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!
When Vivi reveals Crocodile's plan to Kohza, he attempts to stop the fighting, but is shot. Crocodile reveals that he has set up a massive bomb in the city.
The episode was rated 8.01 from 114 votes.
Luffy fights with Crocodile by using blood on his fists. Meanwhile Vivi finds the bomb, and calls the Straw Hats together.
The episode was rated 8.08 from 119 votes.
Luffy is rescued from the collapsed tomb where he fought Crocodile and brought into Cobra's palace to rest. When he awakens, a magnificent banquet is thrown for the pirates, then, the Straw Hats are invited to enjoy the hot spring steam room inside the palace.
The episode was rated 8.10 from 120 votes.
Crocodile joins Robin in the tomb, and orders her to translate the Poneglyph. Robin tells him that Pluton was not mentioned and that it was only about history, but Crocodile figures out that she was lying and stabs her in response. When Luffy recovers from the last round of fighting, he chases after Crocodile into the tomb.
The episode was rated 8.12 from 121 votes.
Chopper distracts Crocodile while Sanji frees the rest of the crew, but find themselves trapped yet again. Smoker's view on Luffy changes a little.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 124 votes.
After escaping from Rain Dinners, the Straw Hats and Vivi cross the desert to Alubarne, where the final battle will take place. Crocodile, however, manages to catch Luffy, beginning the first round of their battle.
The episode was rated 8.16 from 125 votes.
Now that the battle has ended, the outcome is tallied. Igaram appears with proof of Cobra's innocence, as well as Kohza telling everything. Tashigi and Smoker both are rewarded for taking on Crocodile, but neither one of them believes that is right, considering the Straw Hat pirates did all the work.
The episode was rated 8.18 from 113 votes.
While Miss. Doublefinger's fight with Nami was challenging, Zoro is having an even more difficult time fighting Mr.1: A man who can change his entire body into steel - something that Zoro can't cut. As Zoro nears death, he must discover the secret to "the breath of all things".
The episode was rated 8.21 from 127 votes.
While in Nanohana, the Straw Hats encounter Smoker and Tashigi. A powerful pirate named Portgas D. Ace appears, and is revealed to be Luffy's older brother.
The episode was rated 8.24 from 130 votes.
Luffy fights Crocodile with more success this time by using water, but still loses this round. Meanwhile, the other Straw Hats hurry to locate the bomb before it goes off. Nico Robin forces the king to take her to the tomb where the Pluton Poneglyph is hidden.
The episode was rated 8.24 from 120 votes.
As Kohza tries to stop the Rebel Army, both sides are once more fighting due to the intervention of Baroque Works. Vivi is thrown to her certain death when Luffy saves her and challenges Crocodile to a second round.
The episode was rated 8.26 from 119 votes.
Vivi finds the bomb inside of the clock tower, but the Mr. 7 pair of Baroque Works are there to protect it. Vivi defeats them, but she realizes the bomb cannot be stopped so easily. It has a timer, and right before it blows up, Pell shows up and takes it into the atmosphere, where he sacrifices himself to save Alabasta.
The episode was rated 8.37 from 117 votes.
The Marines fail again to catch the Straw Hats. After escaping from the Marines, Nico Robin (Ms. All Sunday) appears from inside of the Straw Hats ship. She manages to persuade the crew to let her join. Pell is seen at the end standing over his own grave.
The episode was rated 8.50 from 125 votes.
It's the day for Vivi's speech and her decision whether or not to continue to be with the Straw Hats. Meanwhile, Bon Clay and his crew attempt to protect the Straw Hats from Hina.
The episode was rated 8.54 from 122 votes.
Luffy defeats Crocodile by punching him through solid bedrock. When Crocodile falls, the rain-drops calm the soldiers.
The episode was rated 8.62 from 124 votes.
