Eiichiro Oda's One Piece's main narrative is about finding the treasure that the former King of the Pirates has left behind. To claim this great treasure, Luffy along with his crew, the Straw Hats pirates, have encountered many challenges and are now closer than ever to the treasure. As central figures in the narrative, each crew member has their moments to shine.

These moments have left a lasting impact on the narrative, cementing each character’s role as a Straw Hat member and highlighting why they are essential to the journey. Every Straw Hat has had a distinct moment that showcases their unique significance within the story. Presented in reverse order of when they ed the crew, with various moments that highlight the character's greatest traits, here are the ten iconic moments defining each Straw Hat's legacy that you won't want to forget.

10 Jinbei Leaving Big Mom's Crew

Without Showing Even the Slightest Fear of Big Mom

The latest member of the Straw Hat crew, Jinbei, the Knight of the Sea, is a pirate with numerous titles. As one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and a former member of the Sun Pirates, Jinbei has established himself as a fearsome pirate. Yet, his character radiates a kindness that stands out as one of the most compelling in the narrative. While Jinbei played a pivotal role during the Marineford Arc and helped Luffy overcome the grief of losing Ace to move forward, his most iconic moment for the crew remains his departure from Big Mom's crew.

After being invited to the Straw Hat crew, Jinbei, then still a member of the Big Mom Pirates, had unfinished business to resolve before officially ing the Straw Hat crew. During the Whole Cake Island arc, Jinbei boldly informs Big Mom of his decision to leave, showing no fear. He even resists Big Mom's devil fruit power, which drains the life force of those who fear her. This moment highlights Jinbei's unwavering belief in and loyalty to Luffy as his captain and his ambition to become the King of the Pirates.

9 Brook Acquiring the Road Poneglyph From Big Mom

Besides Being A Comedian and Musician, Brook Also Helped the Straw Hats in the Most Unexpected Situation

Brook is one of the most unique characters, not just in the Straw Hat crew but in the entire One Piece narrative. With his ion for music and his recurring jokes, it initially seemed that Brook would simply serve his implied role. However, the reveal of his tragic backstory, coupled with his own joy at still being alive, adds a profound depth that resonates with many of his crewmates.

Yet, it is Brook's comedic nature that also leads to his most epic moment. Through his peculiar dynamic with Big Mom, Brook accomplishes the impossible by stealing a poneglyph right under her nose. It is later revealed that Brook had carefully planned this, showcasing that beyond his humor, he is always thinking of ways to help the crew. This daring act of stealing a poneglyph from one of the Four Emperors stands as his most iconic move to date.

8 Franky Burning the Blueprints For Pluton

No Destructive Warship Will Be Made Under Franky's Watch

Franky plays a vital role as the shipwright of the Straw Hat crew, being the creator of the Thousand Sunny. However, his journey with the Straw Hats didn’t begin on the best . Initially introduced as an antagonist during the Water Seven arc, Franky caused significant trouble for the crew, even stealing goods that were crucial to saving the Going Merry.

However, after his backstory was revealed, Franky's actions were somewhat justified, but it also revealed that Franky had possessed the blueprints for the ancient weapon, Pluton. When the World Government sought to obtain the weapon, Franky’s decision to burn the blueprints in front of 9 was an act of ultimate defiance. This iconic moment not only underscores Franky’s rebellious nature but also highlights his deep respect for the ancient shipwrights of Water Seven.

7 Robin's Wish To Keep Living

This Moment of Weakness and Asking For Help Teaches a Really Valuable Lesson

Like Franky, Nico Robin did not begin her journey with the Straw Hats on good , initially serving as an antagonist during the Alabasta arc. However, it is later revealed that Robin has been hiding from the World Government her entire life, a twist that stands as one of the most tragic in the One Piece manga, not just among the Straw Hats. The events of the Water Seven arc pushed Robin to the brink, leading her to give up and resign herself to her fate.

The Straw Hats, however, refused to abandon her, extending their and inspiring Robin to express, for the first time since the Ohara incident, her desire to live. This moment is iconic not just for Robin but for the entire Straw Hat crew, embodying one of One Piece's most profound life lessons: that asking for help in moments of weakness is both reasonable and without shame.

6 Tony-Tony Chopper Saves Everyone in Onigashima

Chopper Proves He Is Living Up to His Dream of Becoming a Great Doctor

Chopper holds a vital role as the doctor of the Straw Hat crew, focusing on healing and caring for his crewmates after battles rather than engaging in direct combat. However, that doesn’t mean Chopper is unfamiliar with fighting. With his various transformations, he has proven himself to be a formidable force, even challenging Queen during the climax of the Wano arc.

Chopper’s greatest strength, however, lies in his ability to save lives, a skill showcased brilliantly during the same arc. To counter Queen’s deadly virus, Chopper swiftly develops a vaccine, aiding not only his allies but also his enemies. This act of comion turns the tide of the war, with former foes ing their side in gratitude for Chopper’s exceptional efforts.

5 Sanji Thanking Enel for Lighting His Cigarette

Sanji's Iconic Pose is Similar To Zoro's

As a member of the Monster Trio and the cook of the Straw Hat crew, Sanji plays a crucial role and has had numerous moments to shine. While many might consider his most iconic moment to be from the Whole Cake Island arc, it is actually his confrontation with Enel that stands out as truly unforgettable.

In an attempt to aid Luffy in his fight against Enel, Sanji faces the villain head-on. When Enel unleashes a massive lightning strike, viewers anticipate Sanji's defeat. Instead, he remains standing, striking an iconic pose as he boldly thanks Enel for lighting his cigarette.

4 Usopp Becoming a Nightmare for Sugar, God for Others

Becoming God Usopp is Surely His Most Iconic Moment

Usopp dreams of becoming a brave warrior of the seas, and with his exceptional sniping skills, he has already left a lasting mark on One Piece's narrative. While his rebellion against Luffy and his time as Sogeking rank high among his standout moments, his most remarkable act is undoubtedly liberating the toy slaves during the Dressrosa arc.

Though his first encounter with Sugar resulted in a hilarious twist, Usopp’s second encounter was a display of true skill and growth. Using his observation haki and sniping prowess, he successfully scared Sugar once again, saving both Luffy and Law from being turned into toys. Dressrosa solidifies Usopp’s most iconic moment yet, earning him the moniker "God Usopp." However, it’s highly likely that Oda is setting the stage for Usopp to have an even greater moment in the Elbaph arc.

3 Nami Asking Luffy For Help

Though Nami is a Fearsome Character, Her Moment of Weakness Underscores a Unique Trait

Robin's acceptance of the Straw Hats' help is an iconic moment, but the same holds true for the other female member of the crew, Nami. Initially portrayed as nothing more than a greedy individual, Nami's backstory reveals the immense burden she's carried alone, highlighting the depth of her pain and struggles.

When Nami its she cannot defeat Arlong on her own and asks for Luffy's help, it reinforces the recurring motif of One Piece. Nami's plea for Luffy's help remains one of her most defining and iconic moments as a member of the Straw Hat pirate crew.

2 Zoro: "Nothing Happened"

One of the Most Legendary Moments in Anime History

Zoro is arguably the most popular Straw Hat member among fans, but he is also the most loyal to Luffy. He has dedicated himself to making Luffy the King of the Pirates while striving to become the Greatest Swordsman in the World. Although Zoro has consistently demonstrated his closeness and loyalty to Luffy, no moment defines this more than when he takes on Luffy's pain at the end of the Thriller Bark arc.

This moment is not just a testament to Zoro's loyalty, it stands out because he refuses to seek recognition for his sacrifice. When Sanji asks what happened, Zoro simply replies, "Nothing happened." This act of quiet resilience remains Zoro's most iconic moment in One Piece, underscoring his role as the first mate of the Straw Hat pirate crew.

1 Luffy Walking Past Big Mom and Kaido

Luffy’s Free Will and Desire To Save His Friends Is What Define His Iconic Aura

While fans consider Luffy's Gear 5 transformation the pinnacle of his abilities and One Piece's most iconic moment, it is actually Luffy's unwavering free will and fearlessness in the face of adversity that defines his character. Regardless of the threat, Luffy has always risen to challenge his enemies if it meant protecting his friends.

This is exemplified when he walks past Big Mom and Kaido, the two emperors of the sea, arguably the most formidable duo in the world, and assures Kinemon that he will take responsibility for the fate of the entire country. This moment defines Luffy's invincible aura. Thus, Luffy's most iconic moment as the Straw Hat captain in One Piece isn't his Gear 5 transformation but his resilience and refusal to be intimidated, no matter how dangerous the enemy is, encouraging others to do the same.