25 Most Popular One Piece Characters

Even decades later, One Piece continues to dominate both the anime and manga charts. The One Piece world is extremely vast and includes over 1,100+ characters. Throughout the journey, the anime series has successfully provided us with a variety of characters to cheer for. This includes blazing and loving protagonists like Luffy and Ace to terrifying antagonists like Doflamingo and Blackbeard. Every character in the One Piece world has left a mark on the viewers, but only a few are considered fan favorites. That said, we have compiled a long list of the 25 most popular characters in One Piece in this guide. So read on to check out the rankings of your favorite characters and see where the crew members of the Straw Hat Pirates rank.

Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers about the popular characters in the One Piece anime. We suggest you watch the anime or read the manga first to avoid ruining the intended experience.

We have ranked One Piece characters based on their rankings in popularity polls and popularity among the fans while also assessing their role in the series. So, without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into our list of the most popular One Piece characters.

1. Monkey D. Luffy

Who else did you expect would be at the top? It’s a no-brainer that Monkey D. Luffy is the most popular character of all time in One Piece. He is our adored main character, and right now he is enjoying the time of his life while getting OP. Luffy set off on his quest to become the next pirate king, and he is headed in the right direction. Luffy has gone a long way and continues to be an inspiration today. He started out as a young child who stretched out his arms to beat enemies to become an emperor of the sea.

2. Roronoa Zoro

Roronoa Zoro is the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates. Prior to becoming a pirate, he was a bounty hunter known as Pirate Hunter Zoro. He transitioned from pursuing pirates for a reward to becoming one himself. Can you actually believe that? The Straw Hats wouldn’t be the same without Zoro, though. Zoro made the proper choice to join the crew of the future pirate king since his goal is to defeat Dracule Mihawk and become the greatest swordsman in the world.

Since Zoro was willing to risk his life in Thriller Bark to save his captain Luffy, his loyalty to him cannot be questioned. From that point on, Zoro went on to become a favorite of all One Piece fans. Zoro is the right-hand man of Luffy and is currently the second most popular character in One Piece as a result.

3. Vinsmoke Sanji

The Straw Heart Pirates’ chef, Sanji, is also the second-in-command to Zoro. Along with Zoro and Luffy, he is a member of the monster trio. Sanji is a versatile character as he excels in combat with his scorching, ferocious strikes and simultaneously prepares exquisite meals for the entire crew. Sanji has a sizable following base, thanks to his regard for his attitude and respect toward women.

Luffy mentioned that he cannot become the pirate king without Sanji. So yeah, that’s how much Luffy loves him and holds him important to the crew. Thus, Sanji remains third on our list of popular characters in One Piece.

4. Trafalgar D. Water Law

The Heart’s Pirates’ captain and the doctor is Trafalgar Law. He is one of the greatest characters in the show, and Hiroshi Kamiya does his voice, making him cooler (who is the VA for the famous Levi from AOT). That was more than enough to draw a sizable fanbase to Law when he made his entrance. And his popularity was greatly increased once he allied with the Straw Hat Pirates.

To this day, Law has attracted millions of fans with his Ope Ope no Mi devil fruit powers. He is known as the Surgeon of death and is ranked as the fourth most popular character in One Piece.

5. Shanks

It would be foolish to leave Shanks off the list of the most popular One Piece characters. He is the man, the myth, and the legend. Shanks is a popular character, thanks to his fierce attitude despite getting minimal screen time but only occasionally appearing. He became one of the sea’s emperors and did not eat devil fruit. Though fans frequently argue about whether he is a hero or will soon become a villain, his legacy will always be discussed aloud.

Our beloved Luffy was inspired by Shanks to begin his pirate escapades. Released in 2022, One Piece Film: Red has been a terrific treat for Shanks fans. As manga readers, we can affirm that a huge treat is coming to come for all of the fans of the anime. Shanks continues to be in fifth place as a result.

6. Gol D. Roger

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Pirate King Gol D. Roger. Roger is an essential addition to our One Piece key characters list. The great pirate age was inaugurated by him when he gave a rousing speech as he was about to leave this world. With the discovery of the fabled One Piece, Gol D Roger became the first Pirate King. Without using any devil fruit abilities, he accomplished all of this while dominating the seas. Just imagine what a strong character he is!

The pirate generation we are currently seeing in One Piece is highly unlikely to have existed without Roger. Having all that, Roger is Roger, and he is unquestionably one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

7. Whitebeard

Edward Newgate Aka Whitebeard was called the strongest man in the world. He was the direct rival to our Pirate King Roger and that speaks of how mighty he was. When we were first introduced to him, he seemed like a fearless old man. But the flashback scene of him was more than enough to show the true colors of this man. Whilst most of the pirates set out to the seas to find treasure, all he ever wanted was a family.

Even when he was not in his prime, Whitebeard shook the world with his bravest acts in the Marineford war for Ace. Whitebeard is one of the most down-to-earth characters in the show and is respectfully called Oyaji like how his crewmates call him by the fans. Whitebeard ranks at 7th position in the list of most popular characters in One Piece

8. Nami

Nami is the navigator in the Straw Hat Pirates crew. She was earlier known as Cat Burglar Nami because she used to rob pirates. But after joining the Straw Hat Pirates, she began to win over fans’ hearts. Nami is a loving and affectionate woman who strengthens the Straw Hats’ friendship. She has excellent navigation abilities and can assist in fights when necessary.

The heart stealer Nami is one of the founding members of the Straw Hats and is one of the first characters we were introduced to in the OP anime. Since then, she has remained in our hearts forever. That’s why she remains in the 8th position in the list of most popular characters in One Piece.

9. Portgas D. Ace

Portgas D. Ace was the Whitebeard Pirates’ second division commander. He is the sworn brother of Luffy and Sabo and the only son of Pirate King Roger. He was known as “Fire Fist Ace” because of his devil fruit abilities. We all assumed Ace, like Luffy, was destined for greatness until the Marineford War happened. Ace was a handsome man who was also very compassionate.

Ace stood out as one of Luffy’s most inspiring role models. Luffy looked up to him in the same manner as we did. Although Ace’s adventure has come to an end, he will live on in our hearts as our cherished hero. The fire he lit inside our hearts will never be quenched, and he remains the 9th most popular character in One Piece.

10. Nico Robin

Nico Robin is the Straw Hat Pirates’ archaeologist. She was introduced as one of the adversaries and unexpectedly joined the Straw Hats at the end of the Alabasta arc. As frightening as she appeared at first, she is the absolute opposite of that. Robin-chwan is a kind and down-to-earth person. Her life was filled with tragedy, but with the Straw Hats, she wants to help her friends and fulfill her ambition of discovering the world’s history.

Robin has proven her usefulness in fights and otherwise, thanks to her vast understanding of history and poneglyphs. Robin is the strongest female member of Straw Hats and is appreciated by people all around the world. As a result, Nico Robin remains the tenth most popular character in One Piece.

11. Boa Hancock

Boa Hancock is the captain of the Kuja Pirates and is popularly known as the Pirate Empress/Snake Empress. We met her for the first time in the Amazon Lily arc. She is the first and only female sea warlord. She is regarded as the most gorgeous woman in the One Piece universe. Her beauty absolutely amazes fans, and her devil fruit abilities were tailor-made for her.

Like her adversaries, we are turned into stones after witnessing her eternal beauty and how she behaves when Luffy is there. Beyond her beauty lies her fighting prowess and she is an absolute beast with her powers. As a result, Boa Hancock remains the eleventh most popular character in One Piece.

12. Sabo

Sabo is the revolutionary army’s chief of staff and the renowned Monkey D. Dragon’s second in command. He is also Ace and Luffy’s sworn brother. Sabo was once a nobleman who gave up everything to pursue his aspirations. As a noble, he did not regard others as inferior to himself. Luffy has always said that Sabo is a really kind brother who inspires him to be the greatest.

Sabo inherited the will of Ace and you can see the reflection of Ace in him when he ate the Mera Mera no Mi devil fruit. He is tremendously powerful with that devil fruit and will undoubtedly wreak havoc on the world government in the future with Dragon. Sabo is placed 12th on the list of the most popular One Piece characters.

13. Silvers Rayleigh

Silvers Rayleigh was introduced to us in the Saboady Archipelago arc. We all thought about what this old man can do and he went on to prove us wrong. He was the right-hand man of the Pirate King and widely known as the Dark King. Even after he retired, he was able to fight emperors and admirals and hold them. Rayleigh is a charming old man and he helped the Straw Hats in that arc. He trained Luffy about Haki and he is one of the reasons why Luffy became a strong haki user.

Don’t let this man’s appearance fool you, he is still cool and enthusiastic as ever and has a separate fan base for him. That’s why he is one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

14. Usopp

Usopp is the Straw Hat Pirates’ sniper. He formerly had his own Usopp Pirates, but subsequently joined the Straw Hats. Yasopp of the Red-Haired Pirates is his father. He got the title God Usopp after the Dressrosa arc and is known by this name everywhere in the world. Usopp is a hilarious guy that constantly puts a smile on the faces of his followers.

As cowardly as his jokes sound, he is one of the bravest men around. He was always standing up for his ideals and his friends. That demonstrates his progression over time. As a result, God Usopp is placed 14th on the list of the most popular One Piece characters.

15. Tony Tony Chopper

Tony Tony Chopper is the Doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. He is a reindeer who consumed the Hito Hito no Mi devil fruit which allows him to transform into a human/hybrid at his will. He aims to become a doctor who can cure any disease in the world and travel across the world too and he joined the Straw Hats for that.

Chopper looks kawaii and is called the “Cotton Candy Lover” Chopper. He even has his own song which is loved by the fans. But when it comes to showtime, Chopper can turn into an absolute monster to destroy his enemies. His 1000 berries bounty doesn’t make any sense as he possesses great medical skills and is a great combatant at the same time too. Therefore, Chopper is ranked 15th position in the list of most popular characters in One Piece.

16. Jinbe

Jinbe is the helmsman of the Straw Hat Pirates and is known as the Knight of the sea. He is a Fish-man and is an expert in Fish-man Karate too. He helped Luffy in the Marineford war and Luffy wanted him in the crew later which he accepted. Jinbe went to the lengths of standing against an emperor Big Mom for his loyalty towards Luffy. Fans waited for years to see Jinbe join the crew and he did it recently too.

Jinbe is a principled man and is a senior member of the crew. He is one of the respectful characters in the show and without a doubt, he is one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

17. Marco

Marco was the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Due to his devil fruit powers, he was known as Marco the Phoenix. Marco is a pleasant and experienced pirate in this pirate era. He proved his fighting prowess during the Marineford war and again he helped the Minks, Samurai, and the Straw Hats during the raid on Onigashima. This shows the nature of Whitebeard’s loyal first mate.

Marco is a bold and selfless character who likes to help his friends. Even after retiring, he was able to hold King and Queen of the Beast pirates on his own. He is a shining star and definitely one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

18. Blackbeard

Marshall D. Teach is the main antagonist of the show and the Straw Hats’ nemesis. He is the Admiral of the Blackbeard Pirates and is widely known as Blackbeard. Similarly to Shanks, although having minimal screen time, his eviler personality has gained him a different fan base. He also now possesses two devastating devil fruit abilities in the palm of his hand.

He has already begun to make moves and has rapidly risen to the position of Emperor. It is only a matter of time before he faces Luffy and we are all in for a huge rollercoaster ride full of emotions. Without a question, Blackbeard is one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

19. Kozuki Oden

If there is one character who captured our attention the most during the Wano country arc, then it has to be Kozuki Oden. He was an unexpected arrival who quickly established his spot in One Piece fans’ hearts. Oden was the Daimyo of Kuri, a town in Wano. He is one of the few persons who has served on the crews of both the famed Roger and Whitebeard Pirates.

Oden was a careless and wild guy in his youth, but he grew into a better man later in life. Fans admire him for his captivating demeanor and his status as a formidable samurai. As a result, he is clearly the most recent addition to the list of the most popular characters in One Piece.

20. Donquixote Doflamingo

Donquixote Doflamingo is a terrifying antagonist in One Piece. He used to remind us of the Joker from the DC universe. His sinister chuckle is enough to send shivers down the spines of the audience. He is known as the “Heavenly Yaksha” and leads the Donquixote Pirates. Doflamingo used to be a Warlord of the Seas and an underworld broker known as the Joker.

Doflamingo was a world noble, and his villain arc began shortly after his family left Mary Geoise. He is a bold and nasty lunatic who has achieved cult status among admirers due to his evil personality. As a result of his villainous nature, Doflamingo is one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

21. Charlotte Katakuri

Charlotte Katakuri is one of Big Mom’s children and one of Big Mom Pirates’ sweet commanders. Katakuri was believed to have zero defeats before facing Luffy, demonstrating how powerful he is. What distinguishes Katakuri is his respect for his opponents in battle, as seen by his encounter with Luffy. This won him a lot of fans’ admiration, to the point that many of them wanted him to be a Straw Hat or even an ally of Luffy in the future.

If we take a look at the villains who are highly admired by the fans of One Piece, then Katakuri stands tall. Therefore, he certainly belongs in this list of the most popular characters in One Piece.

22. Crocodile

Crocodile used to be the president of the Baroque Works. a crime syndicate in Arabasta. He is the very first villain we know who gave a taste of bitter defeat to Luffy. Crocodile is a perfect example of a devious villain who doesn’t care about anything else. His guileful villain acts have attracted a sufficient fanbase for him. He has a devastating devil fruit power which further increases his dangerous quality.

To this day, he is still one of the longest-active antagonists in the show, thanks to his popularity. And so he definitely deserves a spot in this list of most popular characters in One Piece.

23. Corazon

Donquixote Rosinante is Doflamingo’s younger brother, yet he is the polar opposite of him. He is a very gentle figure that worked under the codename, Corazon. Corazon was the one who looked over Law as a child and saved his life by giving him the Ope Ope no Mi devil fruit. Despite having very little screentime, his benevolence was unparalleled, and he was a highly lovable character.

Few characters in One Piece come for a very short time but the impact they have in our hearts lasts forever. Corazon belongs in that category and is one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

24. Yamato

Yamato is the famed Kaido’s daughter, and he regards her as a son. To top it all off, she considers herself as Oden and impersonates him. She now identifies as a guy as she refers to herself as Oden out of respect for him. Yamato is a lovely addition to the Wano arc since she is both caring and extremely powerful.

She assisted the Straw Hats during the raid on Onigashima and has started to gain huge popularity among the fans. She is likely going to be a member of the Straw Hat Pirates in the near future. So, she is undoubtedly one of the most popular characters in One Piece right now.

25. Carrot

Carrot is a member of the Minks Tribe of Zou and inherited Pedro’s will immediately after his untimely death. She was a temporary member of the Straw Hats’ crew from the Whole Cake Island arc until the Wano Country arc. Fans wanted her to be a permanent member of the team since she is an adorable and delightful character.

While she appears to be a charming character who is unable to fight, she can transform into a warrior in her Sulong form and defeat a variety of enemies. Though she is now the Minks’ new leader and she will continue to be an essential ally to the Straw Hats. As a result, Carrot is one of the most popular characters in One Piece.

So yeah, that concludes our comprehensive list of the most popular characters from the One Piece anime. Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of characters in One Piece, we were unable to add every single fan favorite. However, we hope you appreciate our rankings for the most well-known OP characters. Please feel free to mention the characters you believe we left out but should have included in our list. Also, let us know your favorite One Piece character in the comments section below.