10 Anime Where Girls Bully: Surprising Tales of Teasing, Love, and Revenge

Anime has been around for more than half a century in the commercial sense; Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy launched a phenomenon that would go on to become one of the largest and most lucrative industries in the artistic and entertainment departments. Anime series come in all shapes and sizes, some of which are more famous and some of which are less. Among thousands and thousands of titles, there are some anime with female characters who are bullies and in this article, we are going to bring you a list of the 10 best anime where the female characters are bullies. Some are more humorous, while others are more on the serious side, so you’ll be able to pick.

1. Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro

Original Run: April 11, 2021 – present
Number of Episodes: 14

Main Topic: Naoto, a reserved second-year high school student, encounters Nagatoro, a first-year girl, causing a dramatic shift in his otherwise uneventful life: the story unfolds when, in the library, they observe some of Naoto’s self-drawn manga pages scattered on the floor; their group teases him unkindly, and upon noticing his discomfort, Nagatoro finds amusement in mocking him until he cries.

From that point onward, Nagatoro shares her days with Naoto, frequently playfully harassing, joking at his expense, and needling him. However, over time, it becomes clear (to both the reader and other characters, but not to the protagonist) that Nagatoro’s behavior is not merely mocking, but kind-hearted, flirtatious, and indicative of her growing feelings for him: as the narrative unfolds, something tender and deeper than initially perceived begins to take root between them.

In the world of anime, I’ve found myself captivated by “Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro”, a unique portrayal of an unconventional dynamic: This series explores a playful form of teasing that borders on bullying, yet it carries a distinctly affectionate undertone. While it may not be pleasing to some, the girl’s relentless teasing of a bashful boy is depicted from a romantic perspective, as she harbors feelings for him and he reciprocates. Although it’s not the most balanced relationship, it remains harmless in its essence.

2. The Flowers of Evil

Original Run: April 5, 2013 – June 29, 2013
Number of Episodes: 13

Takao Kasuga, a common young man with a fondness for Charles Baudelaire’s “Les fleurs du Mal,” suddenly takes Nanako Saeki’s tracksuit without her consent due to his feelings towards her. The next day, he discovers that Sawa Nakamura, an unusual and solitary individual, has tracked him down and is using blackmail to force him into signing a contract with her. She threatens to reveal a secret if he doesn’t comply. The narrative then explores the consequences of these children’s decisions on their families, schools, and local communities.

In the series titled “The Flowers of Evil“, we encounter a character who embodies cruelty and wickedness rather than kindness. This graphic novel presents a grim and unsettling narrative where the female protagonist is, in fact, a tormentor, forcing the male lead into servitude to avoid humiliation. It’s a challenging read, but it serves as an excellent illustration for our collection.

3. Girls Bravo

Original Run: April 5, 2013 – June 29, 2013
Number of Episodes: 13

Main Topic: Yukinari Sasaki, a boy smaller than usual for his age, has long been disregarded and teased by girls at school and elsewhere due to their taunts. In high school, he discovered an unusual allergy to females, breaking out in rashes upon contact. One day after returning from school, Yukinari accidentally steps into a bathtub and finds himself transported to the mystical realm of Seiren. The world seems to have a moon-like earth that orbits invisibly around its planet.

Interestingly, nearly everyone you’ll find here is a woman or girl, with few boys or men around. Yet, he soon acquires a new girlfriend, Miharu Sena Kanaka. This girl doesn’t cause him any allergic reactions. However, Yukinari yearns to return to Earth after witnessing his friend Kirie weeping in the bathroom there. Recognizing this, Miharu uses her magic to bring Yukinari back to the bathroom. In the process, she too appears, but she’s no longer wearing any clothes.

In the anime titled Girls Bravo, we find our protagonist, a young boy, who unfortunately finds himself on the receiving end of bullying from female characters. An unusual trait of his is that he develops hives upon physical contact with women. This show combines romance and comedy, offering plenty of humor, but it may not provide the most enjoyable viewing experience due to its theme.

4. Boys Over Flowers

Original Run: September 8, 1996 – August 31, 1997
Number of Episodes: 51

Title Explanation: Boys Over Flowers tells the tale of Tsukushi Makino, a 16-year-old girl who was sent to Eitoku, an exclusive private school catering to well-off families, despite her parents’ financial struggles, in pursuit of a wealthy son-in-law. However, Tsukushi harbors a different dream – she finds the school atmosphere oppressive. The F4, a powerful clique of four extremely affluent boys who run Eitoku, are notorious for their poor academic performance and embody the negative stereotypes of privileged children. Those who dare to challenge the F4 will be met with bullying and expulsion through the dreaded “red card.

Over the following two years, Makino intends to stay by Tsukushi’s side and devote herself entirely to her studies. However, on a particular day, Tsukasa Domyoji – the head of F4, Japan’s wealthiest family, and heir to the Domyoji Group – is unexpectedly found by Makiko, Tsukushi’s only friend. She pleads for his forgiveness, yet the group shows no signs of heeding her counsel.

In a slightly different phrase, let me say: Boys Over Flowers doesn’t fit the standard mold of a bully story, as it primarily revolves around a male character who eventually develops feelings for the female lead, yet there is also some portrayal of female bullying. This popular anime series has been added to our list due to its unique take on this theme and the overall intrigue it offers.

5. Hell Girl

Original Run: October 4, 2005 – September 29, 2017
Number of Episodes: 90

In brief: When someone harbors deep resentment, a supernatural entity called Jigoku Shōjo (Hell Girl) emerges. She offers to punish the wrongdoer by sending them to Hell, but only after the person makes a contract with her. The catch is that whoever seeks revenge this way will also end up in Hell when they die.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I’d say this series is essentially a compilation of standalone narratives, each delving into the heartrending ordeals of distinct individuals at the mercy of one or more antagonists. These tales also explore their contract with Enma Ai and the retribution meted out to the offenders by her. With each story, we’re drawn into the intricate details of the protagonist’s suffering from the onset of his torment, gradually building a crescendo of anguish until he’s left utterly overwhelmed, yearning for solace. In these desperate moments, our heroine from the underworld steps in to alleviate their suffering.

The anime titled “Hell Girl” has a more serious tone and isn’t particularly humorous, but it does have its light-hearted instances. Recurring themes of bullying can be found throughout the episodes, though they don’t always take center stage. Aya Kuroda, one of the characters in the series, is remembered for her bullying behavior, which is a significant reason why “Hell Girl” made it onto this list.

6. Magical Girl Site

Original Run: April 6, 2018 – June 22, 2018
Number of Episodes: 12

The main topic revolves around Aya Asagiri, a schoolgirl who unfortunately endures daily bullying at school and physical abuse at home by her elder brother Kaname. A peculiar website named the Magical Girl Site mysteriously materializes on her computer one day, claiming to bestow Aya with a magical wand to transform her into a magical girl. True to its word, Aya discovers a wand disguised as a pistol in her locker the next day, which she later uses defensively against her tormentors. In retaliation, her classmates plot revenge against Aya; however, she is miraculously rescued at the brink by her fellow student Tsuyuno Yatsumura.

What character or plot element in Magical Girl Site embodies a bully: Despite its questionable depiction of bullying, Magical Girl Site is an engaging series. The main character, seeking vengeance against her tormentors, uses her newfound magical powers to bully them back. While this message isn’t exactly positive, the show can still serve as a learning tool and fits well within our list of topics.

7. Peach Girl

Original Run: January 8, 2005 – June 25, 2005
Number of Episodes: 25

Main Topic: Living in Tokyo as a woman with a dark complexion is challenging due to being stereotypically compared to call girls. This has made life difficult for Momo, who goes to great lengths to lighten her skin tone with anti-tan lotion and avoid sunlight. She deepens her relationships with her high school sweetheart, Kairi, whom she rescued from drowning, as well as her middle school crush, Tji, whom she harbors secret affection for. A love triangle ensues, filled with surprising twists. However, Momo’s so-called friend Sae poses a threat and may ultimately cause problems in this complex romantic situation. Emotional conflict arises when the love triangle explodes.

In the realm of teen dramas, those with a penchant for stories centered around young women will find themselves captivated by “Peach Girl”. This series stands out as it intensifies the typical narrative. The primary antagonist, surprisingly, is the protagonist’s best friend. She consistently spreads harmful gossip about her due to her unique appearance. As the story unfolds, this female bully serves as the catalyst for our recommendation of “Peach Girl”.

8. Little Busters!

Original Run: October 6, 2012 – July 30, 2014
Number of Episodes: 47 (+ OVA)

Main Theme: As a young boy, Riki lost his parents, plunging him into despair. However, a group of four companions, known as the Little Busters, stepped in to help him heal by playing with him during those difficult times. Over time, the pain subsided due to their support. Now, they’re high school sophomores, continuing to spend time together, engage in conflicts, and cherish their shared school life.

In the Little Busters! visual novel series and its subsequent anime adaptation, a character named Takamiya is portrayed as a bully. Although she may not be as malicious as some of the bullies mentioned earlier, her actions were significant enough to earn this anime a place on our list. Therefore, it’s clear that she qualifies as a bully in this context.

9. My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Original Run: April 5, 2013 – September 24, 2020
Number of Episodes: 38 (+ 2 OVA)

Topic Overview:

Hachiman Hikigaya attends Class 2F in high school, often spending time alone without friends. His teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka, persuades him to join the school’s service club due to his less-than-ideal attitude. The club’s only other member is the charming Yukino Yukinoshita from Class 2J, who lacks true companions but is making efforts to change that through this club. As a competition, their teacher challenges them both to help and counsel fellow students more effectively. The winner of this contest will be determined by success in this endeavor. Later, after seeking assistance, Yui Yuigahama joins the service club as well.

In the manga “My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, as I Expected,” the series “My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU” may be more about romantic comedy than anything else, given its abundance of everyday life aspects. However, it also portrays bullying, and the main antagonist who engages in such behavior is Yumiko Miura, a stereotypical character. Yet, the show fits this list due to her bullying nature.

10. Toradora!

Original Run: October 2, 2008 – March 26, 2009
Number of Episodes: 25 (+ 1 OVA)

Topic: Japanese student Ryuuji Takasu, now in his senior year, resides independently with his mother. He yearns for a typical high school experience, but his intimidating eyes create an obstacle. Despite being a sensitive individual, he is often the target of misconceptions due to his gloomy demeanor, with rumors circulating about him being violent and even homicidal. This makes it extremely hard for him to socialize, especially in forming romantic relationships. Luckily, he shares a class with his crush Minori Kushieda and his friend Yusaku Kitamura.

In my opinion, Toradora! bears a striking resemblance to the first anime on our roster. The leading lady, Taiga, frequently engages in playful yet aggressive behavior towards the male lead, which I find amusing, even when she’s giving him a good thrashing. However, let’s not forget that this is still bullying, albeit as gentle as such behavior can be. That’s why, we thought it would be fitting to conclude our list with Toradora!

2025-05-24 21:47