One Piece provided dozens of action scenes, memorable soundtracks, and intense character moments for twenty years. Whether through the manga or the anime, fans will never forget about the franchise's impact on their lives.
One Piece is no stranger to deeper issues concerning discrimination, child exploitation and experimentation, and other dark topics many anime don't explore. With these segments come various messages and lessons viewers must consider — whether it's online, in print, or elsewhere.
Updated on February 13th, 2023 by Sarah Martin: One Piece is one of the most pivotal shonen anime series of all time. Eiichiro Oda's story about Luffy and the Straw Hats is a shonen classic, widely considered the king of the demographic's "big three." With themes of following one's dreams and overcoming adversity, it's not surprising that One Piece is full of valuable life lessons. We've added a few more to this list.
12 How You Acheive Your Goals Matters
In One Piece, everyone's trying to achieve their dreams. However, the series brilliantly highlights how someone chooses to go after their dreams will ultimately define them. Those who choose underhanded methods will ultimately fail in the end and forever be remembered as cheaters.
However, those like Luffy and Zoro will be remembered and admired for their hard work, perseverance, and optimism in the face of adversity. How someone chases after their goals matters and it will ultimately define the rest of their lives. Nobody respects someone who took the easy way out.
11 Taking The First Step Is The Most Important Part
Perhaps the most important lesson in One Piece is that it doesn't matter where someone's square one is. Whether they start with nothing or declare their goal under unexpected circumstances, taking the first step is the most important part.
Someone could have the biggest, most inspiring dream in the world, but it's meaningless if they don't take the first step. Sometimes, that's just getting out of bed. Other times, it's recruiting people to join one's crew for the ultimate goal of becoming the Pirate King. Making excuses or putting it off won't get someone any closer to their goal.
10 Never Give Up On Your Dreams
After a crushing defeat, a person can become unmotivated and tempted to give up everything. Luffy shared similar feelings after a humiliating loss against Bellamy, a rogue pirate who couldn't care less about shattering his dreams. Then Blackbeard stepped in and revitalized Luffy's goals.
Blackbeard boosting Luffy's self-esteem was an astounding sight, considering how he became one of Luffy's greatest enemies later in the series. It shows how One Piece can inspire anyone needing motivation.
9 Friends & Family Are Life's Most Important Things
While some people may argue that Naruto and Sasuke have the closest friendship in shonen anime, Luffy's rock-solid bond with his comrades may help sway people's opinions.
Regardless of the most popular Straw Hat Pirate, One Piece taught fans that anyone feels like a family member despite their appearance or where they were born. Luffy never disrespected his friends, even when they disagreed with his reckless and short-sighted behavior. He did whatever it took to protect them whenever they were in trouble, no matter who his opponent was or how strong they were.
8 Heroes Don't Always Win In The End
Whenever someone witnesses a superhero lose a battle, they feel anger, dread, and even misery. The Straw Hat Pirates' worst losses are notable. Whether it's Nami's hopelessness against Arlong or the Straw Hat Pirates getting decimated by Bartholomew Kuma, their losses become learning experiences.
One Piece features battles where the main cast isn't always victorious. This helps viewers understand that every battle won't always end in their favor. The franchise encourages fans to improve themselves for the next fight by learning from defeat, no matter how big or small.
7 Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover
Whether someone's making friends or shielding someone from a threat, it's good to understand a person on a more substantial level. Chopper's transformations can change him into a fierce and monstrous opponent despite his cute appearance.
During the Enies Lobby arc, Chopper's "Monster Point" showcases the ferocious power dormant within him. A villain underestimating Chopper after such a transformation would be a ludicrous thought. Chopper made sure to leave an impact on fans after he unlocked this special power.
6 Enemies Can End Up Being One Of Your Greatest Friends
Nico Robin isn't only a One Piece villain who became a hero, but she was a game-changer and one of the Straw Hats' most essential allies. As "Miss All Sunday," her former alias, she handled assassin duties and Crocodile's minions while helping him translate the poneglyphs in Alabasta.
However, when Robin joined Luffy's crew, she felt like she was a part of something much grander and more beautiful. She learned what it meant to feel loved by friends despite having a short fallout with her crewmates during the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs.
5 Focus On What You Have & Not What You Lost
Losing someone close is hard to cope with, especially if their passing is sudden and swift. Luffy witnessed many tragedies happen before his eyes. Every situation leaves him feeling dread, emptiness, and powerless.
His grieving after Ace's death was complicated for the characters around him and for anime fans to watch. However, his new ally Jinbe helped Luffy realize he still had people who needed him as a leader. The interaction between Jinbe and Luffy left fans touched, watching as Luffy learned to continue fighting even after one of his biggest tragedies.
4 Always Be Yourself & Never Change For People
Many people face the ongoing issue of finding the resolve to never change for someone else. Ivankov is the best example of this message, with his striking appearance and sparkling charisma.
Regardless of how he appeared in front of people or any cruel words thrown his way, Ivankov never let naysayers bring him or like-minded comrades down. His willingness to train Sanji after the Sabaody incident is a testament to how noble and kind-hearted he is as a pirate. Being comfortable with one's self and what one represents is the main lesson anyone can learn from him.
3 Discrimination Is A Serious Issue & Shouldn't Be Taken Lightly
Fisher Tiger's demise is one of One Piece's saddest deaths, creating a strong impact during the Fishman Island arc. He was well-respected amongst his fellow fishmen; he even cared for human lives despite being enslaved by humans in the past.
Later in the season, Fisher Tiger was gunned down by a Marine squad and denied human blood to treat his wounds. He died believing humans would eventually break the discriminatory barrier between them and fishmen. His wish came to pass thanks to Luffy and his goodwill.
2 It's Okay To Ask For Help
Whenever someone is asked about their favorite One Piece scene, many refer to when Nico Robin desperately pleaded for her life in front of Luffy and his teammates. It's a dramatic moment, not just because of stellar voice acting, soundtrack, or animation, but for its message to fans.
It's okay to seek help from others in a dire situation. Another notable scene is Nami's cries for help against Arlong. However, Robin's sordid past adds more weight to this testament, considering the bond she forms with the Straw Hat Pirates after joining the crew in Alabasta.
1 Don't Be Afraid To Take On People Who Are Bigger Than You
Luffy has his downfalls, for sure. His overconfidence, recklessness, and hotheaded traits can annoy or even endanger his friends, but he's not one to surrender to anyone wishing to harm others. He has proven why people should stand up for themselves regardless of their opponent's cruelty.
Examples include Luffy's willingness to stand up to Arlong to protect Nami, fighting a celestial dragon to avenge Hatchan, and even taking on Big Mom to get Sanji back. Luffy is like a king to his subordinates; he doesn't bow to anyone and will try his best to ensure the evildoer is put in their place.