While any series would naturally be left in rotation if it had an ongoing weekly saga 29 years later, Eiichiro Oda proves One piece never fall prey to this urge. The series has continually defied expectations in terms of sales statistics, anime viewership, and merchandise as it quickly became the most ubiquitous Shonen Jump property in the world. His secret to achieving this success is simple, but underrated: telling a great, continuous story, with phenomenal arcs aimed at raising the bar each time.
Not all One piece The arc is a big winner – both the manga and anime easily fall prey to pacing issues and bloat in places, but even its weaker arcs have some excellent moments, whether in their visual composition, thoughtful storytelling, or emotional resonance. One piece has stories for everyone, with its arcs connecting science fiction, elements of feudal Japanese folklore, and, more recently, even Norse mythology. What is phenomenal is that even One piece the filling is quite nicedue to the adventurous spirit of Oda’s world, but only the main arcs can be considered among One piece the greatest of all time.
33 Syrup Village
Chapters 22 to 41 and episodes 9 to 18
As the third story arc of One piecethe Syrup Village Arc introduces one of the series’ first intimidating villains in the form of Captain Kuro, while also serving as an introduction to one of the original members of the Straw Hats, Usopp. However, in the grand scheme of the series and in the Straw Hat’s various stories and introductions, Usopp’s arc fails to be memorable, especially compared to Sanji and Nami’s.
Nonetheless, the Syrup Village Arc provides the Straw Hats with one of their most valued crew members in the form of the Going Merry and quite a bit of foreshadowing in the form of Usopp’s lies to Kayawhich could very well be premonitions of the Straw Hats’ future adventures.
32 Return to Sabaody
Chapters 598 to 602 and episodes 517 to 522
In this brief but impactful arc, the story marked the beginning of the second part of the series and effectively laid the foundation for what was to come.
In addition to ceremonially introducing the new crew members and including a humorous gag involving the fake Strawhats, the arc also depicts the impressive growth of Luffy’s strength and provides insight into the character of the new fleet admiral, Sakazuki Akainu.
It also introduces Cairbou and his crew, and in recent chapters this devious and deceptive pirate could be the catalyst for some of the biggest developments in One piece so far. The Fishman Island saga has begun and it was a great way to show off the new designs and kick off the journey to the New World.
31 Amazon lily
Chapters 514 to 524 and episodes 408 to 421
While it certainly has its comedic moments, the Amazon Lily Arc is quite unremarkable as a whole and is therefore often overshadowed by other, better arcs in One piece.
Some of its memorable moments include Luffy covering Sandersonia’s back, the revelation of Boa Hancock’s past, and one of the first instances of Luffy using Conqueror’s Haki. While the dynamic between Boa and Luffy is quite entertaining, perhaps the only standout part of the arc is how Boa and her sisters’ story highlights Boa and Luffy’s story. cruelty of One piece Celestial Dragons.
30 Inverted Mountain
Chapters 101 to 105 and episodes 62 to 63
The Reverse Mountain Arc is one of the shortest canon arcs in the anime at only two episodes. Still, the arc is almost unforgettable as the beginning of the Straw Hats’ adventure as they enter the Grand Line.
Although uneventful, the Reverse Mountain Arc sets up many interesting plot points, such as the introduction of Miss Wednesday, aka Vivi, the introduction of Laboon, who later becomes part of one of the saddest stories One pieceand the explanation of how the Grand Line works and the laying of logs, which is crucial to this day.
29 Post-Enies lobby
Chapters 431 to 441 and episodes 313 to 325
The immediate arc following the Enies Lobby storyline faced the daunting task of living up to the perfection of its predecessor, but it did a good job of bringing the saga to a close.
This brief but impactful tale introduced a new crew member, solidified Robin’s resolve, unveiled a reliable new ship, and depicted the crew’s emotional return to Water 7 for a heartfelt farewell. The climax, however, was Usopp’s comforting return and apology for his defiance of his captain, and the conflict within the crew came to an end.
This arc elegantly concluded what many consider to be One piece the most beautiful saga. Additionally, the arc’s exceptional world-building set the stage for the upcoming Sabaody Arc and offered an intriguing insight into the inner workings of the formidable world government.
28 Whiskey peak
Chapters 106 to 114 and episodes 64 to 67
Despite its unpretentious premise and short length, The Whiskey Peak Arc manages to be surprisingly entertaining in a short amount of time. The arc has quite a few good fights, like Zoro’s battle against the Hundred Bounty Hunters as well as his battle against Luffy.
The arc also introduces many key characters like Nico Robin, Baroque Works, and their sinister leader, Crocodile. Most importantly, the arc seems to land all of its gags, making it a joy to watch.
27 Loguetown
Chapters 96 to 100 and episodes 45, 48 to 53
Although the Loguetown Arc may not seem too special at first glance, the characters and themes it introduces are arguably some of the most pivotal in the story. One piece.
From the parallels between Roger and Luffy to the introduction of recurring characters like Dragon, Tashigi, and Smoker, the Loguetown Arc continues to grow in importance as the story progresses. In fact, a popular new fan theory even hypothesizes that Loguetown could be closely linked to Laugh Tale and the final treasure.
26 Long ring long earth
Chapters 303 to 321 and episodes 207 to 219
Long Ring Long Land is one of the most controversial arcs in One piecebeing sandwiched between two of the best arcs in One piecebut it’s still worth mentioning.
The arc is one of the clunkiest in the series, with the Straw Hats engaging in a silly competition against a weak pirate crew, leading some fans to view it as purely filler.
But this attitude ignores the extent to which the playful parts of One piece are some of what makes the story so unique and fun. Additionally, the introduction of the incredibly strong Admiral Kuzan is an important moment that alone justifies this arc’s inclusion among the One piece best.
25 Small garden
Chapters 115 to 129 and episodes 70 to 77
Little Garden might be lower in the rankings One piece better arcs than many fans can expect. The arc is very fun and introduces to the giants One pieceThe world of, which will become a major part of both Usopp’s character arc and the future story as a whole once the Straw Hats reach Elbaf Island in future arcs.
Little Garden teases one of the final islands in the series and is a major clue towards One pieceThere are several tragic genocides.
However, aside from introducing Dorry and Brogy and providing a fun fight with Baroque Works, the arc doesn’t have as much impact as many others. One piece other better arcs, which earned Little Garden a low rank.
24 Jaya
Chapters 218 to 236 and episodes 144 to 152
Jaya is largely a setup arc for the incredible events coming to Skypiea, but it still has a lot to offer fans. Luffy and Blackbeard’s first interaction is one of the most iconic scenes in the series and sets the tone for their conflicts to come.
The arc also showed some major characters from One piecethe world, like Doflamingo and the Five Elders. Jaya’s most satisfying moment, however, may be when Luffy defeats the arrogant pirate Bellamy in one of the most cathartic beatdowns of the series.