The phrase "anime girls" conjures up images of scantily-clad bodies, cute but ditzy women, complete with gratuitous cleavage and panty-shots. In light of this, it would surprise some to hear that anime is full of strong women.

Let these strong and handsome women break your view, and show you just how awesome women can be in anime!

10. Yoruichi Shihoin (Bleach)

Yoruichi Shihouin is the former captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13, as well as the former commander of the Onmitsukido. Known as the "Goddess of Flash", she is regarded as the fastest Hoho master Soul Society has ever produced.

She is also an extremely skilled hand-to-hand combatant, and almost never uses a zanpakuto or other weapon. Despite this, she more than holds her own against many powerful characters.

9. Nojiko (One Piece)

Nojiko is the adoptive older sister of Nami and the two are not biologically related but were raised together by Bellemere. Her right arm is covered in tattoos, which she got to help Nami not to feel ashamed of her tattoo of Arlong's pirate logo.

She does not like people who would throw away their lives recklessly. She also has a belief that if you no longer have the will to live and wish to die, so long as you try hard enough, whether adult or child, it will not matter.

8. Tsukuyo (Gintama)

Tsukuyo, also known as the Death God Courtesan, is a highly skilled ninja, specializing in the usage of kunai, having trained under the infamous assassin and then-Leader of Hyakka, Jiraia. She is the current leader of the Hyakka, Yoshiwara's guardians, an all-female law enforcement squad formerly deployed by Housen.

Tsukuyo was trained by the infamous assassin Jiraia, who taught her a fighting style that is very similar to that of a ninja. She mastered the Iga arts and possesses lethal assassiantion skills, making her an is an extremely powerful combatant.

7. Kushana (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind)

Kushana is an Imperial Princess of Torumekia and the youngest daughter of the Vai Emperor. She cares deeply for the men under her command and commands their unwavering loyalty, but is portrayed as brutal and harsh to her enemies.

Kushana had to survive by, in a sense, becoming a man; she wore armor, commanded fleets, etc. She had to make tough decisions, and had to be very cautious of her surroundings. Because she knew, behind everything, her brothers were out to kill her and take over the throne.

6. Haman Karn (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam)

The leader of the renegade Zeons who took refuge at the asteroid base Axis. As the daughter of the admiral who led the exodus to Axis, Haman Karn took over her late father's role, and at age sixteen found herself in charge of this community of dispirited Zeon exiles.

Despite her youth, Haman's charisma, guile, and remarkable Newtype abilities enabled her to rally the Axis refugees for their triumphant return to the Earth Sphere.

5. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)

Are you familiar with the Matrix? Well, Motoko is like all the main protagonists of it combined to make one unbelievably powerful anime warrior.

Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg who works as a field commander for Public Security Section 9 on the Japanese National Public Safety Commission. She is a very physically strong and incredibly intellectual who that is quick-witted and an excellent hacker. Technology can be truly frightening, but Motoko also portrays its beauty.

4. San (Princess Mononoke)

San, or Princess Mononoke, is a wild warrior girl who was raised by wolves. She carries a dagger made from a wolf's tooth, and is also proficient with spears. Due to her upbringing in the forest, she is agile and fast, and able to dodge arrows, darts, and other weapons.

As a symbol of nature, which mankind has forsaken, she is not only physically powerful, but also spiritually pure.

San is willing to do anything to protect her adopted wolf family and the forest they live in. She hates humanity, and always will. But she does acknowledge her human side, which makes her a little more sympathetic. This character growth and San’s fearless fighting spirit earn her a place on this list.

3. Olivier Mira Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong is the primary heir to the illustrious Armstrong family and the older sister of Alex Louis Armstrong as well as the commanding officer charged with the protection of Amestris' northern border at Fort Briggs.

Being the General of Briggs, Olivier has full command of the Fortress. She is also very skilled with her family heirloom sword which she uses unhesitatingly. She also seems to have some proficiency with tanks and artillery.

2. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Mikasa Ackerman is a military genius, with amazing combat abilities, physical strength, agility, and near mastery of the 3D Maneuver Gear. She has been described by her superiors as worth 100 soldiers, which just proves what a prodigy she is, and why she is such an amazing anime warrior girl.

The fact that she has been forced to overcome so much throughout her life only adds to her popularity with fans.

Despite her often cynical comments about the world around her, she manages to retain her humanity. Mikasa herself said, "This world is cruel. And yet... so beautiful."

1. Nausicaa (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind)

Nausicaa is the beloved Princess of the Valley of the Wind. She is 16 years old, but her wisdom is far beyond her young age. She is rarely seen without her Mehve or her companion, Teto the fox-squirrel.

Nausicaa is brave, courageous, wise, intelligent, loyal, honest, kind, compassionate and everything that one looks for in a true heroine. She stands tall against all adversaries and is willing to sacrifice her life in order to save those around her.