Anime has introduced a plethora of impactful characters, many of whom have become beloved icons among fans who grew up watching these series. Targeting an audience that often begins at age 13, anime effectively captivates a diversified viewer base. However, despite carrying a PG-13 rating, certain anime characters possess traits and behaviors that, while engaging in their respective narratives, are not suitable for younger viewers. These characters may be intriguing and add depth to the story but fail to serve as positive role models for impressionable audiences.
While many of these characters have garnered a following, their problematic attributes can be concerning when considering their impact on the youth. Personality traits that are morally ambiguous or outright harmful might bring excitement to the plot but can also foster negative behaviors when emulated by children. Examples of excessive perversion, toxic ideologies, or manipulative actions are prevalent and should not be treated as acceptable. In a suitable context, these elements can enhance the narrative; however, around younger audiences, they become detrimental influences.
10 Dazai Osamu’s Suicidal Humor Isn’t for Kids
Bungo Stray Dog
Dazai Osamu stands out as a significant character in Bungo Stray Dogs, captivating audiences with his charm and wit. His overwhelming popularity transcends the anime itself, establishing him as a prominent figure in the industry. Nevertheless, his genius can be overshadowed by his self-destructive tendencies and reckless behavior. Despite Dazai’s charismatic persona and clever remarks, his frequent mentions of suicide and fascination with mortality pose a significant risk for younger audiences.
The allure of Dazai’s enigmatic personality intrigues viewers, though his unpredictable nature and dark humor surrounding death can mislead impressionable minds. Even though he is a well-realized character, normalizing suicidal themes as part of his personality is troubling, especially given the broad demographic that engages with the series. Ultimately, the complex themes he represents are not suitable for casual exposure to younger viewers.
9 Minoru Mineta Is a Hero, But Not a Role Model
My Hero Academia
Minoru Mineta, known as the Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice, is one of My Hero Academia’s most controversial figures. Although he has good intentions at heart, his actions and persona tarnish his reputation among heroes. Renowned for his crude behavior and incessant lewd comments, Mineta finds himself at odds with not only the girls in his class but also many of his male peers, who often view him as bothersome and inappropriate.
Beyond his inappropriate tendencies, Mineta grapples with insecurity and jealousy towards his more capable classmates. He frequently laments his weaker Quirk and attempts to charm others, yet his awkward and often crude antics come off as more annoying than impressive. In a series that emphasizes humor, Mineta’s character often shifts from comedic to uncomfortable, positioning him as a poor example for younger viewers.
8 Melodias Is Faithful, But He Is Not The Man That Kids Must Admire
Seven Deadly Sins
While Meliodas from The Seven Deadly Sins exhibits power and strength, his actions do not make him a suitable hero for younger viewers. His deep affection for Elizabeth is central to his story, yet the depiction of their relationship often undermines concerns regarding his inappropriate behavior. Although their romance is presented within a tragic framework, Meliodas’s conduct raises red flags about his treatment of Elizabeth. Many of his actions, interpreted as humor, blur the lines of respect and consent, especially for impressionable audiences.
While his questionable behavior is mainly directed toward Elizabeth, that does not lessen the concern. The lighthearted portrayal of such actions undermines crucial messages about respect and boundaries. Although Meliodas possesses qualities such as charisma and leadership, they do not absolve his inappropriate tendencies. For a character meant to be a role model, his flaws render him less admirable, especially for young viewers.
7 Roshi Is a Legendary Mentor With Questionable Behavior
Dragon Ball
Master Roshi, an iconic figure in Dragon Ball, imparts valuable lessons to his students, including Goku and Krillin. His wisdom and skills solidify his status as a crucial mentor in shaping some of the strongest characters in the series. However, his frequent displays of a perverted nature cast a shadow on his otherwise respectable role. While he demonstrates kindness and exhibits growth, his inappropriate behavior towards women easily overshadows his more commendable characteristics.
Roshi’s antics are often played for comedic effect, sending a troubling message to young viewers about acceptable behaviors. Time and again, his misbehavior emerges, making it challenging to ignore the lessons undermined by his transgressions. A mentor should instill values of respect and integrity, and despite his exceptional qualities, Roshi’s behavior makes him an unsuitable figure for children to look up to.
6 Rudeus Is a 34-Year-Old Mind in a Child’s Body
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Rudeus Greyrat in Mushoku Tensei represents a complex journey of maturation while simultaneously battling unsettling themes. Though he evolves from being self-centered to assuming greater responsibility, the paradox of his adult mind trapped in a child’s body leads to inappropriate predilections. Despite Rudeus’s character growth, his recurring fantasies about much younger heroines remain troubling.
Although he showcases certain redeeming qualities, Rudeus’s behavior towards younger characters reflects deep-seated issues. His attempts at growth are overshadowed by the uncomfortable reality of how he interacts with his peers. Despite the story showcasing his growth, it is challenging to disregard how his tendencies contradict any positive developments he undergoes.
5 Hisoka’s Obsession with Gon and Killua Is Disturbing
Hunter x Hunter
Hisoka from Hunter x Hunter is undeniably charismatic yet his unsettling fixation on young fighters like Gon and Killua is alarming. Rather than merely viewing them as opponents, Hisoka appears to perceive them as potential objects of desire, muddying the line between rivalry and predatory behavior. His playful demeanor disguises a darker side, as he relishes in their fear and utilizes them in his twisted games.
Though Hisoka’s charm captivates many, his actions towards Gon and Killua bear a predatory undercurrent. Interactions that seem harmless at face value are rooted in an unsettling obsession, creating an environment where the threat of manipulation is constant. Hisoka’s affection for these young boys accentuates the dangers present when deceitful charm covers a deeply troubling instinct.
4 Sanji’s Chivalry Shines, But His Obsession with Women Crosses Boundaries
One Piece
As a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, Sanji stands out for his loyalty and selflessness, consistently placing the well-being of his crewmates above his own. His emotional depth and commitment to friendship serve as an inspiration to young viewers, exemplifying the importance of support and unity among friends. However, Sanji’s favorable view of women occasionally spirals into obsession, reflecting poorly against his otherwise chivalrous image.
While his intentions clearly emanate from respect, Sanji’s excessive admiration often translates into inappropriate behavior. Such objectification can undermine the empowering sentiments associated with his character. Although he may not display the more extreme behaviors of other characters, it highlights that even well-meaning individuals can sometimes set poor examples for younger audiences due to underlying flaws.
3 Doflamingo Is an Unredeemable Villain
One Piece
In One Piece, Donquixote Doflamingo stands as an exceedingly disturbing character, marking him as one of the darkest figures in anime history. His penchant for cruelty and psychological manipulation positions him as a dangerous influence, especially for younger viewers who may not comprehend the extent of his malevolence. Doflamingo’s twisted pursuit for power translates into brutal actions that leave scars on countless individuals, including those close to him.
While Sanji’s antics may simply be bothersome, Doflamingo’s behavior is egregious and unrelenting. His psychological torment of others showcases a depth of malevolence that should not be ingested lightly. His disregard for the lives of others, especially children during the Dressrosa arc, solidifies Doflamingo as an unfit character for any child to admire. His manipulative tendencies and merciless cruelty clearly present an unhealthy model for impressionable audiences.
2 Orochimaru Is a Shinobi Who Crossed the Line of Humanity
Naruto
In Naruto, Orochimaru operates under a dark and disturbing narrative. Once hailed as a shinobi of great potential, his descent into unethical experimentation illustrates a tragic portrayal of ambition gone awry. With a path tainted by the exploitation of children for his heinous experiments, he represents a character who has crossed the lines of morality and humanity.
Orochimaru’s manipulative acts, particularly towards vulnerable characters like Sasuke and Anko, reveal how he utilized their sorrow for his own sinister purposes. By exploiting their emotional struggles, he twisted their lives for his gain. His complete disregard for others’ well-being makes him a danger, particularly for children who could easily misunderstand his villainous framework. Orochimaru embodies the consequences of ambition unchecked by any human compassion.
1 Shou Tucker Is The Worst Father in Anime
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Shou Tucker’s actions in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood unveil a character whose cruelty surpasses most villains, making him the ultimate example of parental neglect. His treatment of his daughter, Nina, is a chilling manifestation of his selfish ambitions. Seeing his own child as nothing but a tool exemplifies a profound moral deficit.
Tucker’s willingness to sacrifice his own family for personal gain serves as a disturbing indication of the extremes of parental abuse. In a narrative filled with unique themes and moral paradigms, he represents traits that should remain unwatched by children. Fullmetal Alchemist delivers a powerful story, yet exposing kids to a character like Tucker, who threatens the very essence of responsible parenthood, is unacceptable. No child should encounter such a glaring juxtaposition of parental love and complete selfishness.