Best Episodes
One Piece has been a beloved anime series since it first aired in 1999, and with 22 seasons and counting, it's no surprise that fans have their favorite episodes. We've looked at viewer rankings to compile a list of the best episodes that are sure to keep you hooked on Luffy's journey to become King of the Pirates.
At the top of the list is episode 405, "Eliminated Friends - The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew". This emotional episode sees Luffy and his crew face off against Bartholomew Kuma, one of the most powerful members of the Shichibukai. The stakes are high, and the Straw Hat crew is pushed to their limits in a battle that leaves them forever changed.
Another fan-favorite episode is number 316, "Shanks Makes His Move - The End of the War". In this episode, we finally get to see the legendary pirate Shanks in action as he steps in to stop the war between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates. It's a thrilling battle that showcases Shanks' strength and sets the stage for future conflicts in the series.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting started on your One Piece journey, these episodes are not to be missed. Tune in to Fuji TV to catch all the action and see why One Piece has become one of the most beloved anime series of all time.
Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 28, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Usopp's friends run away with the heiress Kaya. Jango races off after them, but not before sending Butchie into a berserk rage. As Zoro continues his battle, Luffy takes on Captain Kuro.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 230 votes.
The battle begins for possession of the Baratie, with Zeff leading the cooks against Krieg's pirates. Luffy and crew join the fray, but things aren't looking too good!
The episode was rated 7.74 from 210 votes.
Luffy witnesses the fighting prowess and compassionate nature of the Sous Chef Sanji. The good news: The Going Merry's found a cook! The bad news: He has no intention of joining the crew!
The episode was rated 7.77 from 220 votes.
The Straw Hats need a cook among their crew, so they head to a nearby restaurant and meet a passionate Sous Chef named Sanji.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 225 votes.
Luffy battles with Kuro on the beach, while the Veggies (with Kaya in tow) flee Jango the Hypnotist.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 227 votes.
Nami manages to rescue Zoro's missing swords and attempts to revive Luffy. With one of the Meowban brothers down, the other rages on even more fiercely than before!
The episode was rated 7.82 from 234 votes.
As the battle for Baratie rages on, Luffy is forced to take a drastic course of action and Ghin debates where his loyalties lie.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 205 votes.
Don Krieg promises further malice as he returns to his ship, but the threat to the Baratie proves short-lived as an even bigger threat arrives!
The episode was rated 7.88 from 210 votes.
Sanji recalls his childhood as an apprentice chef aboard a ship attacked by Red Foot Zeff! When the young Sanji found himself overboard, it was the fearsome captain himself who jumped to the rescue.
The episode was rated 8.03 from 209 votes.
The scoundrel Don Krieg appears to have the upper hand in his fight with Luffy. To avoid walking the plank, the rubber man must try a different strategy.
The episode was rated 8.06 from 215 votes.
In the past, young Zoro sparred constantly with a girl named Kuina, but he could never claim victory. They vowed that one of them would someday be the world's greatest swordsman - but tragedy intervened.
The episode was rated 8.06 from 234 votes.
With Don Krieg defeated, Luffy tries to convince Sanji to join up with the Straw Hats. The skilled cook is interested, but he has something to prove before moving on.
The episode was rated 8.09 from 214 votes.
Kaya rewards the Straw Hat Pirates' efforts to save her with a ship to call their own - the Going Merry!
The episode was rated 8.13 from 240 votes.
The standoff between Luffy and Don Krieg takes a turn in favor of the Straw Hats when their captain focuses his onslaught on his opponent's weaponry.
The episode was rated 8.22 from 214 votes.
The Going Merry's been stolen by Nami, and the showdown for possession of the Baratie is delayed. But the action's not dead in the water - Zoro challenges Hawk-Eye Mihawk to a duel!
The episode was rated 8.56 from 225 votes.
