One Piece Episodes That Are Peak One Piece (2024)

Over the course of the more than 1,000 episodes and counting, the One Piece anime has featured countless colorful characters, cool islands and new fighting techniques that have pushed the boundaries of what One Piece can be. Audiences have continued to enjoy seeing fresh new ideas after all this time, while simultaneously wanting to see a One Piece story that is still grounded in its core elements; namely, the strong bond between the Straw Hats, fun action sequences and humorous moments.

These essential, core traits are peak One Piece, showing the series at its best. Luckily, there are many episodes that put its basic building blocks to good use, such as when Robin says she wants to live during the Enies Lobby Arc. Peak scenes and episodes of One Piece encapsulate the classic ideas that make this story what it is, highlighting the power of friendship, the joy of discovery, the necessity of working hard to obtain new powers and the excitement of mystery. While many episodes utilize the core elements well, there are some peak One Piece epsiodes that implement them better than others, representing one or more of the core traits that fans love.

Updated on October 17, 2024: Despite the long run that One Piece has enjoyed, the quality of the show has stayed just as good, if not better, than it was at the beginning. However, later episodes would not have been possible without the core elements that were set up in the beginning arcs. Whether new or old, certain episodes include moments that put them over the top in terms of quality, such as the unveiling of Gear 4 or Zoro joining the crew. We wanted to highlight more of One Piece's peak episodes, showcase more images that display what makes these episodes so memorable and delve into why they are so special.

15 In Episode 3, Roronoa Zoro Joins Luffy's New Crew as a Mighty Swordsman

As the First Crewmate, Zoro Agreeing to Go on the Journey is a Momentous Moment

Most story arcs in the East Blue saga helped establish One Piece's key themes and ideas, which, in retrospect, made for some truly peak moments for the anime. One of the first examples was Monkey D. Luffy meeting the pirate hunter Roronoa Zoro, who was trussed up in the courtyard of a Navy base in Shells Town. Luffy made his pitch for Zoro to join him, but the latter refused.

All that changed when Luffy told Zoro that the Marines were going to execute him instead of holding to their deal, with Zoro declaring himself a pirate hunter turned pirate as long as Luffy freed him and retrieved his swords. That was the first time that the theme of friendship came up in One Piece, and it allowed one of the series' very best and coolest characters to join the main cast not just for that fight, but for the long haul. Additionally, this marked the true start of the Straw Hats as Luffy gained his first crewmember.

14 Episode 37 is When Luffy Vows to Help Nami Despite Her Betrayal

This Displays How Far Luffy Will Go For His Friends

During the battle at the Baratie, Nami turned on her new allies to return to her home village, Cocoyashi, in order to try to free it from the Arlong Pirates. However, when she tried to buy it back, per the terms of her agreement with Arlong, the Fish-Man reneged on his deal, driving Nami into total despair. Despite her betrayal of Luffy's team, Luffy never stopped believing in her, and eagerly helped her after she implored the Straw Hat pirate for aid.

Not only did Luffy agree to help, though, he even placed his straw hat on Nami's head to mark them as true friends in one of their best scenes together. This set the stage for Luffy's battle against the noxious Arlong, one of many examples of Luffy bravely standing up to scumbag villains to protect the people he cares about the most. It also highlights Luffy’s understanding nature, which comes into play multiple times throughout the rest of the series as Nami was not the last to temporarily leave the crew for honorable reasons.

13 Episode 52 is an Intriguing Reference to Gol D. Roger's Execution and the Will of D.

Luffy's Miraculous Rescue by Lightning Felt Like Fate

Right after Arlong's defeat, the five Straw Hats visited Loguetown, a small island settlement where the Straw Hats resupplied their ship. More importantly, however, Loguetown was the location that Gol D. Roger announced the One Piece and invited pirates to try to find it before being executed. While looking for the execution spot, Luffy is attacked by Buggy and Alvida, ultimately landing himself in the same situation as the former King of Pirates.

However, when Buggy started to swing the sword he was using to execute Luffy, the mythical Will of D. struck. The fates seemingly intervened, with a thunderstorm and Dragon's arrival helping Luffy escape certain death just in time. Despite the coincidental nature of the events, they weren't just plot armor. Instead, they felt like fate, combining the Will of D. with Luffy escaping the same execution platform where Gol D. Roger had died. Luffy is fighting to find Roger's treasure, and the fact that he escaped the place that Roger died makes it seem as though fate itself wants him to succeed.

12 Episode 53 is the Official Start of the Straw Hat Pirates Crew

The East Blue Crew Decide to Sail Into the Grand Line in Pursuit of Their Dreams

Right after the five Straw Hats escaped Loguetown into a storm, they agreed that the dangerous Grand Line was their next destination. Eschewing any doubt, Luffy, Nami, Usopp, Zoro and Sanji all felt ready for the dangers to come. Their spirits were higher than ever, and to mark the occasion, they got out a barrel and decided to perform a simple ritual upon Sanji’s suggestion.

Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji all put one foot on the barrel to declare their dedication to their goals going forward. It was a simple gesture just for the five of them, and it was a heartfelt turning point in their shared adventures. This declaration has served as the basis for all the events to follow, making this episode peak despite the relative lack of action.

11 Episode 129 Demonstrates the Power of Friendship and Redemption with Mr. 2

A Formidable Villain Became an Instrumental Ally

The Alabasta saga altogether felt like peak One Piece due to the cool islands, deadly villain organization backed by a mysterious figure revealed to be one of the Warlords of the Sea, the mysteries of the Poneglyphs, a royal family in jeopardy and the forging of new friendships. Moreover, there was a villain-turned-hero by way of redemption in the form of Mr. 2. By the saga's end, Mr. 2, better known as Bon Clay, had gone from a wacky villain to someone willing to sacrifice himself in order to save the Straw Hats.

To honor his new bond with Luffy's crew, Mr. 2 volunteered to use his own ship and crew to fool the Navy ships and help the Straw Hats flee Alubarna's ports, much to Black Cage Hina's outrage. Luffy and Mr. 2 thought they were seeing the last of each other, but fate would bring them together again in Impel Down. Ultimately, this peak One Piece episode gave nuance to a villain and set the stage for later events in an engaging way.

10 Episode 193 Could be Foreshadowing Luffy's Eventual Devil Fruit Awakening

Even if Not, the Episode Proves Without a Doubt That Noland Told the Truth

Skypiea is an arc that is underrated, as a fair amount of fans claimed that it was skippable when it first came out. However, some of One Piece’s most important moments were foreshadowed during this arc. One such scene that fans have returned to following Gear 5’s debut occurs in Episode 193. After beating Enel, Luffy jumps up and his shadow displays in the clouds above Jaya similarly to how he looks in Gear 5 during the Wano Country Arc.

Even discounting the possible foreshadowing, this Episode is still peak One Piece. He fulfills a promise by ringing the golden bell on Skypiea, as well as proves that Mont Blanc Noland had been telling the truth about the Sky Island. Noland is also a figure that becomes important in Dressrossa, serving as another reason that this episode is important to watch.

9 In Episode 235, Usopp and Luffy Fight for the Going Merry

Although a Tragic Event, It Was Necessary for Usopp's Development

Usopp’s departure from the crew is arguably the most controversial. He is not the only crew member to have temporarily left, but the other Straw Hats left in order to protect those that they cared about whereas Usopp left because he was feeling inadequate. When the Going Merry was declared unsalvageable, he took the news the hardest and began projecting his own insecurities on the situation.

Usopp’s fight against Luffy was a highly emotional culmination Usopp’s feelings. While a tragic event, it was also one that needed to happen to further Usopp’s development. By expressing these feelings and then going on the rescue mission to Enies Lobby, Usopp was able to significantly grow as a character. While he was still nervous following the events, he was less likely to hide away completely, making this episode a vital piece of One Piece.

8 Episode 278 is When Nico Robin Declares Her Intent to Live

The Straw Hats Also Declare War on the World Government

In the Water 7 saga, it seemed that Luffy was about to lose two of his crewmates, first with Usopp storming off, then with Nico Robin handing herself over to the Navy. Luffy couldn't accept that, so he and his remaining crewmates fought their hardest to pursue Robin's captors and free her. Robin had been willing to sacrifice herself to save the rest of the crew, but Luffy wouldn’t accept that.

In Episode 278, Robin was ready to accept her fate, but then Luffy's heartfelt words got through to her. With all the Straw Hats watching, including Usopp in the form of Sogeking, Nico Robin tearfully declared her intent to live. That was a major turning point for Robin and her friends as seeing them pursue her to the point of making enemies of the government allowed her to finally trust them. At the same time, Luffy declared war on the World Government by having Sogeking shoot the Marine flag, proving once again how far he will go for his friends. This devotion and Robin’s emotions make this episode stand out from the rest.

7 Episode 483 Contains One of the One Piece's Most Tragic Moments

Ace's Loss Was Unexpected Despite How Well-Guarded He Was

There were many moments in the Summit War saga that stand out, but one of the biggest was Portgas D. Ace’s death. After his lack of foresight led to his capture by the Marines, Luffy and the Whitebeard Pirates staged separate rescues. Joining forces on the battlefield, the Whitebeard Pirates and a ragtag group of prisoners from Impel Down managed to free Ace from his restraints before his execution.

However, Ace ended up dying anyway while saving Luffy from Admiral Akainu. While Ace was not the first character to be shown dying in One Piece, he was the first outside of the Going Merry to die outside of a flashback. This greatly affected Luffy, and ultimately led to Luffy’s deciding that he and his crewmates needed to train for several years before regrouping. Thus, this episode shifted the Luffy’s mindset and greatly raised the show’s stakes.

6 Episode 485 is an Energizing Reminder That the One Piece Still Awaits Discovery

Whitebeard's Powerful Words Reassured Pirates of the One Piece's Existence

The Summit War saga had a little bit of everything that makes One Piece such a legendary shonen series, from intense battles and a huge cast of characters to heartfelt moments and compelling mysteries. When the war at Marineford reached its climax, the formidable Captain Whitebeard knew he didn't have long to live, so he decided to speak some historic words before he expired. Having known Gol D. Roger personally, he was able to speak to the existence of the One Piece.

To Fleet Admiral Sengoku's dismay, Captain Whitebeard raised his voice and delivered a short speech about the great age of piracy and the existence of the mysterious One Piece, Gol D. Roger's elusive treasure. Whitebeard's words were powerful and resonant, energizing everyone to keep searching for that treasure and to embrace the age of piracy again. Following the events of Ace’s death as this did, these words served to inspire after a tragic event, re-engaging the viewer in the search for the One Piece as much as the pirates.

5 Episode 517 Brings the Straw Hats Back Together After Two Years Apart

Their Bond Was No Less Strong For Their Time Apart

After the two-year time skip, the Straw Hat Pirates finally reconvened at Sabaody Archipelago, where Bartholomew Kuma had scattered them. One by one, Luffy and his friends arrived to seek each other out, and while there were no serious stakes in Episode 517, it was still fun to watch the crew reunite after spending so much time apart.

"The Beginning of the New Chapter! The Straw Hats Reunited!" showed the Straw Hats after their training arcs, wherein they became the best versions of themselves, which is in the spirit of the show, and there was even some comedy with an impostor Luffy and his creepy crew of fakes. Episode 517 helped prove that nothing, not even two years and the vast ocean, can keep true nakama apart for long, which reinforced the emotional core of the show.

4 Episode 594 Has Luffy and Law Forming an Alliance

This Serves as the Foundation for Taking Down Both a Warlord of the Sea and Two Emperors

Trafalgar D. Water Law is initially presented as a merciless, scheming pirate with a mysterious Devil Fruit that not only allows him to control things within his “Room,” but also switch others’ personalities at will. As such, he did not seem like the best person to make an alliance with, but when he offered an alliance to Luffy, the Straw Hat pirate did not hesitate to take him up on the deal.

This episode laid the foundation for all the events to happen in the Dressrossa arc, Zou arc and Wano Country Arc. While Luffy would have inevitably come into conflict with the Emperors of the Sea (particularly Big Mom considering her deal with Sanji’s father), Law’s plan ensured when and how the conflict would happen. Such a momentous occasion has plenty of humor sprinkled throughout, in typical One Piece fashion. This mix of seriousness and humor makes this episode one of the best.

3 Episode 726 Features the Breathtaking Debut of Gear 4

Luffy Has Pushed Himself to Develop Stronger Techniques

Aside from the power of friendship and crewmates, the One Piece anime has an inspiring theme of people working hard and using their creativity to accomplish incredible things through their own merit. Among many examples are Luffy's Gears, with Gears 2 and 3 making their debut in the Water 7 saga. But by Dressrosa, Luffy needed Haki and another Gear to take on Doflamingo.

Luffy often excites One Piece fans with his astounding new powers and forms, and Episode 726 didn’t disappoint. Luffy was initially outmatched while fighting Doflamingo, given the Warlord of the Sea had already Awakened his Devil Fruit, so he bravely confronted that Warlord with his new power, Gear 4. More specifically, Luffy used Gear 4’s Bounceman form, a goofy yet hard-hitting new form, in order to break through Doflamingo’s defenses and end him for good. Gear 4 concretely demonstrated the progress Luffy had made over the timeskip, and its debut marked one of the best moments in One Piece.

2 Episode 808 Showcases Luffy's Dedication to His Crewmates

He Will Refuse to Eat in Order to Save His Crew

Luffy had already proven his devotion to his crewmates on many occasions throughout One Piece, and does so again when he follows Sanji to Whole Cake in order to rescue him from Big Mom. However, Sanji is under threat and refuses to leave with Luffy. Instead of accepting this answer, Luffy declares that he will starve himself until Sanji comes back. Given how much Luffy is known for eating, this promise is perhaps the most serious one that he could make.

Understanding the conflicts that his crewmates go through is one of Luffy’s best traits, as well as one of the core elements that make One Piece so popular. While Sanji had familial obligations that differentiated him from the other Straw Hats that left, Luffy still understood Sanji didn’t truly want to leave. As always, this reminder of Luffy’s care for his crewmates makes for a peak One Piece episode.

1 Episode 1,071 Awakens Luffy's Destiny as the New Joy Boy

Gear 5 Is Luffy's Ultimate Display of Freedom

In the Dressrosa saga, Luffy delighted One Piece fans with Gear 4. He continued to inspire joy when he took Gear 4 to new heights in the Whole Cake Island saga, showcasing new forms and the power of his Color of Observation Haki while fighting the formidable Charlotte Katakuri. Once Luffy began fighting the Emperors, though, it became clear that not even Gear 4 was enough. Luffy fought hard, only for Kaido to thrash him in battle.

That was when, in his direst moment, Luffy awakened the power of his Devil Fruit in the form of Gear 5. Gear 5 didn't just make Luffy stronger and tougher, but changed One Piece altogether. In Gear 5, Luffy turned into the incarnation of Joy Boy and the sun god Nika, who would free all oppressed people with the Drums of Liberation. Luffy became a symbol of hope for all people suffering under tyrants and the World Government. The moment the Drums of Liberation started beating and Luffy began laughing is unforgettable making this episode peak One Piece.

One Piece

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Drama

Fantasy

Super Power

Follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in order to find the greatest treasure ever left by the legendary Pirate, Gold Roger. The famous mystery treasure named "One Piece".

Release Date

October 20, 1999

Creator(s)

Eiichiro Oda

Cast

Mayumi Tanaka , Kazuya Nakai , Akemi Okamura , Kappei Yamaguchi , Hiroaki Hirata , Ikue Ôtani , Yuriko Yamaguchi , Kazuki Yao , Chō

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

20

Studio

Creator

Production Company

Number of Episodes

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll