The best female villains in anime

The villain is an important part of any story, serving as a 'barrier' to challenge and develop the hero. In most cases, the villain is extremely intelligent, cunning, and ruthless, able to defeat his opponents to achieve his goals. This is often demonstrated in anime, and nowhere is this more evident than with female villains.

Compelling, complex, and downright terrifying, these women command the room with their presence. From mafia bosses to deadly assassins, here are some of the best female anime villains .