Albedo, Rias, and Esdeath

Contents

• Introduction: A Waifu-Packed Walk Through Anime History
• The Queens of 2010 to 2024: Year-by-Year Picks
• Conclusion: Who Will Be the Waifu of 2025?

A Waifu-Packed Walk Through Anime History

Hey, otaku-tachi! Liz here, your waifu-obsessed guide to the most dazzling corners of anime fandom. Today, we’re diving into an epic challenge: picking the best anime girl for every single year since 2010. That’s over a decade of waifu wars, heartbreaking choices, and unforgettable queens.

While some picks are no-brainers (looking at you, Rias and Albedo), others had me flipping between contenders faster than a beach episode wardrobe montage! But don’t worry—I’ve narrowed it down to the ultimate best of the best. Without further ado, these are the waifus who ruled their year and our hearts.

2010: Saeko Busujima (Highschool of the Dead)

Credits: Studio Madhouse

Let’s kick things off with a bang, and a katana! Saeko is the definition of cool under pressure. Whether she’s slicing through zombies or showing her softer, protective side, Saeko’s mix of elegance, danger, and sugoi oppai made her the undisputed queen of 2010.

2011: Makise Kurisu (Steins;Gate)

Credits: Studio White Fox

Makise Kurisu is not just smart, she’s brilliant. Her tsundere personality, witty banter with Okabe, and moments of vulnerability made her a fan favorite. Add in her incredible character design and emotional depth, and it’s no wonder Kurisu reigns supreme for 2011.

2012: Rias Gremory (High School DxD)

Credits: Studio Passione

Bow down to the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess! Rias has dominated since 2012 with her devilish charm, jaw-dropping beauty, and tender affection for Issei. Whether she’s leading her peerage or stealing scenes with her ara ara energy, Rias is the ultimate waifu royalty.

2013: Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Credits: Studio MAPPA

Mikasa brought a whole new level of badassery to 2013! Her dedication to Eren, killer combat skills, and subtle moments of emotional vulnerability made her a standout in one of anime’s most intense series. She’s the definition of “ride or die.”

2014: Esdeath (Akame ga Kill!)

Credits: Studio White Fox

Esdeath is everything you want in a dominant waifu: powerful, seductive, and just a little terrifying. Her icy powers and fiery passion for Tatsumi earned her the crown for 2014—and maybe a spot in your dreams (or nightmares).

2015: Albedo (Overlord)

Credits: Studio Madhouse

The Overlord of our hearts! Albedo took 2015 by storm with her yandere devotion to Ainz and her alluring mix of beauty and danger. Her horns, wings, and darkly comedic moments sealed her place as one of anime’s greatest waifus ever.

2016: Rem (Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World)

Credits: wall.alphacoders.com

We all cried during Rem’s confession scene, didn’t we? Her loyalty, kindness, and oni powers made her a fan-favorite in Re:Zero. Even if Subaru couldn’t see it, the otaku world knew—Rem was the real MVP of 2016.

2017: Yumeko Jabami (Kakegurui)

Credits: Studio MAPPA

Let’s gamble on this one: Yumeko is pure fire. Her love for high-stakes gambling, seductive intensity, and devil-may-care attitude made her the breakout waifu of 2017. That smirk? Instant chills.

2018: Zero Two (Darling in the Franxx)

The Otaku Box

Everyone’s favorite darling! Zero Two stole the spotlight in 2018 with her wild personality, tragic backstory, and iconic pink hair. Her relationship with Hiro was as heart-melting as it was heartbreaking, making her the year’s waifu queen.

2019: Raphtalia (The Rising of the Shield Hero)

Credits: Studio Kinema Citrus

Raphtalia is the best girl who embodies loyalty and growth. From her humble beginnings as a scared demi-human to her rise as Naofumi’s trusted partner, Raphtalia’s journey tugged at our heartstrings. Her mix of fierce protectiveness and sweet charm made 2019 her year.

2020: Chizuru Mizuhara (Rent-A-Girlfriend)

Credits: Studio TMS Entertainment

Okay, I’ll admit it—Chizuru had me swooning all through 2020. She’s the perfect mix of beauty, ambition, and tsundere vibes. Whether she’s acting the perfect girlfriend or showing her true self, Chizuru proved she’s more than just a rental.

2021: Vladilena “Lena” Milizé (86 - Eighty-Six)

Credits: A-1 Pictures

Lena brought elegance and resolve to 2021 with her fight for justice and her heartfelt connection with the Spearhead Squadron. Her grace and unyielding spirit made her a standout among the year’s waifus.

2022: Yor Forger (Spy x Family)

The Otaku Box

Assassin. Wife. Mom. Yor Forger is a triple threat! Her deadly skills and adorable awkwardness at home made her 2022’s ultimate waifu. Let’s face it—we all want Yor on our side, whether it’s for a fight or a family dinner.

2023: Power (Chainsaw Man)

The Otaku Box

Chaotic, messy, and absolutely lovable, Power brought all the energy to 2023. Her antics, wild personality, and surprising moments of vulnerability made her the most unforgettable waifu of the year.

2024: Alisa Mikhailovna "Alya" Kujou (Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian)

Credits: Studio Doga Kobo

Closing out 2024, we have Alya, the sly, playful tsundere who loves sprinkling Russian phrases into her teasing. Her sharp tongue and hidden sweetness won over otaku hearts everywhere. Alya is proof that sometimes the softest love comes wrapped in the most sarcastic packaging.

Who Will Be the Waifu of 2025?

And there you have it, 14 years of anime greatness crowned by some of the most iconic waifus ever! From Saeko’s deadly charm to Alya’s clever teasing, these queens remind us why anime is the ultimate playground for unforgettable characters.

But the question remains: Who will reign as the waifu queen of 2025? Will it be a bold new character or a surprise comeback from a beloved classic? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Liz will be here, obsessing over every moment, and ready to crown the next anime royalty.

What do you think, otaku fam? Did your favorite make the cut, or do we need to throw down in the Otaku Community over waifu supremacy? Let’s chat, share, and celebrate the queens of anime together! Ja ne!