The Best and Worst Anime Fathers (2025)

Anime has some great fathers, but it also has some terrible ones. Fathers are some of the most important figures in a child's life. A dad's impact affects his child for their whole life. Children often grow to either respect or resent their fathers.

From Whitebeard to Grisha Yeager, anime has a broad spectrum of fathers. Fathers and their impact on their sons varies from case to case. However, it cannot be argued how important fathers are. Each of these dads, good or bad, plays a pivotal role in their child's life.

10 Best: Whitebeard is a Beloved Adoptive Father to His Whole Crew

First Appeared in One Piece, Episode 151, "100 Million Man! World's Greatest Power and Pirate Black Beard!"

Edward Newgate from One Piece, better known as Whitebeard, is the best example of an adoptive father in anime. Whitebeard is also one of the Yonko and captain of a fearsome group of pirates. Whitebeard sees every crew member as one of his adoptive sons. For this reason, Whitebeard is extremely protective of his crew, going to great lengths to ensure their safety. Whitebeard is an extremely forgiving and fair father.

The best example of this is during the Marineford arc. Not only does Whitebeard lead an attack on marine headquarters to stop the execution of his adopted son, Portgas D. Ace. Whitebeard also forgives one of his adoptive sons who betrayed him to the Marines. Unfortunately, the attempt costs them their lives. However, it is still a testament to Whitebeard's dedication to fatherhood.

One Piece

Created by Eiichiro Oda, the One Piece franchise explores the adventures of pirate Luffy D. Monkey and his crew, the Straw Hats. Since the manga first debuted in 1997, One Piece has been adapted into an ongoing anime that has seen multiple movies. Most recently it was adapted into a live-action series by Netflix.

Created by

Eiichiro Oda

First TV Show

One Piece

Latest TV Show

Netflix's One Piece

First Episode Air Date

October 20, 1999

Cast

Mayumi Tanaka , Kazuya Nakai , Colleen Clinkenbeard , Christopher Sabat , Kerry Williams , Kappei Yamaguchi , Sonny Strait , Hiroaki Hirata , Eric Valette , Ikue Ootani

9 Worst: Ash's Dad Would Rather Have Pokémon Battles Than See His Son

First mentioned in Pokémon: Indigo League, Episode 2, "Pokémon Emergency"

Ash Ketchum dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master. A dream Ash shares with his father. Even though Ash's dad has never been expressly shown or given a name in the series, he is confirmed to be a Pokémon trainer. Unfortunately, it is implied that Ash's father went on his Pokémon journey around the time Ash was born.

During one of the few opportunities to meet his father, Ash is running late. Instead of waiting for his son, like a good father, Ash's dad moves on. While he does leave Ash with a gift, Ash's dad doesn't seem to care about him. This instance and being absent from Ash's life are a few reasons Ash's dad is considered bad.

Pokémon

TV-Y7

Anime

Action

Adventure

Ash Ketchum, his yellow pet Pikachu, and his human friends explore a world of powerful creatures.

Release Date

September 8, 1998

Cast

Veronica Taylor , Eric Stuart , Rachael Lillis , Sarah Natochenny , Bill Rogers , Rica Matsumoto , Ikue Ootani

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

25

Studio

OLM Inc.

Creator

Junichi Masuda, Ken Sugimori, Satoshi Tajiri

8 Best: Naruto Tries to Be the Father He Never Had

First Appeared in Naruto, Episode 1, "Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!"

Naruto Uzumaki is far from the perfect father, but he tries his best. Fatherhood isn't easy. After becoming the Hokage in Boruto, Naruto finds balancing work and home life difficult. Naruto is constantly working at his job instead of spending time with his family. That being said, Naruto cares deeply for his family and shares many tender moments with his children.

While Boruto initially bears some resentment towards his father, he eventually comes around. The two develop an understanding when Boruto realizes how hard Naruto is trying. This is because Naruto makes a genuine effort with his children. Without a doubt, Naruto's family is the most important thing in his life. One of the many ways that Naruto has become the father he never had.

Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.

Cast

Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Noriaki Sugiyama , Yuri Lowenthal , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Dave Wittenberg

Created by

Masashi Kishimoto

First Film

Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

Latest Film

Boruto: Naruto the Movie

First TV Show

Naruto

Latest TV Show

Boruto

First Episode Air Date

September 21, 1999

Spin-offs

Boruto

TV Show(s)

Naruto , Naruto: Shippuden

Video Game(s)

Naruto Ninja Council 3 , Naruto: Rise Of A Ninja , Naruto: Path Of The Ninja , Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm , Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage , Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact

Manga Release Date

August 6, 2003

Manga Volumes

72

Genre

Shonen , Anime , Manga , Action-Adventure

7 Worst: Goku Regularly Leaves His Family To Train

First Appeared in Dragon Ball, Episode 1, "Secret of the Dragon Ball"

At the beginning of Dragon Ball Z, Goku shocks his friends by revealing that he is now a father. Things escalate when Goku's brother Raditz appears and demands that Goku join forces with him. Goku refuses but is easily overpowered. Raditz then kidnaps Gohan. Though Goku manages to save his son, he dies in the process. Goku's battle with Raditz is just one of the many times Goku puts his children in harm's way. Goku has his sons fight in his place several times throughout the series and the sequel series, Dragon Ball Super.

Sometimes Goku is a good father, but most of the time he isn't. Goku also regularly puts fighting above his family and expects his family to understand. Goku may love his family, but there are more important things to him. Often, Goku chooses to fight or train rather than spend time with his family. Goku is an amazing fighter, just not an amazing father.

Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball tells the tale of a young warrior by the name of Son Goku, a young peculiar boy with a tail who embarks on a quest to become stronger and learns of the Dragon Balls, when, once all 7 are gathered, grant any wish of choice.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

First Film

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies

Latest Film

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

First TV Show

Dragon Ball

Latest TV Show

Dragon Ball Super

Upcoming TV Shows

Dragon Ball DAIMA

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989

Cast

Sean Schemmel , Laura Bailey , Brian Drummond , Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil

Current Series

Dragon Ball Super

6 Best: Piccolo Starts as an Enemy but Becomes the Father Gohan Needs

First Appeared in Dragon Ball, Episode 123, "Lost and Found"

Like Goku, Piccolo fights Raditz at the beginning of Dragon Ball Z. Piccolo takes Gohan to train him after Goku's death. In the beginning, Piccolo's training methods are cruel, but he begins to care for Gohan over time. Piccolo eventually sacrifices himself to save Gohan. Piccolo is later brought back to life by the Dragon Balls.

In the sequel series, Dragon Ball Super, Gohan becomes a father himself. Piccolo acts more like a grandfather to Gohan's child than Goku does. Piccolo is often depicted as doting on Pan just like any devoted grandfather. Piccolo truly goes above and beyond for Gohan, which is why many fans see him as Gohan's true father.

5 Worst: Yasopp Abandoned His Wife and Child to Become a Pirate

First Appeared in One Piece, Episode 4, 'Luffy's Past! Enter Red-Haired Shanks!"

Yasopp is a notorious sniper from the Red-Haired Pirates in One Piece. However, Yasopp is also a father, something he's not quick to advertise. At some point when Usopp was a child, Yasopp joined Shank's crew and left his family behind. Yasopp has never looked back. When anyone asks about Usopp, Yasopp quickly shuts them down. Yassop's dreams are more important to him than his family.

Yasopp might be one of the best snipers in One Piece, but he's a terrible father. Yasopp doesn't care that he's a widower either. Yasopp won't deny this, but it doesn't matter much to him. Yassop is a pirate first and a family man last. Yasopp and Usopp will likely meet again on the Grand Line, but Yasopp isn't looking forward to it.

4 Best: Shikaku Nara Is a Great Father to Shikamaru

First Appeared in Naruto, Episode 59, "The Final Rounds: Rush to the Battle Arena"

Shikaku Nara from Naruto might not have the greatest introduction, but he quickly proves his dedication to his son. Shikaku shares some wholesome moments with his son in Naruto and the sequel series. Shikaku is even instrumental in helping his son mourn the loss of his teacher. It is clear Shikamaru, Shikaku's son, really looks up to him. Shikaku teaches Shikimaru many of the lessons he uses throughout the various series.

Shikaku loves his family, especially his son. Unfortunately, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Shikaku is killed by the 10-Tails. Shikaku bravely uses his last moments to relay his plan to defeat the giant monster and dies a hero. Shikaku is often regarded as one of the best fathers in anime and is the best father in Naruto.

3 Worst: Grisha Yeager Performed Terrible Experiments On His Sons, Zeke and Erin

First Appeared in Attack on Titan, Episode 1, "To you, 2,000 Years in the Future -The Fall of Zhiganshina (1)"

Grisha Yeager from Attack on Titan is a terrible father to both his sons. Grisha is a member of an organization dedicated to restoring the Eldian government. Before the series even begins, he emotionally abuses his son Zeke. Eventually, Zeke grows to resent his father and reports Grisha for wanting to overthrow the Marleyan government. Grisha is severely punished but escapes to a new country called Paradis.

As he plans to topple the Marleyan government, Grisha has a second son in Paradis. Although Grisha does not emotionally abuse Erin, he would later force Erin to transform into a titan. Grisha only cares about getting revenge on the Marleyan government, no matter the cost. If Grisha cared more about his sons, he could've prevented Erin from committing The Rumbling.

Attack on Titan

Created by

Hajime Isayama

First Film

Attack on Titan

First TV Show

Attack On Titan

First Episode Air Date

September 28, 2013

2 Best: Maes Hughes Is the Ultimate Family Man

First Appeared in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Episode 1, "Fullmetal Alchemist"

From his introduction to his final moments, Maes Hughes from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a family man. Hughes takes advantage of every conversation to talk about his daughter. As a very active father, Hughes is a refreshing take on the anime dad. Even during his final moments, Hughes is only thinking about his family.

Maes Hughes serves as a profound example to fathers everywhere. Hughes is an excellent father by both anime and real-life standards. Maes Hughes is the best anime dad. Even though Hughes is constantly working, he makes it known that his family is his priority. Hughes' death is one of the saddest moments in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and all anime.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Drama

Fantasy

Original title: Hagane no renkinjutsushi.
When a failed alchemical ritual leaves brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric with severely damaged bodies, they begin searching for the one thing that can save them: the fabled philosopher's stone.

Cast

Romi Pak , Rie Kugimiya , Shinichirô Miki , Fumiko Orikasa

Release Date

April 9, 2009

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

Production Company

Bones

Number of Episodes

64

1 Worst: Shou Tucker Is One of the Most Evil Men in Anime

First Appeared in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Episode 4, "An Alchemist's Anguish"

Shou Tucker is a vile and evil man. Even though he is not the series' antagonist, Shou is the worst character in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. In the series, Shou is known as the "sewing-life alchemist". Shou is also a single father since his wife left two years ago. Shou's primary focus is on creating chimeras, combinations of two creatures. Yet, none of these creatures could understand human speech. That is until Shou Tucker does the unthinkable.

Shou Tucker used his daughter in one of his vile experiments. Tucker shows zero remorse and is only upset that he was caught. This is not only the darkest moment in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, but one of the darkest moments in anime history. Shou Tucker is remembered as an evil human being and the worst father in anime.