Top 10 Most Popular Male Anime Characters One Piece (2025)

Male anime characters One Piece have captured the hearts of fans around the world, and as a lifelong One Piece fan, I can’t help but get excited talking about the top 10 of them. These characters, ranging from Luffy’s unstoppable optimism to the quiet power of Marco, have become more than just faces in the anime; they represent the themes of courage, friendship, and sacrifice that One Piece is known for. The following list takes into account the 2021 global popularity poll, fan discussions, and some unofficial rankings from 2024 and 2025. So, let’s dive into why these characters have become so beloved.

1. Male Anime Characters One Piece: Monkey D. Luffy

Male anime characters One Piece are led by none other than Monkey D. Luffy, the heart and soul of the series. His unwavering dream to become the Pirate King drives the entire story, and his evolution from a carefree boy to a powerful Emperor of the Sea captures fans worldwide. What makes Luffy so unforgettable is his boundless optimism and unbreakable loyalty to his crew.

Despite all the hardships, Luffy remains the kind of character who inspires hope and reminds us to never give up. His goofy charm and his ability to defy the odds, like taking on Kaido in Wano, are just some of the reasons why fans adore him. And let’s not forget his love for meat! Luffy topped the 2021 global poll with over 1.6 million votes, proving just how much of an icon he’s become.

2. Roronoa Zoro

Male anime characters One Piece reach peak admiration through figures like Zoro, who represents raw strength, fierce loyalty, and relentless ambition. As Luffy steadfast right-hand man, his goal to become the world’s greatest swordsman fuels his every move. But what truly endears Zoro to fans isn’t just his unmatched swordsmanship – it’s his stoic presence, dry humor, and total devotion to his captain.

From hilariously getting lost to laying down his life for his crew, Zoro unshakable resolve continues to inspire. In the 2021 global poll, he earned an impressive second place with over 1.4 million votes.

3. Vinsmoke Sanji

Male anime characters One Piece are often remembered for their emotional journeys, and Sanji exemplifies that through his evolution as the Straw Hat Pirates’ chivalrous chef. Driven by his dream of discovering the All Blue, Sanji balances a strong sense of justice with a mix of charm and intensity.

His heartbreaking history with the Vinsmoke family brought added depth to his already compelling character. Despite his altered genetics, his unwavering loyalty and battle skills—highlighted by his signature Diable Jambe – have earned him massive admiration. In the 2021 poll, Sanji soared to fourth place with nearly a million votes.

4. Shanks

Male anime characters One Piece wouldn’t be complete without the legendary presence of Shanks, whose influence stretches far beyond his limited screen time. As one of the Four Emperors, he commands global respect – from his own crew to the world’s most powerful figures. Shanks is also the figure who set Luffy on his path, and his composed yet commanding nature captivates fans.

His iconic intervention at the Marineford War, ending it with mere presence, speaks volumes about his power. In the 2021 popularity poll, Shanks secured 12th place, proving that even with fewer appearances, his status remains monumental.

5. Trafalgar D. Water Law

Male anime characters One Piece are often defined by depth and complexity, and Law stands out with both his brilliant tactics and heartbreaking past. As captain of the Heart Pirates and a former Warlord of the Sea, he wields the Ope Ope no Mi, granting him the ability to create a “Room” where he can manipulate anything within.

His cool, reserved demeanor and tragic story, especially his relationship with Luffy, resonate deeply with fans. Whether he’s battling Doflamingo or helping Luffy during the Marineford War, Law has proven time and time again that he’s a force to be reckoned with. With over 640,000 votes, he ranked fifth in 2021.

6. Portgas D. Ace

Male anime characters One Piece often leave unforgettable marks on fans, and Ace is a shining example of that emotional legacy. His death during the Marineford War remains one of the series’ most heartbreaking moments.

As Luffy older brother and a commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace embodied charisma, immense strength, and selfless sacrifice. His deep connection with Luffy and Sabo, and his ultimate act of protecting Luffy, left an indelible impact on the story. Placing ninth in the 2021 global poll with over 350,000 votes, Ace continues to live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.

7. Sabo

Male anime characters One Piece feature deeply emotional arcs, and Sabo reappearance after being presumed dead stands as one of the most heartwarming for fans. As the chief of staff of the Revolutionary Army and Luffy and Ace’s sworn brother, Sabo mirrors their fierce sense of justice and unwavering loyalty. His involvement in the battle against the World Government enriches the storyline, while his bond with his brothers cements his place as a beloved character. Securing 10th place in the 2021 popularity poll with over 300,000 votes, Sabo impact is undeniable.

8. Franky

Male anime characters One Piece like Franky, the Straw Hat eccentric shipwright and a cyborg with a flair for engineering, bring unmatched energy to the crew. He’s the genius behind the Thousand Sunny, and his transformation from antagonist to crewmate in the Water Seven arc is one of the most satisfying character arcs in the series.

Franky larger-than-life personality, his iconic catchphrase “SUUUUUPER!” and his amazing feats in battle, like his cola-powered attacks, bring a level of fun and excitement to the show. Though he ranked 28th in 2021 with just over 66,000 votes, Franky’s role in Wano has undoubtedly earned him more love from fans.

9. Jinbe

Male anime characters One Piece like Jinbe, the Straw Hat wise and strong helmsman, show unshakable loyalty to Luffy and the crew. As a former Warlord and member of the Sun Pirates, Jinbe brings a unique perspective to the crew, especially with his focus on ending discrimination and fighting for the oppressed.

His calm demeanor and willingness to stand up for what’s right have made him one of the most respected characters in the series. Jinbe ranked 18th in 2021 with over 100,000 votes, and his popularity has only grown since his pivotal role in Wano.

10. Marco

Male anime characters One Piece like Marco, the first division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, embody loyalty and strength. His Phoenix Fruit allows him to regenerate from nearly any injury, and his leadership during the Marineford War was nothing short of impressive. Marco’s laid-back personality, combined with his incredible power, has earned him a loyal following. He ranked 19th in 2021 with almost 100,000 votes, a strong showing for a character who isn’t always in the spotlight.

Popularity Rankings Table

Conclusion

Male anime characters One Piece embody the spirit of the series, from Luffy’s dream-chasing ambition to Marco’s steadfast loyalty. Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie resonate with fans worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned pirate or new to the Grand Line, these characters will inspire and entertain. Dive deeper into their adventures by watching One Piece movies and staying updated with the latest anime news at Shinime.blog. Set sail with the Straw Hats and join the journey today!