The worst fathers in anime have made unforgettable impacts on their children’s lives, often in deeply negative ways. From those who abandoned their kids in their times of need to fathers who subjected their offspring to emotional and physical abuse, this portrayal of fatherhood reveals unsettling truths. The following list highlights ten fathers whose actions have left their children scarred and traumatized, ranking them from merely bad to utterly devastating.
Disclaimer: This article presents the author’s personal views and contains spoilers related to the mentioned anime series.
Ranking of the 10 Worst Fathers in Anime
10. Rasa Kazekage (Naruto)
In the world of Naruto, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, demonstrates what it means to fail as a parent. Rather than nurturing his son Gaara, he perceives him merely as a weapon. By turning Gaara into a Jinchūriki at birth, Rasa subjects him to isolation and horrific mistreatment instead of love. His destructive actions fostered deep psychological trauma that haunted Gaara throughout his life.
9. Judge Vinsmoke (One Piece)
As the monarch of Germa in One Piece, Judge Vinsmoke viewed his children as expendable pawns in a war strategy rather than as family members. His insistence on forging emotionless soldiers led to significant suffering for his son Sanji, who resisted this cruel transformation. Judge’s lack of compassion and harsh criticism solidify his rank among the worst fathers in anime.
8. Ging Freecss (Hunter x Hunter)
Ging Freecss, a seasoned Hunter in Hunter x Hunter, opted for exploration over parental duty, abandoning his son Gon early in life. When Gon eventually sought him out, Ging’s cold demeanor rendered their reunion hollow. His decision to prioritize personal ambition over familial bonds cements Ging’s position as one of the most negligent fathers in anime.
7. Grisha Yeager (Attack on Titan)
Grisha Yeager burdened his children with his rebellious ideals. He pushed his firstborn, Zeke, into becoming a warrior against his will, and then replicated that exploitation with Eren. Using the Attack Titan to impose his will, Grisha’s actions caused rifts in family, leading both sons into the chaos of war.
6. Endeavor (My Hero Academia)
Despite being a Pro Hero, Endeavor’s obsession with surpassing All Might severely damaged his family dynamics. He imposed his aspirations onto his children, particularly Shoto, subjecting him to abusive pressure while neglecting their emotional needs. Although Endeavor seeks redemption, the trauma inflicted on his family cannot be undone.
5. Charles zi Britannia (Code Geass)
As the ruler of Britannia, Charles zi Britannia exhibited extreme detachment from his children, viewing them solely as instruments for his political maneuvers. By abandoning Lelouch and Nunnally post their mother’s death, he fueled the grievances that led Lelouch to rise against him, showcasing a father devoid of care and compassion.
4. Bondrewd (Made In Abyss)
In Made In Abyss, Bondrewd epitomizes a cold-hearted scientist. He adopts children like Prushka but treats them as mere subjects for his grotesque experiments. Despite offering a façade of care, he inflicts unimaginable pain, showcasing a complete lack of empathy and moral integrity. His actions mark him as one of the worst fathers in anime history.
3. Gambino (Berserk)
Leading a group of mercenaries, Gambino’s treatment of Guts was far from paternal. He abused Guts both physically and emotionally, making him believe he was to blame for his mother’s demise and using him purely for profit. Their toxic relationship ultimately left profound scars on Guts’s psyche, defining the tragic trajectory of his life.
2. Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Shou Tucker is a chilling example of a father gone terribly wrong. To maintain his alchemical title, he sacrifices his own family, transforming Nina and their pet dog into a chimera. This act of horrific betrayal reveals him as one of anime’s most reprehensible fathers, devoid of any shred of humanity.
1. Gendo Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Gendo Ikari’s manipulation and cold-heartedness in Neon Genesis Evangelion make him the epitome of a failed father. He abandons his son Shinji during his formative years, only to return when he needs Shinji for his own ends. Gendo shows no genuine care for his son, resulting in severe emotional trauma and estrangement. His selfishness solidifies his status as one of the worst fathers in anime.
Conclusion
These portrayals of fatherhood in anime highlight the extent of emotional and psychological harm that can come from neglect and abuse. Characters like Gendo Ikari and Shou Tucker exemplify how paternal figures can become sources of deep personal trauma. The legacies of these fathers, marked by manipulation, cruelty, and apathy, serve as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities endemic to parenthood.