One Piece has been a defining anime in the world of shonen, thanks to its masterful storytelling, rich characters, and incredible world-building. Over the years, the anime has delivered countless arcs, each contributing to the overarching journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates.
But which arcs stand out the most? In this guide, we’ll rank the 15 best One Piece arcs of all time, from early classics to the latest epic battles.
So, get ready to relive some of the most memorable moments as we dive into the top arcs in One Piece history!
- 1. Marineford War Arc
- 2. Wano Country Arc (All Acts)
- 3. Egghead Arc
- 4. Enies Lobby Arc
- 5. Whole Cake Island Arc
- 6. Arlong Park Arc
- 7. Sabaody Archipelago Arc
- 8. Dressrosa Arc
- 9. Water 7 Arc
- 10. Zou Arc
- 11. Arabasta Arc
- 12. Impel Down Arc
- 13. Skypiea Arc
- 14. Levely/Reverie Arc
- 15. Return to Sabaody Arc
- Conclusion: The Greatest Arcs in One Piece
- People May Ask
- What is the most famous arc in One Piece?
- What is the longest arc in One Piece?
- What are the top 3 arcs in One Piece?
1. Marineford War Arc
- Saga: Summit War Saga
- Episodes: 457-489
- Manga Chapters: 550-580
The Marineford War arc is widely regarded as the pinnacle of One Piece. It culminates the first half of the series, bringing together iconic characters, intense battles, and one of the most emotional moments in anime history: the fate of Portgas D. Ace. Luffy’s desperate mission to save his brother Ace from execution leads to a massive clash between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines.
From Whitebeard’s final stand to Shanks stepping in to end the war, this arc is packed with unforgettable moments. Marineford is not only the best arc in One Piece, but it’s also considered one of the greatest arcs in anime history.
2. Wano Country Arc (All Acts)
- Saga: Wano Country Saga
- Episodes: 890-ongoing
- Manga Chapters: 909-1057
The Wano Country arc is the longest saga in One Piece, and for good reason. Set in an ancient Japan-inspired land, Wano brings together the Straw Hats, samurai, and a raid against the fearsome Kaido. It’s here that we witness some of the most intense battles in the series, including Luffy’s Gear 5, the rise of the Nine Red Scabbards, and Oden’s legendary past.
Wano delivers on every front, combining epic action with deep emotional backstories. As the final act of this arc continues to unfold, many believe it could surpass Marineford as the best One Piece arc.
3. Egghead Arc
- Saga: Final Saga
- Episodes: 1079-ongoing
- Manga Chapters: 1058-ongoing
The Egghead Arc has made waves in the manga, revealing major secrets about the Void Century and delivering some of the most intense battles in One Piece. With confrontations like Shanks vs. Kid and Garp vs. Blackbeard Pirates, this arc has quickly climbed to the top of the rankings.
As the arc continues, more revelations about the Nefertari Family and hidden mysteries are keeping fans on the edge of their seats. With the anime adaptation catching up, the Egghead Arc could become another iconic chapter in One Piece history.
4. Enies Lobby Arc
- Saga: Water 7 Saga
- Episodes: 264-290, 293-302, 304-312
- Manga Chapters: 375-430
Enies Lobby remains one of the most beloved arcs in One Piece. The Straw Hats declare war against the World Government to rescue Nico Robin, leading to one of the most emotional moments in the series. The iconic scene where Sogeking burns the government’s flag is etched in the minds of fans.
The arc also features one of the best battles in One Piece: Luffy vs. Rob Lucci, showcasing Luffy’s incredible resolve. With powerful themes of loyalty, freedom, and sacrifice, Enies Lobby has left a lasting impact on fans.
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5. Whole Cake Island Arc
- Saga: Whole Cake Island Saga
- Episodes: 783-877
- Manga Chapters: 825-902
The Whole Cake Island arc is centered around Luffy’s mission to rescue Sanji from a political marriage orchestrated by Big Mom, one of the Four Emperors. This arc is filled with emotional stakes, particularly as it delves into Sanji’s tragic backstory.
From Luffy vs. Katakuri, one of the most intense duels in the series, to the crew’s daring escape from Big Mom’s territory, Whole Cake Island is packed with thrills. It also gave us one of the best performances from Brook, earning him the title of MVP in this arc.
6. Arlong Park Arc
- Saga: East Blue Saga
- Episodes: 31-44
- Manga Chapters: 69-95
The Arlong Park arc is a fan-favorite and often the turning point where many viewers become lifelong One Piece fans. It reveals Nami’s heartbreaking backstory and shows the depths of her suffering under Arlong’s rule.
The iconic scene of Luffy placing his hat on Nami’s head and leading the crew to take down Arlong is one of the most powerful moments in the series. The Arlong Park Walk is legendary and solidified the Straw Hats as a true pirate family.
7. Sabaody Archipelago Arc
- Saga: Summit War Saga
- Episodes: 385-405
- Manga Chapters: 490-513
The Sabaody Archipelago arc is short, but it packs a punch. From Luffy’s unforgettable punch to a Celestial Dragon to the introduction of the Pacifista, this arc sets up the Straw Hats’ realization that they need to grow stronger.
The arc also introduces Silvers Rayleigh, Roger’s right-hand man, and leads to the crew’s separation, a major turning point in the series. Sabaody is a perfect blend of emotional weight and action, making it one of the most impactful arcs in One Piece.
8. Dressrosa Arc
- Saga: Dressrosa Saga
- Episodes: 629-746
- Manga Chapters: 700-801
The Dressrosa arc is one of the longest in One Piece and pits Luffy against Donquixote Doflamingo, a ruthless tyrant. While the pacing was slow at times, the payoff was worth it, with battles that showcased the Straw Hats’ growth, particularly God Usopp’s rise to fame.
The arc also reintroduced Sabo, Luffy’s brother, making for an emotional reunion. Luffy vs. Doflamingo is one of the most intense battles in the series, solidifying Dressrosa as a fan-favorite arc.
9. Water 7 Arc
- Saga: Water 7 Saga
- Episodes: 229-263
- Manga Chapters: 322-374
Water 7 is a masterfully paced arc that sets up the events of Enies Lobby. It introduces key characters like Franky and the CP9, and features one of the most heartbreaking moments in the series: the Luffy vs. Usopp fight over the fate of the Going Merry.
The betrayal, mystery, and tension in this arc make it one of the most well-crafted storylines in One Piece.
10. Zou Arc
- Saga: Whole Cake Island Saga
- Episodes: 751-779
- Manga Chapters: 802-824
Though the Zou arc is short, it plays a crucial role in setting up the Wano Country arc. The story takes place on top of a giant elephant and introduces the loyal Mink Tribe. The arc is filled with twists and reveals, particularly regarding the Road Poneglyphs and Oden’s connection to the main plot.
Zou may be brief, but it’s packed with important developments and emotional moments.
11. Arabasta Arc
- Saga: Arabasta Saga
- Episodes: 92-130
- Manga Chapters: 155-217
The Arabasta arc is the first major arc in One Piece, featuring an all-out war to save the kingdom from Crocodile. The arc introduces Ace and showcases each Straw Hat taking on formidable foes.
Luffy’s defeat of Crocodile marked his first significant victory against a Warlord, and the heartfelt farewell to Princess Vivi at the end of the arc remains one of the most emotional goodbyes in the series. The Arabasta Arc not only expanded the world of One Piece but also deepened the bond between the Straw Hat Pirates.
12. Impel Down Arc
- Saga: Summit War Saga
- Episodes: 422-425, 430-452
- Manga Chapters: 525-549
The Impel Down arc takes a unique turn in the story, as Luffy ventures into the infamous prison to rescue Ace. Along the way, Luffy teams up with a surprising array of allies, including Buggy, Mr. 3, and Bon Clay.
What makes this arc stand out is the thrilling escape sequence and the way it balances comedy with high-stakes tension. It also reintroduces Blackbeard, who plays a pivotal role in the events that follow. This arc set the stage for the Marineford War, making it an essential part of the One Piece saga.
13. Skypiea Arc
- Saga: Sky Island Saga
- Episodes: 153-195
- Manga Chapters: 237-302
The Skypiea Arc is a polarizing one among fans, with some considering it a masterpiece and others finding it too drawn out in the anime. However, the arc is filled with important world-building elements and deep lore, particularly regarding the ancient Shandians and the legendary City of Gold.
The arc’s main antagonist, Enel, presents a god-like threat, and Luffy’s victory over him showcases the true power of the Gomu Gomu no Mi. The Skypiea Arc also hints at the Void Century, laying the groundwork for future revelations in One Piece.
14. Levely/Reverie Arc
- Saga: Whole Cake Island Saga
- Episodes: 878-889
- Manga Chapters: 903-908
The Levely (Reverie) Arc may be short, but it’s packed with critical information that shakes the foundation of the One Piece world. The arc brings together royalty from various nations, including Vivi, Shirahoshi, and Rebecca, as they gather at Mariejois for the Levely conference.
What makes this arc so compelling is the introduction of Imu, the mysterious ruler of the world, and the secrets surrounding the giant Straw Hat. This arc raises countless questions and is filled with intrigue, setting the stage for future conflicts involving the World Government and the Revolutionary Army.
15. Return to Sabaody Arc
- Saga: Fish-Man Island Saga
- Episodes: 517-522
- Manga Chapters: 598-602
The Return to Sabaody arc marks the beginning of the New World journey for the Straw Hat Pirates. After a two-year time skip, the crew reunites, and we see just how much they have grown in terms of strength and abilities.
This arc features the hilarious encounter with the fake Straw Hats, but it also showcases the crew’s newfound confidence as they quickly dispatch enemies who once gave them trouble. The Straw Hats’ reunion is heartwarming, and this arc serves as a perfect reintroduction to the characters before they head into the New World.
Conclusion: The Greatest Arcs in One Piece
With over 1,000 episodes and 32 story arcs, One Piece has delivered some of the most thrilling and emotional moments in anime history. From the high-stakes battles of Marineford to the emotional depths of Enies Lobby, each arc brings something unique to the table. As the story continues, we can only expect more incredible arcs to unfold.
Whether you’re a fan of the action-packed Wano Country arc, the heartfelt Arlong Park, or the mystery-filled Reverie, there’s no shortage of amazing storylines in One Piece. With the Final Saga underway, we can look forward to even more exciting developments and unforgettable arcs in the coming years.
So, what’s your favorite One Piece arc? Let us know in the comments below!
People May Ask
What is the most famous arc in One Piece?
The Marineford War Arc is considered the most famous arc in One Piece, often hailed as one of the greatest anime arcs of all time.
What is the longest arc in One Piece?
The Wano Country Arc is currently the longest arc in One Piece, surpassing the Dressrosa Arc with over 140 episodes and 148 chapters.
What are the top 3 arcs in One Piece?
Based on fan preference and impact, the top 3 arcs are generally considered to be the Marineford War Arc, the Wano Country Arc, and the Enies Lobby Arc.
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