11 Female anime side characters who stole the show

Female anime side characters are one of the most interesting aspects of anime. Although most of them play the role of a plot device for the main female protagonists, some unconsciously steal the spotlight in the eyes of the fans.

Such cases happen mostly when the main female characters are not too involved in the plotline or their character is overshadowed by the brightness and cheerfulness of the side characters, which are aspects that appeal more to the fandom.

As expected, there are only select anime where such scenarios happen, so this article compiles 10 female anime side characters who stole the show from the main female leads as the best female characters of their anime series.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article solely belong to the author.

Mirko, Rangiku, and 9 other female anime side characters who stole the show

1) Maki Zenin (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Maki as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The soon-to-be first-grade sorcerer of Jujutsu High, Maki Zenin is one of the female anime side characters who stole the show from the main female character, Kugisaki Nobara.

Although it would be hard to say who is stronger, Maki's charisma and fighting style made her more popular in the fandom. Moreover, after the Shibuya arc, her involvement in the Culling Game arc and the Shinjuku Showdown arc could increase her popularity even more.

2) Hayasaka Ai (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

Hayasaka as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Shinomiya Kaguya's caretaker, Hayasaka, is a supporting character from Kaguya-sama and one of the female anime side characters who stole the show from her master. Despite being only a year or two older than Kaguya, her personality is more mature than the female protagonist who wants everything served to her.

Moreover, Hayasaka's character is down-to-earth, which is a rarity in this media, becoming one of the reasons why she is one of the most popular female anime side characters.

3) Saegusa Mayumi (The Irregular at Magic High School)

Mayumi as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Saegusa Mayumi is the former Student Council President of the First High School and also one of the female anime side characters who dominated their series. The female lead of the series, Miyuki, is nonetheless as amazing as Mayumi, but the latter's bright personality and cheery nature make her special.

Although the premise of the series is centered around Miyuki being the better partner for Shiba Tatsuya, the male protagonist, the majority of the fandom is more partial towards Mayumi becoming the protagonist's future. Despite this, Mayumi is also a child prodigy, similar to Miyuki, and one of the strongest fighters in The Irregular at Magic High School.

4) Rangiku Matsumoto (Bleach)

Rangiku as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The lieutenant of the 10th Division of the Soul Society, Rangiku is one of the strongest characters in Bleach and also one of the female anime side characters who stole the show from the main lead, Orihime.

Undoubtedly, both of the female characters from Bleach are beauties, but due to Orihime's absentminded character and childish nature, Rangiku tops her as the favorite female character from the series. Although Rangiku's true power level is yet to be showcased in the anime, her character is already one of fans' favorites.

5) Olivier Mira Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Olivier Armstrong as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

The primary hier of the Armstrong family, Olivier Armstrong is one of the strongest characters in the series and one of the female anime side characters who dominated their series.

Winry is the true female protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood but her role as a mechanic and lack of involvement in the central plotline made her look like more of a side character. On the other hand, Olivier is a strong woman who fears nothing, which is one of the reasons why she is considered the best girl in this series.

6) Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)

Shinobu as seen in the anime (Image via Ufotable)

Shinobu Kocho is the Insect Hashira, one of the strongest demon slayers in Demon Slayer, and one of the female anime side characters who made their marks on the fandom in the first appearance.

Her first entrance was during the fight against one of the Upper Moon Demons, the strongest demons. Her skill displayed during this fight made her one of the fan-favorite characters of the series, overshadowing the female protagonist, Nezuko Kamado.

7) Rebecca (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners)

Rebecca as seen in the anime (Image via Trigger)

One of the female anime side characters who became known for her rowdy and wild character, Rebecca is a part of the crew of the main protagonist, David, and one of the supporting female characters who overshadowed the female lead, Lucy.

Although her screen was smaller as compared to other characters from David's crew, her every appearance was a treat for fans as they got to see how a crazy girl fights during a fight. On the other hand, Lucy was a much more organized fighter. During David's last fight, Rebecca played a main role and didn't let any effort made by David go to waste

8) Momo Belia Deviluke (To Lov Ru)

Momo Deviluke as seen in the anime (Image via Xebec)

The sister of the female lead, Lala Deviluke, Momo Deviluke is considered the best girl of To Lov Ru. She was introduced after the first season, giving her much less screen time than the female lead.

Her involvement in the central plotline and her charisma as a mature girl won the hearts of the fandom, making her one of the female anime side characters who stole the show.

9) Carol Olsten (Tomo-chan is a Girl!)

Carol as seen in the anime (Image via Lay-Duce)

The best female side character who made the show much more enjoyable, Carol is the best female character from Tomo-chan is a Girl!. Tomo, the female lead, was more fixated on making the male protagonist, Jun, fall for her.

On the other hand, Carol's character made everyone's day more fun and filled with joy. Her playful nature made her one of the female anime side characters who stole the show and won the hearts of the fandom.

10) Captain Hibana (Fire Force)

Captain Hibana as seen in the anime (Image via David Productions)

Hibana is the captain of the Special Fire Force Company 5 who has appeared only a few times in the anime series and despite that, she is one of the female anime side characters who stole the show.

There are a lot of female leads in the show but out of all, Tamaki could be considered the most popular amongst the fandom. Hibana edges out Tamaki by a little bit, becoming the fan-favorite female of the series, mostly due to her mature looks and unique third-generation pyrokinetic techniques.

11) Rumi Usagiyama/Mirko (My Hero Academia)

Mirko as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

The character that grabbed the fandom's attention in her first appearance, Mirko is one of the female anime side characters that stole the spotlight of her show from the female lead.

Although it is pretty controversial to discuss the female lead of the show, as there are a lot of female protagonists, Mirko stands out as, arguably, the strongest female hero. Her first active appearance was in My Hero Academia season 4, and despite being introduced so late in the plot, she is one of the female anime side characters who is a fan-favorite from her series.

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Edited by Meenakshi Ajith