10 of the Best Redheads in Anime
This “10 of the Best Redheads in Anime” list blends both popular and underrated characters in an attempt to highlight the many wonderful portrayals of anime redheads.
Anime is known for its diverse characters. One commonly occurring hair color is, of course, red, which comes in many shades—some bold, some soft.
Regardless of what shade of red an anime character’s hair is, redheads in anime stand out due to their determination, complexity, or convictions.
In no particular order, here are 10 of the Best Redheads in Anime:
10. Yona: Yona of the Dawn
Yona from Yona of the Dawn is known for her desire to protect her people. Yona’s story is one of personal growth—she starts out as a spoiled princess, but quickly grows in strength and character.
Her crimson hair is not merely a stylistic choice—it is a symbol of her status and destiny, too.
9. Shirayuki: Snow White with the Red Hair
At first, Snow White with the Red Hair‘s heroine, Shirayuki, finds her apple-red hair cumbersome. It causes unwanted attention from her kingdom’s prince, and nearly causes her to become his concubine. However, she quickly learns from her new friend, Zen, that “Color has meaning, and red is supposed to represent fate.”
Her red hair remains her most striking attribute and leads to plenty of unexpected adventures.
8. Juliet: Romeo x Juliet
Driven by a strong sense of justice, Juliet may not be the most well-known choice on this list, but she certainly deserves to be on a list of 10 of the best redheads.
She’s loving, strong, and desires to protect those she loves. Her red hair is a constant features no matter how she masquerades, solidifying itself as a core part of her true identity.
7. Makise Kurisu: Steins;Gate
Makise Kurisu from Steins;Gate is extremely intelligent. Her constant support grounds Okabe Rintaro, leading to a partnership like no other.
Her fiery red hair matches her personality perfectly—she’s outspoken, easily irritated, and driven.
6. Emma: The Promised Neverland
Emma, one of the protagonists in The Promised Neverland, has unruly ginger hair. She is extremely determined and loves her family deeply. Despite her terrible circumstances, she exudes positivity, joy, and hope for a better future.
Her red hair reflects her boldness and fierce loyalty.
5. Delia: Ascendance of a Bookworm
I can’t write an article about redheads without highlighting Delia. Her role in Ascendance of a Bookworm is complicated—at first, she’s both unlikable and pitiable. She likes to blame others for her own problems, but over time, she does grow into a somewhat likeable character despite her many flaws.
Her red hair is striking and echoes her strong desire to better her circumstances through any means necessary.
4. Anne: Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
Anne Halford is driven by a passion for silver sugar making. She is persistent, driven, and determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps no matter how difficult things may be.
Her subtle strawberry blonde hair matches her sweet, serene nature, but don’t be fooled: Anne is driven by a strong sense of justice and refuses to sit by and allow others to be treated poorly.
3. Näusicaa: Näusicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Like the others on this list, Näusicaa has a strong personality. She values all life—like Anne Halford does—and desires to protect those she loves most.
Näusicaa’s red hair parallels the antagonistic Kushana’s—two brutally opposed redheads with vary different worldviews, especially concerning the value of life.
2. Fio: Porco Rosso
Fio might be my favorite Studio Ghibli heroine other than Näusicaa. As a mechanic, she stands on her own two feet—and teaches her friend Marco a lesson or two.
Her red hair reflects her bright, warm, and charming personality as well as her slight recklessness.
1. Ponyo: Ponyo
We can’t mention Studio Ghibli redheads without mentioning Ponyo, the protagonist of Ponyo. Her red hair makes her stand out as a literal fish out of water, especially considering the people surrounding her.
Her hair also parallels her father, Fujimoto’s, firmly establishing their familial relationship despite their disagreements.
Which redhead on this list is your favorite? Comment below and let us know who you’d choose in your own “10 of the Best Redheads in Anime” post!
*Cover Photo Credit: Collage of photos from this post.
