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One Piece characters are as many as devil fruits in the show. Here is a list of ten of them that everyone knows.
In 1997, Eichiro Oda’s One Piece manga was serialized in the Weekly Shonen Jump. At the time, anime was rising in the world of entertainment. Fast forward to 2025, and anime is one of the biggest forms of entertainment consumed. And one of the animes that laid the foundation of this is One Piece. Since its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, One Piece has become known globally. It has broken records for manga sales and has over 1,000 episodes.
While there are a lot of interesting and quirky characters in the show, some of them have become so iconic that even people who’ve never watched the show know who they are. These ten characters have transcended the series itself to become symbols of One Piece. The faces that instantly come to mind when someone mentions this epic seafaring adventure.
1. Monkey D. Luffy
From the straw hat to the pose transforming into gear second, Luffy has become as popular as some mainstream characters like Superman. Aside from the physical things, his character also draws people in. As mentioned in the show, he has a special ability to make people follow him, and maybe he has infected viewers and non-viewers alike. He projects a balance of childish joy and iron determination that also makes him a charming character
At anime conventions, you will find many people cosplaying as Luffy. Some of them chant his famous words, “I am going to be the Pirate King.” A couple of them even take it a step further, and you can see them biting down on a piece of meat. His dream and loyalty to his friends have made him loved by fans. The way he bounces back from defeat with a smile has inspired fans through their real-life struggles.
2. Roronoa Zoro
The green-haired swordsman has become so famous for his terrible sense of direction. The phrase “pulling a Zoro” has entered the fan dictionary as shorthand for getting hopelessly lost. His three-sword style seemed ridiculous initially because no one fights with a sword in their mouth. However, fighting with a sword in the mouth, his original sword style has become very popular and iconic.
Zoro’s promise to his childhood friend Kuina to become the greatest swordsman resonates with anyone who’s ever made a childhood vow. His training scenes from lifting boulders to fighting baboons have inspired countless gym sessions among fans. And his eternal rivalry with Sanji? It’s a true gem of a character that has sparked countless discussions.
3. Red-Haired Shanks
Few characters make such an impact with so little screen time. For a very long time in the show, he is usually mentioned as a very pivotal and powerful person. In Luffy’s remembrance, he was shown to be a lively and jolly person too. However, that moment at Marineford where he stopped the war with his presence sent forums into a frenzy that lasted for years. There have been lots of speculations as to what could have happened if the Marines did not pull back. For his first interaction with fans to be in one of the best arcs in the show, Shanks’s popularity skyrocketed.
The way Shanks sacrificed his arm for Luffy set the emotional tone for the entire series. His crew represents what the Straw Hats might one day become. Legends who know how to party but command absolute respect among themselves. In many of his appearances, he does not fight, and this has given rise to a lot of theories about his true power.
4. Nami
The emotional anchor of the Straw Hat crew. Nami’s Arlong Park story was well written and placed early on in the show. That level of sadness and grief early in the show has converted many casual viewers into die-hard fans.
Her evolution from a self-centered thief (which was understandable) to a trusted navigator shows some of the best character development in the series. Her dream of drawing a map of the world is such an interesting dream in a world filled with violence and power struggles. This gives her character more depth, showing that she is very self-aware of what she wants.
Nami’s money-grubbing ways and weather predictions have saved the crew more times than anyone can count. The transformation of her tattoo from Arlong’s mark to her design perfectly symbolizes her growth throughout the series.
5. Nico Robin
“I want to” live!”—four simple words that reduced the entire fandom to tears during the Enies Lobby arc. Robin’s journey from a lone survivor to a beloved crew member represents one of the core messages of One Piece: everyone deserves to find their place in the world. All because some people of Ohara (her hometown) were able to read the Poneglyphs, the World Government destroyed their island. As the only survivor who could read it, she received a bounty of 79 million at the age of eight.
What makes Robin unique is her perfect balance of maturity and dark humor. Her casual mentions of death scenarios never fail to draw laughs. Robin’s devil fruit powers make for some of the most creative fight scenes in the series. Her dream is to uncover what happened in the Void Century that the World Government is trying to cover up. As the only person in her crew who can read the ancient Poneglyphs, her role in uncovering the world’s true history becomes more crucial with each passing arc.
6. Portgas D. Ace
Few anime deaths have shattered fans quite like Ace’s. Luffy running up and down Impel Down to save him, the close call where they were almost locked in by the Gates of Justice, falling from the sky on the boat, and the Impel Down to Marineford arcs were some of the best arcs in One Piece. The build-up through the arcs created such hope, making the death of Ace all the more devastating. Years later, people still get emotional just seeing Ace merchandise in stores.
Ace’s ASCE tattoo with the crossed-out S (for Sabo) fueled years of fan theories before the truth was revealed. His struggle with his heritage of being the son of the Pirate King adds layers to his personality. And his final words to Luffy, “Thank you for loving me,” made the already falling tears more.
7. Vinsmoke Sanji
From the infamous wanted poster mishaps to his flaming leg techniques, Sanji has become a fan favorite for his combination of chivalry, culinary skills, and combat abilities. The official One Piece cookbook featuring Sanji’s recipes sells out whenever it’s reprinted—a testament to his cultural impact.
Sanji’s respect for food, originating from his experience with Zeff after capsizing, resonates with anyone who’s had an influential mentor. His refusal to use his hands in battle to protect his cooking skills shows the character depth that makes One Piece special. The Whole Cake Island arc revealed his painful past, adding new dimensions to Sanji’s character.
8. Monkey D. Garp
The “Fist of Love” has become legendary among fans. Garp is Luffy’s grandfather who shows affection through training that borders on child endangerment. His nonchalant laugh and monster strength make it immediately clear where Luffy got his personality and power.
Garp faces internal conflict at Marineford—torn between duty as a Vice Admiral and family as Luffy and Ace’s guardian, created one of the series’ most “dilemmatic” moments. Watching him let Luffy punch him because he couldn’t bring himself to capture his grandson in Marineford still raises questions among old and new viewers. His casual feats of strength, like throwing cannonballs like baseballs, set the standard for what peak physical power can look like in the One Piece world.
9. Gol D. Roger
The man who started it all never appears alive in the main storyline, yet his presence is felt in every arc. The one and only person to have earned the title of the King of the Pirates. After reaching Laugh Tale, he became the most popular pirate in One Piece. Roger’s final words at his execution caused the Great Pirate Era that forms the backdrop for the entire series.
What makes Roger fascinating is how each flashback adds new layers to his legend. His rivalry with Whitebeard, his illness, his relationship with Rayleigh, reaching Wano, and up until reaching the final island, his journey was very interesting. The way Oda has slowly revealed connections between Roger and current characters keeps fans constantly theorizing.
10. Boa Hancock
The Pirate Empress manages to be simultaneously ridiculous with her “looking down on others poses” and strong as a former warlord. She is a character who can petrify enemies with her beauty literally while hiding a traumatic past. Her over-the-top love for Luffy, complete with marriage fantasies, provides some of the series’ best comic relief.
Hancock’s backstory as a former slave makes fans feel sorry for her and makes her more than just another beautiful character. Her defiance of the World Government despite her warlord status shows her true strength of character. Moreover, her signature pose, where she looks down on others so much that she ends up looking at the sky, is something that has transcended the world of One Piece.
Conclusion
These characters have sailed beyond manga and anime to become cultural icons. In Japan, Luffy’s face appears on everything from trains to snack packages. Fans worldwide can communicate with simple references like “three-sword style” or “straw hat” and instantly connect.
The uniqueness of these ten characters goes beyond their looks or abilities. They’ve become a part of what we all talk about, known even by people who have not watched a single episode.
No matter if you have been a fan for years or if you have only recently come across the show, these pirates have made a significant impact on pop culture, with each adventure adding to their legacy.
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