10 must-watch anime with strong mentors

In the world of anime, strong mentor figures play an incredibly important role. They guide the main characters on their journeys, impart wisdom, and help them grow into heroes. Some of the most iconic and influential anime feature strong mentor characters that leave a lasting impact.

While some mentors provide comic relief with their eccentric personalities, others lead by quiet example. Some even put their students through rigorous, seemingly impossible training regimes. But all strong anime mentors inspire their students and play instrumental roles in shaping them into heroes.

This article pays homage to such influential mentors by ranking the 10 best anime with strong mentors. The shows span classic vintage series to new generation hits, demonstrating the timeless appeal of the mentor archetype.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author.

10 anime with strong mentors that shape heroes

1. Naruto - Kakashi Hatake

Naruto follows a young, hyperactive ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who dreams of becoming the village leader. After graduating from the Ninja Academy, he trains with Squad 7 under the mentorship of Kakashi Hatake, the masked ninja.

Though careless and chronically late, Kakashi takes his role seriously. He not only teaches Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke signature techniques, but also imparts critical lessons about teamwork, loyalty, and self-confidence.

While Kakashi plays a key role, Naruto's growth is also shaped by other important mentors like Jiraiya and Iruka. Kakashi continually challenges them to push past their limits. His faith in their abilities in turn inspires them to believe in themselves.

2. Dragon Ball - Master Roshi

The beloved classic anime with strong mentors, Dragon Ball depicts the adventures of Goku and his fellow fighters defending the Earth from sinister forces.

One of Goku's most influential teachers is the wise, centuries-old Turtle Hermit - Master Roshi. Though eccentric, perverted, and fond of sleeping on the job, Roshi commands respect with his superior martial arts skills.

He puts Goku and Krillin through rigorous physical training peppered with cryptic life lessons. His guidance proves crucial for developing Goku's early skills, though later mentors like King Kai also shape him into Earth's greatest champion.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen - Satoru Gojo

Jujutsu Kaisen's protagonist, Yuji Itadori joins a school for Jujutsu sorcerers after ingesting a cursed object to save his friends. His mentor at the Tokyo Jujutsu High School ends up being none other than Satoru Gojo - the strongest sorcerer exorcising Cursed Spirits.

Though immensely powerful, Gojo maintains a laidback, friendly demeanor, and takes an active interest in mentoring Yuji. He trains Yuji to control his supernatural Cursed Energy while providing emotional support through trauma.

While Gojo helps Yuji control his Cursed Energy, Yuji's ability to host the demon Sukuna in his soul occurs accidentally and he continues to face ongoing challenges in managing Sukuna's power.

4. My Hero Academia - All Might

In a world where 80% of the population manifests superpowers called "Quirks," My Hero Academia's protagonist Izuku Midoriya was unfortunately born Quirkless. However, a fateful encounter with All Might - the world's #1 superhero - changes his destiny. All Might sees the enormous heroic potential in young Izuku.

He passes on his spectacular Quirk, One for All, which stockpiles strength over generations. Under All Might's tutelage, Izuku trains his new abilities while learning values like self-sacrifice and unwavering dedication from his mentor. All Might transforms the Quirkless Izuku into the next Symbol of Peace.

5. Bleach - Kisuke Urahara

Bleach anime chronicles the adventures of hotheaded teenager Ichigo Kurosaki who becomes a Soul Reaper defending spirits from monstrous Hollows. After a fateful attack leaves his family in peril, Ichigo finds guidance under mysterious shop owner Kisuke Urahara's wing.

Despite his shadowy past, Kisuke readily takes Ichigo under his tutelage upon recognizing his raw, prodigious potential. He helps Ichigo regain his Soul Reaper abilities through intense, nearly impossible training regimes. Additionally, Ichigo also receives crucial training from other mentors like Yoruichi Shihouin.

While eccentric and sly, Kisuke provides invaluable wisdom that allows Ichigo to tap into ever-greater powers to protect those he loves.

6. Yu Yu Hakusho - Genkai

Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho anime starts off as a brash teenage delinquent before dying and being given the chance to come back to life by completing tasks for the Spirit World, eventually becoming a Spirit Detective fighting demons. He ends up under the wing of the formidable psychic Genkai.

Though initially unimpressed, Genkai spots Yusuke's hidden potential during a difficult apprentice recruitment trial, in which she initially hides her identity from him.

She puts him through severe training designed to push him both physically and mentally to level up his spiritual powers. Her grueling mentorship ultimately awakens Yusuke's innate capacity as a top-class psychic.

7. One Piece - Silvers Rayleigh

Silvers Rayleigh (Image via Toei Animation)

In the adventures of the One Piece pirate crew, Silvers Rayleigh served as a valuable first mate and companion to captain Gol D. Roger himself. After Roger's execution, Rayleigh maintains a low profile until fate makes him cross paths with Roger's successor – Monkey D. Luffy.

Recognizing the parallels between Luffy and his former captain, Rayleigh agrees to supervise Luffy's training in mastering Haki techniques. His guidance helps Luffy tap into the true depths of his potential as he continues on his quest to become the Pirate King.

8. One Punch Man - Bang

Unassuming old martial artist Bang plays a pivotal mentoring role for young heroes in One Punch Man anime.

As an S-Class rank 3 professional hero himself, Silver Fang, or Bang, boasts top-tier hand-to-hand combat skills despite his advanced age. Bang shares hard-earned wisdom from decades of fighting experience to guide talented up-and-comers like Garou onto ethical paths.

He also founded the distinguished dojo where he trained other fighters, though Saitama's incredible strength came entirely from his own self-training, without any formal mentor. Though rarely seen in action, Bang's influence permeates through the world.

9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Izumi Curtis

In the category of widely popular anime with strong mentors, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Izumi Curtis plays mentor to the Elric brothers after taking them under her wing. She introduces Ed and Alphonse to advanced alchemy and combat techniques.

A highly skilled alchemist in her own right, Izumi puts the Elric brothers through rigorous philosophical and physical training. She imparts foundational skills and ethical grounding which allow the boys to excel in alchemy while staying grounded in its principles.

Though harsh at times, Izumi forms an indelible lifelong bond with the brothers that outlasts her direct period of mentorship. The special bond between Ed, Alphonse and, their "teacher" remains integral to the overarching story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

10. Assassination Classroom - Koro Sensei

Assassination Classroom, another anime with strong mentors, features the original unkillable teacher, the one and only Koro Sensei! After mysteriously destroying 70% of the Moon, this squid-like being offers to mentor Class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High School.

But with the catch that his students must successfully assassinate him before graduation, or he will destroy Earth next! Beyond sharpening assassination skills, however, Koro Sensei fosters precious life lessons about courage, resilience, creativity, and growth of one's mindset.

His endless warmth, patience, and faith in each student's potential transform even Class 3-E's "lost causes" into confident, bonded friends. An utterly unique mentor, none come close to Koro Sensei's caliber. Koro Sensei prioritizes nurturing his students' personal growth over their assassination attempts.

Conclusion

And this concludes our picks for anime with strong mentors. The unique personalities of these mentors have an indelible impact on their students and series at large. These mentors walk the fine line between nurturing growth while still challenging characters with nearly impossible trials.

Some, like Hunter x Hunter's Wing, contribute through specialized skills training, while others, like Naruto's Kakashi, offer more general wisdom. But they universally play irreplaceable roles in catalyzing the heroes' journeys. Through seemingly cruel tests, they bring out the strength in their students.

No iconic anime journey unfolds quite the same without these teachers. They highlight overlooked talents and turn aimless potential into purposeful power.