20 Best One Piece Arcs You Must Never Miss

For those of you who might be curious, the beloved series “One Piece” continues to thrive and has surpassed 1000 episodes. Known as one of the longest-running manga and anime franchises globally, “One Piece” boasts a massive following. Given the grand scale of its narrative and the complexity of its universe, it’s no surprise that “One Piece” has blended canonical arcs with filler arcs during its run – a common practice indeed. Unlike other popular series within the “Big Three,” “One Piece” doesn’t rely heavily on filler content, making our task more manageable.

We’re organizing our list around the various story arcs in the “One Piece” series, including both main and side plots. The list will include a total of 25 different arcs, with twenty being the canonical ones, arranged from 20th to 1st position based on their significance to the plot and the quality of their narratives. Remaining five slots will be filled by filler arcs, which will be ranked from 5th to 1st place depending on how engaging and coherent they were as standalone stories.

In this part, we’ll be discussing the top 20 most memorable story arcs in the world of One Piece, listed from number 20 down to the first place. Each arc will be accompanied by details about the Saga they belong to, the episodes they cover, and a brief summary of their main plot points.

20. Amazon Lily Arc

Saga: Summit War Saga
Season: 12
Episodes: 408-417

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I find myself at Grove 41 within the Sabaody Archipelago, where Duval and his crew express concern over the Straw Hat Pirates and opt to safeguard their ship, the Thousand Sunny, until reinforcements arrive. Simultaneously, in the auction house of Grove 1, the indignant Saint Sharlia fumes at the Navy’s failure to apprehend the Straw Hats even with Admiral Kizaru present.

She vows retribution on those who dared to target her father and brother, viewing it as a grave insult to the Celestial Dragons. Later, at the Shady Bar (renamed for this context as the Rip-Off Bar), Camie and Pappug share worry for Luffy and his companions. Octo, however, assures them of their strength. Nevertheless, Shakky voices concerns about their prospects against an Admiral, predicting imminent tumultuous events…

19. Baratie Arc

Saga: East Blue Saga
Season: 1
Episodes: 19-30

Leaving Syrup Village behind, I found myself face to face with Lieutenant Fullbody who dispatched me, Luffy, to the Baratie – a floating restaurant governed sternly by “Red-Footed Zeff”. With no other choice, I agreed to work there to make amends for the havoc caused during my arrival. It wasn’t long before I found myself identifying with the young, spirited cook of the ship: Sanji.

Not long after, Captain Don Krieg, who was a pirate, anchored the Baratie, and instructed the chefs to provide food for his depleted and disheartened crew, having survived their journey through The Road of All Perils.

18. Post-War Arc

Saga: Summit War Saga
Season: 14
Episodes: 490-491, 493-516

Following the demise of Whitebeard and Portgas D. Ace, the Marines are declared the victors officially. The death of Whitebeard sparked turmoil across the Grand Line that continues to reverberate. Meanwhile, preparations for what’s next are underway: it is crucial to keep hidden the uprising at Impel Down, specifically the fact that Blackbeard freed prisoners from the 6th basement to form his own crew.

In contrast, Monkey D. Luffy finds himself perilously close to death, his consciousness and physical state precariously balanced due to the exertions he underwent to break free from Impel Down to rescue his brother. Yet, these efforts proved futile during the Marine Ford battle. Eventually, he is transported to Amazon Lily by Trafalgar Law for medical attention. Upon regaining consciousness, Luffy unleashes a fury, wrecking anything within reach despite his fragile state.

Upon Jinbe’s arrival as per Luffy’s request, he verifies that Ace has passed away. This revelation triggers immense tears as he recalls his initial encounter with Dadan, Sabo, and especially Portgas D. Ace. Their animosity was immediate, yet Ace would later be recognized as his brother…

Or more concisely:

Upon Jinbe’s arrival at Luffy’s request, he confirms Ace’s death, causing him to weep deeply as he recalls their early enmity and eventual brotherhood with Ace.

17. Loguetown Arc

Saga: East Blue Saga
Season: 1
Episodes: 45, 48-53

Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji temporarily halt in Loguetown – a town infamous for the execution of Gol D. Roger. This city is often the final stop before embarking on The Road of all Perils, and as others prepare to gather supplies for their upcoming journey, Luffy chooses to visit the site where the Pirate King was executed instead.

However, Baggy the Clown seizes hold of him, releasing him from his torment and linking him with Lady Alvida. On the verge of Luffy’s demise at her hands, a sudden storm erupts, causing lightning to strike Buggy, rendering him unconscious and liberating our hero. When Marine Colonel Smoker stormed in, the pirates chose to escape, but when Smoker managed to halt Luffy, he was rescued by a mysterious figure – none other than Dragon, the revolutionary leader himself.

16. Thriller Bark Arc

Saga: Thriller Bark Saga
Season: 10
Episodes: 337-381

The Straw Hat Pirates arrive in the treacherous expanse known as Florian’s Triangle, a sea region swathed in fog. Upon meeting Brook, an undead skeleton, our protagonists find themselves ensnared on Thriller Bark, Captain Gecko Moria’s massive ship that exudes a gothic atmosphere. Throughout their journey, they encounter bizarre beings like zombies and a Cerberus among others…

Nevertheless, these supernatural occurrences conceal an intriguing truth: Moria and Hogback, scientists with an extraordinary talent, can revive bodies by capturing individuals’ shadows. Utilizing Luffy’s presence, they even manage to resurrect a colossus named Oars using his shadow. Following numerous encounters with reanimated corpses, the Straw Hat Pirates ultimately vanquish Moria and recover all of the stolen shadows.

However, as events unfold, a different Captain Corsair emerges – Bartholomew Kuma. This leads to fresh escapades. Eventually, towards the conclusion of this storyline, Brook decides to join Luffy’s team, taking up the position of the musician.

15. Punk Hazard Arc

Saga: Dressrosa Saga
Season: 16
Episodes: 579-589, 591-625

Upon arriving in the New World, the Straw Hat crew is promptly summoned to help people under attack on an island known as Punk Hazard, allegedly by a samurai. Acting swiftly, Luffy embarks towards the Burning Island, closely pursued by Vice Admiral Smoker.

Initially believed to be a desolate and abandoned island, the Straw Hat crew discovers they’re not the only inhabitants as they encounter both familiar foes and new adversaries during their exploration. The Punk Hazard isle is the first one encountered in the New World, featuring frozen lands on one side and fiery territories on the other. This unique island also shelters Dr. Vegapunk’s abandoned laboratory.

14. Arlong Park Arc

Saga: East Blue Saga
Season: 1
Episodes: 31-44

Without wasting a moment, Luffy, Sanji, and Yosaku dash off towards Konomi Archipelago, tracking down Nami. Their destination is where the ruthless Fish-Man, Arlong, rules over East Blue. Throughout their pursuit, Yosaku uses this time to share information about the Grand Corsairs with the Straw Hat crew and the chef. Eventually, Nami arrives at the archipelago and confronts Arlong at his base, handing him the loot she’d pilfered from “Baggy the Clown”.

In the meantime, Zoro, Usopp, and Johnny are all heading towards the archipelago. Upon arrival, Zoro gets captured by Arlong’s group. Once he manages to sneak into the village, Usopp finds himself with a busy schedule. During his infiltration, Usopp encounters Nojiko, who is Nami’s older adoptive sister. Nojiko reveals that Nami works for Arlong. Both Nojiko and Nami are orphans who were raised in Kokoyashi Village.

Arlong and his group invade the village, causing fear among the locals. Later, it’s revealed that Nami steals from pirates because she aims to free her village from Arlong’s control.

13. Jaya Arc

Saga: Sky Island Saga
Season: 6
Episodes: 144-152

Now that Princess Vivi is securely in Alabasta again and joined by their new ally, Nico Robin, the Straw Hats embark on a fresh journey. The log pose mysteriously points skyward just as a massive vessel plummets from above. Robin clarifies that the Pose log was attracted to an island with a potent magnetic force, known as a Sky Island. During their investigation of the shipwreck, they stumble upon an ancient map.

Through a skull and some literature, they deduced that this vessel is the St. Briss, which set sail from the Kingdom of Briss 208 years prior. However, when the 13 Organized attempt to rescue the foundering ship for additional data, they encounter a band of pirates commanded by Masira, who asserts dominion over all surrounding territories and declares that any sinking ships are his property…

12. Fish-Man Island Arc

Saga: Fish-Man Island Saga
Season: 15
Episodes: 523-541, 543-574

The Straw Hats have boarded their vessel, the Thousand Sunny, and are venturing deep beneath the ocean’s surface. En route, Franky shares with them the recent history of the ship, which has been targeted by pirates over the past two years. It was Duval and his crew who valiantly defended the ship, putting their lives on the line. However, another individual also safeguarded the Sunny.

Bartholomew Kuma, who later turned into a member of the Straw Hat crew’s faction known as the Splitter, had been pre-programmed prior to his full transformation into a Pacifista. In other words, before he was re-purposed as a weapon by the government, he requested that Végapunk assign him a task to complete before his metamorphosis. His objective was to protect the Sunny until one of the Straw Hat Pirates returned.

The mission concludes once Franky locates the ship. Consequently, the crew owes a debt of gratitude to the skilled pirate who rescued them from imminent peril during the assault by Pacifistas, Kizaru, and Sentomaru. Moreover, they owe thanks for safeguarding the Thousand Sunny as well.

11. Dressrosa Arc

Saga: Dressrosa Saga
Season: 17
Episodes: 629-746

Returning to Punk Hazard: A handful of G-5 Marines gear up in safety suits, ready to locate their fellow soldiers on the island. Caesar explains that these suits serve as a barrier against the harmful gas. The gas is lethal, and any still-frozen individuals run the risk of breathing it in and perishing if they aren’t promptly treated.

A smoker talks to Captain Beard; he grants him permission to rescue his crew members, but makes it clear he plans to apprehend them later. Simultaneously, Marines find the decapitated corpses of Baby 5 and Buffalo; they ponder their next move. Just then, they spot the severed heads of those individuals hurtling toward them – reuniting with their bodies. To add to the mystery, Don Quixote Doflamingo suddenly materializes at Punk Hazard!

10. Arabasta Arc

Saga: Arabasta Saga
Season: 4
Episodes: 92-130

Eventually, the Straw Hat Pirates and Nefertari Vivi make their way to the desert kingdom of Alabasta, with the goal of disbanding Baroque Works and thwarting Crocodile’s aspirations. Upon reaching the first town, Luffy encounters Colonel Smoker who had expected his arrival. However, Luffy manages to extricate himself from this predicament thanks to a timely intervention by his brother, Portgas D. Ace, whom he unexpectedly meets along the way.

As Crocodile abandons his ambition to rule the kingdom, our heroes observe the chaos escalating: severe drought, uprisings, and the impending danger of civil war. Determined, they head towards Rainbase, the Grand Corsair’s hideout, to challenge him. However, they become ensnared (alongside Smoker), and eventually Luffy is left seemingly lifeless by Crocodile following a one-sided battle, as his regular attacks proved fruitless against his adversary’s Logia abilities. This encounter, though it seems disastrous for Luffy at the moment, will provide him with crucial insights into the Grand Corsair’s vulnerability.

9. Skypiea Arc

Saga: Sky Island Saga
Season: 6
Episodes: 153-195

Following their arrival at Skypiea via the Knock Up Stream, Usopp collapses due to the surprise, while Nami, Robin, and Chopper ponder over how the Log Pose’s needle strangely suggests they should ascend further. Later on, Usopp regains consciousness and expresses a desire to delve into the sea of clouds by diving into it (he also observes that the resistance is significantly reduced compared to water).

A short while later, the object had not yet surfaced, leading Robin to speculate that this sea might be bottomless. The Straw Hat Pirates began to grow anxious, and Luffy attempted to grab them with his arm but failed. Robin then employed “Ojos Fleur” to locate and eventually capture…

8. Impel Down Arc

Saga: Summit War Saga
Season: 13
Episodes: 422-425, 430-452

Following his journey, Luffy reaches Impel Down. He heads to a room with Hancock for a thorough search. Hancock turns Domino and the Den Den Mushi into stone. In the meantime, Luffy flees, while Hancock takes an elevator to meet Director Magellan. As they traverse the first basement level, Luffy encounters Buggy who is being pursued by a large group of Blue Gorillas. As they attempt to escape, Luffy proposes to fight off the gorillas instead of fleeing.

Against his wishes, Buggy is compelled to accompany Luffy to Marineford. While they’re navigating through the second underground level, Luffy and Buggy encounter Mr. 3. Mr. 3 proposes helping Luffy find the third basement in exchange for assistance. However, they encounter a formidable creature known as the Sphinx. Despite its power, Luffy manages to overcome it using his Gear 3…

7. Whole Cake Island Arc

Saga: Four Emperors Saga
Season: 19
Episodes: 783-877

As a dedicated cinephile, I find myself standing on the deck of Big Mom’s colossal vessel as it gracefully glides into the Totto Land Archipelago. Sanji, my cherished comrade, is by my side in this grand spectacle. Upon the ship, Tamago shares a compelling reason with Sanji for aligning himself with Big Mom’s formidable Pirate crew.

Just then, Vito emerges, flashing a photograph that instantly captivates our attention – it’s none other than his future bride, Charlotte Pudding, beaming with an enchanting smile. The sight of her sends a wave of pure elation coursing through me. Vito proceeds to engage Sanji in conversation, reminiscing about a captivating comic book he devoured during his youth. This tale spoke of Sora’s valiant battles against the formidable Germa 66.

The comic serves as a tool for glorifying the Marines, aiming to inspire children to admire them, but instead, Vito developed admiration towards Germa 66. As a result, he’s thrilled to encounter Sanji. However, Sanji, being a cook, finds it offensive to be equated with the military and lets Vito know that there’s no connection between him and them.

6. Levely Arc

Saga: Four Emperors Saga
Season: 19
Episodes: 878-889

Luffy, Sanji, Nami, Chopper, Brook, and Carrot set sail on the Thousand Sunny towards Wano Country after departing Totto Country. Luffy and Chopper find a Raid Suit that was given to Sanji by Niji without his knowledge. Despite the objections of his friends, Sanji declines to use it. Meanwhile, Nami is able to summon Zeus using her Clima-Tact.

Carrot obtains a journal from Martin Facteur detailing happenings in the archipelago and their adventures; it further reveals increased bounties for Luffy and Sanji. Overjoyed to see his bounty surpass Zoro’s (320 million Berrys), Sanji, however, feels irritated that his wanted poster now bears his surname as well.

On the contrary, the captain appears dejected as the value of their treasure has apparently fallen to 150,000,000 Berrys. Yet, Nami, understanding its potential implications for fewer complications, is not displeased by this development.

5. Zou Arc

Saga: Four Emperors Saga
Season: 18
Episodes: 751-779

Following their victory over Doflamingo, the Straw Hat Pirates, accompanied by Trafalgar Law and Kin’emon and Kanjuro, journey towards Zo Island in search of their missing crew members. Noteworthy, Zo is the third island the Straw Hat Pirates have encountered in the New World. This peculiar “island” rests upon the back of a massive elephant that has been alive for over a millennium…

4. Sabaody Archipelago Arc

Saga: Summit War Saga
Season: 11
Episodes: 385-405

As Luffy and his comrades journey towards Fish-Man Island, unsure of the route, they encounter Camie and Octo en route. These helpful individuals inform our heroes that applying a unique boat coating is essential for their upcoming voyage.

They led the Straw Hat pirates to the Sabaody Island group, where they could encounter a naval craftsman. Notably, this island chain is known for its Auction House. Unfortunately, it’s also home to some of the most notorious pirates, referred to as the “Eleven Supernovae,” who are also in pursuit of the New World…

3. Water 7 Arc

Saga: Water 7 Saga
Season: 8
Episodes: 229-263

Upon leaving Long Ring Long Land behind me, I find myself at an astonishing seafaring train station. A fellow named Kokoro, who runs this place, informs us that there’s a unique steam engine named Puffing Tom, capable of traversing on waterways, linking several nearby islands together.

After this layover, the crew intends to reach Water Seven for extensive repairs on their ship, the Vogue Merry, having recovered 300 million Berrys in Skypiea. However, things don’t go as expected. Master craftsmen at Galley-La Company find the ship beyond repair. Unfortunately, some of the money is pilfered by the Franky Family, and Robin inexplicably vanishes…

2. Enies Lobby Arc

Saga: Water 7 Saga
Season: 9
Episodes: 264-290, 293-302, 304-312

Initially, members from the Kairiki Destroyers branch of the Franky Family are dispatched into combat. Regrettably, they end up losing badly. Determined to uphold their leader’s reputation, the Franky Family then confront two colossal opponents. After knocking them unconscious, they manage to escape the Navy’s grasp. Later on, Luffy encounters Blueno on a rooftop en route to the Tower of Justice and uses Gear Second to vanquish him.

Accompanied by his teammates, he encounters Spandam and CP9, who have captured Robin and Franky. Upon hearing Robin recount the peril of the Buster Call that she had faced as a child, Luffy instructs Sanji to torch the emblem of the World Government, thereby signifying their intent to wage war against the 170 nations symbolized by this flag. Taken aback by the measures his crew is willing to take for her, Robin decides to join them, hoping to coexist with them…

1. Marineford Arc

Saga: Summit War Saga
Season: 14
Episodes: 457-489

Unable to locate Ace before he was moved, Luffy, together with other fugitives who escaped from Impel Down (which includes Ivankov, Inazuma, Crocodile, Jinbe, Mr.1, Mr.3, and Buggy), opt instead for tracking down his brother at Marine Ford, the main headquarters of the World Navy.

As I ponder over this epic showdown, it’s clear that Luffy faces steep odds. The looming presence of Whitebeard adds tension, and there are pirates afoot with designs on dethroning one of the Four Emperors. So, can our resilient protagonist hold his ground in this colossal battle? Let’s find out!

2025-05-27 17:18