A liquid crystal display element for performing a display by a VA mode includes a first substrate including a first electrode, a liquid crystal layer including a liquid crystal molecule exhibiting a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a second substrate facing the first substrate with the liquid crystal layer in between, and including a second electrode facing the first electrode. Only the first electrode, or both of the first electrode and the second electrode are provided with a structure generating a distortion in an electric field, and the liquid crystal molecule located on the second substrate side has a pre-tilt angle larger than that of the liquid crystal molecule located on the first substrate side.