1. Fruit basket
Image Courtesy: Fruits Basket Official Website
Few shoujo series have captured hearts like Fruits Basket.With its heartwarming and emotional story, the series quickly became a favorite among fans. The depth of its characters, each of whom has a rich backstory, set a new standard for character development in anime. Fruits Basket set the bar high for emotional narrative, inspiring many future shojo titles to aim for the same level of depth and detail.
2. Ouran High School Host Club
Image Courtesy: IMDb
A defining series in the shojo genre, Ouran High School Host Club has inspired many new titles with a blend of humor and strong feminist themes. The series not only introduced a classic shojo feel, but also challenged traditional gender roles, paving the way for more diverse representation. Its influence is still evident in modern shojo, especially in the way it shaped the portrayal of strong female protagonists.
3. Sailor Moon
Image Courtesy: Sailor Moon Official Website
Sailor Moon is arguably one of the most iconic anime series of all time, transcending the shojo genre to influence the entire anime industry. Its themes of romance, gender, and sexuality were revolutionary, and it introduced many now-common anime tropes such as magical girl transformations and the “monster of the week” format. Sailor Moon’s legacy continues to inspire various media forms beyond anime.
4. Maternal grandfather
Image Courtesy: NANA Official Website
Nana is known for its raw, emotional storytelling and complex characters. The series explores deep and often challenging themes, offering a realistic look at the ups and downs of life. Its influence is evident in many modern shojo titles that attempt to portray more vibrant and relatable stories. Despite its unfulfilling ending, Nana remains a masterpiece in the genre.
5. Fushigi Yuugi
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Once a giant in the shojo world, Fushigi Yugi blended intense drama, romance, and supernatural elements to create a unique narrative. It helped shape the fantasy and romance genres within anime, introducing early isekai themes long before they became mainstream. Although its popularity has waned, its influence on the shojo anime landscape in the 90s and early 2000s was significant.
6. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Revolutionary Girl Utena is renowned for its bold exploration of gender and sexuality. At a time when lesbian representation in anime was rare, Utena challenged norms and laid the groundwork for future inclusive stories. Its strong female lead and innovative narrative helped elevate the shojo genre, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent titles.
7. My next life as a villain
Image Courtesy: My Next Life as a Villainess Official Website
In recent years, My Next Life as a Villainess has revived the shojo genre, contributing to a resurgence of interest. Its success has spawned a wave of new shojo series, particularly within the villain subgenre. This modern title has proven that shojo anime still has a strong and passionate audience, ensuring its continued presence in the anime world.
8. The Rose of Versailles
Image Courtesy: IMDb
This classic series blazed new trails with its exploration of gender roles and identity. Starring Lady Oscar, a woman raised as a man, The Rose of Versailles delves deeply into themes of gender fluidity and societal expectations. Its pioneering narrative has influenced many future titles, making it a cornerstone of shojo anime history.
9. Princess Knight
Image Courtesy: Tezuka Osamu Official Website
One of the earliest examples of shojo anime, Princess Knight was ahead of its time with its progressive themes. The story of Sapphire, a princess who has both a male and female heart, challenged traditional gender norms long before they became commonplace. This groundbreaking series introduced feminist ideals to the genre, which set the stage for more complex narratives in shojo anime.
10. Maid-sama!
Image Courtesy: Made Sama! official website
Maid Sama! is known for its strong, independent heroine Misaki Ayuzawa. Misaki’s character represented a departure from the typically weak female protagonist, and a more strong and assertive heroine. This change has influenced modern shōjo, encouraging the creation of more dynamic and self-reliant female characters.
From timeless classics to modern hits, these influential shojo anime have shaped the genre and left an indelible mark on the anime industry. Their groundbreaking stories and memorable characters continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
