One Piece is one of the longest-running anime series, with over 1,000 episodes and counting. While that length may appear daunting to new viewers, the episodes are divided into manageable arcs. While not every One Piece story arc is a knockout, some of them definitely qualify as the best arcs not only in One Piece but in anime in general.
Let’s take a look at a few of the best One Piece arcs ever created. These storylines are filled with incredible fights, incredible characters, and unforgettable stories. From initial arcs like Arlong Park to later arcs like Marineford and Wano Country, everything is just worth watching.
Eiichiro Oda’s famous Shonen series One Piece is a work of art when it comes to storytelling. The series has developed into one of the greatest storylines of all time over the period of 22 years. After numerous years of adventures and epic fight scenes, it’s difficult to pick a favorite story arc from the series.
For so many fans, some of the series’ best moments occur near the beginning. Some fans, on the other hand, believe that the series didn’t really take off until later arcs. This article will look at and rank the best One Piece story arcs.
Table of Contents
List of 18 Best One-Piece Arcs
We have listed for you the best One-Piece arcs, and the detail is given below, so let’s look into it!
18. Enies Lobby Arc
Most fans feel that the Enies Lobby storyline is by far the finest of all the One Piece narrative arcs. It has numerous famous scenes, like Nico Robin’s tragic past, Franky burning the schematics for the Ancient Weapon Pluton, and even the introduction of Luffy’s Gear Second and Third transformations.
In a dramatic plot twist, Luffy and the Straw Hats tear down the World Government’s flag to show their determination to save and defend Robin. They not only restore Robin’s will to live, but they also wage war on the entire planet. It doesn’t get more spectacular than Enies Lobby, from regular pirates to multinational criminals.
17. Wano Country Arc
Another on the list of best One Piece Arcs is Wano Country Arc. It is still going on in both anime and manga as of April 2022. It’s anyone’s guess how things will turn out, but the arc has been nothing short of breathtaking thus far.
The conflict between the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance and the Beasts Pirates is central to the story. The arc uncovers Kozuki Oden’s background story, showcases Luffy’s showdown with Kaido, which results in a major loss, and keeps going to deepen and complicate the One Piece world’s history. Furthermore, it contains some of the best animation and art from the series.
16. Marineford Arc
The Marineford Arc brings the first half of the series to a close. It features some of the most famous characters from the One Piece universe as they crash into a tremendous conflict. It’s also a watershed moment for Luffy, who understands how outmatched he and his allies are against the New World’s finest.
In the end, the deaths of Ace and Yonko Whitebeard left many admirers in mourning. In his last moments, Whitebeard astounds supporters by standing proudly and confirming the existence of One Piece. Marineford not only marks the end of an era, but it also immortalizes Whitebeard as one of the greatest anime and manga characters. If you are looking for the best One Piece Arc, you don’t want to miss out on this one!
15. Alabasta Arc
Fans have been looking forward to the end of the Alabasta Saga since the Whiskey Peak arc. The Straw Hats risked everything to defend their buddy Princess Vivi Nefertari’s realm from the Warlord Crocodile. It is an exciting addition to the list of the best One Piece Arcs.
Crocodile rapidly rose to prominence as the first person to defeat Luffy in a battle. And he was responsible for pushing him beyond his boundaries in order to get stronger. Following his loss, the Alabasta arc also marks the beginning of Luffy’s notorious notoriety as the World Government finally takes notice of him and his crew.
14. Whole Cake Island Arc
This arc follows the Straw Hats’ efforts to save Sanji from an arranged marriage with Charlotte Pudding. The marriage is ostensibly intended to cement an alliance between the Charlotte and Vinsmoke families, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface.
The Straw Hats must not only save their friend but also bring down Big Mom. If you’re looking for an emotionally intense story with fascinating and complex characters, you’ve come to the right place. Because with a great storyline, it also appears in the best One Piece Arcs list!
13. Along Park Arc
Most fans think that the Arlong Park storyline was the turning point in One Piece’s development. By adding the notion of Fishmen and the Seven Warlords, Eiichiro Oda began to extend the One Piece world. It is also here that fans learn the truth about Nami’s past, which at the time was the most devastating and traumatic.
Furthermore, it has some of the series’ greatest stakes at the time. Hence clearly appearing as one of the best One Piece arcs. With Nami’s freedom and the lives of everyone in her community on the line, Luffy’s war against the Arlong is fraught with passion.
12. Dressrosa Arc
Dressrosa Arc Donquixote Doflamingo is one of the most ruthless and difficult opponents Luffy has ever faced. Working with his new allies while remaining separated from his crew, he attempts to overthrow the tyrant and bring peace to the land. When he is defeated, Luffy gains access to Gear Fourth, a mighty evolution of his Devil Fruit technique.
Not only do we get to see Luffy wreak havoc on the battlefield, but we also get to see him create the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, a group that will prove crucial in later arcs.
11. Zou Arc
The Zou Arc is the catalyst for the whole Cake Island Saga. While the arc isn’t as extensive as the show’s other good arcs, a lot happens in the Zou Arc. Such as the appearance of Zunesha, who is chastised and forced to carry the island of Zou on their shoulders.
The Zou Arc has also revealed more about the Road Poneglphs and hinted at major future events in the program. Many fans thought the arc was refreshing and wholesome, with memorable events like Sanji’s wedding invitation and the arrival (and departure) of Ryuunuske. If you are missing out on this best One Piece Arc, why hold up now?
10. Impel Down Arc
In many One Piece arcs, all of the Straw Hats collaborate to accomplish a common objective. This arc finds Luffy either working alone or collaborating with people other than his crew, including former enemies such as Crocodile, Bon Clay, and Buggy.
He infiltrates the notorious Impel Down Prison in the hopes of freeing his brother Ace. This is also the arc in which they meet Newkama Land and Ivankov.
9. Reverie Arc
Fans are given multiple episodes detailing the Reverie, a political gathering of several of the series’ most prominent characters, while the Sanji-Retrieval Team goes out to Wano Country after escaping Big Mom’s grasp.
Fans will also get to glimpse the Revolutionary Army leaders for the first time. Aside from them, there is a slew of elderly characters at the gathering, each with their own motive. The Shichibukai regime is abolished, but more importantly, the King of the World, Imu, is revealed.
8. Water 7 Arc
Many fans confuse the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs, but they are technically separate entities and are one of the best One Piece Arcs. Water 7 covers everything leading up to the Straw Hats’ departure for Enies Lobby, and while it isn’t as impactful as the story that follows, it is still one of the show’s best arcs.
The Straw Hat Pirates undergo significant transformations while in Water 7. Robin and Usopp both leave the crew for different reasons, forcing Luffy to finally demonstrate his ability to deal with conflict among his crew members. Furthermore, Franky is introduced to the story arc, resulting in one of the most Straw Hat-heavy sequences in the series’ entire journey.
7. Sabaody Archipelago Arc
Sabaody Archipelago is an emotionally charged arc that delves into the series’ darker themes, such as racism and slavery. It also introduces the Celestial Dragons, descendants of the World Government’s founders with absolute political power. After one of Luffy’s friends is shot and another is tried to be enslaved by a Celestial Dragon, the Straw Hat pirate retaliates by punching him in the face.
Although this was unquestionably a memorable scene for many fans, it also resulted in Marine Admiral Kizaru targeting the Straw Hats. They not only felt a sense of bitter defeat, but they also saw how daunting the government’s military power could be.
6. Skypiea Arc
The Skypiea Arc brings the Sky Island Saga to a close. The happenings of the arc see the Straw Hat members discover the Sky Island’s connections to Jaya, as well as learn of a lost city full of gold. The arc also reveals some significant information about the Poneglyphs.
Fans also learn more about Poseidon’s true identity and the true location of the Void Century in the Skypiea Arc. New fans of the long-running anime One Piece should keep an eye out for the Skypiea Arc because of the thrilling narrative and sentimental storyline that tends to put Shandorians and Mont Blanc Noland at the front and center.
5. Return To Sabaody Arc
The return of the Straw Hat Pirates to the Sabaody Archipelago is one of the series’ shortest arcs. This sequence, however, benefits greatly from its brevity, providing some of the most exciting reveals of any arc in One Piece.
Throughout this arc, the Straw Hats appear one by one, showcasing their post-timeskip appearances. Their visual designs are stunning, but they pale in comparison to each character’s brief flashes of power. They all get a chance to show off their abilities, quickly dispatching the Marines and Pacifistas stationed on the island.
4. Post-War Arc
A whole One Piece world is in shock following the events of Marineford. The Post-War arc details the aftermath of Whitebeard’s battle against the World Government while also ushering the series into the New Era, arguably the most important transition in the entire show.
During this arc, Jinbe and Blackbeard step down as Warlords of the Sea, but the most significant development has to be each Straw Hat Pirate’s plan for the time skip. Seeing them prepare to train for two years apart is a bittersweet sight that few fans will forget.
3. Thriller Bark Arc
Another underappreciated story arc in the series is Thriller Bark. It begins with a pretty funny environment full of classic One Piece gags. The Straw Hats band together to beat the Warlord Gecko Moria and his giant zombie Oars, and the situation quickly escalates.
This arc is also notable for introducing Brook, a Straw Hats musician, and for showcasing Roronoa Zoro’s standoff with Bartholomew Kuma. In one of the series’ most memorable moments, he prevents Kuma from killing Luffy by agreeing to bear all of the pain he endured during his fight with Moria, a move that nearly devastates him.
2. Jaya Arc
Although the Jaya arc primarily serves as a prelude to the events of Skypiea, its narrative value should not be overlooked. Several characters, including Bartholomew Kuma, Bellamy, Blackbeard, Doflamingo, Mont Blanc Cricket Sengoku, the Five Elders, and Whitebeard, were introduced during this arc, making it one of the most action-packed and best One Piece arc in all of the other arcs.
The conversations between Blackbeard and Monkey D. Luffy about pursuing their dreams would be enough to justify mentioning this arc. However, the extra scenes involving the Straw Hat Pirates’ dispute with Bellamy and Mont Blanc Cricket’s struggle solidify it as one of the series’ best.
1. Baratie Arc
One of the best One Piece arcs with an amazing and catching storyline, The Straw Hat Pirates are still in their infancy as a crew when they arrive on Baratie. Although Nami is traveling with them, the only concrete members are Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro, indicating how early in the series this arc is. However, by the end, Sanji has joined the crew, filling one of the most important roles, cook.
Even the most seasoned fans cry as they watch Sanji’s backstory with the chefs of Baratie, but despite its significance, the appearance of Dracule Mihawk has to be the highlight of these episodes. His actions demonstrate the limit of power in the world of One Piece.
Bottom Line
We’ve provided you with top-rated and best One Piece Arcs, so what are you waiting for? Go get your hands on it!
