When it comes to storytelling, Eiichiro Oda’s flagship series, One Piece, is nothing short of a masterpiece. Since 1997, the pirate-filled shonen has grown into one of the greatest, most-beloved stories of all time. After so many years of adventure, comedy, and fantastic fight scenes, there is no shortage of fan-favorite narrative arcs to choose from within the series.

For some fans, many of One Piece's best moments occur around the start of the show. Others claim that Monkey D. Luffy's adventures pick up steam as they go, resulting in higher-quality story arcs across the board during the series' second half. In reality, every One Piece arc has been a success since its inception, and its best sequences are spread throughout the entirety of its impressive 25-year syndication.

Updated on December 26, 2023, by Kennedy King & Ajay Aravind: One Piece has officially moved into what has been confirmed to be its final saga, placing Monkey D. Luffy within striking distance of his long-time goal — becoming the Pirate King. Because of these developments, more and more fans are reflecting upon the legacy left by each of the series' narrative arcs. While every one of these story arcs adds something to the series, there are a few that are still far superior to their peers.

32 The Romance Dawn Arc Is The Commencement Of Luffy's Journey

Episodes 1-3

Shells Town, the setting for part of One Piece's Romance Dawn arc
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Every great shonen journey starts somewhere, and for Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro, that somewhere is One Piece's Romance Dawn arc. During this brief One Piece arc (which comprises the show's first three episodes), Luffy makes his desire to become the Pirate King known far and wide, starting with his pink-haired acquaintance, Koby.

In addition to Luffy, viewers also receive their first glimpse of Roronoa Zoro during the Romance Dawn arc — the swordsman's iconic introduction in Shells Town is still a highlight of the series over two decades later. These massive character introductions get One Piece started on the perfect note, and for this reason alone, the Romance Dawn Arc deserves its laurels.

31 The Orange Town Arc Begins With The Straw Hats In Dire Straits

Episodes 4-8

Nami, Luffy, and Buggy during the Orange Town arc in One Piece.

When the Orange Town arc begins, the Straw Hat Pirates are in dire straits. Neither Monkey D. Luffy nor Roronoa Zoro possesses any navigational abilities, which results in them floating adrift until they stumble upon the quiet island housing Orange Town.

By the end of the Orange Town arc, Luffy and Zoro are introduced to two characters who go on to play major roles in One Piece's narrative: Nami and Buggy the Clown. The introduction of these two characters alone would cement this arc's place in One Piece history. However, thanks to a few fun fights between the Straw Hat trio and the Buggy Pirates, this arc also slots among the show's best.

30 The Syrup Village Arc Is When Usopp Comes Into The Picture

Episodes 9-18

Syrup Village, the home of Usopp, in One Piece

Although the formation of the Straw Hat Pirates technically occurs in One Piece's first episode, it isn't until the Syrup Village arc that the group finally starts to feel like a cohesive unit. By the end of their struggle against Kuro and the Black Cat Pirates, Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Nami are all firmly committed to one another as friends.

Kuro's dastardly plan to annihilate the inhabitants of Syrup Village forces the town's loudmouthed sniper to spring to action. Because of his courage, the Straw Hat Pirates defeat one of the East Blue's most heinous pirate crews. Despite being one of the shortest entries in the list of One Piece arcs, the events of Syrup Village are substantial enough to justify a rewatch for even the most die-hard fans.

29 The Baratie Arc Highlights Pieces Of Sanji's Backstory

Episodes 19-30

The Baratie from One Piece

When the Straw Hat Pirates arrive on Baratie, they are still in their infancy as a crew. Although Nami is traveling with them, Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro are the only concrete members. However, by the end of this One Piece arc, Sanji joins the crew, filling one of its most needed roles — the ship's cook.

Watching Sanji's backstory with the chefs of Baratie brings tears to the eyes of even the most seasoned fans. Despite its significance, the highlight of these episodes has to be the appearance of Dracule Mihawk. His actions demonstrate the ceiling of power in the world of One Piece while also providing an iconic character moment for Roronoa Zoro.

28 The Arlong Park Arc Marks The Moment One Piece Took Off Properly

Episodes 31-44

Monkey D. Luffy and Arlong during One Piece's arlong park arc

Most fans agree that the Arlong Park arc marks the moment when One Piece started to take off properly. Eiichiro Oda started to expand the One Piece world by introducing the concept of Fishmen and the Seven Warlords. It is also here that fans learn the truth about Nami's backstory, which as tragic as it is revealing.

Furthermore, this One Piece arc also features some of the highest stakes in the series at the time. With Nami's freedom and the lives of everyone in her hometown hanging in the balance, Luffy’s fight against the Arlong is packed with plenty of emotional intensity as well as casual destruction.

27 The Loguetown Arc Represents A Juncture Point For The Straw Hats

Episodes 45-53

Monkey D. Luffy looking out over Loguetown, Gol D. Roger's place of death, in One Piece

The Loguetown Arc represents a bit of a juncture point for the Straw Hat Pirates. As their last stop in East Blue, Loguetown signals the true beginning of Monkey D. Luffy's journey as a pirate. There, he encounters characters like Monkey D. Dragon, Buggy the Clown, and Captain Smoker, eventually being placed in the same pillory as Gol D. Roger himself.

With its vast array of characters and attachment to the lore of One Piece, the Loguetown Arc foreshadows many elements of Luffy's journey across the Grand Line. Although the liminal nature of the Straw Hats' stop at Loguetown limits the arc's potential, it is still one of the best sequences in the entire series.

26 The Reverse Mountain Arc Introduces Multiple Important Characters

Episodes 62 & 63

Reverse Mountain Laboon in one piece
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One Piece's Reverse Mountain Arc only consists of two episodes, but despite its brevity, it introduces multiple characters that will likely play a role in the series' final saga. Crocus, Laboon, and Nefertari Vivi all make their on-screen debut during this stretch, which officially signals the Straw Hat Pirates' entry into the Grand Line.

Laboon's attempt to break through the Red Line and reunite with the pirate crew that left him behind is a striking image, and given its connection to Brook's addition to the Straw Hat Pirates, it's easily one of the highlights of the Alabasta Saga. This, as well as Crocus' relationship to Gol D. Roger and Vivi's connection to the World Government, is a major reason why the Reverse Mountain Arc has aged like fine wine.

25 The Whiskey Peak Arc Brings Bounty Hunting Into The Picture

Episode 64-67

Straw Hat Luffy and Zoro Fighting at Whiskey Peak in One Piece

Bounty hunters are frequently mentioned throughout the One Piece timeline, yet it isn't until the Whiskey Peak Arc that they play any significant role on-screen. When the inhabitants of Whiskey Peak welcome the Straw Hat Pirates with open arms, none of the series' protagonists bat an eye. Unfortunately, these citizens turn out to be bounty hunters working for Baroque Works, introducing Luffy and his crew to the criminal syndicate.

Two of Baroque Works' strongest officers, Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, show up during this arc, but Luffy and Zoro instantly prove that they are leaps-and-bounds stronger by quickly dispatching the pair. Shortly after, the Straw Hat Pirates commit to helping Nefertari Vivi return to Alabasta — a promise that eventually manifests in the crew's first fight against a Warlord of the Sea.

24 The Diary Of Koby-Meppo Is An Eponymous Mini-Arc

Episodes 68 & 69

Garp glaring at Koby and Helmeppo while they mop in One Piece

For the most part, the One Piece anime does not adapt the cover stories that appear in its manga. These narratives are usually brief, so they're not particularly well-suited for the anime medium. That being said, Koby and Helmeppo's entry into the Marines proved to be too important to the show's narrative, and as a result, it was included as a short mini-arc.

The Diary of Koby-Meppo Arc showcases the pair's early struggles in the Marines, reminding viewers that these two characters are not to be forgotten. In addition, this One Piece arc introduces Monkey D. Garp — Monkey D. Luffy's grandfather and arguably the most famous Marine of all time.

23 The Little Garden Arc Is A Delightful Detour For The Heroes

Episodes 70-77

Dorry and Brogy - Giants fighting in Little Garden in One Piece

Of all the islands that decorate One Piece's Grand Line, none are more storied than Elbaf. The home of the giants is still yet to appear in the series, but thanks to adventures like the Little Garden Arc, the Straw Hat Pirates have gotten a taste of the island's warrior-like culture.

Dorry and Broggy are two giants that have been embroiled in a duel on the island of Little Garden for 100 years. Because of their determination and honorable nature, the pair immediately bond with the Straw Hat Pirates. However, their friendly interactions are cut short when Baroque Works interrupts their duel, earning the ire of Dorry, Broggy, and the entire Straw Hat crew.

22 The Drum Island Arc Ends With Chopper As The Ship's Doctor

Episodes 78-91

The mountain of Drum Island appearing as a cherry blossom tree.

Every One Piece arc that results in a new member of the Straw Hat Pirates is extremely noteworthy, and the Drum Island arc is no exception. With Nami battling a life-threatening illness, Luffy and his crew arrive on Drum Island desperate for a doctor to join their ranks.

Luckily for the Straw Hats, they encounter Tony Tony Chopper — a reindeer-turned-doctor determined to cure all the world's diseases. His touching backstory, the arc's despicable antagonist, Wapol, and the struggle of Drum Island's inhabitants all serve as the perfect backdrop for an addition to the Straw Hat Pirates.

21 The Alabasta Arc Showcases Luffy's Potential On A Global Scale

Episodes 92-130

Luffy fighting Crocodile during the Alabasta arc in One Piece

With anticipation building since the Whiskey Peak arc, fans were eager to witness the conclusion of the Alabasta Saga. For the sake of their friend Princess Vivi Nefertari, the Straw Hats put everything on the line to save her country from the Warlord Crocodile.

As the first person to ever beat Luffy in a fight, Crocodile quickly became one of the series' top villains and was responsible for making him push past his limits to become stronger. The conclusion of this One Piece saga also serves as the starting line where Luffy's infamous reputation begins to evolve as the World Government finally takes notice of him and his crew.

20 The Jaya Arc Effectively Functions As A Set-Up For The Next Arc

Episodes 144-152

Zoro squaring off with Bellamy in One Piece's Jaya arc
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Although the Jaya arc effectively functions as a setup for the events of Skypiea, its worth as a narrative should not be discounted. An entire slew of characters — Bartholomew Kuma, Bellamy, Blackbeard, Doflamingo, Mont Blanc Cricket, Sengoku, the Five Elders, and Whitebeard, to name a few — were introduced during this arc.

This makes it one of the most jam-packed sequences in any One Piece saga. Blackbeard and Monkey D. Luffy's conversations about chasing their dreams would be enough for this arc to warrant mention. However, the additional scenes involving the Straw Hat Pirates' conflict with Bellamy and the struggle of Mont Blanc Cricket solidify it as one of the best in the series.

19 The Skypiea Arc Is One Of The More Underrated One Piece Arcs

Episodes 153-195

The Straw Hat Pirate and the main characters of One Piece's Sky Island arc

The Skypiea arc is one of the more underrated arcs in the series. It has all the elements necessary for a great adventure, as well as the most unique environment in the One Piece timeline. The Skypiea arc also reveals some vital information regarding the mysterious Poneglyphs. Towards the end of the arc, Robin finds one that not only reveals the identity of the Ancient Weapon Poseidon but also features a message from Gol D. Roger.

In it, the former Pirate King hints that the truth of the Void Century lies at Raftel, the final island of the Grand Line and the rumored location of the legendary treasure One Piece. Throw in a heart-wrenching narrative involving the Shandorians and Mont Blanc Noland, and this One Piece arc ranks among the best in the show.

18 The Long Ring Long Land Arc Is Great For Laughs But Little Else

Episodes 207-219

Monkey D. Luffy, captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, holding Tony Tony Chopper, the crew's doctor, after winning him back from the Foxy Pirates in a Davy Back Fight (as seen in One Piece's Long Ring Long Land Arc)

Smack in between two of One Piece's most beloved sagas lies the Long Ring Long Land Arc. Although it would be easy to write this arc off as filler, that's unfortunately not the case. The Long Ring Long Land Arc is remembered for many reasons, several of which highlight the sequence's shortcomings.

When the Straw Hat Pirates return from Skypiea, they almost immediately arrive at Long Ring Long Land and encounter the Foxy Pirates. What follows is a competition between the two crews that ultimately results in little change to either side, accomplishing little other than providing fans with a few cheap laughs before the Water 7 Saga.

17 The Water 7 Arc Has The Straw Hat Pirates Undergo Some Serious Changes

Episodes 229-263

Wide shot of Water 7 in One Piece

Many fans refer to the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs as the same, but technically, they are separate halves of a greater saga. Water 7 handles everything up to the Straw Hats' departure for Enies Lobby, and although it isn't quite as impactful as the story that follows, it still makes for one of One Piece's best arcs.

While in Water 7, the Straw Hat Pirates undergo some serious changes. Robin and Usopp each leave the crew for separate reasons, forcing Luffy to finally demonstrate his capacity to handle conflict among his crew. In addition to this, Franky is introduced to the series, resulting in one of the most Straw Hat-heavy sequences in their entire journey.

16 The Enies Lobby Arc Features Several Memorable And Profound Moments

Episodes 264-290, 293-302, 304-325

One Piece Straw Hat Pirates standing together during One Piece's Enies Lobby Arc

In regard to One Piece's story arcs, many fans agree that the Enies Lobby arc is the best in the entire series. It features several memorable moments such as Nico Robin's tragic backstory, Franky destroying the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon Pluton. It even introduces Luffy's Gear Second and Third transformations.

In a major turning point in the series, Luffy and the Straw Hats demonstrate their resolve to save and protect Robin by burning down the World Government's flag. In doing so, they not only restore Robin's will to live, they declare war on the entire world. From regular pirates to international criminals, it does not get any more epic than Enies Lobby. Throw in quality storylines that relate to each of the Straw Hat Pirates, and the sequence slots among the best in anime history.

Episodes 337-381

Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates during the Thriller Bark arc

Thriller Bark is yet another of One Piece's underrated story arcs. Initially, it starts with a hilarious atmosphere full of classic One Piece gags. The situation quickly escalates as the Straw Hats unite to defeat the Warlord Gecko Moria and his giant zombie Oars.

This arc is also popular for introducing the Straw Hats musician Brook and showcasing Roronoa Zoro's standoff against Bartholomew Kuma. In one of his greatest moments in the series, he prevents Kuma from killing Luffy by agreeing to take on all the pain he suffered in his fight with Moria — an act that nearly destroys him in the process.

14 The Sabaody Archipelago Arc Explores Darker Themes Than Usual

Episodes 385-405

Luffy punches a celestial dragon One Piece
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The Sabaody Archipelago is an emotionally gripping sequence that explores the darker themes of the series such as racism and slavery. It also introduces the Celestial Dragons, descendants of the founders of the World Government who wield absolute political power. After a Celestial Dragon shoots one of Luffy's friends and tries to enslave another, the Straw Hat pirate retaliates by punching him in the face.

While this was undoubtedly a satisfying moment for many fans, it also resulted in the Straw Hats being targeted by Marine Admiral Kizaru. Not only did they experience the feeling of bitter defeat, but they also witnessed just how overwhelming the government's military power can be.

13 The Amazon Lily Arc Revolves Around The Infiltration Of Impel Down

Episodes 408-417

Straw Hat Luffy fighting Boa Sisters on Amazon Lily in One PIece

When the Straw Hat Pirates are forcibly separated by Bartholomew Kuma, each member of the crew is devastated by their loss. However, in the case of Monkey D. Luffy, he doesn't have time to bemoan his circumstances, and during the Amazon Lily Arc, he develops a plan of action to stop the impending execution of his brother, Portgas D. Ace.

With the help of Boa Hancock and her followers, Luffy plans an infiltration of One Piece's most secure location, Impel Down. While the Amazon Lily Arc isn't very long, it's instrumental in setting up one of the most memorable One Piece sagas, Marineford.