A true leader inspires passion and motivation among his followers by leading them with a clear vision and direction. Western audiences have seen such characters on their screens, whether through big TV shows or movies inspired by historical figures who were extraordinary leaders. Similarly, anime fans enjoy the archetypes of heroic stories and are drawn to the characters who appear as these main leads.
Such characters can be seen in the Naruto franchise, with fan favorites such as Kakashi and Shikamaru, who have won over fans with their remarkable leadership skills. Their abilities were so impressive that later in the series they were chosen to lead their entire village. There are also mixed opinions about characters like Griffiths, who led his team to great success but ended up in total obscurity, but their leadership qualities are hard to ignore.
10 Shikamaru Nara
Bored Ninja Hidden Leaf Village
Shikamaru Nara, a quiet ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village, initially appears as someone without ambition, preferring to spend his life doing the bare minimum and avoiding anything that might disturb his peace.
During the Chunin Exams, where we see his strategic brilliance when he single-handedly cripples an entire team of powerful Ninjas from Sand Village. Later, Hokage Lady Tsunade recognizes Shikamaru's abilities and appoints him as her advisor, as well as entrusting him with the mission of healing Sasuke. Even if the mission failed, his skills ensured that none of his team members lost their lives.
9 Kyozoro Rangoku
One of the greatest anime Hashiras
For hundreds of years, the Demon Slayer Corps has been fighting demons thanks to their fearsome fighters known as Hashira. They have never entered a war without risking their lives and are the reason for the long-standing struggle of the IRGC.
While there are other Hashiras in the series, few match the presence of Kyojuro Rengoku, a fiery Hashira whose devotion to duty makes him an incredible leader. The best display of his abilities occurs during the Mugen Train arc, where he sacrifices himself to protect innocent lives against the Three High Demons, Akaza.
8 Integra Hellsing
A noble woman among vampires
Integra Hellsing is the main character of the Hellsing anime series and its OVA adaptations. As the last descendant of the Helsing royal family, she has the qualities of a natural leader and is one of the best female characters in the history of animation.
Despite being only 22 years old, Integra Helsing is highly intelligent and has a clear sense of priority, as she is not afraid to make bold decisions when necessary. When her uncle, Richard Helsing, plots against her, Integra thwarts his plans and eventually kills him and takes over the Helsing organization she inherited.
7 Griffiths
The controversial leader of the Hawks group
The classic anime and manga series Berserk featured one of the most compelling friendships on television between Guts and Griffiths, one that completely changed the fates of both characters. He was a capable leader before Griffith's obsession with Guts ruined his dream.
As the founder of the Hawk Group, Griffiths transformed what began as a simple mercenary group into a powerful and regal force, quickly rising through the ranks. He assembled some of the best fighters and raised their reputation to such an extent that enemies feared to face them on the battlefield as they were virtually invincible.
6 on the mustang
A state alchemist who cares a lot about his followers
At the beginning of Full Metal Alchemist, Roy Mustang appears as this cold-blooded veteran who seems indifferent beyond his ambitions. As the series goes on, you see a different side of him as he is shown as a great commander who cares for his men, something that defines what it means to be a leader.
His character undergoes a major transformation after seeing the brutality of the Ishval civil war and the rotten state of the Amestris army. Therefore, he wants to lead his country to a brighter and more just future.
5 Kakashi Hatake
Kakashi, leader of the iconic Team Seven
The Hidden Leaf Village had a strict shinobi training system where even Hokages learned to be great ninjas. While many shinobi have evolved through this system, only a handful have been exceptional leaders, Kakashi Hatake being one of them.
As the teacher of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, Kakashi clearly understood each of their motivations. He gave them the necessary training to grow and fulfill their destiny. In addition to being a great trainer, Kakashi also performed thousands of missions for the Hidden Leaf Village, serving them as Hokage after the Fourth Shinobi War.
4 Lelouch Lamprouge
A rogue prince who plays by the rules of politics
Code Geass is one of those animes that is analyzed from different angles due to its fascinating story and complex themes. At its core, Lelouch Lampreuge, a British prince turned rebel, has vowed to avenge his mother's death by overthrowing his father.
Banished when he was only 10 years old, Lelouch knew the hardships of life from childhood. Desiring to one day bring peace to the world by destroying the British Empire, he assumes the masked identity of Zero. Under this guise, he formed and led the Black Knights and inspired them to create a massive political movement.
3 Everything is possible
Always smiling Superman who likes to help others
My Hero Academia is often seen as a great show for superhero fans in the Shōnen anime genre. The show glorifies heroism and almighty power, and All Might, with his overpowered personality and classic hero traits, might be the perfect embodiment of that.
The show introduces him as a former number one champion with the one-for-all feature, who now serves as a mentor to many UA high school students. Even though his prime is behind him, he remains the leader every champion aspires to be. With his ever-present smile, All Might likes to protect the weak and makes it his life's goal to help others.
2 Edward Newgate
Father of many pirates he raised
Edward Newgate aka Whitebeard is considered one of the most powerful and highly rewarded pirates in One Piece fandom. With his staggering height and super strength due to his Haoshoku Haki walk, he truly serves as the World's Strongest Man.
Despite being very violent, he is also a brilliant leader who is both understanding and forgiving towards his crew. He had many allies and was deeply respected, because many of them were those who accepted and accepted him. They are so loyal to him that they willingly lay down their lives for him, and Whitebeard himself will do his best for his crew.
1 Erwin Smith
The legendary commander of the Mapping Corps
Attack on Titan focuses on the themes of human survival in its episodes and emphasizes the soldiers protecting against the Titans. In this brutal world, joining the Survey Corps is a death wish, but Irwin Smith stands out for his willingness to sacrifice everything for the greater good.
His confident body language and strategic genius give Commander Irwin all the qualities he needs to be a great leader. One of his shining moments in the show comes during the Battle of Shiganshina, where he leads the Survey Corps from the front and rallies them to face the Titans, despite them knowing it's a suicide mission.
