Ranking the Most Likable Main Characters of Netflix's 'One Piece'

Netflix has finally released its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved anime and manga, One Piece. Based on the iconic work by Eiichiro Oda, the series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, portrayed by Iñaki Godoy, a spirited aspiring pirate who seeks to find the fabled One Piece to claim his title as the King of the Pirates. Throughout his journey, Luffy encounters unexpected challenges, formidable foes, and loyal companions. However, these obstacles only serve to fuel his determination and thrill for victory.

In just eight concise episodes, One Piece successfully condenses approximately one hundred chapters of the original anime. Despite this brevity, the adaptation admirably captures the essence of the source material and maintains the presence of its most renowned characters. While Luffy takes the spotlight, One Piece introduces a plethora of other memorable personalities, some of whom are among the most endearing within this enthralling maritime tale.

A young pirate captain and his crew embark on a quest to become the Pirate King in a world dominated by the open sea. Their ultimate goal is to unearth the fabled treasure, 'One Piece.'

Release Date August 31, 2023Cast Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, McKinley Belcher III, Jacob Gibson, Taz SkylarMain Genre AdventureRating TV-14Seasons 1

10. Helmeppo

Played by Aidan Scott

Episode 1 of One Piece introduces Helmeppo, the son of Captain Morgan, a corrupt individual who takes advantage of his father's fame and terrifying reputation. Despite his privileged background, Helmeppo proves to be ineffective, much like his father. He fails in his attempts to stop Luffy, Zoro, and Nami from stealing the map to the Grand Line and ends up joining the Marines, where his ineptitude becomes even more evident.

Throughout the course of the season's eight episodes, Helmeppo undergoes a significant transformation. Thanks to his training as a cadet and his friendship with Koby, he begins to change for the better. While he remains conceited and somewhat aggressive, he musters the courage to oppose Vice Admiral Garp and prevent him from apprehending the Straw Hats. By the final episode, he recognizes Koby as a true friend. This is a prime example of character development.

9. Garp

Played by Vincent Regan

Image via Netflix

Garp, the main adversary of the season, is a tenacious and cunning individual fixated on apprehending Luffy, who is eventually disclosed to be his own grandson. Having played a pivotal role in the capture of Gol D. Roger, Garp's determination to capture Luffy originates mainly from his apprehension that his grandson might follow in Roger's footsteps.

Garp's actions are not those of a traditional villain, but rather reflect his stubborn nature. He may be uncompromising, but he does not engage in criminal or cruel behavior. Garp's hostility towards pirates arises from his dedication to maintaining order, rather than a personal animosity towards them. Ultimately, Garp comes to accept that Luffy is destined to become a pirate, even if their paths lead them in different directions. Regan portrays Garp with subtlety, allowing his actions to be understood, if not necessarily justified.

8. Buggy the Clown

Played by Jeff Ward

Image via Netflix

Fans of the One Piece anime and manga were undoubtedly excited to see the inclusion of Buggy the Clown in the Netflix adaptation. In Season 1, he serves as a recurring character, taking on the role of the main antagonist in Episode 2 and later appearing as both a foe and a reluctant ally to Luffy and his crew.

Interestingly, Buggy manages to be a strangely charming presence in One Piece. Despite his sinister nature, he lacks the typical intimidating or repulsive qualities often associated with villains. This can be attributed to Ward's captivating performance and the character's innate flair for showmanship. Buggy's dark sense of humor and amusingly eccentric appearance make him truly distinctive in a series filled with memorable characters. Fans can certainly look forward to his return in Season 2 of One Piece, where he will undoubtedly bring more of his twisted form of entertainment.

7. Usopp

Played by Jacob Romero Gibson

Image provided by Netflix

Usopp, a well-meaning yet somewhat ineffective and timid young man, harbors aspirations of becoming a formidable warrior of the sea. His ultimate goal is to gain the respect and recognition of his absent father. Usopp shares a deep bond with his childhood friend, Kaya, and spends his days warning the townsfolk about the imminent arrival of pirates. Despite his efforts, no pirates ever materialize, leading Usopp to earn a notorious reputation among the villagers.

Usopp is not only one of the best side characters in anime, but also an equally captivating live-action character. While his lively personality can sometimes be exasperating, especially when he's inebriated and allows his words to flow freely, it is his transformation after joining Luffy's crew that makes him truly endearing. Usopp evolves into a more likable character, providing unwavering support to his comrades and astounding them with his extraordinary and practical inventions.

6. Chef Zeff

Played by Craig Fairbrass

Image via Netflix

Chef Zeff is one of the standout characters in the live-action series One Piece. Once known as the pirate "Red Leg," he now owns the prestigious floating restaurant, Baratie, where the Straw Hat crew first encounters Sanji. Despite leaving his pirate life behind, Zeff retains his fiery personality that made him infamous.

Zeff also shines as one of television's top grumpy dads. He serves as a father figure to Sanji, and their relationship is both loving and confrontational. Their backstory is undeniably the most memorable and emotionally charged storyline of the show. Although Zeff's appearance is brief, there is great anticipation for his return if the show is renewed for a second season, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience of One Piece.

5. Zoro

Played by Mackenyu

Image provided by Netflix

Netflix's One Piece features Mackenyu, the son of the late martial arts legend Sonny Chiba, taking on the role of Roronoa Zoro. Zoro, also known as the "Pirate Hunter," has gained notoriety for his proficiency in eliminating pirates across the vast seas. With the aspiration of becoming the world's greatest swordsman, Zoro excels in the formidable "Three Swords Style."

Although Zoro is calm and reserved, he possesses unwavering loyalty, courage, and a tendency to act impulsively. His aspiration to become the greatest swordsman occasionally leads him to make decisions without thorough consideration, yet his intentions are always in the best interests of the crew. Zoro truly embodies the characteristics of a remarkable hero in a fantasy television series, and Mackenyu's dedicated and purposeful portrayal impeccably suits the character. As the season comes to a close, Zoro fully embraces his role as Luffy's First Mate, despite often feeling bewildered and overwhelmed by his captain's excessively enthusiastic demeanor.

4. Nami

Played by Emily Rudd

Image via Netflix

Nami, the only major female character in One Piece thus far, possesses impressive thieving skills and a complex, troubled past. Upon crossing paths with Luffy during their quest to acquire the Grand Line map, Nami joins his crew reluctantly, always harboring undisclosed secrets. However, in the presence of the Straw Hats, Nami gradually reveals a more vulnerable side, becoming a compassionate and trustworthy individual, with genuine affection towards her newfound companions. With her multifaceted nature, Nami already stands out as one of the most formidable women in the realm of fantasy TV, and her character will undoubtedly continue to thrive. This is crucial for the show's success, injecting a much-needed dose of realism into the otherwise carefree crew. Rudd's portrayal is exceptional, especially when paired with Iñaki Godoy and Mackenyu.

3. Koby

Played by Morgan Davies

Image via Netflix

In Luffy's thrilling adventure, his first companion is Kobi, a young boy held captive by the dreaded pirate Alvida. Luffy sets Kobi free, and soon enough, Kobi joins the Marines. He forges a strong connection with Vice Admiral Garp, who recognizes a kindred spirit in him. Throughout the season, Kobi plays a crucial role, torn between his aspirations to become a Marine and his enduring friendship with Luffy.

Koby serves as the audience's guide in the world of One Piece. The viewers, much like him, are both bewildered and captivated by the swashbuckling universe depicted. Despite his unwavering loyalty to the Marines, Koby's courage grows to the extent that he openly challenges Warp to defend Luffy. This young man is not only kind-hearted but also bold, making him an invaluable friend to Luffy.

2. Sanji

Played by Taz Skylar

Image via Netflix

Sanji, the talented chef, makes his debut in Episode 5 of One Piece and quickly becomes one of the show's standout characters. With his charming and flirtatious personality, combined with a daring and confident attitude, Sanji instantly wins over fans. Not only does he possess a distinct fighting style, but he also has impeccable fashion taste.

Sanji, who is irresistibly charming, is undeniably one of the most beloved characters in One Piece, and the show truly thrives after he joins the Straw Hats. His playful banter with Zoro and his constant teasing of Nami add an enjoyable dynamic to the series. Furthermore, Sanji's continuous support and encouragement of Luffy and Usopp are highly admirable traits. In the live-action adaptation, he shines just as brightly as in the widely adored One Piece anime, serving as a prime example of perfect casting. If it weren't for the captain of the Going Merry and his iconic straw hat, Sanji would easily claim the title of the most likable character on the show.

1. Luffy

Played by Iñaki Godoy

Netflix presents an image featuring Iñaki Godoy, who perfectly embodies the character of Luffy in the live-action adaptation of One Piece. This talented Mexican actor impressively portrays the determined and carefree pirate-in-training, who harbors a dream of forming a formidable crew and uncovering the legendary One Piece to claim the title of King of the Pirates.

Luffy is an exceptional protagonist, possessing charm, humor, sweetness, and relatability. Godoy skillfully manages Luffy's vibrant personality, effectively portraying his optimistic nature without crossing into obnoxiousness. Given the show's numerous fight scenes, Luffy's physicality is integral to its triumph, effectively bringing the anime's visual style to life. It is evident that Godoy is on the path to becoming one of Netflix's rising stars, and his portrayal of Luffy is destined to become an iconic representation on the esteemed streaming platform.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the Netflix adaptation of One Piece. On the one hand, I appreciate the effort to bring this beloved manga and anime series to life in a new medium. The production values are high, the cast is talented, and the story is generally faithful to the source material. On the other hand, I feel that the adaptation lacks some of the charm and heart of the original. The pacing is rushed, the characters are not as well-developed, and the action sequences are not as exciting.

Overall, I think the Netflix adaptation of One Piece is a solid effort, but it could have been better. I hope that the showrunners will take the feedback from fans into account and make improvements in future seasons.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.