10 Major One Piece Characters Who Turned Bad to Good, Ranked

When it comes to One Piece, the redemption stories always hit differently, whether it be villains turning a new leaf or the underrated characters rising to the occasion. However, we must say that bad or negative characters turning up as allies out of the blue – that’s just something else.

With that being said, there should be no doubt that Eiichiro Oda did some of the best character transformations in the series. However, if you are still in doubt, this article is here to clear the clouds around your judgment. Here are some major One Piece characters who turned a new leaf from being bad to good, ranked by the impact they had in the story.

TITLE	One Piece
CREATOR	Eiichiro Oda
RELEASE DATE	October 20, 1999
IMDb RATING (As of May 5, 2026)	9/10
WHERE TO WATCH	Crunchyroll

10 Bon Clay Became the Most Selfless Ally of the Straw Hat Pirates

Every time you look at it, Bon Clay’s narrative hits a very deep emotional core within the One Piece story and the viewers. Bon Clay debuted as one of Baroque Works’ most eccentric agents, causing chaos in Alabasta under Crocodile’s orders. Furthermore, his Mane Mane no Mi (Clone-Clone Fruit) was an annoying and tough hindrance to deal with.

However, everything changed once he became friends with Luffy. His friendship and loyalty towards the future Pirate King were so deep that Bentham (Bon Clay) sacrificed his freedom so Luffy could escape Magellan and continue his mission to save Ace. His sacrifice was something we can never forget – a sacrifice driven by true friendship and loyalty.

9 Hatchan Broke the “Cycle of Hatred” in One Piece

When he was introduced in the series, Hatchan was one of Arlong’s subordinates who gave Zoro and the others a tough fight. Early Hatchan directly contributed to Nami’s suffering and the oppression of Cocoyasi Village – but he wasn’t truly malicious at heart like Arlong, just blindly loyal.

He was reintroduced during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, only this time he was a peaceful takoyaki vendor trying to atone for his past. What called in his redemption was his willingness to protect Camie and help the Straw Hats. Hatchan gives a prime example that the “Cycle of Hate” can be broken through pure atonement and compassion.

8 Sanji’s Acceptance Broke Charlotte Pudding’s Emotional Barriers

When they say pure love and compassion can change a person, Charlotte Pudding should serve as an example to prove the point. Initially presented as Sanji’s bride, she eventually revealed her sadistic and manipulative personality by emotionally torturing Sanji and mocking his kindness, under Big Mom’s command.

However, Sanji’s unconditional acceptance of her third eye shattered the emotional walls she had built her entire life – she turned into an ally and was no longer a foe. Near the end of the Whole Cake Island Arc, Pudding became one of the arc’s emotional cores – helping the Straw Hats escape while silently falling in love with Sanji.

7 Mr. 3 Was the Reason Ace Was Able to Escape During the Marineford Arc

Galdino (Mr. 3) started as a ruthless Baroque Works officer who tried to execute the Straw Hats in Little Garden. Upon his initial introduction in the One Piece series, we saw him as cowardly, selfish, and mostly caring about saving himself. However, his personality took a shift as we went into the Marineford Arc.

While he was still constantly panicking, he kept rushing to help others when it wasn’t even called for. But the peak came when he contributed to Ace’s release from execution. Not only did he craft a key to unlock Ace’s cuffs using the powers of the Doru Doru no Mi, but he also created a candle wall to protect Ace. His transformation came out of the blue, and that’s why it hit so hard.

6 Nico Robin – From a Wanted Assassin to a Priceless Archeologist

Nico Robin is one of the most iconic characters in the One Piece series, with one of the most intriguing backstories. She was introduced as Miss All Sunday of the Baroque Works – a mysterious assassin and Crocodile’s right-hand woman. Calm, intelligent, and emotionally distant, she seemed impossible to trust.

However, the series gradually revealed the true reason behind her distant nature – connection to the Buster Call on Ohara, her homeland. After she joined the Straw Hats, her life and personality gradually changed; she became more trusting and friendly. The peak of her change was during the Enies Lobby Arc with the famous “I want to live!” moment.

5 Trafalgar D. Water Law’s Alliance With Luffy Exposed His Humanity

Trafalgar D. Water Law was introduced during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc as a ruthless pirate captain grouped among the Worst Generation. Even as the series progressed, Law was portrayed as cold, calculating, and willing to manipulate anyone for his goals.

However, Punk Hazard changed everything for his character. His alliance with Luffy slowly started breaking the hard exterior and revealed the humanity underneath, a sentiment that was carried forward to the Dressrosa Arc, where his ultimate traumatic childhood was revealed. Over time, Law evolved from a morally gray opportunist into one of the Straw Hats’ most trusted allies.

4 No One Guessed the Chaotic Criminal Franky Would Become an Asset

Franky, the leader of the Franky Family – a gang of dismantlers and thieves – was responsible for brutally attacking Usopp and stealing the Straw Hats’ money in Water 7. At the introductory phase, he seemed nothing more than a chaotic criminal in the series who probably would’ve exited by the end of the arc.

However, his past revelations changed the game completely – connection to Tom, the tragedy surrounding the Sea Train, and his guilt over the battleships that eventually led to Tom’s arrest. Joining the Straw Hat Pirates was the moment he transformed from a chaotic criminal to Luffy’s most trusted crew member and shipwright. He is the one who made the Thousand Sunny.

3 Once a Greatest Enemy Turned Into a Comrade in War – Sir Crocodile

Sir Crocodile was one of Luffy’s toughest enemies early in the series – the leader of the Baroque Works criminal organization, powered by the powerful Logia-type Devil Fruit, the Suna Suna no Mi (Sand-Sand Fruit). Not only was he a major obstacle during the Alabasta Arc, but he was also one of the very few who defeated Luffy multiple times.

However, Impel Down and Marineford unexpectedly reinvented him; Crocodile evolved from power-hungry tyrant into a charismatic antihero whose goals sometimes aligned with Luffy’s. While his redemption and complete change are still somewhat questionable, the small changes are enough to show his character growth.

2 Helmeppo Transformed From a Spoiled Brat to a Decorated Marine

This one is definitely a bit controversial, especially if we hold onto the theory that the Marines are villains. When first introduced into the series, nothing was redeeming about Helmeppo’s character in the series – he was arrogant, annoying, cowardly, and hid behind his father; basically, the stereotypical spoiled brat archetype.

However, he gradually comes out of his father’s shadow and joins Koby under the wing of the Marine Vice Admiral, Monkey D. Garp. Under Garp’s strict and influential training, Helmeppo shapes into a respected and admired Marine officer. While he was still a bit cowardly, he wasn’t weak or arrogant anymore – he went from Zero to Hero.

1 Nami – The Selfish Cat Burglar to Core Member of the Straw Hats

Nami has probably the biggest redemption arc in the One Piece-verse and is hugely underrated, in our opinion. Originally, when she was introduced in the Orange Town Arc, she betrayed the Straw Hats, stole their ship, and appeared to be a selfish thief only interested in money.

However, her story changes when one hand stops her from stabbing her arm. Nami had spent years sacrificing her freedom and reputation to save her village from Arlong’s tyranny – and the “Help me” was the moment she turned a new leaf. Her redemption was the emotional foundation of the series itself; she went from apparent antagonist to the heart of the Straw Hat Pirates.

RANKING	CHARACTERS WHO CHANGED
1	Nami
2	Helmeppo
3	Sir Crocodile
4	Franky
5	Trafalgar D. Law
6	Nico Robin
7	Galdino (Mr. 3)
8	Charlotte Pudding
9	Hatchan
10	Bentham (Bon Clay)

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What are your thoughts on our list of the major One Piece characters who turned a new leaf in the series? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments down below.

All Episodes of the One Piece anime are available to watch on Crunchyroll.