While the men in anime are known to often clash both in combat and in personality, some of the most intense rivalries in anime history have involved anime girls. The best anime girl rivalries are not limited to just contests of strength or fighting ability. Instead, anime girls tend to compete in academics, in power and achievement, and in love. Keep reading to find out more about the best anime girl rivalries of all time!
- Ryūko Matoi vs. Satsuki
Kiryūin (Kill la Kill) Easily the fiercest anime girl rivalry (and one of the most intense anime rivalries, period), the competition between Ryuko and Satsuki stems from Satsuki’s suspicion that Ryuko murdered her father. When she learns that Ryuko carries the Red Scissor Blade, Satsuki acts offensively, causing Ryuko to declare war on her. - Saber vs. Rin Tohsaka (Fate Stay/Night)
Saber and Rin compete for Shirou’s attention. To this end, they’re often seen competing for even small achievements. They also compete for the affection of Fate Stay/Night fans, as these two anime girls are most often positioned against each other in discussion of who the series’ Best Girl is. - Manaka Mukaido vs. Chisaki Hiradaira (Nagi no Asukara/A Lull
in the Sea)
Manaka and Chisaki are part of an odd love triangle. They do not actively compete. Rather, they both hurt themselves to keep the other happy. Chisaki, for one, suffers being around Manaka because Hikari loves her, yet Manaka hides her feelings for Hikari in an attempt not to hurt Chisaki. - Kaori Miyazono vs. Tsubaki Sawabe (Shigatsu wa Kimi no
Uso/Your Lie in April)
Another tense love rivalry, Kaori and Tsubaki compete for Kousei. Each anime girl influences Kousei differently. Kaori seems to prompt the best growth and healing in Kousei, yet she becomes harsh (and maybe harmful) very quickly. Tsubaki is gentler and more respectful, yet consequently not as fierce in her competition. - Roma Hoito vs. Eto Yoshimura (Tokyo Ghoul)
Though not an incredible anime girl rivalry (according to viewers), the competition between Eto and Roma focuses on strength. Eto is likely stronger than her father. Roma, comparatively, looks strong but may not demonstrate much raw power. Overall, fans believe this rivalry is more psychological than physical, and overhyped at that. - Nanoha Takamatchi vs. Fate Testarossa (Magical Girl Lyrical
Nanoha)
Fate is Nanoha’s sworn rival for the first season of this series. As time goes on, Fate’s attitude toward Nanoha changes, transitioning from being irritated and unimpressed to being friendly and cooperative. In this way, Fate gets to grow out of being the archetypal “blonde rival” as the series progresses. - Erza Scarlet & Mirajane Strauss (Fairy Tail)
Erza and Mirajane had an intense rivalry as children and as they trained. However, these two anime girls grew to have a less competitive relationship after [SPOILER] Mirajane lost most of her devastating magic powers and she abandoned her quest to be the strongest fighter after her sister’s death/disappearance. - Umaru Doma & Sylphinford Tachibana (Himouto! Umaru-Chan)
Sylphiford considers Umaru her biggest rival in all things, including academics and athletic performance. Though this is a fun anime girl rivalry, it is neither violent nor psychotic. Sylphinford takes the rivalry seriously, but it’s more about measuring up than beating Umaru,
and she is friendly and supportive of Umaru. - Chelia Blendy vs. Wendy Marvell (Fairy Tail)
This anime girl rivalry is all about power. Though the characters are friends, they have similar powers (wind magic, the ability to heal others). Consequently, there is always some tension between them over who uses their magic better. This tension is heightened by their different degrees of stamina and self-healing. - Tsubaki Sawabe vs Kaori Miyazonoi (Your Lie in April)
Called one of the saddest rivalries in anime history, Tsubaki and Kaori compete for the affection of Kousei Arima. [SPOILER] It’s only after Kaori’s death (from a chronic illness) that the depths of her affection for Kousi is revealed, shedding light on her behavior and breaking Kousei’s (and viewers’) heart.