10 best anime characters like Shanks from One Piece

Anime characters like Shanks often stand out for being iconic. With fiery red hair, scars over his left eye, a straw hat that carries deep meaning, and a black cape billowing around him, One Piece's Shanks cuts an impressive figure wherever he goes.

Yet despite his strength, Shanks prefers to avoid conflict where possible and does not actively seek battle or conquest. He values fun and partying with his crew while mentoring youngsters like Luffy to help them achieve their potential.

This dichotomy between latent power and carefree restraint makes Shanks such an intriguing personality. Considering his immense popularity, many fans likely wish to see more anime characters embodying traits reminiscent of the iconic one-armed captain.

Gojo Satoru, Jiraya, and 8 anime characters like Shanks

1) Jiraiya (Naruto)

Like Shanks mentoring Luffy, Jiraiya takes protagonist Naruto under his wing. This wise old ninja fills a very Shanks-like role as a teacher and father figure. Despite his immense power as one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya writes novels in addition to fighting. Yet when needed, he displays incredible combat ability against fearsome foes.

Anime characters like Shanks often show a blend of mentorship and combat prowess, which Jiraiya embodies. With long, spiky white hair mirrored by Shanks' red locks, Jiraiya cuts a similarly striking visual profile. He also often wears a red vest over his outfit, matching Shanks' red-haired look.

And while their personalities differ, with Jiraiya being more eccentric and lecherous, both inspire others through compassion.

2) Benn Beckman (One Piece)

As Shanks' right-hand man and first mate of his Red-Haired pirate crew, Benn Beckman shares several traits with his captain. With shaggy black hair nearly obscuring one eye and a perpetually unimpressed look, Beckman's appearance somewhat parallels Shanks' serious personality at times.

Beckman is incredibly strong and skilled, complementing Shanks in combat. Wielding a powerful rifle, his fighting style complements Shanks' swordsmanship. Yet for all his power, Beckman remains extremely loyal to Shanks.

He will follow his captain anywhere without hesitation, showcasing attributes similar to Luffy's devotion to Shanks.

3) Gojo Satoru (Jujutsu Kaisen)

As the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, few can rival Gojo's abilities, yet he rarely takes things too seriously. His playful, mocking personality and near invincibility contrast with Shanks' carefree confidence.

Like Shanks mentoring Luffy on being a great pirate, Gojo takes protagonist Yuji under his wing to master jujutsu sorcery. And similar to Shanks' signature wounds, Gojo wears a white blindfold to manage the power of his Six Eyes, which enhances his perception and cursed energy manipulation.

Both encapsulate strength restrained for others' wellbeing, making Gojo one of the top anime characters like Shanks.

4) Gildarts Clive (Fairy Tail)

As Fairy Tail's most powerful wizard, Gildarts matches Shanks' status as an Emperor. He even shares Shanks' affinity for losing body parts! Missing an arm and a leg, Gildarts continues fighting against incredible odds, echoing memories of Shanks swimming to save Luffy after losing an arm.

For fans seeking anime characters like Shanks with a resilient spirit, Gildarts is an ideal pick. Gildarts also mentors Natsu in magic, similar to Shanks' guidance of Luffy's piracy skills. Despite his intimidating presence, Gildarts enjoys a good fight and seeks strong opponents, but he also has a carefree and fun-loving nature.

With a wandering spirit, he comes and goes from Fairy Tail randomly, like Shanks' mysterious appearances. And as a loving father figure, Gildarts occupies the same role Shanks held for Luffy, solidifying his place among anime characters like Shanks.

5) Silvers Rayleigh (One Piece)

Silvers Rayleigh (Image via Toei Animation)

As Luffy's mentor in harnessing Haki during the two-year time skip, Rayleigh occupied a very Shanks-like role for the future pirate king. The former first mate of Gol D. Roger's crew, Rayleigh matched Shanks' own status as right-hand man to that of the previous Pirate King.

When it comes to anime characters like Shanks, who have played pivotal mentor roles, Rayleigh is unparalleled. With advancing age turning his hair silver white, Rayleigh's silver hair still presents an iconic appearance, much like the vibrant red hair of his fellow Emperor.

Rayleigh enjoys relaxed freedom similar to Shanks' wandering spirit. Yet despite his retirement from piracy, his supreme skills and Haki abilities remain incredibly powerful when needed, crucial in training Luffy. Rayleigh stands tall among anime characters like Shanks, who combine wisdom and power.

6) Shiba Miyuki (The Irregular at Magic High School)

While far colder in personality compared to the friendly Shanks, Miyuki echoes several of the Emperor's traits. As a powerful magician and skilled fighter, few can challenge Miyuki in combat. Her natural genius mirrors the immense Haki skills Shanks developed.

She shares a close bond with her brother Tatsuya, reminiscent of the sibling-like relationship between Shanks and Luffy. Miyuki's combination of power and unwavering loyalty makes her one of the more noteworthy anime characters like Shanks from One Piece.

7) Howzer (Seven Deadly Sins)

The Holy Knight Howzer sees parallels with Shanks in backstory, if not appearance. Born a commoner, Howzer climbed the ranks through immense power and skill to become a powerful Holy Knight, similar to Shanks' ascension to Emperor.

Howzer's journey reflects the traits of anime characters like Shanks who rise through sheer determination. Preferring drink and fun over formality and duty, Howzer ignores responsibilities for adventure, akin to the wandering lifestyle Shanks enjoys.

In combat, he wields wind magic through his sword, evoking memories of Shanks infusing swords and bullets with Haki to boost attack power.

8) Joseph Joestar (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)

Joseph Joestar (Image via David Production)

While more hot-headed than Shanks, Joseph Joestar demonstrates other similarities as a Hamon warrior and mentor figure. With wild, dark hair and a penchant for ridiculous poses, Joseph's dramatic style mirrors Shank's showmanship when making iconic entrances.

Joseph also lost his left hand in battle, replacing it with a prosthetic, much like Shanks' lost arm. Despite handicaps, they continue fighting with power and clever tactics against younger challengers.

And as the experienced mentor for protagonist Jotaro Kujo, Joseph guides the next hero, akin to Shanks inspiring Luffy on his quest. Joseph's blend of mentorship and combat skills places him among anime characters like Shanks.

9) Asuma Sarutobi (Naruto)

Asuma Sarutobi (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Jonin leader of Team 10, Asuma Sarutobi played a very Shanks-like role throughout Naruto. With spiky black hair, a short beard, and wielding chakra-enhanced trench knives in battle, Asuma cut a similarly striking figure.

He mentored next-generation ninjas Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji on their adventures, parallel to Shanks guiding Luffy to be Pirate King. Asuma acted like Shanks as well, avoiding unnecessary violence but being serious about his duties. Yet when fighting for things that mattered, Asuma would spring into action with supreme skill.

Tragically losing his life against Akatsuki member Hidan, Asuma left an immense impact on his village and students, akin to the legacy Shanks left on Luffy to spur him on his pirate quest. Asuma's dedication and mentorship make him one of the top anime characters like Shanks.

10) Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

Kakashi Hatake (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The famed Copy Ninja Kakashi Hatake mirrors Shanks in several ways. With tall, gravity-defying silver hair nearly covering one eye, Kakashi cultivates a distinctive appearance. Though his personality comes across as more serious than Shanks, as a leader, Kakashi inspires tremendous loyalty and devotion from subordinates, akin to Shanks' crew.

Kakashi's leadership qualities place him among anime characters like Shanks. He often avoids unnecessary fights, despite his incredible skill. Yet when pressed in combat to protect precious people, he displays genius ability, much like Shanks against those threatening Luffy.

As leader of Team 7, Kakashi also mentors Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura on their ninja paths, guiding the next generation, similar to Shanks setting Luffy on his future pirate journey. Both epitomize the wise teacher, restraining power yet wielding it formidably when necessary.

Conclusion

While no one completely mirrors the iconic Shanks and his myriad qualities, several fantastic anime characters like Shanks reflect parts of the beloved Emperor effectively. From mentor figures like Jiraiya and Silvers Rayleigh to incredibly powerful heroes like Gojo Satoru and Gildarts Clive, these options showcase attributes reminiscent of the one-armed captain.

Anime characters like Shanks continue to captivate audiences with their strength, mentorship, and memorable personalities.