One Piece Watch Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Every One Piece Anime Arc
One Piece is one of the most renowned anime series of all time, capturing the hearts of fans across the globe for the better part of three decades. It’s also no secret that watching One Piece is quite the daunting task at this point, with the anime currently having over 1,000 episodes under its belt. However, with the series recently switching to a seasonal format, as opposed to its old weekly release schedule, there’s no better time to catch up with the Straw Hat crew than right now, and if you’ve clicked on this guide, it seems you’re ready to set sail and conquer this colossal series for yourself. With the series returning this April, you’ve got some time to close the distance on the series’ current episodes, and we’re here to help guide you on your way through this magical story. Believe me, this is an anime worth experiencing!
Below, you’ll find our ultimate One Piece watch guide – we’ve provided a complete breakdown of the One Piece anime, listing all of the arcs the show has to offer with a brief synopsis of each, and, of course, pointing out whether each arc is filler or not, so that you can begin your lengthy journey knowing exactly how to watch One Piece without adding to the show’s already incredible length with non-canon content.
While there are some really enjoyable One Piece movies out there, this guide won’t be taking those into consideration, mainly because, unlike Naruto, none of the movies are necessary to understanding the story of One Piece. Also, make sure that you don’t scroll past the arc you’re currently watching on this guide, and if you want to go in completely blind, don’t even read my brief synopsis! Nobody likes spoilers, especially not for an anime like One Piece! Now, let’s dive into this anime, and our One Piece watch guide – see you on the other side!
Where to Watch One Piece
Image by Toei Animation
One Piece is readily available to stream on a number of platforms, but your best and most reliable bet is on Crunchyroll, which hosts the entire series from start to finish on its platform. Netflix also streams the series, but not every arc of the show is currently available on the platform, so be warned! Select regions also have access to the series through other streaming services, such as the BBC iPlayer in the UK. There’s also a live-action adaptation of One Piece streaming on Netflix which covers a handful of arcs from the beginning of the anime, and a WIT Studio anime remake on the horizon. However, I doubt either of these will ever reach the stage of the story we’re at right now in the original series, so if you want to experience this story from start to finish, the 1999 anime is the way to go.
For those of you out there who enjoy watching anime in English dub, be warned that English adaptations of One Piece have been infamously poorly received. While the dub performances in newer arcs may be on par with the quality of voice acting viewers are used to nowadays, it may be a little rough trying to get through the series’ early stages. For this journey, I would recommend you stick with the Japanese original. Alright, now that that’s out of the way, let’s jump into the One Piece watch guide!
One Piece Watch Guide
Image by Toei Animation
Monkey D. Luffy’s story begins with episode 1 of One Piece, starting back in 1999. Before we get into our complete breakdown of the arcs in our One Piece watch guide, check out a brief list of the story arcs ahead below, in case you want to quickly find your place in the series!
- Romance Dawn Arc (Episode 1-3)
- Orange Town Arc (Episode 4-8)
- Syrup Village Arc (Episode 9-18)
- Baratie Arc (Episode 19-30)
- Arlong Park Arc (Episode 31-45)
- Buggy’s Crew Adventure Chronicles Arc (Episode 46-47)
- Loguetown Arc (Episode 48-53)
- Warship Island Arc (Episode 54-61) (Filler)
- Reverse Mountain Arc (Episode 62-63)
- Whisky Peak Arc (Episode 64-67)
- Diary of Koby-Meppo Arc (Episode 68-69)
- Little Garden Arc (Episode 70-77)
- Drum Island Arc (Episode 78-91)
- Alabasta Arc (Episode 92-130)
- Post-Alabasta Arc (Episode 131-135) (Filler)
- Goat Island Arc (Episode 136-138) (Filler)
- Ruluka Island Arc (Episode 139-143) (Filler)
- Jaya Arc (Episode 144-152)
- Skypiea Arc (Episode 153-195)
- G-8 Arc (Episode 196-206) (Filler)
- Long Ring Long Land Arc (Episode 207-219)
- Ocean’s Dream Arc (Episode 220-224) (Filler)
- Foxy’s Return Arc (Episode 225-226) (Filler)
- Water 7 Arc (Episode 227-263)
- Enies Lobby Arc (Episode 264-312)
- Post-Enies Lobby Arc (Episode 313-325)
- Ice Hunter Arc (Episode 325-336) (Filler)
- Thriller Bark Arc (Episode 337-381)
- Spa Island Arc (Episode 382-384) (Filler)
- Sabaody Archipelago Arc (Episode 385-405)
- Amazon Lily Arc (Episode 408-421)
- Impel Down Arc (Episode 422-456)
- Marineford Arc (Episode 459-489)
- Post-War Arc (Episode 490-516)
- Return to Sabaody Arc (Episode 517-522)
- Fish-Man Island Arc (Episode 523-574)
- Z’s Ambition Arc (Episode 575-578) (Filler)
- Punk Hazard Arc (Episode 579-628)
- Dressrosa Arc (Episode 629-746)
- Silver Mine Arc (Episode 747-750) (Filler)
- Zou Arc (Episode 751-779)
- Marine Rookie Arc (Episode 780-782) (Filler)
- Whole Cake Island Arc (Episode 783-877)
- Reverie Arc (Episode 878-889)
- Wano Country Arc (Episode 890-1085)
- Egghead Arc (Episode 1086-1155)
Romance Dawn Arc (Episode 1-3)
Image by Toei Animation
One Piece begins with a fairly short and well-paced arc, the ‘Romance Dawn Arc’, which introduces us to some of the anime’s most central characters, including our protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. Don’t be fooled by the length of this one – this opening arc hosts some of the most memorable and important moments in the entire series.
Without giving anything away, we learn all about Luffy’s motivations to be a pirate, we meet some important figures from his childhood, and of course, we see the beginnings of the Straw Hat Pirates, as Luffy begins his lengthy recruitment process. This arc is a short, but very enjoyable opener for things to come.
Orange Town Arc (Episode 4-8)
Practically all of One Piece’s arcs are structured around the very many islands that our pirate crew comes across on their journey, and with that in mind, the Straw Hats’ first stop is Orange Town. This arc is a tiny bit longer than it ought to be, but some more incredibly important characters are introduced here, including one of the anime’s first long-running antagonists.
Orange Town is also one of the first arcs to highlight One Piece’s ability to be incredibly goofy, while also simultaneously touching the hearts of its viewers. For all the dog lovers out there, prepare to have your heartstrings tugged – over 1,000 episodes later, and I can still remember our canine companion from this arc.
Syrup Village Arc (Episode 9-18)
It brings me no joy to say this, but the ‘Syrup Village Arc’ is likely the point where many potential viewers drop out of the series. This arc isn’t bad by any means, but it marks an early point where some of the anime’s pacing issues shine through. With their newest member, Nami, accompanying them, the Straw Hats arrive at Syrup Village in search of a respectable pirate ship.
At this stage of the series, we’re really focused on the process of building the crew, with the actual story of Syrup Village taking a backseat to the acquisition of new crewmates and a ship. With that in mind, the story here is fairly forgettable, and certainly drags at certain points throughout its 10 episodes. Power through though! There’s a lot of great things to come!
Baratie Arc (Episode 19-30)
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While our ever-growing crew is sailing through the East Blue, they come across two friends of Zoro’s, who direct them to Baratie, a restaurant ship for pirates looking for a meal. Even at this early stage of the series, you know the drill by now – our crew heads to Baratie, and chaos ensues.
This is an extremely important arc to the future of the show, and is filled with some of my favourite characters in the entire series. We begin to learn about some of the Straw Hats personal agendas, meet a new member of the crew, and get introduced to the true danger that awaits when you mess with the most powerful pirates in the East Blue. Baratie is a very fun arc, but it’s notable for being the first time that our crew runs into a real roadblock.
Arlong Park Arc (Episode 31-45)
Image by Toei Animation
If the ‘Syrup Village Arc’ was the arc that had a lot of viewers checking out of the series, then ‘Arlong Park’ is the arc that convinced fans on the fence that One Piece was the show for them. The ‘Arlong Park Arc’ is fairly universally accepted as the best arc of the East Blue Saga, and the early stages of One Piece, and for good reason.
The stakes are incredibly high in this arc, as we learn more about our tricky navigator Nami, the first non-human race in One Piece, the Fish-Men, and even get our first look at the attention that the Straw Hat Pirates have earned from the World Government. This arc is the first time that One Piece really soars as an anime, and is the first time we get a glimpse at some of this story’s darker, more adult themes. An iconic arc for sure.
Buggy’s Crew Adventure Chronicles Arc (Episode 46-47)
There’s quite a bit of whiplash involved in the transition between the phenomenal ‘Arlong Park Arc’, and the ‘Buggy’s Crew Adventure Chronicles’. Remember our clown foe from Orange Town? Well, he’s back, and in the absence of the Straw Hat Pirates, these two episodes of the anime are all about him, as he embarks on a journey to retrieve his missing body parts.
No matter how much these episodes may feel like filler, they’re essential for understanding the future actions of Buggy in the series, so you’ll have to watch them. Thankfully, this arc is a short one, but hey, if you really enjoy Buggy as a character, you might enjoy this two-episode special.
Loguetown Arc (Episode 48-53)
Image by Toei Animation
As the opening reminds you every episode, the story of One Piece began with the execution of Gold Roger, and his declaration of the existence of the One Piece, kickstarting the era of pirates. In this arc, the Straw Hats arrive at ‘Loguetown’, the place where Roger was born and executed, so it’s no surprise that the events of this arc are incredibly important for the series.
It’s hard to believe that our visit to Loguetown is so short, considering how much we get done here. Looking back on it many, many episodes later, Loguetown is an arc that foreshadows a ton of important reveals down the line in One Piece, so make sure you pay attention to this arc! As far as the early arcs of One Piece go, it’s easily the most relevant to the overarching story of the anime.
Warship Island Arc (Episode 54-61) (Filler)
Now we come to our first filler arc in One Piece, and though the filler arcs in this anime aren’t too bad compared to the other Big 3 anime’s equivalents, I still don’t recommend you spend time on them – this anime is long enough as it is! Warship Island takes place in a weird spot for the series, as the crew transitions between the East Blue and the Grand Line.
Considering this odd placement, the ‘Warship Island Arc’ actually contains a number of continuity errors in terms of the main narrative of One Piece, making this a definite skip in my opinion. There’s no point in confusing the series’ canon events for the sake of this story, which in itself is nothing to write home about.
Note: Unfortunately, the end of Episode 61 kicks off the next canon arc of One Piece, despite the majority of the episode being filler. Feel free to check out the closing moments of Episode 61 if you wish, but you won’t miss much by jumping straight to Episode 62.
Reverse Mountain Arc (Episode 62-63)
Image by Toei Animation
It’s time for the crew to officially enter the Grand Line, with the perilous Reverse Mountain standing in their way. As we finally leave the East Blue, there’s a lot to learn about the new world that the Straw Hats are entering, and the ‘Reverse Mountain Arc’ does a lot of heavy lifting in this sense. We also meet some new characters that will go on to be incredibly important to the story down the line, so keep an eye on them!
This arc also kicks off the official second saga of One Piece, the ‘Alabasta Saga’. I’ve avoided listing the sagas in this One Piece watch guide, because we’ve got enough to cover as it is! However, just keep in mind that the series is broken into sagas containing a multitude of arcs centred around one general story or objective. The arcs we’ve covered until now were part of the East Blue Saga, and as of writing this, the anime is currently in its final saga, with an unknown amount of arcs left to go. Hopefully this makes sense to you, but don’t worry about it too much!
Whisky Peak Arc (Episode 64-67)
Looking back on these arcs of One Piece, it’s pretty remarkable how often incredibly important characters are introduced back to back. Enjoy this consistency while it lasts, because the future of the series is far from as streamlined! Our crew arrives at Whisky Peak, a town that treats pirates like celebrities. As you can imagine, this welcoming of rogues doesn’t exactly lead to a peaceful adventure through the island.
In this arc, we learn more about the mysterious Miss Wednesday that joined us back in Reverse Mountain, get introduced to the nobility system in the world of One Piece, meet some more fearsome antagonists, and have our first interaction with my personal favourite character in the series…there’s a lot to take in here!
Diary of Koby-Meppo Arc (Episode 68-69)
Remember that ‘Buggy Adventures Arc’ that felt a lot like filler, but really wasn’t? Well, we’ve got another one of those mini-arcs in store for you here, this time focusing on the training of Koby and Helmeppo as Marine cadets. Remember Koby from the ‘Romance Dawn Arc’? He’s more important to this story than you may think!
As much as these mini-arcs are enjoyable, I do resent them a little for breaking up the pacing of some of One Piece’s most exciting arcs. Still, in the long run, you’ll look back on these arcs and appreciate the storytelling they did. The dynamic between Koby, Helmeppo, and Vice Admiral Garp is one that remains in play well into the future of the series, so don’t skip these episodes! Thankfully, we’ll be back with the Straw Hats shortly.
Little Garden Arc (Episode 70-77)
Image by Toei Animation
After recruiting yet another member in Vivi, the Straw Hat pirates make their way to Little Garden, an island home to two giants who have been duelling each other for a century straight. This island is easily one of the series’ most ambitious yet, as we feel teleported to an almost completely different world, one home to giants and dinosaurs. Despite its unusual premise, however, the events of this arc are far more important than they may initially seem, particularly when it comes to Usopp.
We also learn more about Baroque Works, the syndicate of assassins that have begun pursuing the Straw Hats since Whisky Peak. All the pieces are beginning to come together for the showdown soon to come, as Alabasta looms just over the horizon.
Drum Island Arc (Episode 78-91)
Image by Toei Animation
It’s not quite time to head to Alabasta just yet though, as after Nami falls ill with a mysterious disease, the Straw Hats must seek out the assistance of a doctor, which leads them to Drum Island, an island covered in snow. This is one of my personal favourite arcs of the Alabasta Saga, so strap-in for quite an adventure, one that’s likely to have you in tears at one point or another.
As well as being a very enjoyable arc in and of itself, the ‘Drum Island Arc’ also highlights some very important developments in the world of One Piece beyond the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates themselves. Some of the most beloved characters in the series are introduced here, and who knows? We may even meet a potential new crewmate…
Alabasta Arc (Episode 92-130)
Image by Toei Animation
The ‘Alabasta Arc’ is quite the step-up in length from any of the previous arcs we’ve seen, and with good reason. Coming in at 39 episodes, the ‘Alabasta Arc’ is the first major island arc in the series, and the stakes are higher than ever. With the kingdom on the brink of a massive war, it’s up to Vivi and the Straw Hats to stop Alabasta from destroying itself under the manipulative gaze of Crocodile.
There’s a huge amount of character development going on in this arc, as practically all of the Straw Hat Pirates go through some sort of character-altering event. This arc also features the fiercest foe that the crew has had to take on to date, with the exception of Mihawk’s brief battle with Zoro at Baratie. We also learn more about Miss All Sunday, the mysterious assassin who accompanies Crocodile throughout the arc. The ‘Alabasta Arc’ is a real step-up from the events of One Piece to date, and is the first indication of the lengthy arc structure to come in the series’ future.
Note: Just to complicate things, there are some filler episodes spliced throughout the ‘Alabasta Arc’, namely episodes 98, 99, and 102. Feel free to skip them, or watch them for some fun team-building adventures for the crew.
Post-Alabasta Arc (Episode 131-135) (Filler)
It wouldn’t be right for fans to experience too much joy on the back of Alabasta’s momentum, so it’s time for One Piece to hit you with some filler. Thankfully, filler arcs are a lot less common down the line, but the ‘Post-Alabasta Arc’ marks our first chunk of it. As the Straw Hats explore a number of small islands, each member of the crew reflects on their past, and their goals for the future.
Considering you’ve watched the show until now, and experienced the backstories and motivations of each of these characters naturally, there’s really no reason to watch this filler, unless you want a recap of our heroes’ motivations. Go ahead and skip this one.
Goat Island Arc (Episode 136-138) (Filler)
Well, here we are at Goat Island, an arc I completely forgot existed until I started writing this One Piece watch guide. After the crew stumble upon an uncharted island, and find that it is inhabited only by one old man and a number of goats, madness ensues.
There’s not much to say about this one. It’s your typical filler adventure, where the stakes are not all that high, no characters are put in any real danger, and even the antagonists are practically guaranteed to never appear again. You can skip this one with ease.
Ruluka Island Arc (Episode 139-143) (Filler)
It’s time for some more filler! Thankfully, this is the last filler arc for a little bit, so we’ll be getting back in the swing of things soon. Like the ‘Warship Island Arc’ from a while ago, the ‘Ruluka Island Arc’ actually introduces some plot holes into the series thanks to its ambitious, non-canon storytelling, so to reiterate my point from back then, this arc is better off skipped to avoid any confusion with the main narrative.
With that being said, the anime does add an original scene involving the Going Merry here that actually plays a part in the future of the ship. It’s not worth checking out on your first watch, because the rest of the arc doesn’t contain anything of worth, but for any One Piece super fans out there, check these episodes out for a look at how the anime took a different approach to the manga.
Jaya Arc (Episode 144-152)
The ‘Jaya Arc’ marks the true beginning of One Piece‘s next saga. Our crew gets directed to unimaginable new heights, as their compass points them towards the sky, introducing a whole new world above the sea. The ‘Jaya Arc’ is incredibly important for its foreshadowing of the extent of the world to come in the series, but also features one of the most important villains in the show.
Not only do we meet some brand new foes, who will retain a presence in the series way down the line, but the ‘Jaya Arc’ also gives us some more information on Blackbeard, a character who we’ve learned very little about until this point, despite his importance to the story. We also meet some new members of the World Government, setting the stage for the future of One Piece to come.
Skypiea Arc (Episode 153-195)
Image by Toei Animation
Strap in for another lengthy arc, this time even longer than the ‘Alabasta Arc’! After the events of the ‘Jaya Arc’, the Straw Hats finally take to the skies, and arrive at Skypiea, and become entangled in an electrifying war. To be blunt, this is not the most beloved arc in the series, and many fans wish its length was at least halved. However, this arc is incredibly important when it comes to the world of One Piece, and I believe it to be quite underrated by the fandom.
Not only does the ‘Skypiea Arc’ completely alter the nature of One Piece‘s geography, it also introduces the existence of even more sky islands, mythical cities, and world-altering weaponry. The Going Merry storyline also gets quite a bit of attention in this arc, setting the stage for a future, fan-favourite arc. It may be a little on the long side, but the Straw Hats’ journey to Skypiea is an essential one, and features some of the funniest moments in the entire series as an added bonus.
G-8 Arc (Episode 196-206) (Filler)
I hope you enjoyed Skypiea while you had it, because it’s time for some more filler! On the bright side, this filler arc of One Piece is considered one of the series’ best, so if you want to check any of these arcs out, this is the one to choose. After landing in a marine base following their descent from Skypiea, the Straw Hats must escape while retaking their ship.
This is the longest filler arc in the show, and to be fair, it’s easy to see why. This arc tells a pretty ambitious story, and though it might be hard to believe that the Straw Hats could escape from a marine base at this early stage of their journey, it does make for some fun hijinks. I still recommend you skip this arc, but if you want to check out any filler as a novelty, go with this one.
Long Ring Long Land Arc (Episode 207-219)
I’m not going to lie to you, this arc is rough. Described as a ‘recreational arc’ between two very story-heavy arcs, Long Ring Long Land is the site of a pirate game between the Straw Hat crew and the Foxy Pirates, where the stakes are as low as ever. This is a difficult arc to evaluate, because on the one hand, it has some really important developments, particularly involving one of the Marine Admirals we meet.
However, the pacing in this arc is abysmal, and a large part of that is thanks to Toei Animation’s integration of filler into the original manga content. The events of Long Ring Long Land are extended significantly, thanks to the addition of three completely filler games to the competition between the Straw Hats and the Foxy Pirates. There’s some fun to be had here, but most of this arc is painfully slow.
Ocean’s Dream Arc (Episode 220-224) (Filler)
Here we have another filler arc that you can skip without a second thought. The ‘Ocean’s Dream Arc’ is actually based on a video game released for the PlayStation, so you can imagine how well thought-out and relevant to the story this arc is.
Like most anime video game stories, this arc centres around the idea of amnesia. There’s really nothing of note here, so feel free to skip over this. Hey, at least it’s a short one!
Foxy’s Return Arc (Episode 225-226) (Filler)
Remember when the ‘Warship Island Arc’ did something really annoying, and shoved incredibly important, canon content in the back half of an episode that was mostly filler? Well, we’re doing that again with this arc! The majority of the ‘Foxy’s Return Arc’ is completely skippable, as the Straw Hats face off once again with the Foxy Pirates, a crew who I didn’t even like in the canon episodes of the show.
Thankfully this arc is only 2 episodes long, and it may be worth your while to just watch it so you’re not confused by a certain character’s arrival in Episode 227. However, if you really value your time, feel free to skip over this, and just accept a little confusion at the beginning of the next arc. You’re not missing much, and all of the important storytelling still takes place in the next episode.
Water 7 Arc (Episode 227-263)
Image by Toei Animation
Get ready for one of the best arcs in the entire series! The ‘Water 7 Arc’ sees the Straw Hats arriving at the titular ocean city to get the Going Merry repaired, only to be quickly targeted by an underground gang, and become entangled in a secret plot involving a sinister force lurking in the city. The ‘Water 7 Arc’ is a masterclass in all of the things that make for a great One Piece arc.
The stakes are high, the environment is vibrant, and each of the crew’s characters get some time to shine. This is also one of the most emotional arcs in the show so far, as the Straw Hats face a conflict that they may not be able to come back from. The past few arcs of the series have been a little rough, but Water 7 more than makes up for the hard times.
Enies Lobby Arc (Episode 264-312)
Image by Toei Animation
The ‘Enies Lobby Arc’ is all about Nico Robin, who is my personal favourite character in the series, so it’s no surprise that this one comes near the top of my list of my favourite arcs in the entire series. After Franky and Robin are detained and escorted to Enies Lobby, the Straw Hats work together to free them from the clutches of the World Government, before they’re lost forever.
If the ‘Water 7 Arc’ hit you in the feels, then prepare for the ‘Enies Lobby Arc’ to completely destroy you. The curtain finally rises on the mystery of Nico Robin, and the crew’s long-running conflict with the World Government finally comes to an explosive head. Almost all of the Straw Hats also level-up in this arc, as they each take on formidable foes that push them to their limits. The ‘Enies Lobby’ contains some of the greatest moments in the series – enjoy this arc!
Note: There are some very frustrating filler episodes shoved into this arc, so feel free to skip all of them. They worm their way into the story as follows: Episodes 279-283, 291-292, and 303.
Post-Enies Lobby Arc (Episode 313-325)
So much goes down at Enies Lobby that the crew needs some time to rest. We also need to witness some advancements in the world outside of the Straw Hats, and the ‘Post-Enies Lobby Arc’ does just that. The crew returns to Water 7, where they come into contact with a group of marines, as well as solidify their alliance with Franky, who promises to build them a new ship.
There are some major story reveals in this arc, as well as some tearful goodbyes, so don’t be fooled into thinking this arc is going to be boring just because it’s dealing with the aftermath of a very eventful arc. One Piece is heading into some very intense territory, where lots of story threads are about to pay off. Get excited!
Ice Hunter Arc (Episode 325-336) (Filler)
Don’t get too excited though, because we’ve got some more filler for you now. This arc is nothing to write home about. The crew arrives on Lovely Island, and are targeted by a group of bounty hunters. I haven’t watched this arc for myself, but I’m sure all is resolved by the end.
The only notable characteristic of this arc is that it’s the first adventure that the Straw Hats have on the Thousand Sunny, the successor of the Going Merry. Outside of that, there’s no reason to watch this arc, so feel free to move right ahead.
Thriller Bark Arc (Episode 337-381)
Image by Toei Animation
The ‘Thriller Bark Arc’ is a little too inflated for its own good, but there’s a lot to love here. The Straw Hats arrive on a haunted island, with zombies, skeletons, and ghostly Devil Fruit users, and eventually must take on yet another terrifying foe to prove that they can handle life in the Grand Line.
The haunted aesthetic of this island is a very unique departure for One Piece, making this a memorable arc if nothing else. We also learn some more information about the Warlords of the Sea, who have become growingly dangerous to the Straw Hats throughout their adventure. Without giving anything away, this arc also features one of the most iconic moments in the entire series for Zoro, so be ready to love him even more.
Spa Island Arc (Episode 382-384) (Filler)
Another filler arc has arrived, and yet again, I encourage you to skip it. If you needed any convincing on why this arc isn’t worth your time, then let me share that this arc once again highlights Foxy, and if you haven’t had enough of Foxy by now, then I’m not sure you value your time and sanity enough.
After embarking from Thriller Bark, and with a chilling new crewmate on-board, the Straw Hats arrive at Spa Island, and enjoy the recreational activities. Chaos ensues eventually, but this arc simply isn’t worth your time, despite its short length. Let’s move on.
Sabaody Archipelago Arc (Episode 385-407)
The ‘Sabaody Archipelago Arc’ kicks off what many consider to be One Piece’s greatest saga, and it does so with a bang. After arriving on the archipelago, the Straw Hats enter their darkest chapter yet, as they come face-to-face with a slave trading ring, the might of a terrifying Warlord, and a whole new generation of pirates set to stand in their way.
Sabaody Archipelago is easily one of my favourite and least favourite arcs of the show, because despite how incredibly written it is, the evil on display here is likely to make your blood boil. Get ready for some major changes in tone for One Piece, as we enter the most challenging phase of Luffy’s story to date.
Note: Episodes 406-407 are both filler, and really interrupt the flow of this saga. Feel free to skip them.
Amazon Lily Arc (Episode 408-421)
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After being devastatingly separated by Kuma during the ‘Sabaody Archipelago Arc’, Luffy arrives at Amazon Lily, an island made up entirely of women, who kill any men as soon as they spot them. This arc may seem out of place during such a serious phase of the show, but the ‘Amazon Lily Arc’ is actually remarkably enjoyable and important to the near future of the saga.
We meet yet another Warlord of the Sea, learn all about a new and important ability, and discover the current status and future plans of Ace. While this arc focuses on Luffy, some episodes also let us know where each of the other Straw Hats ended up after their separation. Don’t be fooled by its seemingly comedic exterior, this arc is one of the better ones in the show.
Impel Down Arc (Episode 422-458)
When he learns that Ace is being held at the underwater prison Impel Down, Luffy begins his rescue mission with the help of Boa Hancock, a Warlord of the Sea who has decided to assist him thanks to his bravery in the ‘Sabaody Archipelago Arc’ in the face of the World Nobles. Luffy infiltrates the prison, and faces his most nightmarish and perilous journey yet.
Given that Impel Down is a prison that houses the most nefarious pirates in One Piece, this arc introduces us to many familiar faces who you may have forgotten from arcs past. In this sense, the ‘Impel Down Arc’ is an arc that showcases how almost everything that happens in One Piece eventually comes back into play. Despite how dark it is, this is a phenomenal arc, and sets the stage for the incredible things to come in the next arc.
Note: Skip over Episodes 426-429, and Episodes 457-458 – not only are they filler, they also reunite the Straw Hats, which really goes against the story’s current focus on their separation.
Marineford Arc (Episode 459-489)
Image by Toei Animation
With the stakes higher than ever, it’s hard to deny that the ‘Marineford Arc’ is the greatest arc in the entirety of One Piece. As Luffy escapes Impel Down and dives headfirst into the headquarters of the marines to save Ace, he finds himself at the centre of the most explosive war in One Piece history. This is easily the biggest turning point in the story of One Piece, and the arc has earned a spot in the list of the most beloved anime arcs of all time.
The events of this arc are still felt in the series over 500 episodes later, so strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. Though I love many of the story arcs still to come in this series, there’s nothing quite like the intensity of Marineford. It’s a word that is often overused in conversations about anime, but this really is the peak of One Piece.
Post-War Arc (Episode 490-516)
Following the explosive events of Marineford, Luffy is in a very different state of mind than when we started the series. In his reflections on life, we learn about his past, his history with Ace, and some other friends he made along the way. We also catch up with the other Straw Hats, as they continue to survive on their respective islands.
The ‘Post-War Arc’ is a bittersweet one. As we move towards an exciting future, with the show’s two-year timeskip just around the corner, we say goodbye to the One Piece we’ve come to know and love. We also close out the Summit War Saga, which is easily one of the best in the entire anime. The end of an era, but the beginning of a new one, in what is handily one of the most emotional arcs in the series.
Note: Episode 492 is a crossover episode with another anime, and is not relevant to the main plot, skip this one.
Return to Sabaody Arc (Episode 517-522)
Image by Toei Animation
Welcome to post-timeskip One Piece! It’s been two years since the ‘Post-War Arc’, and it’s time for an entirely new era of the show, with new character designs to match! It should be noted that, though some things stay the same, One Piece becomes a very different show from here on out. Not only have the visuals received an overhaul, but this marks the beginning of the show airing extremely long arcs, as opposed to the relatively shorter ones we’ve been covering until now. You’ll see what I mean very shortly!
As the name implies, the ‘Return to Sabaody Arc’ sees the Straw Hats reunite at the Sabaody Archipelago after two years apart. Not a lot happens here, and most of the arc revolves around the feelgood reunions of our main crew. Take a moment to reflect on the magic of pre-timeskip One Piece, and let’s go to a new world!
Fish-Man Island Arc (Episode 523-574)
Sadly, the first arc of post-timeskip One Piece is…not all that great. This arc isn’t bad by any means, but it’s certainly one of the show’s weaker outings in a while, lacking the emotional power of the past few arcs. The Straw Hats arrive at Fish-Man Island, and find themselves entangled in the history of discrimination between humans and Fish-Men.
There are some interesting ideas at play here, but these ideas don’t translate into an arc that’s all that exciting. It also clocks in at a whopping 51 episodes, marking the beginning of One Piece‘s longer arcs going forward. With that in mind, 2024 saw the re-release of this arc, re-animated and condensed to be shorter in length – feel free to watch that version instead if you want to get through this arc in a more painless fashion.
Note: Episode 542 is a filler episode, and can be skipped.
Z’s Ambition Arc (Episode 575-578) (Filler)
Welcome to our first filler arc of post-timeskip One Piece! We’re not really off to the best start post-timeskip, are we? This is definitely a skippable arc, unless you plan on watching the One Piece movies, as the entire arc is simply a set-u for One Piece Film: Z.
The creators of the One Piece anime have confirmed that none of this is canon, nor is the movie, so there’s really no need to watch this, unless you’re starved for Straw Hat adventures, and considering how much of the series is left to go, that’s pretty much a non-factor.
Punk Hazard Arc (Episode 579-628)
Image by Toei Animation
The ‘Punk Hazard Arc’ is one of the less talked-about arcs in One Piece, despite how important it is in many ways. We reunite with a lot of characters for the first time since the timeskip in this arc, and we also meet one of the crueller antagonists in the series on this island. One Piece is no stranger to diving into darker themes, but Punk Hazard features some of the darkest of them all, involving scientific experimentation, and a criminal underworld lurking beneath the surface of the sea.
This is a fairly short arc by post-timeskip standards, highlighting just how different the pacing in One Piece is after the timeskip. There’s a lot to enjoy here though, as we kick off a new saga after the Fish-Man Island Saga concluded. There is some filler spliced in here though, so beware!
Note: Episode 590 is a filler episode, and can be skipped. Episodes 626-628 are also filler, and simply extend the ending of this arc unnecessarily. Skip over these also.
Dressrosa Arc (Episode 629-746)
Image by Toei Animation
No, your eyes do not deceive you – this arc is 118 episodes long, and none of it is filler! In some ways, that’s a good thing, as we don’t have to worry about jumping over unnecessary episodes. On the other hand, it may raise some eyebrows about the pacing of this arc, and unfortunately, those worries are completely justified. Dressrosa has infamously bad pacing, featuring endless flashback scenes, dragged out fight scenes, and a lot of unnecessary padding.
The ‘Dressrosa Arc’ has become known as a sort of messy masterpiece for One Piece. The writing is consistently good, with the antagonist of this arc easily being one of the series’ best, and the world of Dressrosa being compelling throughout. However, the story progresses at a painfully slow rate, with many viewers opting to jump over to the manga for this section of the story. Whatever way you choose to approach this arc, prepare yourself for a lengthy journey through this island. Believe it or not, this is not even the longest arc in the show – I’m telling you, post-timeskip One Piece is lengthy!
Silver Mine Arc (Episode 747-750) (Filler)
Ah, what better way to say farewell to the longest and slowest-paced arc in One Piece than some good ol’ filler? As you can imagine, you can skip this arc, especially after just working through the last colossal arc. If you’re curious though, this arc centres on Luffy and Bartolomeo getting kidnapped by a group of pirates, and they must escape from them.
This is another filler arc that ties into a film, this time One Piece Film: Gold. If you plan on watching that movie, check this arc out. Otherwise, leave it in your dust!
Zou Arc (Episode 751-779)
Image by Toei Animation
The ‘Zou Arc’ is one of the more unusual arcs in One Piece, as the Straw Hats arrive on Zou, a civilisation built on the back of a giant elephant that roams the seas. There’s a lot of story developments in this arc, as well as foreshadowing of events to come in One Piece‘s longest arc, so this is a solid arc. It’s also quite a short arc by post-timeskip standards, coming in at only 29 episodes, so we can breeze through this one!
As well as touching reunions, we get launched into an intense conflict between the Mink Tribe and the Beast Pirates, and learn more about the elusive past of one of the most beloved Straw Hat Pirates, Sanji. In some ways, the ‘Zou Arc’ is a transitional one, but still leaves a mark thanks to its iconic imagery.
Marine Rookie Arc (Episode 780-782) (Filler)
Believe it or not, it’s time for our final filler arc in the entire show! This is a pretty early cut-off point for that, so colour me impressed! The premise of this arc is pretty entertaining, as the Straw Hats infiltrate a marine base to steal food after running out in Sanji’s absence.
Still though, this one is worth skipping, as we’re about to launch into some of the longest arcs in the entire show. There’s no time to delay!
Whole Cake Island Arc (Episode 783-877)
Image by Toei Animation
This may be a hot take, but I absolutely adore the ‘Whole Cake Island Arc’, and it stands out as one of my favourites from post-timeskip One Piece. After Sanji departs for the island to fulfil his arranged marriage to Charlotte Pudding, the Straw Hats pursue him, seeking to rescue him from his haunting past, and the terrifying grip of Big Mom, one of the Four Emperors who resides on the island.
This arc is a lengthy one, coming in at 95 episodes, but introduces us to one of my favourite islands in the series, does wonders for Sanji’s character, and sets the stage for future conflicts with enemies on the level of the Four Emperors. This is a wonderful arc, even if the pacing is a little dragged out at points.
Reverie Arc (Episode 878-889)
For the first time in a while, the ‘Reverie Arc’ shifts the focus of the story away from the Straw Hat Pirates, and focuses instead on how their actions have affected the world as a whole. We catch up with the Revolutionary Army in this arc, as well as watching the Reverie take place, a gathering of all of the royalty across the globe.
This is the first arc that really highlights the sense of conspiracy and string-pulling that underscores the story of One Piece. Think of this arc as setting up the story of the world as a whole before we head to Wano Country. Across its 12 episodes, we learn quite a lot about the true nature of the World Government, as well as the lengths they’re willing to go to to preserve their control over the world.
Wano Country Arc (Episode 890-1085)
Image by Toei Animation
Accounting for some filler throughout this arc, the ‘Wano Country Arc’ comes in at nearly 200 episodes in length, making it the longest arc in One Piece by a pretty large margin. This is the arc that I caught up to One Piece during, so I have a soft spot for it, but there’s no denying that the length of this story arc can be daunting, making for a long anime in its own right as a self-contained story, never mind as part of a larger story.
This arc sees the Straw Hats arrive in Wano, ready to take on the Beast Pirates, as well as the alliance between Big Mom and Kaido. This arc is sprawling in nature, as we learn all about the history of Wano itself, its ties to the greater history of the world, and its connection to the events during the ‘Reverie Arc’. This is a behemoth of an arc, but enjoy the ride. There are some incredible moments throughout.
Note: There are some miniature filler segments scattered throughout this arc, so feel free to skip those as follows: Episodes 895-896, 907, and 1029-1030.
Egghead Arc (Episode 1086-1155)
Image by Toei Animation
And now, we’ve reached the end of our journey – well, for now at least until the show returns in a seasonal format. The ‘Egghead Arc’ closes out weekly One Piece, and it does so with a bang. This arc is absolutely incredible, covering some of the best storylines in the show’s history, and bringing together all of the most important elements of the story, as the anime enters its final saga.
The Straw Hat Pirates arrive at Egghead Island, where Dr. Vegapunk lives. With the Straw Hats, Jewelry Bonney, and the marines all in pursuit of Vegapunk, the island becomes the host for an explosive showdown, one that shakes the world in a way we haven’t seen since Marineford. There’s no better time to catch up on this show than now, especially considering the quality of this arc. What an incredible journey it’s been!
Conclusion
That’s it for our One Piece watch guide! If you’ve been following along with this guide throughout your journey, then I hope I was of some assistance in avoiding some of that pesky filler that makes this show even longer! One Piece is far from over, and will return this April in a seasonal format, but the era of weekly One Piece is at its end! What was your favourite arc in the show? Be sure to let us know, and thanks for reading!
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Alex Doyle
I’m Alex! I’m Nerdy Nook’s resident horror, anime, and manga nerd, with a soft spot for all things geeky. When I’m not watching and talking about all of my favourite things, you can catch me over at our Nerdy Nook BlueSky and X pages!
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