Nami and Nico Robin aren’t the only amazing women One Piece has to offer; other female characters, like Perona and Dr. Kureha, also deserve some love.

The hit shonen adventure One Piece has always attracted audiences with its boundless world and an even more expansive cast. No other shonen title features quite as many memorable, multifaceted characters, each unique and likable in their own way. Yet, the truly remarkable thing about the tale of Monkey D. Luffy’s voyage to becoming the Pirate King — especially by shonen standards — is how many incredible female characters he encounters on his journey.

Eiichiro Oda’s epic features some of the best heroines in all of manga, from iron-willed and powerful women aiding Luffy in his quest as allies to malicious villainesses who, despite opposing the future King of the Pirates, still stick with the readers as incredible characters. The women of One Piece are incredibly well-written, and while there is no shortage of them featured throughout the manga’s lengthy course, some One Piece heroines still stand out as the best of the best.

Though fewer in number, there are plenty of female characters in One Piece that are just as strong, if not stronger than their male counterparts.

10Vinsmoke Reiju Detested The Vinsmoke Family In Secret

Debut
Chapter 826; Episode 784

Voice Actor
Michiko Neya (JAP) / Alexis Tipton (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Genetic enhancements, poison powers

Sanji’s older sister and the only daughter of the Vinsmoke family, Reiju, unlike her sadistic brothers and cruel father, charmed the fans instantaneously upon her introduction in the Whole Cake Island arc. Growing up in the ruthless Vinsmoke household, Reiju learned to mask her more compassionate nature.

Nevertheless, Reiju has always been a kind woman and was the only person in Sanji’s abusive childhood aside from Sora, whom he remembers with warmth. Intelligent, rational, and incredibly strong, Reiju becomes a valuable ally to the Straw Hats and acts as a key figure in the development of Sanji’s backstory.

9Big Mom Is One Piece’s Best Female Villain

Debut
Chapter 651; Episode 571

Voice Actor
Toshiko Fujita, Mami Koyama (JAP) / Pam Dougherty (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Soru Soru no Mi Devil Fruit

From the tiny Tonttata tribe to the towering elephant of Zou, the characters and creatures of One Piece come in every shape, size, and color.

While far from the most likable character in the series, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin is a rare example of an excellently written shonen villainess who is actually terrifying. Formerly the only female member of the Four Emperors and a major antagonist of multiple arcs, Big Mom runs over the enormous Charlotte Family, one of the most formidable powerhouses in the New World.

Despite One Piece’s notoriety for rarely diversifying its female character designs, Big Mom is a refreshing example of a villainess who not only acts but looks scary. Childish, cruel, and gluttonous, she represents all the worst aspects of piracy Luffy and his allies try to overthrow. That, paired with her strength, makes her an exceptional antagonist.

8Perona’s Personality And Powers Are Very Memorable

Debut
Chapter 443; Episode 338

Voice Actor
Kumiko Nishihara (JAP) / Felicia Angelle (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Horo Horo no Mi Devil Fruit

Introduced as a minor villain working under Gecko Moria during the Thriller Bark arc, Perona is a childish, eccentric young woman who managed to capture fans’ hearts despite her difficult personality. Overconfident and naive, Perona didn’t pose much of a threat to the Straw Hats, yet she left an impression due to her adorable gothic design and unique despair-inducing Devil Fruit power.

Even after spending a while in Dracule Mihawk’s care, Perona remains true to her childlike nature, even if she acts a bit more mature after the time skip. However, fans still adore her despite Perona’s many flaws.

7Nefertari Vivi Remains A Straw Hat In Fans’ Hearts

Debut
Chapter 103; Episode 62

Voice Actor
Misa Watanabe (JAP) / Caitlin Glass (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Basic combat skills, political authority

An honorary member of the Straw Hat Pirates, the Alabasta Kingdom princess Nefertari Vivi has spent a significant part of Luffy’s early adventures as one of the crew. In the time it took the Straw Hats to reunite Vivi with her kingdom and free Alabasta from Sir Crocodile’s reign, the princess became dear to both fans and the crew.

Vivi has an unconventional personality for someone of her status, being big-hearted, determined, and selfless since early childhood. And while her duties as the princess of Alabasta, in the end, outweighed her desire to adventure, Vivi remained closely allied with the Straw Hats, aiding Luffy from the sidelines.

6Dr. Kureha Gifted Chopper Her Knowledge Of Medicine

Debut
Chapter 134; Episode 80

Voice Actor
Masako Nozawa (JAP) / Julie Mayfield (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Medical knowledge, superhuman strength

The eccentric doctor of Drum Island, Tony Tony Chopper’s homeland, Dr. Kureha is an unorthodox heroine even by One Piece standards. Called a witch for her idiosyncratic treatment of patients and overall peculiar demeanor, Kureha is an elderly woman who, despite her age, possesses more fire and passion than most.

Taking Chopper in after Hiriluk’s death, Kureha becomes a mother figure for the outcast reindeer, and in this bond, Doctorine showcases some of her most virtuous qualities. Despite only being a part of the story for a short while, Dr. Kureha remains one of the series’ most dearly beloved heroines.

5Uta Captured Fans’ Hearts In One Piece Film: Red

Debut
One Piece Film: Red; Chapter 1055; Episode 1029

Voice Actor
Kaori Nazuka, Ado (JAP) / Amanda Lee (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Uta Uta no Mi Devil Fruit

Despite becoming a part of One Piece’s lore quite recently, Uta didn’t take long to become one of the most beloved heroines in the series. Introduced in One Piece Film: Red, Uta was integrated into the grander narrative as Shank’s adoptive daughter and a famous in-universe pop star. After accidentally triggering a tragedy on the Elegia island and consequently parting ways with Shanks, Uta becomes possessed by her idealism.

However, One Piece Film: Red sees her gradually realize the faults of her ways and return to the optimistic and determined girl Luffy befriended as a kid. Much of Uta’s charm in the movie comes from Ado, one of Japan’s most impressive modern vocalists. By Ado lending her voice to Uta, One Piece Film: Red has a powerful soundtrack that is both emotional and catchy.

4Boa Hancock Is Gorgeous And Deadly

Debut
Chapter 516; Episode 409

Voice Actor
Kotono Mitsuishi (JAP) / Lydia Mackay (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Mero Mero no Mi Devil Fruit

Considered the most beautiful woman both in-universe and by many One Piece fans, Boa Hancock is much more than just her good looks. Hancock performed impressive feats as a pirate and the Snake Princess of Amazon Lily, who leads her warriors with vigor and self-assured conviction. Her accomplishments earned her a formidable reputation, and she became the only known female Warlord in the organization’s history.

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss Hancock as vain due to her obsession with beauty and Devil Fruit powers that revolve around people falling in love with her. Yet, there’s depth to her character, as she consistently proves herself to be a compassionate, dignified heroine in both how she aids Luffy and how she rules her people.

3Getting To Know Jewelry Bonney Is Endlessly Fun

Debut
Chapter 498; Episode 392

Voice Actor
Reiko Takagi (JAP) / Laura Wetsel (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Toshi Toshi no Mi Devil Fruit

One Piece fans are getting to know Jewelry Bonney well, and many feel that she’s a perfect candidate for the Straw Hat Pirates.

Big Eater Jewelry Bonney is one of the most intriguing female characters in One Piece, whose story is still unfolding in the Final Saga. An adoptive daughter of Bartholomew Kuma, Bonney used to suffer from a deadly disease known as Sapphire Scales but was cured through Kuma’s sacrifice of his humanity. After becoming a pirate, Bonney uses her Devil Fruit powers to appear as a young woman despite actually being 12 years old.

However, Bonney’s real age is reflected in her boisterous, vulgar personality. Eccentric and unruly, Bonney is loved by fans for the excitement she brings to the series. Yet, the depth and warmth lying in her heart, especially when it comes to her relationship with Kuma, also play a big part in making Bonney likable.

2The Straw Hats Wouldn’t Go Far Without Nico Robin

Debut
Chapter 114; Episode 67

Voice Actor
Yuriko Yamaguchi (JAP) / Stephanie Young (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Hana Hana no Mi Devil Fruit

A heroine often credited with having the most impactful backstory in all of One Piece, Nico Robin is the sole survivor of the tragic Ohara Buster Call, who currently acts as the Straw Hats’ archeologist. By far the smartest member of Luffy’s crew, Robin is known for her calm demeanor, unique Devil Fruit power, useful historical expertise, and somewhat macabre sense of humor.

Similarly to many of Luffy’s allies, Robin starts as an enemy. Her heartfelt arc of joining the crew in Enies Lobby is, to this day, considered one of the series’ most powerful storylines. Level-headed and kind, Robin is adored by fans for her conviction, strength of character, and wisdom.

1Nami Was The First Female Crew Member Luffy Acquired

Debut
Chapter 8; Episode 1

Voice Actor
Akemi Okamura (JAP) / Luci Christian (ENG)

Powers/Abilities
Physical prowess, Art of Weather

The title of One Piece’s best girl goes, without a doubt, to the first woman to join the future Pirate King on his quest, the gorgeous navigator Nami. A dynamic, lovable heroine, Nami is the person responsible for keeping the crew on course, both in terms of navigating their route and making sure her more reckless teammates don’t get themselves into too much trouble.

While not the strongest asset to the Straw Hats in terms of fighting prowess, Nami is one of the smartest characters in the series, and her wit is a reliable aid both in battle and in delicate situations that call for deceit or manipulation. Despite being one of the first main characters to be introduced, Nami remains one of the most universally beloved heroines in the entire show, and rightfully so.