Top 10 Best One Piece Characters

One Piece is a Japanese manga and anime series that follows Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, as he searches for the world's greatest treasure, known as the One Piece.

The Top Ten

Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D. "Straw Hat" Luffy is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the One Piece manga and anime franchise. He was created by Eiichiro Oda. Luffy is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and seeks to find the legendary treasure known as One Piece to become the Pirate King.

Luffy is the best, strongest, and most inspiring of all pirates I have seen in the whole series. He should be number one, and no one can argue with that.
Luffy is the coolest of all of them. Did anyone ever notice that Luffy is the most abominable in a powerful way? He is great at making friends. Can you believe that Boa, the Snake Princess, had her heart softened because Luffy protected everyone and her sister?
Of course, he never lets his friends down, even when they were about to be killed. Amazing, right? So you people should watch this because it's the best. Make it number one.

One of the greatest characters ever! He's a perfect combination of cool and outrageously hilarious. He's probably the most capable fighter of the Straw Hats, but also has a lack of common sense and an everlasting appetite that would give even Kirby's a run for its money!
However, he has also displayed moments of unexpected wisdom, such as his speech while fighting Arlong, which are perfect instances of character growth. While he doesn't have the same intellectual power as the other Straw Hats like Robin, he makes up for it with his loyalty and willpower!
Roronoa Zoro

Roronoa Zoro, nicknamed "Pirate Hunter" Zoro, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is a master swordsman who uses a unique three-sword fighting style. Zoro is one of the main crew members of the Straw Hat Pirates and serves as their combatant.

He's the coolest in world history. The word "cool" can't even describe how cool he is. He is the definition of cool himself and even more! I love him because I have no sense of direction, but he gets lost more than I do. Somehow that makes me feel better, but that's human, right?
I personally think that the green-haired King could defeat Luffy, the captain. He's just that good and awesome. Remember when he took all of Luffy's pain, causing Luffy to pass out? He took it all and still stood straight in a pool of his own blood while saying, "Nothing happened."
The last man standing, ladies and gentlemen: the King.

A more serious and hardcore character than Luffy but still has hilarious and relatable moments, such as his comically short temper and his (absent) sense of direction! While he often comes off as aloof and apathetic, he still deeply cares for his crewmates and is so loyal to Luffy that he will follow his orders without a second thought.
Another funny gag involving Zoro is how he's mistaken as the real captain in the early arcs due to his rougher personality! Zoro's breathtaking sword skills, along with his determination, loyalty, and funny gags, make him a strong contender for the No. 1 spot (although I personally love all of the Straw Hats, so they're all top for me)!
Vinsmoke Sanji

Vinsmoke Sanji, commonly known by the nickname "Black Leg" Sanji, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is the cook of the Straw Hat Pirates and previously served as the sous chef at the floating restaurant Baratie.... read more

I love Sanji! Sure, he's kind and badass. We all know that. But what's often underrated are his leadership skills. He has been shown taking the lead on many occasions, and it always feels so natural.
In my opinion, he also keeps the crew together. He serves as the bridge between the monster trio and the rest of the crew, if that makes sense. Zoro and Luffy are often in their own world, on a quest for ambition and adventure. But I've noticed that Sanji is the one who always keeps an eye on the crew. He rescues them and makes sure they're fine, and I love that about him.
Oh, and his character development is superb - probably the best out of all the characters. I appreciate him a little more every time I watch the anime.
Portgas D. Ace

Portgas D. Ace, born as Gol D. Ace and nicknamed "Fire Fist" Ace, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise. He was created by Japanese manga artist Eiichiro Oda. Ace is the adopted older brother of the series' protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and possesses the ability to control fire using the... read more

He had such potential as a character and should have been used more in the story. He was far too interesting to be killed off like he was. He's honestly one of the best characters in OP!
I mean, seriously, what's not to like, even from the moment he appeared? He's a caring older brother, loyal, pretty strong, witty, and kick-ass. Did I mention he's hot? He deserved so much more, especially considering all the emotional and physical hardships he had to endure.
I don't care how much time has passed. He will forever remain one of the most loved and remembered characters in OP. Plus, he's referenced constantly to this day.

He is the hottest and most lovable person in One Piece. From the first episode he appeared, I knew he was going to be my favorite.
Black hair, freckles, and fire? Admit it, he is epically hot. You know how much he loves Luffy. He is so caring, but when he is fighting, he is very cool. I love him more than any of the others.
I cried really hard when he died. It is so sad. I still remember every time a family theme comes up in One Piece, like with Sabo, Garp, or even the kraken with its brother. I love you, Ace.
Trafalgar D. Water Law

This guy is the best. He is a genius, has one of the coolest abilities in the series, and is a badass. He is deep down very kind-hearted despite his rude exterior and keeps his promises.
Despite trying to be serious all the time, he actually has a goofy side to him too, like in Zou when he really wants to see the ninja do ninjutsu, just like all the other goofballs. He also begins to assimilate into the bizarreness of the Strawhats (he doesn't like bread, haha).
He is a surgeon, has some major badass tattoos, and is a master of manipulation. And he definitely has the most tragic and epic backstory in the series. How could you not love it, even though it was sad? He is the perfect mix of evil and good.
Red-Haired Shanks

"Red-Haired" Shanks is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is the captain of the Red Hair Pirates and one of the Four Emperors, or Yonko, who dominate the seas of the New World. Shanks was formerly a member of the Roger Pirates, the only crew known to have conquered... read more

While not yet the best character in the show, Shanks is a strong contender despite extremely limited screen time. He is one of the most complex and layered characters in the series. He seems to be an overall force for good, similar to Luffy, but in his first appearance, he murdered one of the mountain bandits, a casual display of violence that Luffy has never shown.
He is worth more than 4 billion and can meet with the Gorosei. He has a history with Blackbeard and Mihawk and is intimately tied to Luffy's story. Luffy wants to be the Pirate King, but it is Shanks, not Roger, whom Luffy personally aims to surpass.
As I said, Shanks is already one of the best characters One Piece has to offer, probably in the top five. What really makes him so intriguing is that he is also the character with the most story potential. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and even Law may grow stronger, but their growth as characters will be limited. By the end of One Piece, I would not be surprised if Shanks was Oda's best creation.
Nico Robin

"Devil Child" Nico Robin is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. She is an archaeologist and a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, known for her calm demeanor and intelligence. Robin has the ability to sprout body parts from any surface using the powers of the Hana Hana... read more

Her character resonates with me so much! She's always very quiet, calm, and composed when compared to her much louder and more audacious crewmates like Luffy, Usopp, and Franky. She's an intellectual, yet hardly ever expressive, always responding with short answers. Whenever they're throwing a party, she always sits in the corner.
She clearly cares for her crewmates even if her reserved demeanor contrasts with her true feelings for her nakamas. She has a particular fascination with morbid stuff, kind of like me! She's also an expert in archaeology and history, which resonates with me as history was my favorite subject in school. While she's the quiet one of the Straw Hats, her moments of shine still spark as much as the others. Probably the most relatable Straw Hat for me, along with Usopp and Brook!
Nami

Nami is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. She is the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates and is known for her skills in cartography, navigation, and theft. Her character design was inspired by Ann and Silk, two characters from Oda's earlier work Romance Dawn.

Nami is my favorite female character in the series. Although I feel like she's annoying at times, I find her to be a more interesting and developed character than Robin. She plays an important part in the series.
I find her character very enjoyable to watch due to her manipulation skills and mental strength. I also adore her relationship with Luffy because he never gets mad at her, and it seems he trusts her the most out of all the crew members.
Although she is not the strongest character, she isn't a coward and is starting to learn how to handle herself, not to mention her skill in manipulation.

She uses her mind in fights. She doesn't like fighting but developed a way to do it so she can still be useful. Her fights are always interesting to watch.
Besides, she's irreplaceable as a navigator with an interesting past. She's funny because of her love of money, but it isn't a very major trait. Also, she's pretty and the first female crew member. I also love how her name means wave.
Tony Tony Chopper

Tony Tony Chopper, also known as "Cotton Candy Lover" Chopper, is a fictional character of the One Piece manga franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is a reindeer who ate the Human-Human Fruit, giving him human traits and intelligence. Chopper serves as the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates.

The funniest and cutest One Piece character actually made me watch and read One Piece. Chopper is funny because he can't hold his feelings in and is an awesome span user with seven forms. Plus, he's a doctor who loves cotton candy.

He is the funniest character, and just the sight of him makes me laugh. Especially when he's told that he is cute, he blushes ironically.

Thinking he's the best character doesn't make him happy, you bastard!
Usopp

Usopp is a fictional character in the One Piece manga and anime franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He serves as the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates and is known for his tall tales and inventive gadgets.
He adopts the alias "God Usopp" after a key role in the Dressrosa arc, gaining widespread recognition... read more

I love Usopp a lot as a Straw Hat member. Every other Straw Hat member has some unique power or ability (even Nami, whose navigation skills are crucial), but Usopp entered the story with skills no different from a normal person. And yet, this man held on through the harshest times and withstood obstacles that tested his loyalty and intelligence.
He always felt inferior to the other Straw Hat members, but he still held on and pushed himself beyond his limits for the sake of his friends. Even when his nose was crushed and his face was tainted with blood, even when fear made it hard for him to stand up, he tried his best.
In conclusion, even though he may not be the bravest or the strongest, Usopp has the heart of a true Straw Hat pirate.

The Newcomers

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Killer

I'm very curious about his character. He is always wearing a mask and a headset.
He is the only Supernova other than Zoro who is not a captain. Some information Oda gave about his character, especially in the SBS, reminds me of another character. Clearly, something is up. I really want to know more about him.
?
Viola

The Contenders

Sabo

Sabo should be higher on the list! He's a kind older brother, quite attractive, and wears suits that are spot-on. Additionally, he is the chief of the Revolutionary Army. He embodies the saying beware the nice ones because if you are racist, he'll mess you up - all while smiling. He was also a cute child, and Oda shocked everyone by bringing him back.

Why is Sabo down here?
Come on, people! He's the Revolutionary Army's #2, Luffy's second older brother, lost his memories after almost dying, finds Luffy in Dressrosa, eats the Mera Mera no Mi, and saves Luffy from Jesus Burgess.
So why, WHY is he down here!?
Franky

"Iron Man" Franky is a fictional character in the manga and anime franchise One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda. He serves as the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates, building and maintaining their ship, the Thousand Sunny. Franky is known for his mechanical modifications, flamboyant personality, and... read more

Funniest character, great personality. He made the best ship, the Thousand Sunny, and has just about anything in his robotic body - lights, heavy weapons, laser beams. He's just awesome. He has become one of the most powerful characters. He's amazing!

Franky is MY FAVORITE One Piece character! (Next to Chopper) He's so cool. He's strong, funny, and metal. If anything, he should be the king of the pirates!

How is Franky, one of the main crewmates, this low on the list? I think he's awesome, and he has the best theme out of all the Straw Hats.
Brook

"Soul King" Brook is a fictional character from the "One Piece" manga series created by Eiichiro Oda. He is the musician of the Straw Hat Pirates and a Devil Fruit user who ate the Yomi Yomi no Mi. As a result of the fruit's power, he was revived after death and now exists in a pseudo-immortal, skeletal... read more

The most underrated Straw Hat. Come on, man, the dude is kind, funny, and positive even after the terrible thing that happened to his crew. He's very useful.

He's that guy that everyone would love to hang out with, but with bones! No skin! Plus, who else will sing Binks' Sake at 45%? Exactly. And he has an afro! Just ask Usopp and Luffy. An afro is what makes a man. What more do I have to say? Hmm... how about: YOHOHOHOHOHO!

Yo ho ho! He's not the best-written character, but I like his personality. He kept a sense of humor even after being on a ship alone for 50 years.
Dracule Mihawk

Dracule "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk is a fictional character from the One Piece manga franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. Mihawk is a member of the Shichibukai and was the first to be introduced in the series. He is widely recognized as the greatest swordsman in the One Piece world.

He destroys entire armadas of ships with just a few flicks of Yoru. He doesn't look down on Zoro for wanting to take him down and actually encourages it. He's an antagonist but not necessarily a bad guy. He ranks among the strongest characters in the show, and his eyes are remarkable.

He is one hell of a badass swordsman. He makes himself clear almost all the time. He is quiet, strong, and merciless but also has a sense of justice and a bit of compassion in the depths of his heart.

This guy cut down all of Don's ships in the Grand Line. Who else could do that? Plus, he has awesome hawk eyes.
Gol D. Roger

Gol D. Roger, the former Pirate King and owner of the One Piece - the greatest treasure ever - is the one who started the Pirate Era. He inspired most people to desire to become like him, to be the Pirate King. During his execution, he smiled and announced the existence of the One Piece, a treasure of untold riches.
There is no doubt that he was one of the strongest pirates ever, equally matched or even better than Whitebeard. Gol D. Roger was undoubtedly a badass.

The only pirate to sail the entire world without backing down, and the owner of the One Piece - the treasure of untold riches! Dude, he was smiling when he was executed, and he literally knows everything we want to know. And the mustache is on point!
Crocodile

Crocodile has squirmed his way into my favorite character slot. If we're talking about cuteness, then Chopper wins. But this guy is the best in almost every way, in my opinion.
He is so cunning. He led an evil plot while making himself a hero in the eyes of the people before becoming the first villain to give Luffy a good beatdown, twice! His Suna Suna no Mi powers are at their peak. For example, he can cause dense sandstorms and suck the moisture out of almost anything.
I love him. I'm even being him for Halloween this year.

One of the greatest. He beat Luffy twice before his weakness to water was discovered. He's such a badass character and is almost invincible in deserts.
Did I mention he can suck water out of bodies? He's an awesome character.
Donquixote Doflamingo

Donquixote Doflamingo is a fictional character in the One Piece manga created by Eiichiro Oda. He is the captain of the Donquixote Pirates and a former member of the Shichibukai, a group of powerful pirates allied with the World Government. He also held a frozen bounty of 340,000,000 Beli, operated as... read more

Despite being a villain, I really sympathize with him. His past was messed up and extremely sad, which should have shown everyone that his evil side was formed by these events (and Trebol & Co.). He is so well-written, and I hope we'll see him return in some way in future chapters. He's definitely my favorite character in One Piece!

Doflamingo is a very interesting villain. He is twisted and has a well-written past. His design is both funny and freaky, and his power is very interesting.

He is probably one of the main villains since the beginning: so twisted, charismatic, and calm, which is why I love him so much.
Monkey D. Dragon

He is Luffy's father, the son of a legendary Marine, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, and the most wanted man alive. He is very powerful and very cool.

A revolutionary waging war against the corrupt world government, he is the son of one of the strongest Marines ever and the father of the future Pirate King.

He is Luffy's father, Garp's son, and the leader of the Revolutionary Army. He's also the most wanted man alive. He is very strong and very cool.
Charlotte Katakuri

Gave Luffy the best fight in the entire series. Has so many cool abilities. Can't wait until he shows up again in future arcs.

Best character of the One Piece series shows honor and respect. This is how most antagonists should be.

I have mad respect for him. I wish we could see more of him after the Whole Cake Island arc.
Marco the Phoenix

He owns the best Devil Fruit in the whole One Piece universe. This tells everything about how great he is.

Marco definitely has to be one of the strongest pirates ever, and I just love his power and strength!

Marco is an insanely cool, kind, and badass character.
Donquixote Rosinante (Corazon)

The fact that he is a love-striving character is undeniably one of the greatest features a character can have, and given to Law, who was dealt such a cruel fate. Looking for dozens of hospitals, providing love and weeping for Law, and ultimately saving his life in exchange for his own by silencing his voice until his very last moment is Corazon's token of love. This character definitely deserves to be higher up on this list.

What I find amazing about Corazon is that he had 2 or 3 episodes in an 894-episode-long series (so far), and it was revealed earlier on in the arc that he'd die, yet somehow his character was so enthralling and quirky, which you wouldn't expect from his introduction. And his death was done flawlessly in a way that somehow the anime did a better job of.
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)

The Great Pirate, Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate, was the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates and was revered as the strongest pirate ever after Gol D. Roger! He was very caring and more like a father figure to his pirate crew. He cared for them deeply like a family, and they felt the same way about him.
Whitebeard had amazing strength, ability, and stamina. He was so tough that, even after sustaining numerous injuries and being shot multiple times, he kept standing until his death. That's how badass he was!

The Great Pirate, Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate, is one of the best characters in One Piece. He was a caring father, a monster in combat, and just a general badass.
Even though we only saw him a few times before Marineford, he always had that mystique of being the strongest and having something special about him. Then, we actually got to see why he was the strongest after Roger.
Smoker

One thing that I especially love about Smoker is that under his gruff exterior, he's a nice and caring man. In his very first appearance, a little girl accidentally bumped into him and spilled her ice cream on his pants. Instead of getting angry and scolding the girl for not paying attention, he knelt down, told the girl he was sorry that his pants ate her ice cream, and gave her enough money to buy herself a five-scoop cone! So cute!

Such a sick and awesome character! Really gets underappreciated for being a Marine. It's awesome how he has that awesome sense of justice that comes in at all the right moments, just in time to save the day! Sanji might be my all-time favorite, but Smoker will always be my all-time favorite Marine. Not to mention he's built like a tank. And, ironically, smoking is a huge turn-on for me.
Boa Hancock

Hancock is a tall, slender woman with long black hair that extends past her waist, pale skin, a high forehead, and dark brown eyes framed by long, voluminous lashes. She has a narrow waist and a large bust, with official measurements of B111-W61-H91 cm (43.7″ - 24.0″ - 35.8″), making her a J-cup by Japanese... read more

She is pretty, badass, and powerful! She's amazing! I can't believe how few people realize how relatable she is when she messes things up because of Luffy.

She's super hot and really powerful. She's irresistible and can turn you into stone. I wish I were her husband.

She is the most beautiful woman, alongside Nico Robin and Nami.
Eustass "Captain" Kid

My favorite guy other than Luffy and Zoro. This guy is the guy who proved to us that the Supernovas were crazy. Unfortunately, it turned out he and Law were the only good ones other than the Straw Hats so far.

His magnetism is pretty boss. He could be seen as a huge threat in the anime, and he defeated a Pacifista, which the Straw Hats couldn't do.

He's awesome. Not the best, but at least he should be recognized a little.