One Piece has over 1000 episodes and while Luffy has some great iconic moments throughout the anime, there are some that are quite underrated.

Although Monkey D. Luffy consistently ranks as one of the most popular characters in One Piece, some of his best moments may be acknowledged less than others due to the show’s long ongoing television run. As the main character of one of the longest-running anime series, One Piece‘s Monkey D. Luffy has earned irrevocable status as an all-time favorite protagonist.

The series boasts over one thousand episodes, and watching them all without falling victim to viewer fatigue is challenging to overcome. Unforgettable moments like Luffy’s triumphant Gear 5 awakening set the Straw Hat Pirate apart from other characters by demonstrating his unusual disposition rivaled in strangeness only by his mysterious Devil Fruit powers. However, Luffy’s most underrated scenes throughout the series are a great reminder of why he is such an enjoyable character.

10A Bartender Sees the Spirit of Gol D. Roger in Luffy

Episode 48: “The Town of the Beginning and the End – Arrival at Logue Town”

During his Loguetown adventure, Monkey D. Luffy walks the path of Gol D. Roger in more ways than one. In perhaps the most memorable parallel between the Straw Hat and Roger, Luffy narrowly avoids execution on the same gallows as the legendary Kind of the Pirates. However, Luffy has a brief but poignant exchange with a bartender that represents an even stronger bond between the two pirates.

Raoul is an old gentleman who manages a quiet bar with slow business in Loguetown, and he’s delighted at how Luffy’s spirit embodies Gol D. Roger after doubting the Straw Hat’s future as King of the Pirates. Luffy’s unabashed appreciation for Roger as the man who inspired his insatiable desire to become a pirate convinces the bartender of his remarkable likeness to the legendary figure. Although moments like Smoker’s introduction and Buggy the Clown’s attempt to kill Luffy are some of the Loguetown Arc’s most exciting moments, the young pirate’s interaction with the bartender grows more meaningful the closer he gets to achieving his dream of claiming the One Piece.

9Luffy Demands That Zoro Answer for His Crimes in Whisky Peak

Episode 66: “A Serious Fight! Luffy vs Zoro: The Baffling Duel!”

Monkey D. Luffy’s impulsivity sometimes has unintended consequences for the Straw Hat Pirates. Upon finding Roronora Zoro surrounded by what appeared to be a large number of incapacitated citizens, The Straw Hat does not hesitate to attack his crewmate and make him pay for his presumed crimes. Although the misunderstanding at Whisky Peak is one of Luffy’s most frustrating setbacks, his split-second reactions are critical to his instinct-driven battle style.

The Straw Hat Captain matures during his journey through the Grand Line, but his short-sighted nature early in the series is the source of several undue burdens. Knowing that Zoro was innocent of Luffy’s accusations, the attack on Zoro feels like a foolish betrayal against the loyal crewmate by his captain. However, his quick decision to fight Zoro to avenge the violent scene he stumbled upon demonstrates Luffy’s resolve to act against any criminal.

8The Straw Hats Refuse Bellamy’s Challenge to Fight

Episode 146: “Stop Dreaming! The City of Ridicule, Mock Town!”

Monkey D. Luffy shines as a leader when he and Roronora Zoro refuse to defend themselves against Bellamy during One Piece‘s Jaya Arc. The fearless captain is known for rushing into battles, but his choice to diffuse this conflict by ignoring Bellamy’s attacks demonstrates Luffy’s honor as a pirate. Although the Straw Hats’ forfeit can be misinterpreted as a weak response, it reinforces Luffy’s character-defining defiance.

By defeating Bellamy in another standoff, Luffy proves he’s the stronger fighter and the bigger man. Despite Bellamy’s insults and attacks, Luffy and Zoro stand in place, enduring it all without wavering until the pirate relents. Luffy remembers criticizing Shanks for refusing to defend himself against an insult, but that moment taught the Straw Hat Pirate the honor of choosing battles for oneself. The captain refuses to conform to anyone else’s will, which makes him a great fit as the Straw Hat Pirates’ leader.

7Luffy Risks Losing His Crewmates to Join the Foxy Pirates’ Davy Back Fight

Episode 208: “The Foxy Pirate Crew and the Davy Back!”

To kick off the Long Ring Long Land Arc, Monkey D. Luffy accepts a risky challenge to a Davy Back Fight from the captain of the Foxy Pirates. The Straw Hat Pirates are horrified that their captain decides to compete in a competition that could result in a trade of pirates between crews. Luffy’s decision would’ve been a reckless mistake if he had lost one of his fantastic crewmates, but instead his gamble underscores his admirable faith in his ability to succeed.

Although the decision to compete in the Davy Back Fight more than once seems to come from a careless place, it also represents Monkey D. Luffy’s characteristic boldness. He is confident in his victory over Foxy because he is willing to put everything on the line for the Straw Hat Pirates. The captain’s fearless nature should not be overlooked despite the potential consequences of his impulsive decisions.

6Luffy Orders The Straw Hats to Flee Instead of Fighting

Episode 405: “Disappearing Crew – The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew”

At the end of the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, Monkey D. Luffy makes the surprising decision to make the Straw Hat Pirates flee instead of taking a stand against their enemy. Although Luffy’s retreat doesn’t stop the Warlord of the Sea from disbanding the pirate crew for three years, it’s a milestone decision that illustrates his growth as a captain. However, other exciting moments during the arc like Zoro’s absorption of his captain’s pain can overshadow this example of Luffy’s selfless leadership.

The Straw Hat Pirates are all too familiar with the danger of Monkey D. Luffy’s impulsive instinct to rush into battle when done without a proper strategy. Unlike moments in his past, Luffy realizes that his crew isn’t powerful enough to defeat their opponent, and he demonstrates humility by prioritizing his friends’ safety over the potential glory of victory over the Warlord. Being forced into retreat can make any leader seem weak, but Luffy’s defensive response to the fatal threat facing his crew is heroic.

5Luffy Finds Meaning in His Friendships After Mourning Ace’s Death

Episode 505: “I Want to See Them! Luffy’s Tearful Scream!”

The ripples of the epic Summit War Saga continue to influence One Piece‘s narrative as it reaches its final arcs. Monkey D. Luffy is devastated by his brother’s execution by Marine Admiral Akainu, and the following sequence is considered one of Luffy’s lowest points as a character in the entire series. In a rare and underappreciated moment of vulnerability, the Straw Hat Captain draws on his bonds with his crewmates to motivate himself to become stronger after the tragic events at Marineford. Overwhelmed with the intense grief of Portgas D. Ace’s death, Monkey D. Luffy makes a surprising turn on his ally, Jinbe, as he struggles with his emotions.

Jinbe recognizes that the Straw Hat is lashing out only in desperation, and he demonstrates the flaws in Luffy’s careless desire to avenge his brother without allowing himself to heal from the near-fatal injury of Akainu’s magma punch. Luffy remembers the faces of the Straw Hat Pirates when Jinbe reminds him that he still has people to protect without Ace, and the vision brings him to tears as he vows to make himself a stronger leader for them. Although the battle at Marinford remains the pinnacle of action in the Summit War Saga, Luffy’s heartfelt pledge to the Straw Hat Pirates remains one of his most emotionally revealing scenes.

4Luffy Defeats a Group of Straw Hat Impostors in Sabaody Archipelago

Episode 518: “A Hair-Trigger! Luffy vs. Fake Luffy”

After One Piece‘s timeskip, the Straw Hats return to Sabaody and discover a crew of pirates impersonating them on the island. Monkey D. Luffy’s crew has become notorious for their daring standoffs with the World Government, like the unlikely rescue of Nico Robin from Enies Lobby and Luffy’s bold assault on the Impel Down prison. Although Luffy easily disables the impostor crew with a Conquerer’s Haki blast, their presence quietly emphasizes the Straw Hat Pirates’ growing popularity.

During the Return to Saboady Arc, events like the introduction of the 11 Supernovas and the Fake Straw Hats elevate the scale of the show’s narrative post-timeskip. By taking on the Straw Hats’ identities to gain notoriety and favor with others, the impostors illustrate the new level of celebrity associated with Luffy and his crew. While the fake Straw Hats were an unimpressive threat, their role in demonstrating the stature of Luffy’s crew makes it clear that the up-and-coming pirates are positioned to make waves in the New World.

3The Voice of All Things Manifests in Luffy on Zou

Episode 773: “Curtain-up on a New Adventure – Arriving at the Phantom Island, Zou!”

Monkey D. Luffy acquires one of his rarest abilities during the Whole Cake Island Saga when the true nature of Zou’s island reveals itself. The island, home to the Mink Tribe, is located on top of a massive elephant named Zunesha that has walked the ocean for centuries, and the animal cries out to Luffy using the Voice of All Things when its land comes under attack by Marines. Although the ability has few applications, it’s an incredibly rare power that foreshadows Luffy’s potential future as King of the Pirates.

Only a few characters have been known to possess the ability known as the Voice of All Things, which allows its users to perceive the will of creatures and inanimate objects. Perhaps the most well-known character with the ability is Gol D. Roger, the legendary King of the Pirates and the origin of Luffy’s iconic straw hat. At several points throughout the series, Luffy’s journey to claim the One Piece is remarkably similar to Roger’s life, setting up a strong path toward his succession. Regardless of how often the Straw Hat Captain uses the Voice of All Things, its presentation in Luffy is an underemphasized illustration of his innate strength.

2Luffy Finally Sees a Picture of His Mysterious Father

Episode 779: “Kaidou Returns – An Imminent Threat to the Worst Generation!”

Luffy’s father, Monkey D. Dragon, is revealed as the Revolutionary Army’s leader in the early arcs of the series. Despite working alongside other revolutionaries who know Dragon like Emporio Ivankov, the Straw Hat still hasn’t met his father. Luffy’s humorous reaction to seeing his father’s photo during the Whole Cake Island Saga for the first time in a newspaper is a brief but significant moment.

To the surprise of his crew, Luffy quickly dismisses Dragon’s picture after remarking that they don’t look much alike. Luffy’s identity is completely independent of his father, and he does not overemphasize their relationship because Dragon left Luffy in others’ care as a child. The Straw Hat’s reaction to seeing his father may seem strange to his crewmates, but his appropriate sense of detachment from Dragon reinforces his strong sense of self and independence.

1Luffy Reminds Weary Wano Prisoners What Life Is About

Episode 949: “We’re Here to Win! Luffy’s Desperate Scream”

One Piece‘s Wano Country Saga delivers pinnacle moments like Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation and victory over Emperor Kaido which can overshadow less critical moments during this moment of the series. When fighting alongside some of Wano’s battered prisoners in the events leading to his battle with Kaido, Luffy performs a rallying speech to inspire his allies to rise above their pity. The conflict comes to a swift conclusion in the prisoners’ favor, but Luffy’s words profoundly impact his allies.

The prisoners with the Straw Hat Pirate have lost all hope in their battle for freedom, begging to stick to their lives as enslaved people instead of facing the consequences of challenging the Beast Pirates. Frustration at the prisoners’ weak passiveness inspires Luffy’s speech, and he challenges them to reject defeat and aspire to create better lives for each other than they’ve lived in service to their captors. Kaido’s eventual defeat wouldn’t have been possible without the renewed drive of Wano’s people to take back their homeland because of Luffy’s demonstration of true fearlessness.