Best female detectives in anime

Key insights

• Female detectives in anime defy stereotypes with unique characteristics and intriguing roles.
• Characters such as Akane Tsunemori and Victorique de Blois are characterized by growth and puzzle-solving skills.
• Makoto Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell paved the way for iconic cybernetic female detectives.

From crime novels to solving supernatural crimes, the anime landscape is littered with all sorts of detective series. While male characters are often associated with the detective role, many anime deviate from this preset idea by depicting female detectives who compete with their male counterparts. In some series, stubborn female detectives play the leading role, while in others, equally competent female agents can be seen in the background.

These female characters are accompanied by several tropes associated with traditional detectives, be it a genius intellect or an indifferent personality. These leading ladies are also always at the forefront of solving the case, be it a dark red herring or a supernatural mystery.

8 Kotoko Iwanaga (In/Spectre)

A mediator between humans and yokai

As a mediator between yokai and humans, Kotoko Iwanaga plays a special role in the world of In/Spectre. Referred to as the “Goddess of Wisdom” by Yokai, Kotoko is tasked with solving any supernatural problems that threaten the balance between the two realms.

Despite her nickname “Goddess of Wisdom,” Kotoko often behaves immaturely and selfishly. However, she makes up for these unpleasant traits with her detective work and ingenious solutions to any problems that arise between yokai and humans.

7 Siesta (The detective is already dead)

A self-proclaimed legendary detective

Siesta calls herself the “Great Detective” and is the main actress of The detective is already dead. Although she is self-proclaimed, her nickname is not just a ceremonial title as she has the intelligence and intellect to back up that claim.

Siesta isn't just a genius, however, as she can also hold her own in combat thanks to her increased physical abilities. While Seista's life comes to an untimely end, she has a significant influence on her detective partner Kimizuka and the rest of the series' character roster.

6 Aya Rindo (Undead Girl Murder Farce)

A millennia-old, funny detective

Set in a historical setting in Europe, Farce about the murder of undead girls is a captivating mystery series. At the forefront of the series is Aya Rindo, an immortal detective searching for her stolen body. Aya's appearance is as unique as her personality, as she is simply a talking severed head.

Although Aya is barely millennia old, she doesn't shy away from making comedic jokes about the strange arrangement of her head being dragged around in a birdcage. Her wit comes through in her detective work, as does her sense of humor.

5 Sakurako Kujou (Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation)

An investigator with an obsession with bones

Most detectives end up as investigators due to their excellent deduction skills, although Sakurako Kujou's case is rather unique. Her passion for human or animal bones leads her to crime scenes as she examines the remains of murders.

Sakurako's passion for osteology (the study of bones) makes her character quite novel, and her creative use of skeletal knowledge is another fascinating aspect of her character. While their investigations in Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Examination They may not be the most action-packed in the detective genre, but they certainly provide an interesting crime-solving experience.

4 Victorique De Blois (Gosick)

An oddball with a knack for solving puzzles

With her doll-like appearance and Victorian charm, Victorique de Blois is a mysterious figure. One thing is clear, however: her love for solving mysteries and encountering supernatural encounters.

Victorique is the embodiment of the tsundere archetype with an otherworldly presence, although her human side shines through in some heartfelt moments with Kazuya. She may not be a detective in the traditional sense, but her efforts to solve mysteries make her a worthy detective.

3 Re-L Mayer (Ergo Proxy)

Exploring the secrets of their own existence

Ergo proxy takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in domed cities and their lives are supported by androids. Re-L Mayer is at the center of this dark premise as she is tasked with investigating a virus that infects androids and ultimately gives them self-awareness.

Since the citizens of this domed city are programmed to remain indifferent and passive, Re-L's personality is no different. However, her encounter with Ergo Proxy leaves her curious to know more, which marks the beginning of her development as a character. However, her antisocial personality traits remain part of her character, which serve her well in her investigation into Romdeau's mysteries.

2 Akane Tsunemori (Psycho Pass)

A compassionate detective in a dystopian world

In a world where a person's suitability and career is judged by a central hive mind system, Akane Tsunemori is considered qualified to lead her own law enforcement unit. Although initially shy and reserved, Akane eventually slips into her desperate role as the leader of a troop in a dystopian world full of crime and outsiders.

There are many female detectives in the anime landscape, but Akane stands out because she has evolved from a naive recruit into a confident, assertive inspector. Psycho PassThe premise is as dystopian as it gets, and the only human aspect of the series is Akane herself, who questions the moral dilemmas she experiences around her.

1 Makoto Kusanagi (Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex)

An iconic cybernetic detective

Popularly known as “Major,” Makoto Kusanagi is the legendary detective of the 90s who paved the way for female leads to succeed in the genre. As the cybernetic squad leader of her division of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Makoto is a genius detective with both beauty and brawn.

While Makoto Kusanagi's character is different from the original Ghost in the Shell Films and that Independent complex In the series, her defining personality and overwhelming presence remains the same in all versions. With his nuanced characterization and captivating personality, Makoto Kusanagi is arguably the most intriguing aspect of the film Ghost in the Shell Franchise.