Is it possible that some fathers lean more towards shows like “The Simpsons” and “King of the Hill,” as my dad does, or prefer series such as “Dragon Ball,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and “Cowboy Bebop,” much like my father-in-law? Regardless, countless fathers out there hold a deep respect for animation. Even if they don’t share this particular interest, they’re undoubtedly engrossed in their role as parents and deserve acknowledgment. Thus, what could be more fitting than honoring dads everywhere on Father’s Day by compiling a list of the Top Anime Dads?
Not every father in anime is perfect, mirroring real-life situations where fathers might fall short. However, there are many wonderful dads out there – stepfathers, adoptive parents, and grandparents among them – who courageously assume the role of a father when it’s most needed. Biological connection or not, these loving individuals share an indestructible bond with their children: an unwavering love that surpasses even the mightiest Kamehameha or punch from Saitama.
1) Loid Forger from Spy x Family
In the peaceful yet tense cities of Ostania and Westalis, undercover agent Twilight disguises himself as psychiatrist Loid Forger in Berlint to gather information about politician Donovan Desmond. However, Donovan seldom attends his son’s school, Eden Academy, making it challenging for Loid to get close to him. To bridge this gap, Loid recruits Yor Briar, a single city hall clerk, and enrolls her adopted daughter, Anya, at Eden Academy, aiming to create a normal, content family facade. Ironically, Loid’s newfound family has secrets of their own – Yor is actually the notorious assassin “Thorn Princess,” and Anya possesses the unique ability to read people’s minds.
Observing Loid, I see that while his family life initially serves as a cover for his mission, it’s evident his affection for this make-believe family deepens sincerely – particularly towards his adopted daughter, Anya. Parenthood seems to be an unfamiliar yet mastered skill for this seasoned spy, yet he never falters in fulfilling his responsibilities.
Anya, a child with exceptional abilities and a unique character, presents challenges that are beyond the ordinary, but Loid cherishes her as his beloved daughter wholeheartedly. He’s undeniably one of anime’s most endearing and loving fathers.
Spy x Family can be streamed on Hulu and Crunchyroll where available.
2) Rei and Kazuki from Buddy Daddies
Four-year-old Miri Unasaka ventures out alone in Tokyo, leading her to a big hotel after spotting a man with an appealing cake. Regrettably, this leads her straight into a Christmas Eve assassination plot orchestrated by skilled killers Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa who happen to be mafia bosses. Luckily for Miri, these two opt to look after her and help reunite her with her mother. Despite their icy demeanors and desire to avoid emotional attachments, they gradually warm up to the young girl, acting as surrogate fathers, with Miri affectionately referring to each of them as “Papa”.
Instead of one deadly parent, they have two! While their professions might be tough, Kazuki and Rei discover that nothing quite compares to the trials of parenthood. It takes Rei a while to bond with Miri, but once he does, he cherishes her just as deeply. Initially finding it hard to maintain a typical childhood for Miri amidst their assassin lives, they eventually adjust and make an exceptional parenting duo.
Buddy Daddies can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
3) Maes Hughes from Fullmetal Alchemist
In their quest to resurrect their mother, the Elric brothers disregarded the prohibition on human transmutation, leading to severe consequences. Edward lost both his arm and leg as a consequence, while Alphonse forfeited his entire physical body. With their mechanical engineer neighbor and friend Winry crafting advanced prosthetic limbs for Edward, Alphonse had his spirit bonded with an entire suit of armor in an effort to save him. Eager to reclaim their bodies, they embarked on a journey to locate the Philosopher’s Stone – a mythical artifact rumored to empower alchemists to bypass conventional Equivalent Exchange rules. However, they found themselves entangled in a conspiracy during their search.
As I join the military ranks, working side by side with me is none other than Maes Hughes, a State Alchemist. This fellow officer bears a striking resemblance to my own father, exuding a warmth and devotion that’s hard to ignore. He’s always ready to share stories and show photos of his cherished wife and child, making it seem like a beloved pastime. Hughes is a man who embodies an unwavering love for his family and a resilient camaraderie towards his fellow men in our challenging profession.
Although the initial “Fullmetal Alchemist” series might not be easily accessible, you can stream “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” on platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu, depending on your location.
4) Kun’s Father from Mirai
Growing up in our sleek urban abode, I’ve always been spoiled as an only child, sharing the house with my parents and our cherished dog Yukko. But when my new baby sister Mirai joins us, I struggle to adapt to this unfamiliar family dynamic. With everyone doting on her, I find myself acting out in tantrums, hoping to regain some attention, only for it to seem like my cries fall on deaf ears. However, as I embark on a series of thrilling escapades encountering various versions of our family from different eras, I ultimately grasp the essence of brotherhood and belonging within this loving unit.
Observing Kun’s family dynamics, I see that while his mother is the primary earner, his father, an architect by profession, assumes the role of a dedicated homemaker. This has been my father’s journey and mirrored in my brother-in-law’s life too. Contrary to popular belief, being a stay-at-home parent isn’t a leisurely stroll (unless they are literally taking their kids for walks in the park). Instead, it appears more like a demanding full-time job. Yet, despite the hard work and tireless effort invested into maintaining the household and nurturing the family, it seems every ounce of energy spent is undeniably worthwhile. Whether it’s Kun’s father or my brother-in-law, they both pour their heart and soul into their roles as caregivers.
5) Ryouji “Ranka” Fujioka from Ouran High School Host Club
Initially stumbling into the Host Club unintentionally at an inconvenient moment, Haruhi Fujioka finds herself obligated to repay the school for the debt she has incurred. The catch? She’s a girl. However, this obstacle doesn’t deter her as she conceals her identity and dresses up as a boy to settle her obligation. The boys at the club aid her in maintaining her secret, leading to a close friendship between them. Surprisingly, she starts to relish her time spent with the Host Club.
It’s possible you might be puzzled by seeing a mom on a list of dads… Actually, it’s because the character Ryouji ‘Ranka’ Fujioka is more like a superb dad-mom to Haruhi. This is due to a situation where Haruhi lost her mother, leaving a gap in their home. Since Ranka was already familiar with parenting Haruhi, it made sense for him to take on both roles. Ranka is a dedicated parent who values honesty and prioritizes Haruhi’s happiness and well-being above all else – a truly remarkable individual, regardless of gender.
Ouran High School Host Club can be streamed on Hulu and Netflix.
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6) Byakuya Ishigami from Dr. Stone
In the year 5738, it’s not the future we might have imagined. Following a peculiar burst of green light that petrified every human on Earth, Senku Ishigami awakens from his stone state and realizes the world has regressed to the Stone Age. After discovering a cure for humanity’s petrification, he and his old companions, Taiju Oki and Yuzuriha Ogawa, uncover more puzzles than solutions. What caused humanity to turn into stone? Who are the few individuals immune to this transformation yet unaware of our advanced past? How can they revive mankind without inadvertently triggering disasters like an imbalanced vision of perfection that could jeopardize their efforts?
Exceptionally intelligent and caring father, Byakuya Ishigami, is known for his unwavering dedication to fostering and encouraging Senku’s thirst for scientific knowledge and advancement. Despite the vast chasm of time that separates them, Byakuya’s foresight in nurturing his son’s curiosity and preserving resources for Senku’s future use has created an unbreakable bond that spans across the ages. This remarkable father-son duo showcases a unique scientific aptitude that transcends time, making Byakuya one of the most loving and intelligent anime fathers in history, whose belief in his son knows no bounds.
Dr. Stone can be streamed on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or Crunchyroll where available.
7) Tatsuo Kusakabe from My Neighbor Totoro
Tatsuo Kusakabe and his daughters Satsuki and Mei are relocating to a countryside house for easier access to their mother’s hospital treatments. As they acclimate to their new abode, an old woman offers assistance and shares tales of potential spirits in the rural area, including soot sprites – tiny, black, furry creatures that hide in home crevices. One day, while playing outside, Mei discovers a small, rabbit-like creature and follows it into the woods, encountering the giant, fluffy forest spirit named Totoro. Initially skeptical, Satsuki eventually meets Totoro as well, and with their new woodland companion, the sisters embark on exciting adventures in their new home.
Dealing with the challenge of relocating to a new house, being concerned about a family member in the hospital, and simultaneously caring for one’s own children can all pile up to create an extremely stressful situation. While some kids might find moving to the countryside dull, Satsuki and Mei’s father somehow turns it into a magical experience. Tatsuo Kusakabe, in this classic anime movie, not only maintains his composure but also takes care of his ill spouse and energetic daughters with an infectious optimism and charm that truly embodies the ideal anime dad figure.
My Neighbor Totoro can be streamed on Max.
8) Luomen from The Apothecary Diaries
In a red-light district, the daughter of an apothecary named Maomao is abducted and forced to serve at the imperial palace. She’s suddenly immersed in a world filled with intricate political conflicts and strange occurrences. To keep her literacy and healing abilities hidden, she secretly attempts to remedy the mysterious illnesses affecting the emperor’s children. When the children start deteriorating gravely, Maomao can’t resist helping them, even anonymously.
Eventually, a handsome eunuch named Jinshi discovers her talents, and Maomao is elevated to the position of Gyokuyou’s lady-in-waiting and poison taster. However, as her skills become vital, she encounters dangers that extend far beyond the risks associated with tasting poisons.
In the heart of the bustling red-light district, I’ve come to know Luomen – a gentle, humble eunuch apothecary who serves as a father figure to Maomao. Despite his reluctance to charge for his services, often to Maomao’s frustration, Luomen’s Western-studied medical skills are second to none. He hasn’t just imparted knowledge about herbs, medicines, and poisons to Maomao, but also instilled practical wisdom, such as the importance of remaining silent on unproven theories until solid evidence emerges.
The Apothecary Diaries can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, or Cruchyroll where available.
9) Sōjirō Izumi from Lucky Star
In the lives of high school girls Konata Izumi, Tsukasa and Kagami Hiiragi, and Miyuki Takara, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. They discuss topics ranging from traditional Japanese customs, the nuances of otaku lifestyle, academics, to the art of preparing and savoring different dishes. With their unique quirks, these friends ensure there’s never a moment devoid of excitement. Even when things get slow, they manage to transform those moments into unforgettable experiences.
Following her mother’s demise, Konata was raised singlehandedly by her father, Sōjirō Izumi. Despite this challenging situation, Sōjirō skillfully balanced his role as a nurturing and supportive parent with his personal hobbies. This is similar to my late father-in-law, as they both shared the quality of being fantastic otaku fathers. Just like my husband inherited a love for anime from his father, Konata developed this interest under Sōjirō’s influence. It was said that due to his success in living out the dream of an awesome otaku parent and spouse, Sōjirō even earned the nickname “Awesome-kun” among fans.
Lucky Star can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
10) Spirit Albarn from Soul Eater
At Death Weapon Meister Academy in the metropolis known as Death City, overseen by the supreme Shinigami, Death himself, was established with a unique purpose: to manufacture Death Scythes for combat against global malevolence. However, for aspiring students capable of transforming into Demon Weapons and their meister counterparts, the journey towards becoming full-fledged Death Scythes demands teamwork. The objective is to gather and consume 99 evil souls and one witch’s soul. One such duo, the Demon Scythe Soul Eater Evans and his meister Maka Albarn, work in unison to achieve this goal. Alongside other novice weapon-meister teams, they brace themselves for various obstacles as they undertake missions to gather souls, safeguard the city, and grow in wisdom, strength, and moral integrity.
Observing Maka’s father, Spirit Albarn, reminds me somewhat of another brother-in-law I know. Despite occasionally straying off course, he embodies a deep and heartfelt devotion as a parent. His attempts to project an air of nonchalance often provide amusing moments, yet beneath this facade lies a more complex, almost mysterious character. It’s worth noting that he wields the Scythe of Lord Death.
Despite her occasional teenage disdain, his first-born daughter can’t help but acknowledge that Spirit takes both his responsibilities and her welfare extremely seriously.
Soul Eater can be streamed on Hulu or Crunchyroll where available.
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2025-06-15 14:11