Beards in anime often signify more than facial hair; they embody the essence of the characters wearing them. From the wisest of mentors to the most formidable foes, a well-crafted beard can denote wisdom, experience, strength, and sometimes an untamed spirit. The best anime characters with beards bring a unique charisma to the screen.
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Whether through the whiskers of a martial arts expert like Master Roshi or the wild mane of a seasoned pirate such as Blackbeard, these characters are unique. Let’s celebrate these iconic bearded figures, whose memorable facial hair leaves an indelible mark on their tales and the fans who follow them.
10Iskander - Fate/Zero
Charismatic Warrior
Iskander’s Character Traits
Iskander, also known as Rider from Fate/Zero, sports a robust, well-groomed beard that complements his bold and charismatic personality. His beard is not just a mark of his maturity and experience but also a reflection of his identity as Alexander the Great, symbolizing regal dominance and warrior pride.
Throughout the anime, his beard remains immaculate, echoing his confidence and unyielded spirit, whether in the heat of battle or sharing his grand vision of conquest with Waver Velvet, his Master. Iskander’s beard stands out because it is a physical manifestation of his larger-than-life persona, a badge of honor that mirrors his legendary status.
Release Date
Episode Count
Where To Watch
July 08, 2025
Crunchyroll
9Van Hohenheim - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Immortal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Van Hohenheim’s Character Traits
Van Hohenheim, amysterious characterfrom Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, wears a beard that is as enigmatic as his ancient and storied past. His beard is a full, rounded beard that extends gracefully into a sophisticated goatee, symbolizing his wisdom and the weight of the centuries he has lived. Hohenheim’s beard is meticulously kept, unlike the wild or untamed beards of other characters, which mirrors his composed demeanor.
The beard ages with him, turning from a dark color to an almost ethereal white, signifying the life-altering events he endures, such as creating the Philosopher’s Stones. His beard is unique because it represents the culmination of his journey as the most powerful alchemist.
July 05, 2025
8Blackbeard - One Piece
Darkness Devil Fruit User
Blackbeard’s Character Traits
Blackbeard, also known as Marshall D. Teach fromOne Piece, sports a distinct and very long beard tied with three rubber bands. It’s an irregular beard that covers more than half his body, leaving his mouth bare, a style that’s as unconventional as the man himself. This beard is different not only in appearance but also in how it reflects Blackbeard’s chaotic and unpredictable nature.
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His beard is not neatly groomed, which parallels his pirate heritage and ruthless, wild approach to achieving his goals, including betraying his former Captain, Whitebeard, and triggering some of the most pivotal events in the series, like Portgas D. Ace’s capture.
July 04, 2025
7Jet Black - Cowboy Bebop
Steadfast Captain
Cowboy Bebop
Jet Black’s Character Traits
Jet Black fromCowboy Bebophas a beard that is as much a part of his character as his role as the Captain of the spaceship Bebop. His facial hair is a well-maintained, neat chinstrap that follows the contours of his jawline, accentuated by a small soul patch beneath his lower lip.
This beard style exudes his disciplined nature and the chaos of the bounty-hunting world around him. In the series, Jet’s beard never appears overgrown or unkempt, reflecting his former life as an ISSP officer and his consistent, fatherly presence among the Bebop crew, seen in episodes like Ganymede Elegy, where his past is explored.
June 07, 2025
6Asuma Sarutobi - Naruto
Team 10 Leader
Asuma Sarutobi’s Character Traits
Asuma Sarutobi fromNarutois known for his rugged and distinctive stubble that outlines his strong jawline, giving him a mature and tough appearance. This beard style sets him apart from the clean-shaven look of many other characters. It’s a practical beard for a man always in action, reflective of his no-nonsense attitude.
The beard also gives Asuma amentor quality, which is evident in his guidance to Team 10, especially in his relationship with Shikamaru. Asuma is well-known for his calm demeanor, tactical prowess, and a deep sense of duty as a Jonin leader and a member of the esteemed Sarutobi clan.
August 22, 2025
5Silvers Rayleigh - One Piece
The Dark King
Silvers Rayleigh’s Character Traits
Silvers Rayleigh from One Piece is renowned not just for his formidable strength as the former first mate of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger but also for his striking silver beard. His beard is a full, well-groomed, flowing mane that exudes a sense of dignity and a lifetime of pirating experience. It mirrors his moniker, blending the darkness of his title with the silver of his age and wisdom.
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This beard has witnessed the entirety of the Golden Age of Pirates and the mysterious Void Century. Rayleigh’s beard is unique as it symbolizes his enduring charisma and power, still evident in his ability to clash with Admirals and teach Haki to Luffy.
4Shigekuni Genryusai - Bleach
Commander Of Gotei 13
Shigekuni Genryusai’s Character Traits
Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryusai, fromBleach, is the venerable Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, and his imposing beard is as much a part of his legendary status as his fearsome Zanpakuto, Ryujin Jakka. His beard is long, full, and fiery, much like the Bankai he commands, which is the most powerful fire-based attack in the Soul Society.
What sets Yamamoto’s beard apart is that it’s neatly tied and serves as a testament to the centuries of battles and wisdom. During the battle with Aizen and confrontation with Yhwach, he stands as the staunch leader against those threatening the peace he has sworn to uphold.
June 10, 2025
3Joseph Joestar - JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The Invincible Joestar
JoJo Bizarre Adventure
Joseph Joestar’s Character Traits
Joseph Joestar, inJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, sports a well-groomed, grizzled beard that marks his transition from a brash young hero to a seasoned older adult. His beard is a symbol of his journey through life, having faced supernatural foes and outlandish adventures, with his wit and guile as his defining traits.
It’s present during his battle against the Pillar Men in his prime and later as he meets his grandson, Jotaro Kujo, guiding him against the threats ofStand users. The beard does not diminish his penchant for dramatic flair and trickery, a characteristic gesture of revealing his next move during battles still present in his elder years.
July 11, 2025
2Isaac Netero - Hunter X Hunter
Hunter Association Chairman
Hunter x Hunter
Isaac Netero’s Character Traits
Isaac Netero fromHunter x Hunterstands out with his long, flowing beard, which cascades like a white waterfall, symbolizing his advanced age and the peak of martial prowess he has attained. Netero’s beard is a testament to his disciplined life of intense training and meditation, reflecting the spiritual purity he has achieved.
This is seen most poignantly during his final battle against the Chimera Ant King, Meruem, where his beard seems almost to flow with the aura of his powerful 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva technique. The beard moves with a life of its own, emphasizing the force and speed of his movements, and is a visual echo of the extraordinary energy he commands.
1Master Roshi - Dragon Ball
Wise Martial Artist
Dragon Ball
Master Roshi’s Character Traits
Master Roshi fromDragon Ballis instantly recognizable by his white beard, a hallmark of his identity as one of the oldest and wisest martial arts masters. His beard is as iconic as his sunglasses and turtle shell, signifying the immense knowledge and experience accrued over a long life of discipline and training.
Roshi’s beard has been part of many pivotal moments, none more so than when he assumes his Max Power form, with his muscles bulging and his beard bristling, emphasizing the vast, often hidden strength that belies his elderly appearance. With its wild, untamed look, Master Roshi’s beard gets the #1 spot on this list.
