans' admiration over the years.

7) Himeno Awayuki from Prétear

Himeno Awayuki (Image via Hal Film Maker)

In the supernatural reverse-harem anime Prétear, ordinary high school girl Himeno Awayuki finds her world turned upside down when magical Knights select her as the Prétear, a maiden wielding control over the elements.

Younger than the experienced Knights, Himeno clashes with imposing fire Knight Hayate while learning how to harness her dangerous new powers to defend mankind. Similarly, faced with the unexpected duties of Sailor Guardian, klutzy Usagi handles unruly ally Sailor Mars Rei in the early episodes of Sailor Moon.

Both Himeno and Usagi also boast an empathetic nature that drives their desire to master their abilities in order to protect their loved ones. Though lacking confidence initially, the Prétear and Pretty Guardian find inner resolve through trust and teamwork with fellow magic users.

8) Yona from Akatsuki no Yona (Yona of the Dawn)

For a reverse take on Sailor Moon's fish-out-of-water heroine journey, check out the fantasy anime series Yona of the Dawn. Princess Yona leads a sheltered life until tragedy strikes. Forced to flee to remote areas, timid Yona is joined by protective allies who help her grow into a battle-ready leader.

This coming-of-age tale mirrors Usagi's early tribulations as she adjusts to her frightening new supernatural responsibilities. Yona and Usagi both mature from underconfident girls into strong-willed women determined to improve their skills in order to reclaim their rightful places.

Fans of mythic adventures centered on a heroine's personal revolution will enjoy Yona's story as well as Usagi Tsukino's central arc.

9) Naru Osaka from Sailor Moon

Naru Osaka, Usagi Tsukino's best friend in both civilian life and her early days as Sailor Moon, shares many similarities as a spirited schoolgirl who becomes involved in supernatural danger. Naru and Usagi have a very close relationship, worrying about and protecting each other despite Naru's lack of magical abilities.

Naru mirrors Usagi's sensitivity, excitability, and affection for her loved ones. She serves as an important emotional anchor for Usagi in the early episodes of Sailor Moon, as the latter nervously adapts to her duty as a guardian.

Their true friendship continues even after Naru stops being directly involved in Usagi's secret double life. Through it all, Naru retains the fiery spirit and honest emotions of Usagi Tsukino that make both characters so endearing, even when they are afraid or out of their depth.

10) Moka Akashiya from Rosario + Vampire

Moka Akashiya, the beautiful vampire heroine of the supernatural comedy anime Rosario + Vampire, has twin aspects that reflect elements of Tsukino’s personality. When Moka wears her enchanted rosary, sealing away her vampire powers, she exudes a sweet, gentle persona akin to that of Usagi Tsukino.

Moka is polite, caring, and insecure when confronted with the dangers of monsters lurking in her high school for supernatural beings. However, removing Moka's rosary reveals her dangerous inner nature, including pride, arrogance, and aggressive fighting abilities.

Like Usagi balancing her human vulnerabilities and goddess-like fate bestowed upon her as Sailor Moon, Moka's daily adventures often see swift changes between the two versions of herself based on the threats at hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Usagi Tsukino from Sailor Moon stands out with her brave compassion, stylistic flair, and multi-season-long heroic development into a beloved icon of manga and anime.

Fans looking for similar traits can find role models and magical guardians who echo Usagi Tsukino's charm and tenacity throughout the anime world, including Madoka Kaname, Himeno Awayuki, Mew Ichigo, and others.

Whether confronted with demons, duels, or aliens, the right support circle of trusted allies eventually helps to shape uncertain girls into confident changemakers ready to transform themselves and their surroundings for the better.