In the vibrant world of anime, the spotlight doesn’t just shine on the young, brash protagonists who typically grace our screens. A special breed of characters, formidable older men, often command the stage with their awe-inspiring capabilities and wisdom, forged in countless battles. These old men are powerhouses, standing out as some of the strongest fighters in their distinct universes.

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This piece pays tribute to those venerable characters who’ve weathered life’s storms to emerge stronger. They serve as poignant reminders that growing old isn’t a setback but a badge of survival and resilience in an anime world fraught with danger.

Collage of Loid, Sylvia, Fiona, and Yor

Updated by Stefania Ikeda-Stavridi on the 18th of October 2023:In the ever-evolving world of anime, we’re continually introduced to new and influential characters. Some of them even serve as exceptional mentors to the youthful protagonists. We have updated our list to include five more of these powerful old men.

15Kaseki (Dr Stone)

Kaseki defies initial expectations with his unimposing appearance – covered in baggy clothes and sporting a long beard. However, beneath this deceptive facade lies a hidden powerhouse, sporting a set of massive muscles that he unveils upon his depetrification.

While he possesses raw physical strength, Kaseki’strue genius shines through his craftsmanship. As a master artisan, he excels in the creative arts, shaping and crafting with ingenuity.

Kaseki is one of the best Dr. Stone characters

14Lord Sullivan (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun)

Lord Sullivan isa formidable demon with a surprisingly soft side. Despite his immense magical powers, including gravity and time manipulation, his deepest wish is to create a family.

His decision to embrace a paternal role rather than pursue power and dominance sets him apart in the world of demons.

Lord Sullvan smiling with his eyes closed

13Yoshimura (Tokyo Ghoul)

Yoshimura, the owner of Anteiku Cafe, is an SSS-rated ghoul who stands as one of the most formidable figures in the series. His power is matched only by his kindness and compassion, as he takes it upon himself to care for the less fortunate ghouls.

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However, his life wasn’t always defined by benevolence. In the past, he roamed aimlessly, claiming the lives of ghouls and humans alike. It was a fateful encounter with his former lover in a cafe that led to a profound change within him.

Yoshimura, an old man with grey hair smiling with his eyes closed

12Gran Torino (My Hero Academia)

Gran Torino stands as a pivotal figure inMy Hero Academia, with a profound influence on the development of the heroes we know today. Despite his elderly appearance, particularly when he’s dressed as a civilian, Gran Torino is far from harmless.

He possesses a remarkable quirk that allows him to shoot powerful jets of air from his feet, granting him incredible speed and the ability to deliver devastating kicks.

Collage with Emilia from Re: Zero smiling on the left, and a serious Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen on the right

11Sakonji Urokodaki (Demon Slayer)

Sakonji Urokodaki shines as a powerful and caring mentor in a world filled with formidable characters. Asthe main cultivator of the Water Breathing style, he plays a pivotal role in training the young protagonists, particularly Tanjiro.

While he may appear harsh in his training methods, it’s driven by his deep love and protective instincts for his disciples. Sakonji’s character embodies the unwavering dedication and tough love required to mold the next generation of demon slayers and protect them from harm.

10Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto)

In an era when many shinobi succumbed to the hazards of their treacherous line of work, one man, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, emerged as a beacon of perseverance and grit. FewNarutocharacters rival him in this regard.

Despite the toll of time, Sarutobi was hailed as the God of Shinobi, a title paying tribute to his extraordinary abilities and combat acumen. His wisdom and might garnered him the esteem not just of his village but across all five Great Shinobi Nations. Sarutobi’s adeptness at all five basic chakra nature transformations, coupled with his command over a wide array of jutsu, signified his profound understanding and mastery of the ninja arts.

9Kaku Kaioh (Baki)

The Supreme Grandmaster of Chinese Kenpo and the Kaiou of all Kaious, Kaku Kaioh has dedicated more than a hundred years to his martial arts, establishing him as one of the fiercest warriors in Baki.

Despite being the oldest character in the series, Kaku Kaioh’s age is by no means a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it symbolizes decades of relentless discipline, rigorous training, and the honing of his technique. His prowess in combat, wisdom, and physical strength, even at the ripe old age of over 140, is nothing less than extraordinary.

8Makarov Dreyar (Fairy Tail)

As the third and longest-serving Guild Master of Fairy Tail, Makarov Dreyar commands both respect and authority. Despite his small stature and seemingly jovial demeanor, Makarov is a wizard of immense power, easily one of the strongest within theintriguing Fairy Tail universe.

His strongest and most iconic ability is Fairy Law, a powerful spell that differentiates between friend and foe, inflicting heavy damage on those Makarov recognizes as enemies in his heart. Makarov’s tenacity, combined with his magical prowess and the influence he wields within and outside his guild, truly justify his place in this list.

7Silver Fang/Bang (One-Punch Man)

Embodying the essence of martial prowess and sheer physical power, Bang, also known as Silver Fang, is a character who packs a serious punch in theOne-Punch Manuniverse. As the founder of the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, Bang’s proficiency in hand-to-hand combat is unparalleled, earning him the ranking of third among the top S-Class heroes.

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With his age clocking over 80, Bang’s power and agility remain absolutely exceptional. His rigorous training has allowed him to maintain his peak physical condition, exhibiting speed, reflexes, and strength that can easily rival (and often surpass) those of much younger heroes.

6Zeno Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)

Zeno Zoldyck of the infamous Zoldyck family of assassins isn’t just an elderly gentleman. This grandfatherly figure, with his silvery hair and calm demeanor, carries the weight of decades of experience as a top-tier assassin inHunter x Hunter.

His primary strength lies in his unparalleled mastery of Nen. His expertise in the Transmutation and Emission types of Nen enables him to shape his aura into a dragon, an awe-inspiring manifestation of his immense power. This combination of battle-hardened experience, Nen mastery, and the sheer awe-inspiring ability of riding a dragon forged from his own life energy earns him the sixth spot.