Anime has introduced countless influential characters, and many series have become staples for fans who grew up watching them. The target audience for most anime starts at age 13, a sweet spot that allows shows to attract a broad range of viewers. However, despite their PG-13 rating, some anime feature characters whose personalities and behaviors, while not entirely disturbing, are still inappropriate for younger audiences. These characters may exhibit traits that, though compelling in storytelling, would not be ideal role models for impressionable viewers.

While many of these characters are fan favorites, it becomes harder to overlook their problematic traits when considering their influence on younger audiences. Their morally gray or outright twisted personalities may add depth and excitement to the narrative, but their behaviors can be harmful if mimicked by children. Some display excessive perversion, dangerous ideologies, or manipulative tendencies that should not be normalized. In the right context, they enhance the story, but around kids, they are simply bad influences.

10 Dazai Osamu's Suicidal Humor Isn't for Kids

Bungo Stray Dog

Dazai Osamu is undeniably one of the most captivating characters in Bungo Stray Dogs, carrying much of the series with his charm, wit, and brilliance. His popularity extends beyond the anime itself, making him a well-loved figure in the industry. While his intelligence and No Longer Human ability make him a formidable presence, his reckless and self-destructive tendencies overshadow his more irable traits. Despite his humor and charisma, his frequent references to suicide and fascination with death make him a questionable influence on younger audiences.

Dazai’s mysterious nature adds intrigue to his character, as his true motives remain hidden until he chooses to reveal them. However, this unpredictability, combined with his dark humor surrounding suicide, can send the wrong message to impressionable viewers. While he is a complex and well-written character, normalizing self-harm as a joke or personality trait is problematic, especially in a show that reaches a broad audience. No matter how entertaining or “cool” he may be, the themes he embodies are not something that should be casually exposed to younger viewers.

9 Minoru Mineta Is a Hero, But Not a Role Model

My Hero Academia

Minoru Mineta, also known as the Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice, is one of the most controversial characters in My Hero Academia. While he technically has a good heart, his actions and personality make him one of the least respectable heroes in the series. Mineta is known for being extremely perverted, constantly making inappropriate remarks and trying to sneak peeks at the girls in his class. His obsession with women is so bad that even his own classmates, both male and female, find him annoying and outright uncomfortable to be around.

Aside from his inappropriate behavior, Mineta is also incredibly insecure, often jealous of his classmates who are stronger or more popular. He frequently complains about his seemingly weak Quirk and tries to act charming, but his desperate attempts usually come off as obnoxious rather than impressive. While humor plays a big role in My Hero Academia, Mineta’s character is less funny and more disturbing, making him one of the worst influences for younger audiences.

8 Melodias Is Faithful, But He Is Not The Man That Kids Must ire

Seven Deadly Sins

Meliodas from The Seven Deadly Sins may be a powerful and influential character, but his behavior makes him far from an ideal role model. While his love for Elizabeth is the driving force behind much of his journey, their relationship is often framed in a way that downplays his inappropriate actions. Despite the series portraying their romance as tragic yet beautiful, the way Meliodas interacts with Elizabeth raises concerns. His actions, though sometimes brushed off as humor, set a poor example, especially for younger viewers who may not recognize the problematic nature of his behavior.

While his inappropriate tendencies are mostly directed at Elizabeth, that doesn’t make them any less concerning. The series often treats his actions as lighthearted or comedic, which sends the wrong message about boundaries and respect. Though Meliodas is a charismatic leader and a formidable warrior, these qualities do not excuse his flaws. Role models should embody integrity and respect, making Meliodas an ill-suited figure for impressionable audiences.

7 Roshi Is a Legendary Mentor With Questionable Behavior

Dragon Ball

Master Roshi from Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic mentors in anime, but that doesn’t mean he’s a perfect role model. As the teacher of Goku, Krillin, and other powerful fighters, he has played a crucial role in shaping some of the strongest warriors in the series. He is wise, skilled, and genuinely cares for his students, proving that he is capable of being a respectable figure. However, his perverted nature remains a glaring issue, making him a questionable influence, especially around younger audiences.

Despite his valuable teachings, Roshi’s inappropriate behavior is often played for laughs, which can send the wrong message to impressionable viewers. His antics, especially towards women, undermine the wisdom and strength he otherwise embodies. While he has shown moments of growth, these tendencies still resurface, making it difficult to overlook his flaws. A good mentor should inspire respect in all aspects, and while Roshi excels in some areas, his behavior prevents him from being an ideal role model for kids.

6 Rudeus Is a 34-Year-Old Mind in a Child's Body

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Rudeus Greyrat from Mushoku Tensei goes through a lot of character development as he matures, moving from a selfish, immature individual to someone who tries to take more responsibility. However, his biggest problem still remains: his mind is that of an adult, but he’s trapped in a child’s body, leading to some disturbing behavior. Despite his growth, Rudeus regularly fantasizes about the young heroines around him—girls who are often much younger than him. This aspect of his character makes it hard to ignore the discomfort his actions cause, even as he tries to change.

While Rudeus does have some redeeming qualities, his fantasies and actions towards younger characters reveal just how deep his issues run. His development doesn’t justify or erase the unsettling way he perceives and treats these girls. The show touches on his progress, but it’s hard to look past how his perversion stands in stark contrast to any real growth. Rudeus’ troubling behavior shows that no amount of character development can erase the harm done by his mindset and actions

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5 Hisoka's Obsession with Gon and Killua Is Disturbing

Hunter x Hunter

Hisoka from Hunter x Hunter is an incredibly charismatic character, yet his obsession with young fighters like Gon and Killua is deeply disturbing. He often sees them as both rivals and potential targets, showing an unhealthy fixation that goes beyond simple iration. Hisoka's playful demeanor masks a much darker side, as he revels in their fear and uses them as pawns in his own twisted games. His desire to fight and "test" their strength is unsettling, especially when it involves children like Gon and Killua, who are far younger and inexperienced compared to him.

Despite Hisoka's charm, his actions toward Gon and Killua are dangerous and predatory. He views them not just as adversaries, but as objects of desire, which makes his behavior especially alarming. While his actions are often disguised as innocent challenges or playful encounters, the underlying threat is always present. Hisoka’s obsession with these young boys only emphasizes how dangerous it can be when charm and charisma mask a much darker, unhinged nature.

4 Sanji's Chivalry Shines, But His Obsession with Women Crosses Boundaries

One Piece

Sanji, as a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands out as a loyal and selfless friend who consistently goes above and beyond to protect his crewmates. His dedication to ensuring the success and happiness of his fellow pirates is undeniable, making him one of the most emotionally complex characters in the series. Sanji’s growth throughout One Piece showcases a character motivated by love, honor, and the desire to see his friends fulfill their dreams. His actions and emotional depth can be inspiring to young audiences, as he embodies loyalty and the importance of ing one another.

However, Sanji's iration for women, while intended to reflect chivalry, often crosses a line. His excessive and sometimes inappropriate behavior towards women can be overwhelming and difficult to ignore. While it's clear that his intentions come from a place of respect and iration, the constant objectification of women detracts from the positive aspects of his character. Although not as extreme as some other characters, this behavior serves as a reminder that even the most well-meaning individuals can have flaws that might not be the best example for younger viewers.

3 Doflamingo Is an Unredeemable Villain

One Piece

Another One Piece character that can be disturbing around children is none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, and he is far worse than Sanji. Doflamingo is a cruel and manipulative villain who takes pleasure in others' pain and suffering. His obsession with power and control makes him a dangerous figure, especially for younger viewers who may struggle to understand his malicious nature. He has no qualms ing anyone, including his family, to achieve his goals, and his violent actions leave lasting impacts on those around him.

While Sanji’s behavior is mostly harmless in comparison, Doflamingo’s actions are far more severe and unrelenting. He is a master of psychological warfare, twisting people's minds and forcing them to follow his twisted will. His lack of remorse for his brutal actions, particularly his treatment of children like the ones in Dressrosa, paints him as a character no child should look up to. Doflamingo's manipulative behavior and unchecked cruelty are qualities that should be avoided by any young audience seeking positive role models.

2 Orochimaru Is a Shinobi Who Crossed the Line of Humanity

Naruto

Another character from Naruto who is deeply disturbing, especially around children, is Orochimaru. Once a shinobi with immense potential and believed to be Hokage material, Orochimaru's dark side led him down a path of inhumane experiments. He was responsible for the deaths of innocent lives, using children as mere subjects for his twisted research. His actions, hidden for so long, reveal the dangerous extent of his ambition, which crossed every moral boundary.

Orochimaru's manipulative tendencies extended to vulnerable kids like Sasuke and Anko, whom he exploited during their emotional suffering. He took advantage of their pain to make them vessels for his experiments, twisting their lives for his own gain. His disregard for the well-being of others and his obsession with immortality makes him a villain unfit to be near any child. Orochimaru’s presence is a constant reminder of what happens when power and ambition overshadow humanity.

1 Shou Tucker Is The Worst Father in Anime

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

One of the most horrifying characters in anime is Shou Tucker from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, who is the worst father in anime history. His cruel actions toward his daughter, Nina, show the depths of his selfishness and complete lack of morality. In his pursuit of advancing alchemical knowledge, he completely disregards the love and protection a parent should offer, ultimately using his daughter in a tragic and horrifying experiment. This is a parent who sees his own child as nothing more than a tool, showing no regard for her well-being or humanity.

Tucker’s actions should serve as a stark warning of the dangers of neglect and abuse. His willingness to sacrifice his own flesh and blood for his twisted ambitions makes him an unfit role model for children. Fullmetal Alchemist presents a dark and deeply emotional story, but no child should be exposed to a character like Tucker, who devalues the sanctity of parenthood. Kids should never watch a series where a parent is willing to go to such extreme lengths, abandoning their role as a protector in the worst way possible.