Since its debut in 1997, One Piece, written by Eiichiro Oda, has gradually become one of the best-selling fictional works in history. With over 500 million manga units sold, the series continues to reach fans around the world, introducing them to the sea-faring journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
Produced by Toei Animation, the One Piece anime enjoys comparable success to its manga counterpart, due in large part to its willingness to faithfully adapt the long-running series. As the show has continued, its animation quality and voice-acting have grown better and better, and as a result, there are many episodes worthy of a rewatch.
Updated on June 16, 2023 by Kennedy King: The One Piece anime is rapidly approaching the end of the Wano Country Arc. As the Raid on Onigashima draws toward its conclusion, the overall animation quality of the series continues to shoot through the roof. With the final saga of Monkey D. Luffy’s journey across the Grand Line set to begin in less than a year, now is the perfect time to rewatch some of One Piece‘s best episodes.
20 “I Will Surpass You! Rain Falls On Alabasta!”
Episode 126
Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates make a name for themselves in the East Blue, but it isn’t until the events of the Alabasta Arc that they start to become notorious throughout the entire Grand Line. Crocodile and Baroque Works push the crew to their limit multiple times, nearly toppling the entirety of Alabasta Kingdom in the process.
As the first Warlord of the Sea that the Straw Hat Pirates encounter, Crocodile sets the tone for the entire series by viciously defeating Monkey D. Luffy on two separate occasions. This makes Luffy’s eventual victory even sweeter by comparison. Considering the Alabasta Arc’s numerous tie-ins to post-timeskip One Piece, his victory continues to mean more with each passing arc.
19 “Say You Want to Live! We Are Friends!!”
Episode 278
Episode 278 is one that One Piece fans hold especially close to their hearts. The sequence takes place during the heat of the Enies Lobby Arc, and it includes what is arguably the most emotional moment in the entire series: Nico Robin’s desperate cry to live.
Almost Nico Robin’s entire life has been spent on the run, but thanks to her connection with the Straw Hat Pirates, she’s finally found a home. Seeing her acknowledge these feelings is simultaneously heart-breaking and heart-warming. Its emotional weight is further heightened by the Straw Hat Pirates officially declaring war against the World Government shortly after.
18 “Feelings Put Into Fists! Luffy’s Full-Power Gatling”
Episode 309
The Enies Lobby Arc is full of iconic moments, including the many fights that take place between the members of CP9 and the Straw Hat Pirates. This culminates in a high-stakes battle between Rob Lucci and Monkey D. Luffy — a fight that remains one of the most exciting sequences in One Piece.
Another powerful episode, One Piece‘s Episode 309 marks the end of the arc’s biggest fight, as Luffy takes Lucci down. Despite being pushed beyond his limits, Monkey D. Luffy delivers blow after blow to Rob Lucci, carrying the emotions and trust that Nico Robin put into him. With one last Jet Gatling, One Piece‘s protagonist defeats Lucci, freeing Robin from her enemies and decades of emotional trauma.
17 “Thank You Merry! The Sea of Separation in the Snow”
Episode 312
At the end of the Enies Lobby Arc, the Straw Hat Pirates’ ship, The Going Merry, comes to their aid and helps them escape the incoming. However, the Going Merry was already on its last legs, and after this final journey, it’s painfully obvious the ship won’t last much longer.
Eventually, the Straw Hat Pirates say their final farewells, giving the Going Merry a fiery funeral at sea and ushering in a new age for the crew. Hearing the Going Merry’s spirit apologize to the crew hurts on a deep emotional level, but watching its final appearance is a worthy way of recognizing the trials and tribulations it survived for the Straw Hat Pirates.
16 “New Rivals Gather! The 11 Supernovas”
Episode 392
When Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates arrive at Sabaody Archipelago, they are introduced to several characters that play a major role in One Piece‘s subsequent arcs. However, while characters like Silvers Rayleigh and Admiral Kizaru are legendary in their own right, the most noteworthy introduction occurs when the Straw Hat Pirates learn about the Eleven Supernovas.
The Supernovas are a group of rookie pirates who accumulated bounties of over 100 million Berries prior to their arrival at Sabaody Archipelago. Meeting characters like Trafalgar D. Water Law, Eustass Kid, and X Drake greatly expanded the world-building of One Piece, and were it not for them, many of the show’s events post-timeskip wouldn’t have been possible.
15 “Disappearing Crew — The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew”
Episode 405
One Piece‘s Episode 405 is quite easily one of the anime’s very best — even if it’s gut-wrenching upon every single rewatch. The episode marks the conclusion of the Sabaody Archipelago Arc and sees the Straw Hat Pirates sent to various locations by Bartholomew Kuma.
One by one, the Straw Hat Pirates are teleported by Kuma, starting with Roronoa Zoro and ending with his captain, Monkey D. Luffy. One Piece‘s main character can do nothing but watch as his crewmates are teleported, sending them to the locations where they spend the vast majority of the series’ timeskip.
14 “Looking For The Answer — Fire Fist Ace Dies On The Battlefield”
Episode 483
One Piece Episode 483 may not be the conclusion of the Summit War, but it features one of the show’s — if not anime’s — most heartbreaking moments. The episode picks up immediately after Admiral Akainu punches Portgas D. Ace through the chest with his fist.
Before dying in Monkey D. Luffy’s arms, Ace looks back on his life and remembers his ultimate goal: to discover whether he deserved to be born. Realizing that he was surrounded by people who love him, Ace thanks his brother for being his closest friend, falls into his arms, and passes away. This single moment defines the trajectory of One Piece. As sad as it is, it’s the final straw that guarantees Luffy will one day unseat the World Government and its brainwashed followers.
13 “I Want to See Them! Luffy’s Tearful Scream”
Episode 505
Just before One Piece‘s timeskip pushes the series into uncharted territory, Monkey D. Luffy is left reeling from the death of his brother, Portgas D. Ace. Refusing to accept the reality of his situation, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates is, understandably, at an all-time low.
Ultimately, it is Jinbe who takes it upon himself to help Luffy snap out of his funk. The former Warlord of the Sea reminds his companion that although what’s lost is gone forever, what is still here deserves to be cherished and protected. In a heartwarming scene, Luffy pictures his entire crew being there for him and realizes how much he needs his family by his side.
12 “A New Chapter Begins — The Straw Hat Crew Reunites!”
Episode 517
The Straw Hat Pirates are separated during One Piece‘s timeskip. While this is a necessary evil, fans were still excited to see them reunite after spending two years apart. When the crew finally returned to Sabaody Archipelago, it resulted in one of the most satisfying sequences in the entire series.
Each Straw Hat Pirate sports a new visual design upon their return to Sabaody Archipelago, as well as new skills that they learned during the timeskip. Together, they defeat the same Pacifistas who drove them apart two years prior, reestablishing themselves as the New World’s fastest-rising pirates.
11 “Attack On A Celestial — Luffy’s King Kong Gun Of Anger!”
Episode 733
Donquixote Doflamingo is, in many fans’ opinions, the best villain to appear in One Piece. His reign of terror over both the criminal underworld and the kingdom of Dressrosa is horrendous. Thanks to his Awakened Devil Fruit powers, Doflamingo’s a formidable opponent to all but the strongest pirates.
By joining forces with Trafalgar D. Water Law, Monkey D. Luffy eventually unseats Doflamingo from his position of power, culminating his victory over the Warlord of the Sea via his new Gear 4 transformation. Besides being an incredible fight, Luffy’s victory signals that he’s ready to take down the strongest pirates on the Grand Line: the Emperors of the Sea.
10 “A Heartbreaking Duel — Luffy vs. Sanji — Part 2”
Episode 808
One Piece‘s Episode 808 is one of the best episodes in the series — in terms of both animation and narrative. In a moment that harks back to Usopp’s dissension during the Water 7 Arc, this episode includes Sanji and Luffy squaring off in a duel that reflects many of the former’s deepest traumas.
When Luffy refuses to fight his crewmate, Sanji pummels his captain in hopes of driving him away and protecting both the crew and Zeff. The episode’s ending sees the Straw Hat Pirates’ captain tell Sanji he’ll be waiting for his return, reminding audiences he has no intention of leaving his friend behind.
9 “A Fist of Divine Speed — Another Gear 4 Application Activated!
70“>Episode 870
Episode 870 of One Piece is quite easily one of the most ambitious episodes in the series when it comes to action. Directed and storyboarded by Kohei Kureta, this sequence depicts the climax of Monkey D. Luffy’s clash with Charlotte Katakuri of the Big Mom Pirates.
Several animators were brought in to help animate the battle between Luffy and Katakuri, due in large part to the overwhelming speed that both possess. Gear 4: Snakeman is a visual splendor, so it’s only appropriate that it receives gorgeous animation to match its power.
8 “The Parting Time — Pudding’s Last Wish”
Episode 877
Episode 877 marks the end of what is arguably the best arc in One Piece: Whole Cake Island. The episode is directed by Toshinori Fukuzawa, and calling it a masterpiece wouldn’t do it justice. With seamless transitions and an OST that packs an emotional punch, the conclusion of Whole Cake Island leaves many fans bawling their eyes out.
As the Straw Hat Pirates leave Tottoland, Sanji and Carrot console each other over Pedro’s brave sacrifice. Adding to the emotional weight of the episode, Pudding also cries her heart out after being separated from Sanji, reminding viewers that the daughter of Big Mom has a truly kind heart. Despite all the tears, the sequence ends on a perfectly upbeat note, as Sanji feeds his crew just like the man he considers his father: Chef Zeff.
7 “Big News! An Incident That Will Affect the Seven Warlords”
Episode 957
Episode 957 marks an important member in the political history of One Piece, depicting the dissolution of the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the most cathartic of ways. With big news breaking one headline after another, fans have no time to rest during what is one of the most jam-packed episodes of the series.
Although they’ve been present in One Piece since the Alabasta Arc, the Warlords of the Sea are still very relevant. Their appearances in Episode 957 are laden with seamless transitions, incredibly gorgeous art, and high-level animation, signaling a new age of animation for the series.
6 “The Pirate King is Born – Arriving at the Last Island!”
Episode 968
A legendary episode in every possible way, One Piece‘s Episode 968 concludes Kozuki Oden’s journey with Gol D. Roger to the final island of the Grand Line, Laugh Tale. The sequence kicks off in a way that exhibits the very soul of the series as the Roger Pirates sing Binks’ Sake — the same tune that Brook and his crew sang until their unfortunate demise many years ago.
After acquiring all the Road Poneglyphs, the Roger Pirates eventually make their way to Laugh Tale, discovering the highly anticipated secret that lies at the end of the Grand Line. As the Pirate King and his crew laugh upon the completion of their life’s work, their actions bring a tear to the eye of many viewers.
5 “Kaidou’s Trump Card — The Tobi Roppo Appear”
Episode 982
As one of the most anticipated episodes in One Piece history, Episode 982 marks the return of former director Megumi Ishitani, who had previously directed Episode 957. From the mind-blowing fights between the Straw Hat Pirates and the Beasts Pirates to the incredible lighting placed on Luffy as he rose like a king among his crew, this sequence delivers in virtually every way.
Introducing the Tobiroppo sets up the final sequence of the Wano Country Arc, and the musical number performed by Queen the Plague simply leaves fans awestruck. In many ways, Episode 982 feels like the transition into the final act of One Piece — both narratively and in terms of visuals.
4 “Overwhelming Strength! The Straw Hats Come Together”
1000″>Episode 1000
Very few series have reached the 1,000-episode mark, but against all odds, One Piece reached that milestone in 2021. In honor of the milestone achievement, the shonen anime’s production studio went all-out, adding several Easter Eggs and callbacks to previous episodes.
Although the debut of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi’s Sulong forms is exciting, the nostalgia truly makes Episode 1000 memorable. The Straw Hats reflect on their past adventures, and it ends with the crew gathering together to take on the All-Stars and Tobiroppo of the Beast Pirates. It even includes an updated version of “We Are,” One Piece‘s original opening.
3 “Straw Hat Luffy — The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King”
Episode 1015
The Wano Country Arc is the longest in One Piece. By Episode 1015, Kaido and Big Mom’s overwhelming strength has been made painfully clear. The pair of Emperors easily repel the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance after Kaido initially defeats Luffy, leaving the show’s protagonists in dire straits.
Ultimately, Monkey D. Luffy finally makes it to the rooftop to confront Big Mom and Kaido once again. After Law teleports the injured to safety, Luffy strikes Kaido with the most intense and beautiful Red Hawk attack in the entire series — announcing that his dream of becoming the King of the Pirates is closer than ever.
2 “A Barrage of Powerful Techniques! The Fierce Attacks of the Worst Generation!”
Episode 1017
Kaido and Big Mom are two of the strongest villains in One Piece — meaning Luffy, Zoro, Kidd, Killer, and Law have their hands full during the Raid on Onigashima. Episode 1017 sees the group continue their fight against the two Yonko, and it features incredible animation that highlights the best parts of the Wano Country Arc.
Each member of the Worst Generation gets a moment to shine in Episode 1017, as Luffy, Kidd, and Law unload their best attacks on Kaido. Big Mom also enters the fray later on, using her powers to unleash a miniature natural disaster felt across the floating island.
1 “The Three-Sword Style Of The Supreme King! Zoro vs. King”
Episode 1062
The animation quality of One Piece has grown better and better throughout the Wano Country Arc. If Zoro’s fight with King is any indication, then the conclusion of the arc could be among the most well-animated stretches in shonen anime history. Each of their attacks feels like that of a world-class fighter — a testament to their status as the second-in-command of their respective crews.
Besides stellar animation, the battle between Zoro and King is a major moment for both characters. Zoro finally gains control of both Enma and his Conqueror’s Haki, while King’s backstory with is finally revealed during the flashback that bisects the episode.
Leave a Reply