25 Iconic Old Man Anime Characters Who Steal the Show

Ever notice how anime is like a fine wine? It just gets better with age! And speaking of age, let’s talk about those old man anime characters who prove that wrinkles and wisdom are a winning combo. From grumpy grandpas to sage senseis, these 25 iconic old-timers don’t just steal the show—they practically own it! So grab your reading glasses and a cup of tea, because it’s time to celebrate the silver-haired legends of the anime world.

Our Favorite Old Man Anime Characters

Yamamoto Genryusai (Bleach)

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Yamamoto Genryusai is this badass old man in Bleach who totally commands respect with his long white beard and those intense, fiery eyes. He’s always rocking that traditional Shinigami outfit, and you can just feel the power radiating off him. Despite his age, he’s an absolute beast in battle, wielding his flaming sword with unmatched skill and a no-nonsense attitude that makes him one of the most formidable captains in the Soul Society.

Makarov Dreyar (Fairy Tail)

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Makarov Dreyar is this tiny, old man with a heart as big as his magical power. Despite his short stature and wrinkled face, he’s got this fierce, protective aura that makes you feel safe just watching him. He’s the kind of guild master who treats every member of Fairy Tail like family, always ready to throw himself into danger to protect his “children.”

Muten Roshi (Dragon Ball)

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Muten Roshi, the old man from Dragon Ball, is such a classic character! With his bald head, bushy white beard, and signature sunglasses, he’s instantly recognizable. Despite his pervy antics and love for a good magazine, he’s a martial arts master with a heart of gold, always ready to train the next generation of fighters.

Danzo Shimura (Naruto Shippuden)

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Danzo Shimura from Naruto Shippuden is one of those characters you love to hate. This old man, with his bandaged face and arm covered in Sharingan eyes, is a master manipulator who believes in achieving peace through any means necessary. His ruthless and secretive nature, combined with his deep-seated paranoia, makes him a truly complex and fascinating antagonist.

Whitebeard (One Piece)

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Whitebeard, or Edward Newgate, is this towering old man with a wild, white mustache that looks like a crescent moon. Despite his age, he’s built like a tank and has this aura of sheer power and authority. But what really gets me is his heart—he’s fiercely protective of his crew, treating them like his own children, and his sense of honor and loyalty is just unmatched.

Silver Fang (One Punch Man)

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Silver Fang, or Bang, is one of my favorite characters in One Punch Man. This old man might look like your typical grandpa with his white hair and wrinkled face, but don’t let that fool you—he’s a martial arts master with a ripped physique and a no-nonsense attitude. His calm demeanor and wisdom are balanced by his fierce fighting spirit, making him a total badass in the series.

Isaac Netero (Hunter x Hunter)

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Isaac Netero, the old man from Hunter x Hunter, is an absolute beast despite his age. With his long white hair, bushy eyebrows, and a mischievous grin, he looks like a kindly grandpa, but don’t let that fool you. This guy is a martial arts master with a playful yet intense personality, and his insane strength and speed make him one of the most formidable characters in the series.

King Piccolo (Dragon Ball)

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King Piccolo is one of those unforgettable villains from Dragon Ball. This old man has a terrifying presence with his green skin, antennae, and those piercing red eyes. His personality is as dark as his looks; he’s ruthless, power-hungry, and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, making him a truly menacing force in the series.

Silvers Rayleigh (One Piece)

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Silvers Rayleigh, the old man from One Piece, is such a badass! With his silver hair, glasses, and that rugged, seasoned look, he’s the perfect mix of wisdom and strength. His laid-back yet fiercely protective personality makes him one of the coolest mentors in the series, and you can’t help but admire his legendary past as the right-hand man of the Pirate King.

Zeno Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)

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Zeno Zoldyck is this badass old man from Hunter x Hunter with a sharp, almost hawk-like gaze and a head full of white hair that screams wisdom and danger. Despite his age, he’s incredibly agile and powerful, always dressed in traditional martial arts attire that adds to his intimidating aura. What I love about Zeno is his complex personality; he’s a ruthless assassin but also has a code of honor and a surprisingly soft spot for his family.

Tanaka (Black Butler)

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Tanaka from Black Butler is such a charming old man! With his small stature, round glasses, and ever-present cup of tea, he often seems like a harmless, sleepy butler. But don’t let his gentle demeanor fool you—he’s got a sharp mind and a rich history with the Phantomhive family, always ready to step in when things get serious.

Hiruzen Sarutobi (Naruto)

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Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage in Naruto, is this wise old man with a kind face and a pipe always in hand. His gray hair and wrinkles tell stories of countless battles and years of wisdom. Despite his age, he’s incredibly powerful and deeply cares for everyone in the village, treating them like his own family.

Monkey D. Garp (One Piece)

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Monkey D. Garp is one of those old men in One Piece who you just can’t help but love. With his grizzled face, broad shoulders, and that signature dog hat, he looks every bit the seasoned Marine hero he is. Despite his tough exterior and immense strength, Garp’s got a heart of gold and a penchant for goofing around, especially when it comes to his grandson, Luffy.

Walter C. Dornez (Hellsing)

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Walter C. Dornez from Hellsing is one of those characters who just oozes cool, even as an old man. With his slicked-back silver hair and sharp, tailored suits, he looks like he stepped right out of a spy movie. But don’t let his refined appearance fool you—this guy is a total badass with his deadly wire weapons and a personality that’s a mix of calm, collected, and just a bit sinister.

Zeus (Record of Ragnarok)

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Zeus in Record of Ragnarok is this wiry old man who looks deceptively frail with his wrinkled skin and wild, white hair. But don’t let his appearance fool you—he’s got this crazy, unpredictable energy and a twisted sense of humor that makes him both fascinating and terrifying. His fighting style is brutal and relentless, showing that age hasn’t dulled his godly prowess one bit.

Lordgenome (Gurren Lagann)

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Lordgenome from Gurren Lagann is this ancient, ripped old man with a seriously intimidating presence. His long, flowing hair and piercing eyes give off major “don’t mess with me” vibes. Despite his harsh exterior and tyrannical rule, there’s a tragic depth to his character that makes you realize he’s more than just a villain—he’s a complex figure shaped by a lifetime of struggle and loss.

Orsted (Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation)

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Orsted from Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is one intense old man! With his silver hair, piercing eyes, and a face that looks like it’s seen centuries of battles, he’s both intimidating and fascinating. Despite his fearsome appearance and overwhelming power, there’s a depth to his character that hints at a complex past and a surprisingly honorable side.

Sugoroku Muto (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

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Sugoroku Muto, Yugi’s grandpa in Yu-Gi-Oh!, is this charming old man with a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of wisdom. With his white hair, glasses, and that ever-present smile, he’s the kind of grandpa everyone wishes they had. He’s got this incredible passion for games and always supports Yugi, offering sage advice and a warm presence that feels like a cozy blanket on a cold day.

Oonoki (Naruto Shippuden)

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Oonoki, the old man from Naruto Shippuden, is such a fascinating character. With his short stature, hunched back, and that signature stone hat, he might look frail, but don’t let that fool you. His stubbornness and fierce determination, combined with his mastery of the Dust Release, make him one of the most formidable Kage in the series.

Dr. Briefs (Dragon Ball)

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Dr. Briefs is that quirky old man in Dragon Ball with the wild, white hair and a constant cigarette in hand. He’s always tinkering away in his lab, creating all sorts of gadgets and vehicles for the Z Fighters. Despite his eccentric appearance, he’s got a heart of gold and a mind that’s always buzzing with genius ideas.

Van Hohenheim (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

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Van Hohenheim from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is such a fascinating character. He’s this old man with long, flowing blonde hair and a beard that gives him a wise, almost ancient look. Despite his age, he’s incredibly powerful and has a deep, complex personality—he’s haunted by his past but driven by a strong sense of duty to protect his family and make amends for his mistakes.

Hagoromo Otsutsuki (Naruto Shippuden)

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Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the old sage from Naruto Shippuden, is such a fascinating character. With his long, flowing white hair, Rinnegan eyes, and those distinctive horn-like protrusions, he looks every bit the ancient, mystical figure he is. Despite his god-like powers, he’s incredibly wise and compassionate, always striving for peace and understanding in the chaotic ninja world.

Madara Uchiha (Naruto Shippuden)

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Madara Uchiha is one of those characters that just leaves a lasting impression. Even as an old man, his long, wild hair and intense eyes give off this powerful, almost otherworldly vibe. His personality is a mix of ruthless ambition and a twisted sense of honor, making him one of the most complex and unforgettable villains in Naruto Shippuden.

Sebas Tian (Overlord)

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Sebas Tian from Overlord is such a fascinating character! Despite being an old man with a dignified appearance, complete with silver hair and a butler’s uniform, he’s anything but frail. His calm and composed demeanor hides an incredible strength and unwavering loyalty to Ainz, making him one of the most intriguing and badass characters in the series.

Dot Pixis (Attack on Titan)

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Dot Pixis is one of those characters in Attack on Titan that you can’t help but admire. This old man, with his bald head and distinctive mustache, exudes a calm yet commanding presence. He’s got this laid-back, almost whimsical personality, but don’t let that fool you—his strategic brilliance and unwavering courage make him a true leader in humanity’s fight against the Titans.

Are you interested in old man anime characters? Then you might also be interested in our article about badass anime charactersblack haired anime characters male or the best Mexico anime character! What are your favorite old man anime characters? Let us know in the comments!

FAQ – Old Man Anime Characters

Who is the best old man in anime?

1. Master Roshi from Dragon Ball – The pervy yet wise martial arts master.
2. Jiraiya from Naruto – The legendary Sannin with a heart of gold and a penchant for mischief.
3. Isaac Netero from Hunter x Hunter – The powerful and eccentric chairman of the Hunter Association.

Who is the old guy with the white beard in the anime?

1. Master Roshi from Dragon Ball – The wise and perverted martial arts master.
2. Whitebeard (Edward Newgate) from One Piece – One of the most powerful pirates in the world.
3. Yamamoto Genryūsai from Bleach – The powerful Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13.

Who is the strongest old character in anime?

One of the strongest old characters in anime is Master Roshi from “Dragon Ball.” Despite his age, he possesses immense martial arts skills, incredible strength, and the ability to perform powerful techniques like the Kamehameha. His wisdom and experience make him a formidable fighter.

Who is the oldest anime character?

The oldest anime character is likely Zeno (Zen’ō) from “Dragon Ball Super.” As the Omni-King, Zeno is the ruler of all universes and has existed since the beginning of time itself. His age is essentially infinite, making him one of the oldest characters in anime history.

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Lukas Unrau
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