Top 42 Most Popular 80s Animated Female Characters

We hope you’ll forgive us for featuring both of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero’s leading female soldiers—Lady Jaye and Scarlett—in a single entry. There’s a good reason: their roles and skills were strikingly similar throughout the series.

Both served as sergeants specializing in counterintelligence and wielded unique projectile weapons against their enemies. Time and again, they proved their prowess in battle by giving Cobra a run for its money.

Scarlett frequently led the Joe team and, alongside Lady Jaye, even helped save the world on more than one occasion. Their consistent teamwork and impressive records meant they were captured far less often than their male counterpart, Duke—which only further cements their spot together on this list.

Firestar from Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends was created to complete the show's unique "fire and ice" partnership theme. With her powerful heat and flame abilities, she stood out as arguably the most formidable member of the Amazing Friends, taking on various supervillains alongside Spider-Man.

Although Firestar did not appear in comic books at the time, she left a lasting impression on viewers through the animated series. Presented as a mutant, she possessed the extraordinary power to control heat, and her spunky, spirited personality quickly won over fans.

Together with Iceman and Spider-Man, Firestar proved herself to audiences and became a memorable part of 80s animation. Rumors continue to circulate that Firestar may soon make her debut in the modern, live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Princess Ariel made her debut in the 1980s as the fourth addition to the Disney Princess lineup. As the spirited lead character of the 1989 classic, The Little Mermaid, Ariel stands out for her adventurous nature and boundless curiosity.

Her relentless desire for exploration is complemented by her strong-willed personality. This unwavering determination often propels her toward exciting—and sometimes risky—experiences beneath the sea and beyond.

While Ariel's charm and likability are undeniable, she frequently finds herself in precarious situations, highlighting the need for caution amidst her dreams. Her adventurous spirit sometimes leads her into unexpected trouble.

Watching Ariel's journey of self-discovery is truly captivating. This powerful narrative of growth and courage is a significant reason why The Little Mermaid remains a beloved and timeless Disney film.

When the promos for Netflix's reboot, Masters of the Universe: Revelation, were released, it became clear that Teela would play as significant a role in the series as He-Man himself.

Although some backlash was expected, the increased focus on Teela's character made sense within the new show's context and storyline. In this version, Teela is portrayed as the Captain of the Royal Guard at Eternia's palace.

As Captain, she is responsible not only for maintaining palace security but also for overseeing the training of Prince Adam, the future He-Man.

Cheetara stands out as the most intelligent and clear-headed member of the ThunderCats, quickly capturing the attention of viewers when she appeared in the show's opening episode. Her bold presence made an immediate impression, but she soon demonstrated that her toughness and agility greatly surpassed expectations.

Unsurprisingly, many children of the 1980s were inspired to emulate her legendary speed. As a skilled warrior, Cheetara frequently faced off against the mutant forces led by Mumm-Ra, leaving a lasting impact as one of the iconic heroines of '80s animation.

Gloria Baker stands out as the most impressive female member of the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, known for her exceptional skills as a racing car driver. In the show's thrilling debut season, Gloria piloted the iconic Shark, a car that could transform into a submarine, showcasing her versatility and courage in high-stakes missions.

She was much more than just a talented driver—her black belt in kung fu made her a formidable force within M.A.S.K. Gloria's combination of speed, intelligence, and fighting prowess made her an invaluable asset to the team, proving she was more than capable of handling any challenge.

Beyond the Shark, Gloria Baker also owned the Stiletto, a Lamborghini that transformed into a helicopter. Her unmatched driving skills and access to the finest vehicles solidified her status as the organization's top agent and most trusted operative.

Time and again, Gloria relied on her advanced vehicles to battle villains and defend justice, earning a reputation as M.A.S.K.'s most reliable and accomplished agent in the fight against evil.

While some rebellious girls in the 1980s might have preferred Pizzazz, the edgy lead singer of The Misfits, there’s no denying the timeless appeal of Jerrica Benton. With her extraordinary beauty and talent, Jerrica stands out as a true icon from the era.

As the star of her own animated series, Jerrica took on the exciting persona of Jem. Alongside her band, the Holograms, she dazzled audiences with unforgettable songs and captivating performances, featuring vocals from professional singers that enhanced every episode.

Trust us when we say—Jem was, without a doubt, a real gem of 80s animation!

The iconic character She-Ra was introduced to audiences in the mid-1980s as Princess Adora, long before her successful reboot in Netflix’s 2018 series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Fans of the original cartoon still fondly remember her as a trailblazing heroine from their childhoods.

Created as a counterpart to He-Man, She-Ra appealed strongly to young girls, offering them a powerful and relatable female hero during a time when such characters were rare in animation.

She-Ra, known for her audacity, loyalty, and compassion, was always eager to assist her friends—especially the princesses. Her open-mindedness and courage inspired viewers, as she consistently stood up for what she believed was right and fought tirelessly for justice.

Despite facing the hardship of growing up without her parents, She-Ra embodied forgiveness and grace, all while maintaining a striking and memorable appearance.

While there’s debate over whether She-Ra ever matched He-Man’s level of fame, one thing is certain: she left a lasting mark, selling an impressive $60 million in toys and merchandise in 1985 alone.

Hello Kitty, originally named Kitty White, has become an enduring symbol of Japanese pop culture. Created to appeal to young teenage girls, she took center stage in Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater, a Japanese-American production that gained popularity during the latter half of the 1980s.

Throughout the show's 13 episodes, Hello Kitty consistently played a leading and significant role. Her character, known for warmth and optimism, was depicted living in a London suburb alongside her close-knit family, adding a charming, relatable touch.

Although Hello Kitty's appearance leans toward tomboyish, her creators crafted her with a distinctly feminine charm. Recognizable by her iconic red bow, she has been honored as UNICEF’s children’s ambassador and serves as an ambassador of tourism for Japan, reflecting her wide-reaching influence.

Steelheart, also known as Sgt. Emily Hart, stood out as the only female member of the Silverhawks team. In addition to her role as the group’s skilled mechanic, she was the twin sister of Steelwill. This special bond allowed her to communicate telepathically with her brother, even across great distances.

During their transformation into Silverhawks, both siblings faced complications as their hearts rejected the initial procedure. As a result, Steelheart was fitted with a stainless steel heart—her unique and defining feature. Despite the name, Steelheart proved she was anything but delicate, famously outmatching Mumbo Jumbo, the massive mecha-minotaur who served as Mon*Star’s chief enforcer.

Remarkably, even her brother struggled against this formidable opponent, highlighting Steelheart’s extraordinary strength and determination.

April O'Neil, the first human ally of the Ninja Turtles, originally appeared as a computer programmer in the Mirage comic series in 1984. When the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated show debuted in 1987, her character evolved into a scientist rescued by the pizza-loving turtles during an attack on her laboratory.

April's journey from comic books to television brought new depth, transforming her into a determined and resourceful news reporter. Fans will also remember her notable connection to Casey Jones, her well-known love interest in the series.

Diana the Acrobat stands out as a central character in the Dungeons & Dragons animated series, captivating audiences with her outstanding acrobatic prowess. Her agility and resourcefulness quickly made her a favorite among the youthful adventuring party.

Notably, Diana is portrayed as a spirited and athletic 14-year-old. Before her unexpected transport to the perilous Dungeons & Dragons realm, she was already an Olympic-level gymnast and skilled horse rider. Her weapon of choice, an unbreakable staff that she could magically extend or shrink, added to her versatility in any situation.

With her impressive skills and fearless nature, Diana was always a character worth watching!

While the famous cyborg police inspector was known for his impressive gadgets, it was actually his niece, Penny, who skillfully put them to use in the fight against the criminal syndicate M.A.D.

It's no exaggeration to say that, without the quick-thinking 10-year-old, Dr. Claw might have succeeded in ruling the world.

Although Penny's investigations often landed her in tight spots, she relied on ingenious technological devices such as her computer book, laptop, tablet, and video watch to outsmart villains and escape danger.

While Arcee may not have been the very first female Transformer, she is undoubtedly the most iconic. Her enduring popularity has earned her more appearances and incarnations across the Transformers franchise than any other female character to date.

A reliable member of many Autobot missions, Arcee played a pivotal role in transforming Autobot City into its fortress mode during Transformers: The Movie, helping the Autobots avoid destruction. She also rescued several comrades from the Quintessons and bravely confronted the zombie Optimus Prime.

What truly sets Arcee apart is her compassion—for both humans and fellow Transformers. She demonstrates time and again that she is not only fierce in battle but also capable of caring for and protecting others all on her own.

Anastasia DeCobray, more widely known by her codename Baroness, stands out as one of the most influential women within Cobra’s ranks. Her signature look—long, glossy dark hair, a sleek leather suit, and black-rimmed glasses—became instantly recognizable to G.I. Joe fans throughout the 1980s.

As Cobra's top intelligence officer, Baroness possessed deep knowledge of both her allies and enemies, including the secret identity of her lover, Destro. Highly skilled in combat, she was a formidable adversary to the Joes, consistently outsmarting her opponents.

Beyond her battlefield prowess, the Baroness was also well-versed in political science and economics, which made her adept at both activism and subterfuge. She excelled at manipulating information—using both facts and misinformation to her advantage.

Baroness was notorious for uncovering classified military plans, making her one of the most dangerous figures to ever oppose the Joes. With her cunning intellect and shifting alliances, one thing was certain: trusting the Baroness could be a grave mistake.

Wish Bear is one of the ten original Care Bears, first making her appearance on American greeting cards in 1982. She truly rose to fame after the launch of the Care Bears television series in 1985, quickly capturing the hearts of fans.

Since then, Wish Bear has appeared as a main character in every version of the franchise. She is best recognized for her turquoise fur and signature belly badge—an emblem that helps her make people's wishes come true.

Her yellow shooting star belly badge, always smiling, perfectly symbolizes her wish-granting abilities. Though Wish Bear may seem a bit shy and reserved at times, she is surrounded by fantastic friends.

Among her closest companions are Twinkle, whom she met as a cub, as well as Cheer Bear and Bedtime Bear, showing that Wish Bear is always in good company within the Care Bears universe.

Princess Ariel, the stepdaughter of a powerful wizard in Thundarr The Barbarian, grew weary of her father's evil ways and cruel followers. Determined to oppose injustice, she took a bold stand by liberating two of her father's slaves, who were known for their own courageous resistance.

With her new companions, Ariel set out across the devastated remnants of America, freeing countless enslaved people. As a gifted sorceress with vast knowledge of 20th-century Earth, her intelligence and magical abilities made her an invaluable leader as they ventured through the burned and overgrown landscapes.

The trio often depended on Ariel’s cleverness and magical talents. Time and again, when Thundarr found himself in peril by the episode's end, it was Ariel’s resourcefulness that saved the day and pulled him out of danger.

Ursula, famously known as the Sea Witch, serves as the main antagonist in Disney's beloved animated classic, The Little Mermaid. With her striking appearance—a blend of half-woman and half-octopus—she is renowned for preying on troubled merfolk by offering them tempting deals.

She manipulates those in distress, promising to make their wildest dreams come true. Thus, desperate merfolk are often willing to bargain with her, unaware of the consequences. Ursula's magical prowess is undeniable—she even succeeds in transforming a mermaid into a human before our very eyes.

Clearly, Ursula's mastery over marine magic knows few limits, making her a dynamic and memorable addition to this list of iconic 80s animated characters.

Fans of Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers remember Gadget as much more than just the token female of the team. She became an inspiration to countless young girls who dreamed of pursuing careers in science or engineering, thanks to her talent and intelligence.

Gadget was a true genius, always eager to tinker with any machinery she found and use her inventive skills to save the day. While some of her inventions didn't succeed at first, her perseverance and dedication made her an admirable role model.

Still, like many real-world heroes, Gadget occasionally struggled with self-esteem—especially regarding her role in the group. This relatable quality made her even more endearing to fans.

Wonder Woman, a founding member of the Justice League of America, is an Amazon Princess from Paradise Island. On top of her Justice League duties, she stood out as one of the few female heroes among the Super Friends.

Armed with her Invisible Jet, magical lasso, and indestructible bracelets, as well as her super strength and powers, Wonder Woman was arguably the team's greatest asset. Her impressive abilities made her a key figure in countless missions.

In her civilian life, she was known as Diana Prince. She held a variety of roles, including Air Force intelligence officer, NASA astronaut trainee, U.N. employee, and even the owner of a mod fashion boutique.

She-Ra: Princess of Power was a show that gave viewers more female characters than most shows did at the time. So, besides the titular character, it was Catra who managed to stand out in the crowd.

Not only did this feline foe seek power but she also held a serious grudge against Adora/She-Ra. Needless to say, she was seen as the main antagonist in both the toy line and cartoon before being replaced by Hordak.

Catra proved to be a worthy enemy and relied heavily on her magical abilities and mask to make an impact. She was agile and had great reflexes and strength, as well as the ability to teleport (as shown in one episode).

There is no denying that everyone loves girls that can rock, and Jem and the Holograms was a cartoon that ended up providing two whole bands' worth of badasses. The Misfits, however, were better.

The formidable group was known for making songs about taking charge, causing mischief, and being assertive at all times. That is one reason why they resonated with youngsters at the time.

However, their antics also saw them committing small crimes and, in the process, coming across as the one true bad girls of rock. While The Misfits weren't evil per se, they certainly were raw and driven.

That being said, the girls were also pushed by their selfish manager into doing worst deeds, only so that it could help his agenda.

Even though Lisa rose to prominence during the '90s, she did make her television debut during the late '80s, which justifies her presence in our story. The smartest of all The Simpsons characters, she is an intellectual of sorts.

Even though she comes across as reserved and a tad unapproachable at first, she has a warm heart that even allows her to be vulnerable at times. Lisa has a passion for things that require creativity and productivity; things that not a lot many people excel at in life.

Therefore, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to assert that a lot many smart kids would have had a great time both watching and relating to her well-thought-of character sketch. Needless to say, Lisa Simpson is as original as she is gentle.

However, if one tries to mess with her, she will have no qualms about putting them in their place. That way, she can also be condescending if she truly loses it.

The homemaker and matriarch of the Simpson family, Marge is one of the five main characters in The Simpsons TV series. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that she is one of the most amazing female cartoon characters of all time.

She is the moralistic force in her family and often the only one in the house who makes sense. While the other members of the family, except Lisa, are mostly seen turning both the house and town upside down with their antics, it is Marge who tries to maintain order in the household.

Aside from her duties at home, Marge has also been seen flirting briefly with several men throughout the series. However, her love for Homer and her children knows no bounds.

One of the most upbeat and kind-hearted characters to make it to our story, Kiki grew up with her loving parents and talking cat, Jiji. She is someone who wants to follow in her mother's footsteps.

Soon into the movie, we catch her delivering packages on her flying broomstick. Indeed, she used broomsticks to fly much before the characters of Harry Potter stormed the screens.

Even though she is making steady progress in her profession, she also tries to make time to practice magic and explore her new town. However, she still has a lot to learn about both magic and adulthood.

Make way for the sexy and sensational Evil-Lyn who turned out to be one of the finest antagonists in He-Man's gallery of villains. She was seen wearing a crown and cape and had a tremendous amount of dark magic to back her antics.

She wasn't just a capable foil for musclebound heroes but she was also a driven and determined woman who could improvise and change according to the demand of the situations.

Needless to mention, Evil-Lyn often worked for her own interests and was even quite vocal about her relentless desire to rule herself. That is perhaps why she ensured to make her spells work with disguise, deceit, and mind control.

Magica De Spell, who first appeared in the "Uncle Scrooge #36" comic, turned out to be a fan-favourite character in the DuckTales cartoon. Her relentless attempts to steal the Number One Dime and claim Scrooge's success and luck with money were appreciated by ardent fans of the show.

She was designed to look like an attractive witch, which is why she was seen with a raven pet, jet black hair, purple eyeshadow, and a dark wardrobe; each of which helped in lending her a credible villainous look.

While she had a wide range of sorcery, she was also a skilled manipulator who had little trouble tricking others into betraying their own personality. Needless to say, Magica embraced the life of an evildoer with elan.

That said, many of the schemes of the incredibly entertaining sorceress either failed miserably or looked a tad ludicrous, which is perhaps why we feel that her character deserved better.

The Ice Queen of V. E. N. O. M. (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem) was not a woman you'd have taken lightly even in your dreams. Vanessa Warfield was leader Miles Mayhem's most valuable agent and a master of tactics.

Her vehicle gave her an upper hand in covert operations and was an arsenal of hidden weapons. Additionally, she was able to thrive on her demolition skills and use of disguises.

As if that didn't make her strong enough, she was also quite sensual and dangerous when she needed to be. However, like most villains in the real world, her overconfidence led to her downfall.

While she was seen mocking the heroes and her teammates alike, she, at one point, was seen training ravens and treating them better than any human. That said, it also appeared as if she despised men from the core of her heart.

Those who remember the Bionic Six cartoon series agree that its animation and main villain, Dr Scarab, were its high points. While the family of heroes came across as a bit bland, it was Madame-O who added a touch of mystery to the show.

She was a masked figure in a strange pink suit, blue skin, and wild hair, who was as feminine as she was devious. All thanks to her enhanced strength and weaponized sonic harp, she was able to create a lot of chaos for the heroes.

Madame-O, who was known for ending each sentence with the word "darling", was an older woman before being altered by Dr Scarab. She featured quite a bit in the 65-episode run, but not a lot has been revealed about her background.

Miriya Parina was an ace pilot with a vicious streak who was seen as one of the greatest Zentraedi warriors. A major character in the series, she finally met her match in Max Sterling during one of the events.

That said, it has to be noted that she was a fierce warrior who found her weakness in no more than one person. Moreover, her experiences with the humans soon went on to change her perspective and, therefore, prompted her to marry Max without knowing what it entails.

Miriya, who often proved to be a valuable asset in combat, ultimately wanted to settle down and simply be a mother and wife. Is it surprising then that she found her love while in the middle of a battle?

Mother Brain from Captain N: The Game Master had a large arsenal of tools at her disposal. She also could generate electricity and had an endless supply of wicked schemes to try and take over the Palace of Power.

It is not surprising then that she was considered to be a deterrent by the heroes. While she had several characters that worked under her, her biggest bumbling assistants were Eggplant Wizard and King Hippo (from "Kid Icarus" and "Punch-Out!!", respectively).

Even though Mother Brain's attempts were usually impeded by Kevin, Princess Lana, and their pals, one couldn't deny that she was an intimidating foe whose cruelty and evil could get the better of her enemies.

Rainbow Brite was so popular during the '80s that she could be seen on our bed sheets, lamps, and even our lunch boxes. Needless to mention, most people who grew up watching her during the peak of her fame ended up showering her with love.

While one remembers having a Rainbow Brite cuddly toy at the end of their bed, the character truly made her way into the hearts of her fans through the 13-episode TV series that aired between 1984 and 1986.

Princess Paw Paw was the tribal princess of the animated series Paw Paws. She was the daughter of the Wise Paw – the chief of Paw-Paws, and a beautiful princess who was adored by everyone in her village for her caring and kind nature.

She summoned her flying horse and brought the Totem Bear, Tortoise, and Eagle to life with the mystic moonstone that she wore in her necklace. The Princess used her aides and her capabilities to fight for her people and help them during tough times.

Her appearance alone was cute enough to attract viewers.

Smurfette is the only female member of the 100-strong group of Smurfs. She was first introduced in 1981 as a female counterpart to Clumsy Smurf, Papa Smurf, Brainy Smurf, and all the other little blue dudes in the Smurf Village which was only populated by males.

Given the fact that there was no other woman in or around the village, she was almost always in demand. Needless to say, her help was needed not only for cooking or sewing but also for being a sympathetic ear.

Loosely based on the movie of the same title, the cartoon version of Lydia was a breath of fresh Gothic air in the universe of cartoons. In a rather stark setting, she managed to stick out with her black hair, pale skin, and purple eyeshadow.

Girls whose interests and looks deviated from what was considered "normal" at the time resonated with the character massively. Also, the fact that she was isolated and alone made a ton of people empathize with her; therefore, providing the character with a layer.

In the Neitherworld, Lydia could be seen being herself and her friendship with Beetlejuice allowed her to be spirited. Needless to say, she had lots of fun in her topsy-turvy home away from home.

Strawberry Shortcake was originally just a character used by American Greetings Entertainment to grace their greeting cards. However, in the 1980s television special The World of Strawberry Shortcake, she was the girl at the centre of a group of other young women, each with dessert-themed names, clothing, and shticks.

Needless to say, she went on to become an animated female role model for young girls with her show. In the early 2000s, DIC Entertainment decided to relaunch the line of everything Strawberry to cash in on the character's popularity.

Princess Allura from Voltron was the princess of the formerly-extinct Planet Altea. She was a formidable combatant, strategist, speaker, and alchemist, who was seen assisting her father in his war council.

Additionally, she also commanded the Castle of Lions in the fight against Zarkon and piloted the Blue Lion until her death. Over time, she established herself as the face of the resistance against the Galra.

She was willing to stop at nothing to restore peace and balance in the Universe, even if it meant that it had to be at the cost of her own life.

Sheila from Dungeons and Dragons was a friendly and caring individual who could go to any extent to ensure the safety of her friends and her younger brother. Even though she came across as reticent and nervous with a deep-seated monophobia, it didn't stop her from putting her bravery on display when she absolutely needed to.

While she was usually the first to point out the shortcomings or dangers of the group's plans, she also stood for her dear ones when they needed her the most.

All thanks to her magnanimity, she received unexpected rewards, such as being offered to become Queen of Zinn which she politely declines. Furthermore, she was also able to redeem Karena, Dungeonmaster’s daughter, from evil.

Pole Position was a video game that was released in 1982 by Namco. Its popularity led to the creation of a Saturday morning cartoon of the same name that was released in 1984.

While the cartoon varied wildly from the video game, it did manage to attract kids who were enticed by racing cars. Another reason to have seen the show was the two siblings who took over the family crime-fighting business from their deceased parents.

While Dan Darrett was hot-headed, his sister Tess Darrett was the epitome of cool. Since she was the older sibling, she was the leader of the team and the defacto mother figure to Dan and their younger sister Daisy.

Rook Bartley, better known as the Red Warrior during her time as a vigilante, was someone who is known to have been raised without parents on the mean streets of an alien-controlled Earth.

After she decided to join a biker gang known as the Blue Angels, the group did its best to teach her to survive in a world controlled by the alien forces of the Invid.

She was also taught how to ride a motorcycle and proved to be a quick learner. After she grew up, the Blue Angels were at war with another, more belligerent gang called the Red Snakes.

Therefore, Bartley did her best to fight members of the Red Snakes when they started attacking the civilians.

Lady Lovely Locks was the titular female character from Lady Lovely Locks who was known for her long, blonde hair with a rainbow streak. However, what separates her from other characters in our story is that she's also got the power to see into other people's thoughts and feelings.

Backed by the Pixietails, she does her best to protect her homeland - the Kingdom of Lovelylocks - from wrongdoers whenever she can.

Beverly Hills Teens would introduce the viewers to Bianca the scheming brat, Jett the rocker, Larke the model, and Nikki the actress. The show revolved around the lives of the mentioned rich kids.

While it showed its namesake teenagers residing in the exclusive enclave of Beverly Hills, California, it also went on to demonstrate exaggerated wealth that was exemplified by mansions, yachts, and limousines.

In addition, it also touched upon typical teenage concerns such as schoolwork, friendships, and romantic rivalries, among other things.