One Piece: 10 Most Entertaining Arcs, Ranked

Going Merry
Going Merry (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

One Piece has been on the air for more than 20 years and has provided numerous unforgettable arcs for fans. Every arc adds some emotional backstory or massive battle to the mix. Some are humorous, some are poignant, while some are wall-to-wall action.

One Piece is just in the Egghead Arc and it is off to a pretty strong start. But it is not completed yet — hence, the exclusion from this list. Once it ends, it might earn a spot among the best. This list looks at the 10 most entertaining arcs completed in the anime so far, ranked by how much fun they are to watch.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.


Ranking of the One Piece arcs

10. Arlong Park (Episodes 31–44)

One Piece gets exciting during the Arlong Park arc. This arc has been a demonstration of how far Luffy and his crew will go for a friend. It also delves more into Nami’s past, which makes it both touching and fun. The fights are great, and the pace keeps the story moving. This is one of the early moments when One Piece begins to feel unique.

Most thrilling of all is the moment Luffy puts his hat on Nami’s head and declares that he will help. That simple moment hits hard. He then goes to fight Arlong, which leads to a big showdown. The battle between Luffy and Arlong is a great mix of action and emotion. It was also in this arc that Luffy got his first wanted poster.


9. Baratie Arc (Episodes 19–30)

This arc comes after Zoro, Nami, and Usopp join the crew. One Piece shows a different landscape here, as the Straw Hats enter a floating restaurant. They go in search of a cook to join their crew. It is full of humor and some intense fighting. It also marks the point where the crew begins to grow and expand in terms of characters.

The best part is Sanji’s introduction and his caring side. Sanji’s story and his bond with Zeff add a lot of heart. Luffy’s wild moves and the battle against Don Krieg in his gold armor make it one of the more exciting early arcs. But the most iconic part of this arc was the introduction of Dracule Mihawk and his battle with Zoro.


8. Whole Cake Island Arc (Episodes 783–877)

Whole Cake Island is one of the most colorful and creative arcs in One Piece. The world feels like a candy fantasy, but the tone gets darker quickly. Luffy and his crew head to the island to rescue Sanji from a political marriage. The story blends humor, suspense, and family conflict in a great way. It also dives deep into Sanji’s past, and we meet the Vinsmoke.

This arc shows us the strength of a Yonko as we meet Big Mom and the Big Mom Pirates. The main event is Luffy vs. Katakuri. It is one of Luffy’s best fights yet in the show. It put him through the wringer and tested what he’s made of. The flight from Big Mom and the cake-baking quest also maintains a high level of tension.


7. Impel Down Arc (Episodes 422–425, 430–452)

This arc takes One Piece in a bold direction. Luffy isn’t doing any sea sailing this time. Instead, he broke his way into a maximum security prison. It is filled with danger, chaos, and a ton of new and old characters. Every level of the prison has something weird or wild that tests Luffy. Even for the viewers, we were in a state of constantly guessing what would come next.

The big moment is when Luffy teams up with old enemies like Buggy and Mr. 2. These strange alliances add humor and make the story more fun. The prison break scenes and Magellan’s poison powers also raise the stakes. It was the first time Luffy was beaten like this. The battle against Magellan was so lopsided and dominating that it was depressing to see Luffy.


6. Water 7/Enies Lobby Arc (Episodes 229–263, 264–290, 293–302, 304–312)

These two arcs are among the most touching in One Piece. It showed the end of the Going Merry ship, causing a fight between Usopp and Luffy. Franky’s introduction and how he became the shipwright of the Straw Hats happened in this arc. The arc has mystery, great fights, and strong character growth with the appearance of CP9.

The “I want to live!” scene with Robin is unforgettable. Luffy and the Straw Hats coming to save her showed that the crew really loved her. Luffy’s fight with Lucci is strong and exciting. We also get to see Luffy’s Gear Second and Gear Third. The Buster Call and the escape with the Sea Train also make it action-packed.


5. Sabaody Archipelago Arc (Episodes 385–405)

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One Piece shifts into a darker tone in Sabaody. The Straw Hats face their biggest challenge yet, Kizaru. But at the same time, they meet their greatest helper in the form of Silvers Rayleigh. The arc is full of world-building and introduces the powerful Celestial Dragons and the eleven Supernovas. From the auctioning to the Pacifistas, things feel tense and unpredictable throughout.

The top moment is when the crew gets separated. Luffy is helpless, and it is the first time they truly lose. In the face of Bartholomew Kuma’s overwhelming power, there was nothing that they could do. The result of this battle sets up the story for the next big arcs. Seeing powerful foes like Admiral Kizaru and the mechanical Pacifistas also shows how tough the New World really is.


4. Alabasta Arc (Episodes 92–130, with some filler episodes in between)

This was the first adventure that the crew had since Chopper joined them. The Alabasta arc felt like a true adventure. The crew travels across a desert kingdom with Princess Vivi to stop a civil war. The arc has politics, war, and many emotional stakes. One Piece shines here because the crew fights not just for treasure, but for a nation’s future.

This arc was the first time that Nico Robin featured on our screen. The biggest moment is Luffy vs. Crocodile. Luffy loses more than once but keeps getting back up. His final punch after saying, “I’m gonna kick your *ss!, is a turning point. The goodbye scene between the crew and Vivi with the cross tattoo is also a fan-favorite moment.


3. Wano Arc (Episodes 890–894, 897–906, 908–1028, 1031–1085)

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The Wano arc is one of the most stylish and colorful arcs in One Piece. Its art, action, and characters are on another level. It blends samurai culture and pirate life. The people in Wano were very different from the usual people that had been introduced to viewers. The stakes are high, and the arc slowly builds up to massive battles.

The best part is the battle on Onigashima. Luffy, Zoro, Trafalgar Law, and Eustass Kid go all out against the Yonkos Kaido and Big Mom. It has amazing animation and touching scenes. Kin’emon begging Luffy to carry Wano on his back and Luffy agreeing was very heartwarming. Everyone had their time to shine. Zoro had his clash with the King. Sanji had his showdown with the Queen. And Luffy's Gear Five transformation against Kaido was iconic.


2. Dressrosa Arc (Episodes 629–746)

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Dressrosa is packed with fun characters, cool fights, and a lot of emotion. It introduces new allies, including Law, and brings the supposedly dead Sabo back to life. Luffy, Kin’emon, Momonosuke, and Trafalgar Law arrive to broker a deal with Doflamingo. Things took a turn when Ace’s Devil Fruit was put up as a reward for winning a tournament. The arc also explores deep themes like freedom and control.

One Piece ensures that this arc stays fresh with twists and turns. Luffy vs. Doflamingo is the highlight. It is a long, hard fight that shows Luffy’s growth. Gear Fourth makes its debut, and it is a jaw-dropping moment. Also, we meet a new Marine admiral named Fujitora. The way the citizens fight for their freedom adds weight to every battle. This arc also marks the defeat of the Donquixote Pirates.


1. Marineford Arc (Episodes 457–489)

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Marineford is one of the most intense and emotional arcs in One Piece. The entire world watches as the Marines clash with Whitebeard’s crew. It is a nonstop war filled with top characters from every corner of the series. The Three Admirals, Seven Warlords of the Sea, and other Marines like Garp and Sengoku face off against the Whitebeard fleet.

One of the most tragic moments of the anime is the death of Ace at the hands of Sakazuki Akainu. Luffy’s anguish really is unbearable, and it changes him forever. Many connections, like Ace being Roger’s grandson and Luffy being Ace’s brother, came to light. Whitebeard’s final stand and his famous last words leave a lasting impact. It is important to note that without the effort of Bon Clay at Impel Down, this arc would have never happened.


Conclusion

So, here are the ten most fun One Piece arcs. Each one has something very alluring about them. Be it the fun, adventure, or something else, each of these arcs has moments that will take your breath away. From a rescue mission to a war, from a simple adventure to the unexpected, the anime constantly surprises its fans.

After all these years, One Piece continues to provide excellent stories and awesome characters. And there are more arcs to come yet. The best may be yet to be animated.

Edited by Amey Mirashi