Anime has given birth to thousands of animated characters throughout its existence. From worshipped deities to innocent high school students, these characters have brought life to their titles and fandoms. Some fans enjoy strong, reliable shonen protagonists, while some appreciate soft slice-of-life leads. However, one personality all anime fans are familiar with is an anime waifu—and they’ve certainly taken over the world. Yep, everyone loves waifus!
The term waifu has been around the block for some time, even dating back to the 1980s. 40 years later, it has become even more popular due to Japanese anime’s worldwide reach. The term refers to a fictional female character, usually from anime, that fans greatly admire. From quirky and adorable characters to strong and independent personalities, there’s a waifu out there for everyone. With a load of new anime releases this year, let’s see if we can find a new waifu for you!
Note: The list doesn’t follow a ranking system; it just mentions ten great anime waifu picks from this year that you need to check out!
10. Holo (Spice and Wolf)
Spice and Wolf has recently made noise in 2024 with an anime comeback. With it comes new characters to love, especially the series’ deuteragonist: Holo. She is a wolf spirit that ensures the abundance of harvest in Pasloe, granting her the honor of being the village’s wheat goddess. However, after the villagers became reliant on religion and farming advancements, Holo’s services became unnecessary. So, she escaped from the fields and hopped into Kraft Lawrence’s wagon, joining him in his merchant travels.
One of 2024’s top anime waifus, Holo is an in-depth and well-written character who wears her flaws with pride and her heart on her sleeve. She can be childish, extremely jealous, and self-centered. The anime perfectly conveys what lies beneath her character, letting the audience understand how disastrous she is. However, when things go south, Holo becomes this adorable, reliable, wise, and loyal friend who wouldn’t think twice about putting her life on the line. She’s a caring and trustworthy anime waifu who deserves a spot in your life.
One Redditor said this about Holo: “Strong female character that can portray plenty of emotions. She’s teasing and clever but also gets jealous easily and quick to anger. She’s one of my favourite anime characters because she does so much.“
9. Yumiella Dolkness (Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord)
Yumiella Dolkness is a name that fits the protagonist of Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord. She was a college student who unfortunately died in a car accident but found herself reincarnated in her favorite otome (maiden) game, “Magic of Light and the Hero.” But she wasn’t just reborn as a regular civilian; she became the game’s secret boss. Despite being in an otome game, Yumiella is not interested in the romantic aspect and instead focuses on training and mastering her rare dark-type magic.
Not all anime waifus are emotional and feeble. Some, like Yumiella Dolkness, are more reserved and like to keep their strength to themselves. Despite having all the odds against her with her black hair (a sign of evil in this world) and dark magic that can destroy everything, she still manages to stay calm and rational amid usually terrifying situations. Across the many bubbly and expressive female leads, a character like Yumiella Dolkness is a breath of fresh air in this list of great anime waifus.
A review from MAL stated: “Yumiella has “broken common sense” and so she often does something that makes everyone else panicked with her OP skill although she does not have intention to boast or to show how OP she is. She is well… a bit of crazy and twisted (but in fun way).“
8. Hae-in Cha (Solo Leveling)
The Solo Leveling anime has taken the world by storm, and so have its characters. With the likes of Sung Jinwoo and his magic beasts, Hae-in Cha is another character that fans of the manhwa/anime have come to adore. She is an S-Rank Hunter known for her severe and quiet demeanor with the heart of a saint. Nicknamed “The Dancer” for her exceptional speed in killing off dungeon beasts, Hae-in Cha is one anime waifu you wouldn’t want to mess with.
This particular anime waifu won’t go down without a fight. Hae-in Cha is one of Solo Leveling‘s most loved characters, and for good reason. She’s caring, responsible, and graceful in times of trouble. Hae-in Cha might be one of the strongest hunters in the series, but don’t let that fool you from her socially awkward and easily-flustered personality. These qualities make her the optimal anime waifu, ready to come to your rescue any time and anywhere.
A Solo Leveling fan on Reddit said: “Cha Bae In.” Yup, totally agree.
7. Rin Nanakura (Pseudo Harem)
Have you ever encountered multiple anime waifus in one character? Introducing Rin Nanakura from Pseudo Harem. With her talent for acting, she became a member of the drama club of Kouban High alongside Eiji Kitahama. In the series, Rin uses her acting skills to emulate various personalities, such as the cool girl and the classic tsundere, to make Eiji fall in love with her.
Rin Nanakura is never afraid to be herself…and her other personalities! Despite having spoiled, cheeky, and yandere (obsessive) sides, her true self always emerges victorious for Eiji and the fans. Rin’s genuine side has always been the most approachable, endearing, and relatable. While she faces her problems, she never forgets to remain friendly and help people have a good time and laugh. Fans love anime waifus for different reasons—some appreciate assertive qualities, while some admire quiet traits. But what if you can get all of these in one waifu?
One Redditor shared: “This is when you want a harem but the law doesn’t allow it.“
6. Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou (Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian)
It’s time to diversify your tastes with Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian. One of 2024’s surprise bangers, this anime has tons to offer—especially in the waifu department. The main protagonist, Alisa Mikhailovna Kujuo (aka Alya), is one of them. She is a half-Russian first-year student at Seiren Private Academy with an already impressive resume that includes being an honor student and the student council’s treasurer. Known for being the “solitary princess,” the only issue with Alya is that she’s difficult to befriend and approach.
Alya is a confident, beautiful, and intelligent girl who excels in both grades and conduct—albeit standoffish. She’s a tsundere for Masachika (her classmate and crush). She often flirts with him in Russian and gets jealous when he talks to other girls in school. Fans especially like that about her since she always brags about not wanting to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Alongside her Russian genes and silver hair, Alya’s case for 2024’s best girl and waifu is completely solidified.
On a Reddit thread that features her as “Best Girl of the Week,” a user said: “Alya is best girl no matter the day, week, month, and year it is.”
5. Anna Yanami (Too Many Losing Heroines!)
Too Many Losing Heroines has too many waifus, but none better than Anna Yanami. A first-year student at Tsuwabuki High School, Anna is a popular girl with a charming and alluring personality. Though many have admitted their affection for her, she only had eyes for her classmate and childhood friend Sōsuke Hakamada…until he admitted to liking her best friend, Karen Himemiya.
There’s much to love about Anna Yanami. Her playful and teasing personality opposes Yumiella Dolkness and Hae-in Cha’s stoic qualities, making her the perfect waifu if you want some banter in your life. She’s also kind and supports her friends in times of need. Anna also loves to eat, and we mean love. So, if you also appreciate some snacks and good food, we won’t be surprised to see Anna at the top of your waifu list.
A fan on X (formerly Twitter) said: “This week’s #WaifuWednesday goes to the gluttonous Anna Yanami. She is such a fun loving person that will make you became an instant fan. If you haven’t watched #makeine, then you are completely missing out. Anna is truly the best girl of the season.“
4. Saki Ayase (Days with My Stepsister)
Saki Ayase is the female lead of Days with My Stepsister. She is a second-year high school student and Yuuta Asamura’s step-sister. Despite being a beautiful girl with blonde hair and lovely purple eyes, she is often seen as a delinquent student due to her flamboyant casual outfits. Saki also exhibits little to no emotion when talking to others, especially Yuuta.
If we’re talking about pure beauty, Saki Ayase has a real chance to stand at the top. What fans particularly love about her is how far she’d go to achieve independence. She makes it a point not to be indebted to anyone, making sure to give more than she receives from them. This beautiful, responsible anime waifu definitely deserves a spot on this list!
A Redditor said on a thread: “Saki is the way, the truth, the life.”
3. Lilysa Amano (2.5 Dimensional Seduction)
Do you love anime and manga? Then we might have found the perfect anime waifu for you. Lilysa Amano is a high school cosplayer and the titular character of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction. She is passionate about cosplaying and is well-known for dressing up as Lilliel. Donning her pink hair, blue eyes, and red eyeglasses, Lilysa has just as much color in her personality that has not gone unnoticed, especially for fans of the series.
Rise, otakus! This is the anime waifu you’ve been waiting for. Lilysa loves anime, manga, and cosplay as much as the next person—maybe even a few levels higher. She’s confidently beautiful and is proud of her cosplaying abilities. A typical weeb who joins her school’s manga club, Lilysa is a genuine young woman of culture that fans have loved instantly since the release of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction. Whether it’s Lilysa or Lilliel, she’s a true anime waifu.
A 2.5 Dimensional Seduction manga reader tweeted: “Heroine and cosplayer extraordinaire! Can’t wait for when the anime drops so more people witness her (and Okumuras) journey. She deserves the world“
2. Momo Ayase (Dandadan)
The renowned Dandadan manga series is set to grace the anime realm in 2024. The world is eagerly anticipating not only the anime but also its main female protagonist, Momo Ayase. She has psychic powers that allow her to see the auras of different people and objects. This has also given her the ability to take control of their auras. If you believe in ghosts and the supernatural, Momo Ayase is the perfect anime waifu for you!
Momo Ayase is a badass girl who’s ready to kick some butt anytime and anywhere. She’s bold and fierce, showing no signs of being intimidated by others—may it be friends, family, or foes. She steps up to the challenge no matter how difficult it may be and comes to the protection of her loved ones. Momo may come off as easily angered and petty at times, but don’t let it distract you from her kind heart and compassion that makes her the most all-around anime waifu there is.
A Redditor said this about Momo Ayase: “One of my favorite aspects of this manga is how well everyone shares the spotlight, and in particular Momo and Okarun. However, Momo is the driving force of the entire thing. As far back as the first chapter, this girl has been kicking ass.“
1. Alicia Williams (I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History)
Alicia Williams is the protagonist of the upcoming I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History anime in 2024 and an upcoming anime waifu. Reborn as the villainess, she goes to great lengths to become the greatest at it. She is the eldest daughter of the Williams family, who are masters of dark magic. Alicia has black hair and golden eyes that can send shivers down anyone’s spine. However, what makes her a true villainess isn’t her powers but her condemning words and mostly hostile nature.
Alicia Williams believes she has to be competent in all fields to become the greatest villainess. This includes being strong, sharp-tongued, politically literate, and, of course, hated by everyone. However, she still helps the less fortunate—giving them another chance at life by giving them opportunities to live better. If you want a change of scenery, perhaps something more…evil, Alicia Williams might be that one anime waifu you were waiting for this year.
A fan on Reddit said: “Yes, inject that villainess goodness right into my veins.”