Anime often features fathers who play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s lives, for better or worse. From the selfless heroes to the deeply flawed, here’s a breakdown of some of the best and worst dads in anime.
Best: Whitebeard (One Piece)
Whitebeard, or Edward Newgate, isn’t just a fearsome pirate; he’s a beloved adoptive father to his crew. His willingness to fight for them, particularly in the Marineford Arc when he risks his life to save Ace, exemplifies his dedication. His crew sees him as a father figure, and his legacy as a loving and protective leader is cemented by the loyalty of those who followed him.
Worst: Ash’s Dad (Pokémon)
Ash Ketchum’s father is practically a ghost in the Pokémon world. While Ash inherits his father’s passion for Pokémon training, his dad’s absence has left a gap in his life. In the rare moments when Ash could have met him, his father prioritizes his journey over spending time with his son, showing a lack of real care and commitment to their relationship.
Best: Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto/Boruto)
Naruto may struggle to balance his responsibilities as Hokage and as a father, but his heart is always in the right place. He makes a conscious effort to be there for his children, especially Boruto, despite the challenges of his demanding role. Naruto’s dedication to family, something he longed for in his own childhood, drives him to be a better father, striving to give his children the love and support he missed out on.
Worst: Goku (Dragon Ball)
Goku’s love for his family is undeniable, but his choices often put them in harm’s way. From letting his young son Gohan fight powerful enemies to prioritizing training over spending time with his family, Goku often neglects his duties as a father. He may be Earth’s greatest protector, but his constant absences make him a less-than-stellar dad.
Best: Piccolo (Dragon Ball)
While Goku may fall short, Piccolo steps up to fill the void in Gohan’s life. Originally an enemy, Piccolo grows into a father figure for Gohan, offering guidance, protection, and even sacrifice. His close bond with Gohan, and later with Gohan’s daughter, Pan, makes him the father figure that Goku never quite manages to be.
Worst: Yasopp (One Piece)
Yasopp’s abandonment of his family to join the Red-Haired Pirates leaves his son, Usopp, without a father. While Yasopp’s skills as a sniper are renowned, his role as a father is anything but praiseworthy. His disinterest in reconnecting with Usopp speaks volumes about where his priorities lie—far from his family.
Best: Shikaku Nara (Naruto)
Shikaku Nara’s wisdom and love for his son, Shikamaru, make him one of the best fathers in the Naruto series. He’s a constant source of support and guidance for Shikamaru, teaching him valuable life lessons that help Shikamaru grow into a strong, strategic leader. Even in death, Shikaku’s final act is one of selflessness, as he helps save countless lives with his last strategic plan.
Worst: Grisha Yeager (Attack on Titan)
Grisha Yeager’s obsession with overthrowing the Marleyan government leads him to emotionally manipulate and experiment on his sons, Zeke and Eren. His misguided actions contribute to the catastrophic events that unfold later in the series. His parenting is marked by manipulation, and both of his sons are ultimately shaped by the trauma he inflicted upon them.
Best: Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Maes Hughes is the epitome of a loving father. His devotion to his daughter, Elicia, is heartwarming, as is his constant pride in her, often to the point of over-enthusiastic boasting. His love for his family is pure, and even in his work as an officer, Hughes remains grounded in his desire to protect those closest to him.
Worst: Sho Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Few fathers in anime are as despicable as Sho Tucker. His actions in transforming his daughter, Nina, into a chimera to maintain his standing as a State Alchemist is nothing short of monstrous. Tucker’s lack of empathy and care for his daughter makes him one of the most horrifying father figures in anime history.
These anime dads represent the spectrum of fatherhood—from the selfless protectors to the cruel and absent. Their actions, for better or worse, leave lasting impacts on their children, shaping their futures in profound ways.
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