A true leader inspires passion and motivation among his followers, by guiding them with clear vision and dire🐭ction. Western audiences have seen such personalities on their screens, whether through great TV shows or movies inspired by historical figures who were phenomenal leaders. Similarly, anime fans enjoy the archetypes of heroic stories and are drawn to characters who appear as these quintessential leaders.

Such characters can be observed in the Naruto franchise, with fan favorites like Kakashi𓂃 and Shikamaru, who have won fans over with their remarkable leadership skills. Their abilities were so impressive that they were chosen to lead their entire village later in the series. There are also mixed opinions about characters like Griffith, who led his team to great success but eventually fell into absolute darkness, ꦫbut their leadership qualities are hard to ignore.

10 Shikamaru Nara ♚

Bored Ninja Of The Hidden Leaf Village

Shikamaru Nara, the laid-back ninja from the Hidden Leaf Vill💟age, initially comes across as someone with no real ambition, preferring to spend his life doing minimal work and a🐠voiding anything that might disrupt his peace.

It’s during the Chunin Exam Arc, where we observe his strategic brilliance, when he paralyzes the entire squad of powerful Ninjas of the Sand Village, all by himself. Later on, the Hokage Lady Tsunade recognizes Shikamaru’s abilities and appoints him𒈔 as her advisor, also entrusting him with the mission of Sasuke’s recovery. Even though the mission failed, his skills ensꦡured that none of his team members lost their lives.

9 🌄 Kyojuro Rengo𝓰ku

One Of The Greatest Hashiras In The Anime

For hundreds of years, the Demon Slayer Corps has been battling demons, thanks to their fearsome fighters known as Ha🥂shira. They have never gone into battle with♚out risking their lives, and are the🐓 reason behind the Corps' long-standing struggle.

While there are other Hashira in the series, few♒ match the presence of Kyojuro Rengoku, the flame Hashira whose dedication to his duties makes him an incredible leader. The best display of his abilities comes during th♌e Mugen Train arc, where he sacrifices himself to protect innocent lives from the Upper Three Demon, Akaza.

8 🐻 Integr🍰a Hellsing

A Noblewomen Among The Vampires

Integra Hellsing is a main character of the anime series Hellsing, and its OVA adaptations. As the last descendant of the Royal Hellsing family, she embodies theꦕ traits of a natural leader and is one of the best-written female characters in anime history.

Despite being only 22 years old, Integra Hellsing is very intelligent and has a clear sense of priorꦯity, as she isn't afraid to make bold decisions when necessary. When her uncle, Richard Hellsing, conspires against her, Integra thwa🤡rts his plans and ultimately kills him, taking over the Hellsing Organization she inherited.

7 Griffith

The Controversial Leader Of The Band Of Hawks

The classic anime and manga series Berserk showcased one of TV’s most compelling friendships between Guts and Griffith, one that completely altered the fate of both characters going furthe🔥r into the series. Before Griffith’s obsession with ꦆGuts ruined his dream, he was a capable leader.

As the founder of the Band of the Hawk, Griffith꧅ turned what started as a simple mercenary group into a powerful and royal force, quickly moving them up the ranks. He brought together some of the best fighters and built their reputation to the point where enemies were afraid꧃ to face them on the battlefield, as they were virtually unbeatable.

6 Roy Mustang 🍸

The State Alchemist, Who Cares A Lot About His Followers

At the beginning of Full Metal Alchemist, Roy Mustang appears as this cold-hearted war v𒅌eteran who seems to be ♏indifferent, beyond his own ambitions. As the series goes on, you see a different side of him when he is shown as a great commander who looks after his men, something that defines what it means to be a leader.

His character goes through a major development, after seeing the brutality of the Ishval Civil War and the rotting condition of the Amestris' military. Thus, he desires to lead his country tꦇowards🍰 a brighter, more just future.

5 Kakashi Hatake 🐬

Kakashi, The Leader Of The Iconic Team Seven

The Hidden Leaf Village had a rigorous Shinobi training system, where even Hokages had learned to be great Ninjas. While many shinobis have evolved through this system, only a handful have been exceptional leaders, one of whom🍌 is Kakashi Hatake.

Kakashi, as the teacher of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, clearly understood each of their motivations. He provided them with the essential training they ꦓneeded to grow and fulfill their destiny. On top of being a great mentor, Kakashi also tackled thousands of missions for the Hidden Leaf Village, in the service of which he was made a Hokage after the Fourth Shinobi War.

4 ﷽ Lelouch Lamperouge

A Rogue Prince Playing The Rules Of Politics

Code Geass is one of those anime that invites analysis from many different angles because of its fascinating story and complex themes. At its core is Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian prince turned rebel who has vowed to 🌜avenge his mother’s death by taking down his father.

Exiled at just 10 years old, Lelouch knew the hardships of life from an early age. Driven by a desire to one day bring peace to the world by dismantling the Britannian Empire, he takes on the masked identity of Zero. Under this guise, he formed and led the Black Knights, inspiring them to create a massive political movement💝.

3 All Might

The Ever-smiling Superman Who Loves To Help Others

My Hero Academia is often seen as a gre🌃at show for superhero fans, in the genre of Shōnen anime. The show glorifies heroism and absolute strength, and All Might, with his overpowered persona and classic hero traits, might be the perfect embodiment of that ideal.

The show introduces him as the ꦕformer Number One Hero possessing the One For All quirk, who now serves as a mentor to many of the students at U.A. High School. Even though his prime days are behind him, he remains a leader every hero a🍎spires to be. With his ever-present smile, All Might loves to protect the weak, making it his life’s purpose to help others.

2 ꧒ Edward Newgate

A Father To Many Of The Pirates He Fostered

Edward Newgate aka Whitebeard is considered one of the str🔯ong🔯est pirates with an extremely high bounty in the One Piece fandom. With his staggering height and overwhelming power due to the procession of Haoshoku Haki, he truly lives up to the title of the strongest man in the wor🧸ld.

Despite being so fierce, he’s also a brilliant leader who is both understanding and forgiving towards his crew. He had many allies and commanded deep respect, as many of them were those he took in and adopte🦄d. They’re so loyal to him that they’d willingly lay down the♔ir lives for him, and Whitebeard himself will go to great lengths for his crew.

1 Erwin Smith 🥀 📖

Legendary Commander Of The Survey Corps

Attack on Titan focuses on ♊the themes of human survival in its episodes, emphasizing on the soldiers who guard against the titans. In this brutal world, joining the Survey Corps is a death wish, but Erwin Smith stands out for ✃his readiness to sacrifice everyt꧃hing for the greater good.

His confident b🍌ody language and strategic genius give Commander Erwin all the qualities he needs to be a great leader. One of his brilliant moments in the show comes during the Battle of Shiganshina District, where he leads the Survey Corps from the front, rallying them to face the Titans head-on despite them knowing it’s a suicide mission.