The Best Anime About Fathers, Ranked By Fans

The Best Anime About Fathers, Ranked By Fans

Rowan Blake
Updated February 15, 2025 21 items
Voting Rules

Vote for the best anime that shines a light on fatherhood.

Fatherhood in anime often brings out some of the most touching storylines. The best anime about fathers showcase a range of paternal figures, from the nurturing and supportive to the flawed yet loving. These characters are significant because they highlight the diverse ways fatherhood can be portrayed, offering viewers a chance to see different aspects of familial bonds and responsibilities.

For example, there's Kazuki and Rei from Buddy Daddies. Given their professions as hitmen, most people would assume these two wouldn't make great fathers - but that couldn't be further from the truth. After they adopt a girl named Miri, they strive to change their lives for the better in order to be the best dads they can be. Meanwhile, Sweetness and Lightning follows a recently widowed dad trying to raise his daughter on his own. He uses cooking as a way to connect with his daughter, making for a heartfelt story about grief and parenthood.

Whether it's through heartwarming moments or intense struggles, these anime series capture the essence of what it means to be a father. Vote for your favorite anime about fathers to help shape this list and celebrate these unforgettable characters.

  • My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer
    • Photo:
      • My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    This story showcases the pride and challenges of fatherhood as Belgrieve supports his adopted daughter, Angeline, in her quest for adventure. It highlights the themes of parental pride, the bittersweet nature of letting go, and the enduring bond between father and child.

    The Premise:

    Belgrieve retires from adventuring after losing his leg; he rescues an abandoned child.
    7 votes
    Love this anime?
  • How It Explores Fatherhood:

    In Buddy Daddies, two assassins unexpectedly become caretakers for a young girl, blending action and heartwarming moments. The anime explores how the duo's newfound parental roles bring out their softer sides and redefine their understanding of family and responsibility.

    The Premise:

    Assassins Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa meet Miri, a girl looking for her father on Christmas Day.
    37 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Sweetness and Lightning
    • Photo:
      • Sweetness and Lightning

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Sweetness and Lightning follows the life of a widowed father, Kohei, and his young daughter, Tsumugi. Their culinary adventures together highlight the themes of healing through family bonds and the importance of creating cherished memories amidst everyday struggles.

    The Premise:

    A widowed father and his young daughter bond over cooking, learning to heal and connect through shared meals.

    15 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Somali and the Forest Spirit

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    In Somali and the Forest Spirit, the bond between Somali and her adoptive father, a golem, reveal the lengths one will go to for family. The golem's evolution from a detached guardian to a caring father figure underscores the transformative power of fatherhood.

    The Premise:

    A golem and a human girl embark on a journey through a fantastical world to find her parents, forming a deep bond along the way.

    14 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Spy x Family
    • Photo:
      • Spy x Family

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    In Spy x Family, the makeshift family formed by the spy Loid, the assassin Yor, and the telepathic child Anya explores the theme of fatherhood in a unique context. Loid's efforts to balance his secretive life with his role as a caring father make for an entertaining story on the ups and downs of childcare.

    The Premise:

    Agent Twilight, Westalis' greatest spy, recruits a fake family to infiltrate a private school.
    34 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Barakamon
    • Photo:
      • Barakamon

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Barakamon centers on the evolving relationship between calligrapher Seishu and the energetic village child Naru. Through their interactions, Seishu learns valuable lessons about life and art, underscoring the profound influence a child can have on an adult’s journey of self-discovery.

    The Premise:

    The daily life of Handa on Goto Island and his interactions with the villagers.
    11 votes
    Love this anime?
  • The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    This anime humorously juxtaposes the rough world of yakuza life with the tender role of fatherhood. Kirishima's journey from a feared gangster to a nurturing caregiver for his boss's daughter reveals the redemptive power of love and responsibility.

    The Premise:

    The boss of the Sakuragi family appoints Kirishima to be the caretaker of his only daughter, Yaeka.
    20 votes
    Love this anime?
  • If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord
    • Photo:
      • If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord
    8

    If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    This anime showcases a doting father-daughter relationship between Dale and Latina. Dale's willingness to face any danger for Latina's happiness and safety emphasizes the theme of paternal devotion and the sacrifices fathers make for their children.

    The Premise:

    An adventurer adopts a young demon girl and vows to protect her, navigating a world of monsters and magic.

    17 votes
    Love this anime?
  • My Neighbor Totoro
    • Photo:
      • Toho

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    While not centered on fatherhood, My Neighbor Totoro subtly showcases the supportive and nurturing role of Satsuki and Mei's father as he balances work and family, providing a stable and loving environment for his daughters amidst their magical adventures.

    The Premise:

    Two young sisters discover magical creatures in the countryside, experiencing wonder and adventure as they cope with their mother's illness.

    16 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Clannad: After Story
    • Photo:
      • Clannad After Story

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    This emotionally charged anime delves deep into the challenges and rewards of fatherhood through Tomoya's relationship with his daughter, Ushio. It poignantly portrays the trials of raising a child alone and the enduring strength of a father's love.

    The Premise:

    A young man faces the challenges of adulthood and parenthood after marrying his high school sweetheart and starting a family.

    14 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Kotaro Lives Alone
    • Photo:
      • Kotaro Lives Alone

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Kotaro Lives Alone presents an unusual yet touching story of a young boy living independently and the adults around him who become his surrogate family. It highlights themes of community, the essence of paternal care, and the impact of fatherly figures in unexpected forms.

    The Premise:

    A boy moves into an apartment building all on his own and makes friends with his neighbor.
    17 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Poco's Udon World
    • Photo:
      • Poco's Udon World

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    The story of Poco's Udon World revolves around Sota and a shape-shifting tanuki child named Poco. Through his growing bond with Poco, Sota learns the significance of family, responsibility, and the joys and challenges of fatherhood.

    The Premise:

    A man returns to his hometown and discovers a shape-shifting tanuki child.

    7 votes
    Love this anime?
  • The Boy and the Beast
    • Photo:
      • The Boy and the Beast

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    This anime beautifully intertwines the themes of fatherhood and mentorship as a young boy, Ren, forms a bond with a beast named Kumatetsu. Their relationship evolves from mutual necessity to genuine familial love, showcasing the transformative power of a fatherly bond.

    The Premise:

    Kyuta slips into an alternate universe where he is raised by the bear-man, Kumatetsu. Kyuta is eventually thrust into an adventure that spans both worlds.
    7 votes
    Love this anime?
  • How It Explores Fatherhood:

    In Tadaima, Okaeri, the story revolves around a same-sex couple raising their adopted child. The anime sensitively portrays the challenges and triumphs of unconventional fatherhood, highlighting the universality of parental love and the importance of family acceptance.

    The Premise:

    A couple navigates the joys and challenges of raising their adopted child in a supportive and loving environment.

    23 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Hinamatsuri
    • Photo:
      • feel.

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Hinamatsuri humorously explores unconventional fatherhood through the relationship between a yakuza member, Nitta, and a telekinetic girl, Hina. Nitta's gradual adaptation to his unexpected parental role is both hilarious and heartwarming.

    The Premise:

    A yakuza member's life is turned upside down when a telekinetic girl unexpectedly arrives and becomes his ward.

    12 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Kakushigoto
    • Photo:
      • Kakushigoto

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Kakushigoto humorously and tenderly depicts the life of Kakushi, an adult manga artist hiding his profession from his daughter, Hime. The series highlights the lengths a father will go to protect his child's innocence and the deep, often unspoken, love that underlies their relationship.

    The Premise:

    An artist who draws adult comic books tries to hide what he does for a living from his daughter.
    12 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Sakugan
    17

    Sakugan

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Sakugan features the dynamic duo of Gagumber and his daughter, Memempu, navigating the dangers of a labyrinthine world. Their journey emphasizes the protective instincts of a father and the bond that strengthens through shared adversities and adventures.

    The Premise:

    A father-daughter duo ventures into a dangerous labyrinth world, seeking adventure and answers about their past.

    5 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Beelzebub
    • Photo:
      • Beelzebub

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Beelzebub offers a comedic twist on fatherhood with delinquent Oga becoming the reluctant caretaker of a demon baby, Beel. Their misadventures emphasize the unpredictable challenges of fatherhood and the surprising ways it can forge strong, affectionate bonds.

    The Premise:

    Oga Tatsumi tries to shrug off his responsibilities of raising Baby Beel.
    5 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Bunny Drop
    • Photo:
      • Bunny Drop

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    In Bunny Drop, the sudden responsibility of caring for his grandfather's illegitimate daughter, Rin, transforms Daikichi's life. This poignant anime explores themes of single parenthood, personal sacrifice, and the unspoken rewards of being a nurturing father.

    The Premise:

    A single man unexpectedly takes on the responsibility of raising his deceased grandfather's illegitimate daughter.

    15 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Aishiteruze Baby
    • Photo:
      • Aishiteruze Baby

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Aishiteruze Baby centers on high school student Kippei, who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his young cousin, Yuzuyu. This anime beautifully illustrates the journey from carefree youth to responsible caregiver, emphasizing the transformative power of love and dedication in fatherhood.

    The Premise:

    A carefree high school student becomes the guardian of his young cousin, learning about love and responsibility.

    7 votes
    Love this anime?
  • Deaimon
    • Photo:
      • Deaimon: Recipe for Happiness

    How It Explores Fatherhood:

    Deaimon depicts the heartwarming journey of Nagomu, who returns to his family’s confectionery shop and meets Itsuka, a young girl searching for her father. Their evolving relationship underscores themes of surrogate fatherhood and the healing power of familial love.

    The Premise:

    A man returns to his family's confectionery shop and develops a father-daughter bond with a young girl searching for her missing father.

    2 votes
    Love this anime?