If there is one thing Monkey D. Luffy knows how to do besides eating and fighting, it is how to bring a crew together. Luffy’s Straw Hat Pirates are a band of beloved characters that have captured the hearts of millions across the globe with their thrilling adventures in the world of One Piece. Throughout their epic journey, the Straw Hat Pirate crew has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their unique abilities and skillsets, captivating personalities, and impactful contributions to the series overall. Whether they came to the crew after the time-skip or joined after the Dressrosa Arc or Whole Cake Island Arc, or came into their own on Fish-Man Island, the Straw Hats puts the marines in their place to become the strongest pirate crew around.
As we delve into the ever-expanding universe of this iconic anime and manga series and live-action adaptation, it’s time to assess and rank these extraordinary individuals. From their fiercely determined captain to the skilled fighters and quirky individuals who make up this crew, let’s unpack and celebrate the Straw Hat crew’s incredible attributes to determine who stands at the forefront of their remarkable legacy.
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10) Brook – The Musician
Brook, also popularly known as the superstar Soul King, is the musician and secondary swordsman among the Straw Hat Pirates. Although a musician may not seem important on a pirate ship, Brook is significant in the One Piece narrative and the Straw Hat’s journey. Brook is a living skeleton the Straw Hats stumble upon aboard a ghost ship while navigating treacherous waters during the Thriller Bark Arc.
Brooke ate the Yomi Yomi no Mi, a Devil Fruit that bestowed upon him the extraordinary ability to resurrect after death. Over time, he honed his mastery over his powers, granting him remarkable control over both his own soul and the souls of others. Brook’s musical talents, unique Devil Fruit powers, and vibrant spirit enrich the crew’s dynamics. His longevity, humorous persona, and soulful melodies embody the joy and resilience essential to their journey.
9) Franky – The Shipwright
“Cyborg” Franky is the eighth member of the crew, joining after Enies Lobby Arc. He is pivotal as the highly skilled shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates. Initially, Franky and his gang, the Franky Family, were adversaries of Luffy and his crew during the Water 7 Arc. The two groups ultimately allied due to various circumstances, uniting their forces by the arc’s conclusion.
Franky’s dream lies in the ambition to construct a vessel capable of circumnavigating the world. To fulfill this dream, he designed and built the Thousand Sunny, an incredible ship he built for Luffy and his crew. To see his dream come true, Franky joined the Straw Hats.
Franky’s shipbuilding and mechanical prowess shape the crew’s vessel and weaponry. As the crew’s cyborg shipwright, his energetic persona and powerful innovations, including his robotic modifications, contribute to their victories.
8) Jinbe – The Helmsman
Jinbe, also known as “First Son of the Sea,” the seasoned helmsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, is the crew’s tenth member to join their ranks. He was the latest member to join their crew during the Wano Country Arc making him the newest member. Prior to joining the Straw Hat crew, Jenbe proved himself to be a loyal ally to Luffy on several occasions. Jinbe is a whale shark fishman renowned as a master of Fishman Karate.
The former Warlord of the Sea crossed paths with Luffy during the Marineford Arc. Jinbe’s dream echoes the final wish of his former captain, Fisher Tiger: to realize coexistence and equality between humans and fishmen. Jinbe’s wisdom, combat expertise, and calming presence as the helmsman cement his status as a valued member of the Straw Hat crew. His navigation skills and past connections also contribute to the crew’s progress.
7) Usopp – The Sniper
Usopp, the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates, was the crew’s fourth member to join following the Syrup Village Arc. Despite his cowardly instincts, Usopp harbors a profound dream to become a brave warrior of the sea, much like his father. Over time, he develops great character and finds his inner strength and confidence. Each day, he strives to realize this dream and embodies unwavering determination and perseverance as he navigates the challenges of pirate life alongside Luffy and his fellow crewmates. Usopp’s expert sniper skills and ingenious inventions make him the crew’s heart and humor. Despite his habit of exaggeration and tall tales, his unwavering bravery in dire situations inspires others and proves his value as a Straw Hat member.
6) Tony Tony Chopper – The Doctor
Tony Tony Chopper, also known as “Cotton Candy Lover,” is the doctor among the Straw Hat Pirates and is extremely important to the crew’s success. He officially became a part of Luffy’s crew at the end of the Drum Island Arc.
Chopper is no ordinary reindeer. He consumed the Hito Hito no Mi, a remarkable Devil Fruit that allows him to assume a human hybrid form, as well as other forms. He honed his medical prowess on Drum Island under the tutelage of his parental figures, Doctors Hiriluk and Kureha. He dreams of becoming an amazing doctor capable of curing any ailment or disease.
In addition to his medical skills and transformation powers, Chopper can communicate with animals, which has proven to be very helpful on several occasions.
5) Sanji – The Cook
“Black Leg” Sanji is the skillful cook of the Straw Hat Pirates. As the crew’s fifth member and the fourth to join, he officially became a part of their adventures following the events of the Baratie Arc.
As a sous chef at the Baratie, he was honing his culinary skills there until the fateful encounter with Monkey D. Luffy, who would persuade him to embark on a new journey as a Straw Hat Pirate. Vinsmoke Sanji puts all his culinary training to good use on Luffy’s crew by preparing nutritious meals regardless of the resources.
Renowned for his combat prowess, he ranks among the top three fighters in the Straw Hat crew, a group affectionately referred to as the “Monster Trio,” alongside Luffy and Zoro.
4) Nico Robin – The Archeologist
Nico Robin is pivotal as the Straw Hat Pirates’ esteemed archaeologist. Within the crew’s ranks, she is the seventh member and the sixth to join after the Alabasta Arc. During her early years, Robin consumed the Hana Hana no Mi, a Devil Fruit that allowed her to manifest her body parts or entire form on any surface.
As the sole survivor of the decimated West Blue island, Ohara, Robin bears the heavy burden of being one of the very few individuals globally known to possess the skill to decipher and comprehend Poneglyphs. This knowledge is considered forbidden and a significant threat to the World Government, further underscoring her indispensable role in the unfolding narrative. In addition to Robin’s historical knowledge and intellectual depth, she is also a skilled fighter capable of taking out hundreds of opponents at once.
3) Nami – The Navigator
Nami holds the vital role of navigator within the Straw Hat Pirates. Frankly, Luffy and the others would have likely sunk the ship and drowned if it weren’t for Nami. She was the crew’s third member and was the second to officially join Luffy’s crew following the Orange Town Arc.
Before joining the Straw Hats, Nami was reluctantly part of the Arlong Pirates. Her initial intention in joining the Straw Hats was to use them to help secure the means to liberate her village from Arlong’s oppressive grip. After asking Luffy for help and witnessing the Straw Hats’ rebellion and victory over Arlong, leading to her joining the crew.
Nami’s exceptional navigational skills, weather prediction skills, strategic mind, and cunning nature are essential to the crew’s success. Her evolution from a skilled thief to a devoted crewmate mirrors her growth as a character, and her weather-controlling abilities have pivotal roles in several arcs.
2) Zoro – The Swordsman
Roronoa Zoro, often called “Pirate Hunter” Zoro, holds a central combat role within the Straw Hat Pirates as the crew’s primary swordsman. Notably, he is publicly acknowledged as the right-hand man to the crew’s captain, Monkey D. Luffy. Zoro’s journey alongside the crew began when he was a bounty hunter, marking him as the first member to join Luffy’s crew during the Romance Dawn Arc.
Born in the East Blue, Zoro’s lineage connects him to the illustrious Shimotsuki Family of Wano Country and the legendary samurai Shimotsuki Ryuma. Mastering his own Three Sword Style, Zoro ranks as one of the top fights among the Straw Hats. Zoro‘s unparalleled swordsmanship and loyalty make him an irreplaceable asset. His commitment to becoming the world’s greatest swordsman and his unwavering dedication to Luffy’s dream showcase his deep bond with the crew and his enduring impact on their journey. Not to mention all of Baroque Works.
1) Luffy – The Captain
There would be no Straw Hat Pirates if it were not for Luffy, and for that reason, he is ranked number one. This band of unique characters has come together to help Luffy achieve his dream of becoming King of the Pirates. Why? Because Luffy’s unyielding spirit and determination drive the crew forward.
As the captain and wielder of the Gum-Gum Fruit’s power, his fearlessness in adversity inspires his crewmates and allies alike. Luffy’s infectious charisma and pursuit of becoming the Pirate King are central to the narrative’s energy.
The straw hats started with a small number of members, and the family grew with each subsequent new member. From the world’s greatest swordsman to one that can take you out in a single punch and even a cat burglar, there is a log to love with the rest of the crew outside of Luffy. Members of the Straw Hat pirates have become cultural touchstones. From when Luffy made the Straw Hats’ Jolly Roger to their first official Straw Hat ship, there is so much to love.
Each crew member brings distinct strengths, quirks, and dreams to the crew, resulting in an intriguing collection of characters who help shape the Straw Hat Crew. With the One Piece live-action a critical and fan success and a Season 2 already confirmed by Oda, which of the crew members are you excited to see in a new medium?
One Piece live-action is streaming now on Netflix, with the newest episodes of One Piece on Crunchyroll.
