The Worst Fathers in One Piece Ranked: From Absentee to Genuinely Terrible
The Worst Fathers in One Piece: A Deep Dive
1. Monkey D. Dragon – The Absent Father
Monkey D. Dragon, Luffy’s father, is a classic absentee dad, more interested in revolution than raising his son. While he’s not overtly malicious, Dragon’s failure to engage in his son’s life showcases a type of parental negligence that borders on indifference. Luffy grew up without guidance, yet, paradoxically, this may have allowed him to become the free-spirited pirate he always wanted to be. Dragon’s indifference seems deliberate—he gives Luffy the space he craves but at the cost of emotional connection. For that reason, Dragon ranks in the Absent Tier.
2. Donquixote Homing – Naively Dangerous
Donquixote Homing, the father of Doflamingo and Rosinante, had noble intentions but doomed his family through dangerous naivety. Originally a Celestial Dragon, Homing abandoned his privileged life, hoping to live peacefully among commoners. Unfortunately, his idealistic move endangered his family, exposing them to violent retaliation. Homing’s love for his family was genuine, yet his choices ultimately shattered their lives, putting him in the Tried and Failed Tier.
3. Gol D. Roger – Absentee by Circumstance
As the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger’s love for freedom led to a complicated legacy. Before his execution, he fathered Portgas D. Ace, hoping his child would fulfill a prophecy. However, Roger’s choice to have a child despite his imminent death was reckless, leaving Ace to endure a tormented childhood. Roger’s influence on Ace’s life was indirect but tragic, landing him in the Absent Tier.
4. Diaz Barrels – Abusive and Neglectful
Diaz Barrels, father of X Drake, was not only absent but also brutally abusive. He shifted from being a Marine to a pirate, with Drake following in his footsteps. Barrels’ cruelty peaked with his physical abuse of Drake, pushing him further down the path of despair. Even after Barrels’ death, his impact on Drake’s life was lasting, earning him a spot in the Genuinely Terrible Tier.
5. Kaido – The Sadistic Tyrant
Kaido, Yamato’s father, embodies destructive parenting. When Yamato expressed admiration for Kozuki Oden, Kaido imprisoned his child in a cave with deadly samurai as a twisted way to “teach a lesson.” Kaido’s brutality towards Yamato was relentless, stripping him of the love and support every child deserves. His actions highlight a deeply flawed and oppressive parenting style, securing him a top place in the Worst Father Tier.
6. Yasopp – Abandonment with Questionable Intent
Yasopp, Usopp’s father, left his family to pursue adventure with Shanks. Unlike Dragon, Yasopp’s departure lacked a grander purpose. Usopp was left without a parental figure, forced to cope with a mother who eventually passed away. Yasopp’s decision is marked by selfishness, and while he may have believed he was protecting his son, his actions have left emotional scars, placing him in the Absent Tier.
7. Shanks – The Neglectful Protector
In One Piece Film: Red, Shanks’ parenting of Uta is explored with heartbreaking consequences. Shanks leaves Uta on a deserted island after a disaster, choosing not to bring her aboard. Although he thought he was protecting her, Uta is left feeling abandoned, growing up with resentment and confusion. Shanks’ parenting is tragically misguided, landing him in the Tried and Failed Tier.
8. Outlook III – The Emotionally Detached Investor
Sabo’s father, Outlook III, treated him as an asset rather than a son, viewing parenting as a means to gain social status. When Sabo’s rebellious nature became evident, he simply replaced him with a backup son. Outlook’s cold indifference to Sabo’s happiness places him in the Tried and Failed Tier.
9. Morgan – Comically Cruel
Captain Morgan, Helmeppo’s father, is notorious for his over-the-top cruelty. He shows no love for his son, valuing only his ego. Though he does little to shape Helmeppo’s life, Morgan’s abusive tendencies make him a classic One Piece villain, earning him a firm spot in the Genuinely Terrible Tier.
10. Kozuki Sukiyaki – A Passive Observer
Kozuki Sukiyaki, the father of Kozuki Oden, takes passive parenting to an extreme. Though his intentions were less harmful, his failure to intervene during Oden’s humiliation by Kaido paints him as a neglectful figure. Sukiyaki’s passivity relegates him to the Absent Tier.
To Read: Why Is One Piece So Long? An In-Depth Analysis of Oda’s Creative Journey
In One Piece, fatherhood is often a complex and tumultuous journey. From absentee dads like Dragon to overtly cruel figures like Kaido, these characters highlight the dark sides of parental neglect and abuse. Their flawed relationships with their children add emotional depth to the series, portraying the sacrifices, failures, and even the twisted love some fathers harbor.
