The Strongest Characters in One Piece

The Powerhouses of One Piece

The characters of One Piece often bring such smiles and intrigue to the audience - but we tend to forget how powerful these pirates can be, even more so when we start to look outside of the Straw Hat crew towards the marines and villains of the series. The gang has their work cut out for them as the race for the One Piece picks up.

What defines strength in One Piece varies, so we’ll be considering not only the most extraordinary feats of strength we’ve seen in the series but also the proposed power of characters we know little about and their impact on the story. Now more than ever, with the final saga kicking off, prominent name characters may finally get their chance to shine.

10. Buggy the Clown

Buggy the Clown is known as one of series creator Enchiiro Oda’s favorite characters, and his failing upward style rise to fame during the Marineford arc and post-time skip may show where preferences lie. Buggy’s an inspiration to his men and holds the majority influence over one of the largest forces the World Government could go up against.

An image of Yonko Buggy from One Piece

9. Dracule Mihawk

The world’s greatest swordsman needs the strength and technique to back up that title, and ever since his introduction, Mihawk has proved it at every encounter. From his initial fight against Zoro in the East Blue to the war at Marineford, Mihawk has displayed incredible feats of swordsmanship we know our three-sword-style friend will need to surpass to reach his dream.

An image of Mihawk from One Piece East Blue Saga

8. Big Mom

Big Mom, aka Charlotte Linlin, may not seem like such a threat, but this monster has made an impression since the Straw Hats set off for the New World in the Fish-man Island arc with a threat directed at Big Mom. The crew experiences Big Mom’s wrath firsthand during the Whole Cake Island arc, where she tries to steal Sanji from the crew.

An image of Big Mom in One Piece spoilers episode 1065

7. Kaidou

Until his defeat at Luffy’s reality, altering Gear 5 hands and a massive volcanic explosion, Kaidou was a force of nature that just wouldn’t go down. His dragon powers and sheer strength alone earns him a title as one of the Four Emperors, but it’s his methods of ruling over his crew and Wano that really show off how powerful and menacing this beast is.

An image of Kaido from One Piece

6. Akainu

Akainu has been a full-blown menace since he was introduced, putting up a brutal fight against Whitebeard, killing Ace, and giving Luffy his X-shaped scar on his chest. Akainu is a follower of 'Absolute Justice,' where nothing can deny the law even when it’s wrong. Naturally, this leads to a scorched earth approach to piracy.

5. Monkey D. Luffy

One Piece’s main man cannot be left out of the running for the strongest character. Luffy’s rubber abilities always catch people off guard before they’re delivered a solid smackdown, though it’s not just his Devil Fruit power that earns Luffy a high rank.

Luffy from One Piece

4. Monkey D. Dragon

Unlike father, unlike son, Dragon works from the shadows as leader of the revolutionary army and doesn’t show off his powers. This gives us minimal reference as to how powerful he is, but we do receive a brief glimpse when he helps Luffy escape the clutches of Smoker as the crew approaches the Grand Line, making short work of the most imposing marine we’ve met so far.

An image of Monkey D Dragon in One Piece

3. Shanks

Shanks has a lot of wins under his belts for moments that define his strength, him staring down the sea beast that took his arm, we find out he kept Kaido from entering the Summit War, his mere presence at Marineford ended the war, a single threat made Admiral Ryokugyu retreat from Wano, and most recently he puts down Eustass Kidd with a single attack when he comes looking for a rematch.

One Piece Episode 1082 spoilers

2. Blackbeard

Blackbeard is one of the most prominent antagonists in One Piece and lives in infamy for bringing Ace to the Marines. However, he and Luffy share many of the same views regarding following your dreams and the idealism of piracy. Blackbeard represents the evil side of the lifestyle, more accurate to real pirates, compared to Luffy’s freedom-loving perspective.

Blackbeard in one Piece

1. Imu

We know strikingly little about the main antagonist of the final saga, Imu. Still, they’ve made their impact by ordering the destruction of the Lulusia kingdom like it was nothing with a weapon of mass destruction at their fingertips and wiping the floor with Sabo during his attempt to save Vivi’s father from Imu’s wrath.

An image of Imu standing near a giant straw hat and holding Luffy's bounty poster

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.