With over a thousand episodes, countless adventures across the Grand Line, and a world brimming with larger-than-life personalities, One Piece has gifted fans with some of the most unforgettable characters in anime history. From fearless captains to tragic outlaws, from stoic swordsmen to mysterious warlords, each character brings depth, humor, and heart to the sprawling narrative. These ten stand above the rest—not just for their strength, but for their growth, influence, and the emotional resonance they deliver. Here are the top 10 One Piece characters of all time.
#10: Jinbe
The Knight of the Sea and a proud fish-man, Jinbe embodies honor, loyalty, and a dream of unity between the races of the One Piece world. Originally introduced as a Warlord of the Sea and ally of Luffy during the Impel Down and Marineford arcs, Jinbe’s nobility quickly distinguished him from many of his peers. His deep sense of responsibility, especially toward the legacy of Queen Otohime and Fisher Tiger, makes him one of the few characters who bridges the gap between power and diplomacy. His ultimate decision to join the Straw Hat Pirates during the Wano arc was a moment of emotional triumph, symbolizing trust earned and bonds forged. A hidden gem in his story is his consistent role as a peacemaker—whether calming Luffy’s rage or resolving tensions between races. His Fish-Man Karate is devastating, but his wisdom is his true strength.
#9: Nico Robin
From a child outlaw with a bounty at age 8 to the Straw Hats’ calm and composed archaeologist, Nico Robin is a masterclass in character evolution. Her knowledge of the Void Century, the Poneglyphs, and ancient weapons makes her one of the most sought-after people in the world. Her iconic moment—screaming “I want to live!” in Enies Lobby—is still one of the series’ most powerful emotional scenes. Robin is a study in survival, trauma, and rebirth. Her dark past working with criminal organizations like Baroque Works and CP9 is offset by the care and trust she builds with the Straw Hats. Her powers may appear eerie, but they symbolize her reach—literally and figuratively—for truth and connection. A fun fact: her Flower-Flower Fruit not only lets her sprout limbs but has allowed her to develop some of the most creative, hilarious, and horrifying attacks in the series.
#8: Boa Hancock
The Pirate Empress and ruler of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock is one of the Seven Warlords and a character who constantly flips expectations. Feared for her incredible strength and beauty, she hides a vulnerable core shaped by the trauma of enslavement by the Celestial Dragons. Her love for Luffy, which grows despite her usual contempt for men, adds unexpected comedic and emotional layers to her persona. Unlike other characters who fawn over Luffy, Hancock’s infatuation is laced with defiance and pride, making it all the more entertaining. Her Love-Love Fruit allows her to petrify opponents with the force of attraction—yet it’s her heart, once shielded in stone, that really melts over time. What fans may not know is that she was the first female Warlord introduced, and her past provided one of the earliest serious insights into the horrors of the Celestial Dragon regime.
#7: Tony Tony Chopper
Cute, quirky, and deeply emotional, Chopper is the Straw Hats’ beloved doctor and resident reindeer-human hybrid. His backstory with Dr. Hiluluk is arguably one of the most heartbreaking in One Piece, showing how he went from an outcast monster to someone determined to save lives. Despite his adorable appearance, Chopper is a medical genius, capable of diagnosing rare diseases and creating miracle cures. His transformation using Rumble Balls gives him seven unique battle forms, and his Monster Point form showcases his hidden ferocity. What’s remarkable is how Chopper balances innocence with determination—his desire to be useful to his crew often drives his greatest moments. A little-known fact is that his bounty remains laughably low due to his appearance, a running gag that hides the real weight of his contributions.
#6: Portgas D. Ace
Ace’s legacy looms large over One Piece, even long after his tragic death at Marineford. As the adopted brother of Luffy and Sabo, Ace carved his own path as a fearsome pirate and the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. His Devil Fruit, the Flame-Flame Fruit, made him nearly untouchable in combat, but it was his kindness, loyalty, and internal struggle with identity that made him beloved. Raised by Garp, hunted by the World Government due to his lineage as Gol D. Roger’s son, Ace constantly wrestled with feelings of worth. His final moments—smiling and thanking everyone for loving him—are seared into the memory of fans worldwide. Lesser-known detail: Oda originally planned for Ace to survive longer, but chose to amplify the emotional weight of the Marineford War by ending Ace’s journey where he did. That decision changed One Piece forever.
#5: Usopp
At first glance, Usopp might seem like comic relief—cowardly, boastful, and exaggerated—but his development is nothing short of remarkable. From a liar trying to protect a small village to the sniper who stood tall against CP9 and even Sugar in Dressrosa, Usopp embodies the spirit of human growth. He’s not the strongest, but he fights through fear to stand up for what’s right. His alter ego, “Sogeking,” is both hilarious and symbolic—he becomes the hero he always claimed to be. One of his defining moments was standing up to Luffy over the Going Merry, showcasing that even among close friends, pride and pain need resolution. Fun trivia: Usopp’s dream to become a brave warrior of the sea ties him spiritually to the giants of Elbaf, and fans eagerly await that narrative thread to unfold in the future arcs.
#4: Roronoa Zoro
Zoro is the first mate, the right hand, and often the moral compass when things go off-track. His three-sword style, introduced with ferocity and flair, has become iconic. But beyond the swords is a man of unwavering loyalty, discipline, and pride. His silent promise to Luffy—”I’ll never lose again”—marks his journey as one of sacrifice and dedication. Whether it’s taking Luffy’s pain in Thriller Bark or training under Mihawk during the time skip, Zoro constantly strives to be worthy of his captain’s trust. His heritage remains a mystery, but theories abound that he has ties to Wano or other samurai lineages. A lesser-known gem: Zoro’s sense of direction is so legendarily bad it becomes a plot device. But when it comes to cutting down enemies, he never misses the mark.
#3: Sanji
The cook with kicks and a code of chivalry, Sanji is more than just a lover of ladies and good food. His backstory in the Baratie arc and especially during Whole Cake Island paints a heartbreaking picture of a boy who escaped royalty to follow his own path. His commitment to feeding the hungry—no matter the person—speaks volumes about his values. Sanji’s battles often pit his heart against his mission, and that emotional complexity adds rich layers to his fights. His Diable Jambe and later Haki-enhanced moves make him a powerhouse, yet his greatest strength may be his empathy. Little-known detail: Oda originally planned to name him “Naruto,” but changed it to avoid confusion with Naruto’s launch. Sanji remains a symbol of grace, grit, and gourmet mastery.
#2: Trafalgar D. Water Law
Cool, calculated, and carrying the will of D, Law stormed into One Piece as a rival but quickly became one of the most beloved allies. His Op-Op Fruit powers are among the most versatile in the series, allowing him to manipulate space, perform instant surgeries, and even swap personalities. But beneath the surface is a tragic past involving Corazon, the Donquixote family, and his terminal illness. His alliance with Luffy during Dressrosa and Wano is a highlight of strategic brilliance and mutual respect. Law’s stoic exterior masks deep emotion, especially when confronting Doflamingo, the man who destroyed his childhood. Fun fact: Law’s surgeon’s coat, sword, and hat have become cosplay staples worldwide. He’s one of the most stylish and layered characters in the entire franchise.
#1: Monkey D. Luffy
At the heart of it all is Luffy—the rubber-powered dreamer with a heart of gold and fists of steel. His goal to become the Pirate King is more than ambition; it’s about freedom, friendship, and forging his own path. Luffy isn’t the smartest strategist or the most diplomatic leader, but his charisma, resilience, and unshakable values inspire those around him. From punching a Celestial Dragon to declaring war on the World Government for Robin, Luffy’s defiance of oppression is legendary. His battles with Crocodile, Lucci, Doflamingo, and Kaido are unforgettable, each showing growth in both strength and spirit. Hidden gem: Luffy’s ability to hear the “Voice of All Things” connects him to ancient mysteries of the world. But more than that, Luffy represents the joy and pain of adventure, and why One Piece has captivated hearts for over two decades.
These ten One Piece characters represent the heart of the Grand Line. They’ve made us laugh, cry, and cheer with every battle, flashback, and heartfelt vow. Whether they’re pirates, revolutionaries, or rulers, each one has helped shape the incredible journey that is One Piece. Their legacies stretch beyond Devil Fruits or bounties—they’ve earned a place in anime history for their humanity, their flaws, and their fight for what they believe in.
