Japanese fans rank the top 10 most beautiful female characters from Studio Ghibli anime movies

So many iconic Ghibli heroines, so many different looks and personalities.

In recent years, anime fans have been rating everything from the top 10 characters that represent Japan to the funniest series that will leave you crying with laughter. Now it’s time to take a look at the iconic anime movies created by world-renowned Studio Ghibli, with a poll that ranks their top 10 most beautiful female characters.

Ghibli films are known for featuring some of the animation world’s most inspiring heroines, and beauty is more than just skin-deep with these characters. So let’s get straight to it and take a look at the top ten below!

10. Shizuku Tsukishima – Whisper of the Heart (1995)

Shizuku is the main protagonist of Whisper of the Heart, attending a local junior high school and studying for her high school entrance exams. She’s good-natured and determined, skilled at translating English songs into Japanese for her friends, and is a talented writer and voracious reader; all admirable qualities that contribute to her widespread appeal with audiences.

9. Satsuki Kusakabe – My Neighbour Totoro (1998)

Another short-haired heroine to make the list is Satsuki, the older sister of protagonist Mei. Despite being strict with her sister at times, Satsuki’s grown-up, caring attitude has earned herself a soft spot in the hearts of many, particularly as she tries her best to look after Mei while their mother is away sick in hospital.

8. Fio Piccolo – Porco Rosso (1992)

Ginger-haired Fio is a friendly and intelligent aircraft designer who moved from the U.S. to help her grandfather’s company after the Great Depression. Smart, feisty and determined, Fio fights to be recognised for her design talents, and despite her young age and gender, she eventually proves her strength and skill to the men and women around her.

6. Marnie – When Marnie Was There (2014)

The mysterious blonde-haired, blue-eyed titular character of Marnie is always dressed elegantly, even when barefoot and dressed in a nightgown. What really stands out for audiences, though, is Marnie’s strength to overcome the abuse she endured as a child, and her later struggles throughout adult life, making her a strong and beautiful character.

6. Sophie Hatter – Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Sophie, the eldest of three sisters, works as her stepmother’s apprentice in her late father’s hat shop in the fictional kingdom of Ingary. Destined to live a dull life at home, Sophie goes on a remarkable journey towards self-confidence throughout the film, going from a reserved and innocent-looking girl with long brown hair to a strong-minded old woman with grey hair. Sophie proves that age and appearances aren’t nearly as important as possessing beauty on the inside, with admirable characteristics like compassion and kindness.

5. Arrietty – The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

Inquisitive, adventurous and helpful, 4-inch tall Arietty refuses to fit the stereotype of a timid borrower terrified of humans. While her tiny outfits and clothespin hairclip make her look adorable, it’s Arietty’s courage, open-mindedness and confidence that makes her shine bright. Whether she’s befriending a member of the human world or fending off cockroaches with a spoon, Arietty’s heroic qualities make her a true Ghibli beauty.

4. San – Princess Mononoke (1997)

San, who’s also known as Princess Mononoke or the “Wolf Girl,” is one of the most recognisable heroines out of all the Studio Ghibli films, with a shaggy cape made of wolf’s fur and red war paint on her face. Having been raised by wolves, San acts like one herself, fearlessly determined to protect the forest where she lives, and the animals around her, from humans. Despite being short-tempered and stubborn, she’s protective and caring, and open to the love given to her by Ashitaka, who was the first to fall for her.

3. Kiki – Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Kiki is another hugely popular character, with an iconic look loved by fans and cosplayers. She wears a dark dress with a hemline that falls below the knee, and her short, dark hair is tied back with an oversized red bow. Her friendly, sweet nature makes her immediately likeable, and her courage to leave home and fulfil her calling as a witch makes her one of Ghibli’s most admirable heroines.

2. Sheeta – Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

Another red-bow-wearing heroine, only this time they’re a lot smaller, and appearing at the end of twintails, is orphaned farm girl Sheeta. Quiet, kind, polite, and intelligent, Sheeta still has the guts and determination to save her kingdom from an evil foe.

1. Nausicaä – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Taking the top spot on the list is Nausicaä, the beloved Princess of the Valley of the Wind. With psychic powers, a kind and loyal nature, awesome glider skills, and a fantastic blue-and-white suit, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t want to either be Nausicaä or be friends with her. And as a testament to her popularity with audiences, Nausicaä will be making her kabuki stage debut next year, in a historic first for Studio Ghibli.

So there you have it – the top 10 most beautiful female characters from the world of Studio Ghibli. Was your favourite on the list? Let us know in the comments section below!

Source: Goo Ranking via Hachima Kikou
Featured image: Instagram/ghibli2323

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