If we're talking about harems with female leads who actually have agency, 'The Twelve Kingdoms' is a must. Youko Nakajima starts off as a timid high schooler but transforms into a ruler who carves her own destiny. The world-building is phenomenal—it's not just romance fluff but a deep dive into politics, survival, and self-discovery. The supporting female characters, like Queen Ryou and Shoukei, are equally complex, each battling their own demons.
What sets it apart is how it subverts harem tropes. The male characters orbit Youko, but she’s never objectified; her growth is the core. The anime’s pacing can be slow, but that’s because it prioritizes character arcs over fan service. It’s a shame it never got a full adaptation, but the existing episodes are gold for anyone tired of passive heroines.