In 2021, to celebrate its 1000th chapter, One Piece conducted its first-ever global popularity poll. Over 12 million people from across the entire planet cast their votes. So, you know, ridiculously comprehensive and large-scale, as far as fan polls go.
The top 100 results were unveiled across a couple Japanese TV specials, where even the hosts were waiting with bated breath. There may be ten members of the Straw Hat Pirates, but there were not 10 Straw Hats in the top 10 most popular characters. No, the likes of Trafalgar Law, Boa Hancock, Carrot, Portgas D. Ace, and Sabo were all in the top 10 instead. Yes, Carrot. The end to her narrative may have gotten short shrift in Wano (which happened after this poll), but we love Carrot all the same.
That global poll is the most recent popularity poll One Piece has down, so it means we have a 12 million-person sample size to determine the actual popularity ranking of each Straw Hat. Here’s how all ten of the current Straw Hats—plus Vivi, because she is still a Straw Hat in my heart, as well as on the official One Piece YouTube banner—ranked on the 2021 global popularity poll, without the non-Straw Hats getting in the way of the rankings.
11. Franky (overall ranking: 28)
We love Franky, but let’s face it, his ranking in the global popularity poll was not superrrrr. Franky really got to shine ahead of joining the crew during the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs. Since then, he’s had some seriously solid gags (“nipple light,” all day every day), plus an incredibly memorable fight with his “hardboiled” soul brother in Dressrosa. But beyond that, Franky feels largely like a reservoir of untapped potential since the time skip. Fans were hoping that would lead to him getting a big role in Egghead, but that hasn’t played out so far.
Non-Straw Hats ranking higher: Smoker
10. Brook (overall ranking: 26)
Yo ho ho! Brook joining the crew after Thriller Bark is one of my favorite moments in all of One Piece. But it turns out that, as far as global popularity polls are concerned, having your main recurring gag be politely asking to see women’s panties only gets you so far. Like Franky, Brook feels like his potential’s been largely untapped during the time skip. He got an incredibly cool, guitar-forward fight during Whole Cake Island, and I would like more of that, please.
Non-Straw Hats ranking higher, in order: Perona, Kozuki Oden, Eustass Kid, Mr. 2 Bon Clay
9. Nefeltari Vivi (overall ranking: 21)
Vivi is not currently a member of the Straw Hat Pirates. She hasn’t been a member of the Straw Hat Pirates since 2002! But considering that she ranked higher than two current members of the crew, it’s clear that she remains a Straw Hat in many fans’ hearts. Which is understandable—her strong will, compassion, and dedication were the primary driver of the Alabasta arc, which remains many fans’ favorite of the whole series.
Non-Straw Hats ranking higher, in order: Donquixote Doflamingo, Marco
8. Jinbe (overall ranking: 18)
Although Jinbe is the newest Straw Hat, we’ve known him since before the time skip. He saved Luffy’s life at Marineford and was initially stirred to help Luffy at Ace’s behest. And then he saved Luffy’s life again at Fishman Island! No wonder his nickname on his bounty is “Knight of the Sea.” Luffy loves and deeply respects this (fish-)man, so it’s no wonder fans do, as well. I even named my cat Jinbe!
Non-Straw Hats ranking higher: Crocodile
7. Tony Tony Chopper (overall ranking: 16)
Chopper is one of my top three personal favorite characters, so I was surprised to see him only crest the top 20. Why do I love Chopper? Because I love weird cute little guys, for one. But also, Chopper’s past traumas, which gave him serious trust issues to overcome and a tendency to view himself as being a “monster” for being different, carved him deeply and empathetically into my heart.
6. Usopp (overall ranking: 15)
Usopp is commonly cited as the stand-in for the audience. Of all the Straw Hats, he’s the one who will have the most “normal” reactions to the increasingly absurd situations the Staw Hats find themselves in—namely, “What the hell?!” or “This is terrifying! I’m terrified!” And his big heart makes us proud that he’s our stand-in.
Non-Straw Hats ranking higher, in order: Charlotte Katakuri, Donquiote Rosinante, Shanks, Yamato, Sabo, Portgas D. Ace, Carrot, Boa Hancock
5. Nico Robin (overall ranking: 6)
I think you could easily make the argument that Robin and Zoro are the “coolest” Straw Hats. She’s arguably the most intelligent person in the whole series. She has one of the most powerful, interesting Devil Fruit powers in the whole series (the Flower-Flower Fruit, which can sprout any body part[s] on any surface). She also has one of the saddest backstories in a series full of sad backstories. Robin’s kind of got it all.
Non-Straw Hats ranking higher: Trafalgar Law
4. Sanji (overall ranking: 4)
Sanji is the ultimate problematic fave—and I say this as someone who did indeed vote for Sanji in this poll. Sanji often lusts after women in a way where I’m like, “Aw, come on, guy.” But by the same token, it’s usually so over-the-top that it’s funny—the series and the audience all know he’s being ridiculous, which is why it works. Even with all of that, there’s never any doubt that Sanji’s heart is in the right place. He’s the most golden-hearted member of the crew. So, we love him, shortcomings and all.
3. Nami (overall ranking: 3)
If I were to create an image board for how I aspired to carry myself through the world, a giant picture of Nami would be dead center. She’s confident, sassy, and ridiculously smart. She knows what she wants and will do anything she can to get it. She’s deeply dedicated to her friends, but in a way that’s not the usual “whatever it takes” way, which sometimes feels like a fantasy of shounen protagonists. In short, Nami is the shit.
2. Roronoa Zoro (overall ranking: 2)
Some people believe in horoscopes as an accurate predictor of your personality. I believe in asking people who their favorite One Piece character is. Lots and lots of people say Zoro, and so he’s number two. It’s not surprising, because in any other shounen, Zoro would be the main character. He’s the ultimate Man—he’s cool-headed, strong, self-reliant, confident, doesn’t take shit from anyone, and is horrible with directions.
1. Monkey D. Luffy (overall ranking: 1)
As simply must be the case, our captain is number one. I’m not usually the kind of person whose favorite is the main character, but you have to actively try to not love Luffy. His dedication to his friends, his inspirationally “go get ’em” attitude, his very genuine impulsiveness, and his many, many hilarious idiosyncrasies make him one of the most memorable characters in modern fiction.
Published: May 19, 2024 01:00 pm