One Piece Filler List: A Complete Guide to Skipping Non-Essential Episodes

The One Piece anime has been airing for over two decades, accumulating more than 1,100 episodes as of 2024. With such a massive episode count, it’s no surprise that the series has a significant amount of filler content.

Filler episodes in anime are typically non-canon storylines created to give the manga time to progress, and while they can be fun, they are not necessary to the main plot.

If you’re eager to focus on the core storyline of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, this guide will help you navigate through One Piece’s fillers. We’ve compiled a list of all the filler arcs and episodes that you can skip without missing anything critical to the story.

One Piece Filler List: A Complete Guide to Skipping Non-Essential Episodes

How Much Filler is in One Piece?

Despite its large episode count, One Piece has a relatively low percentage of filler compared to other long-running anime series like Naruto or Bleach. Out of the more than 1,100 episodes, approximately 98 episodes are classified as filler, making up just about 9% of the entire series.

Even though this is a small portion, skipping fillers can save you time and allow you to focus on the key plot developments in the series. Let’s dive into the complete list of filler arcs and episodes in One Piece.

MUST READ: All One Piece Arcs in Order: A Complete Guide to Monkey D. Luffy’s Adventure


One Piece Filler Episodes List

Here’s a list of the filler arcs in One Piece, complete with the episode numbers and whether you should watch or skip them.

Filler Arc Episode Numbers Should You Watch or Skip?
Warship Island Arc 54-61 Skip
Post-Alabasta Arc 131-135 Watch
Goat Island Arc 136-138 Skip
Ruluka Island Arc 139-143 Skip
G-8 Arc 196-206 Must Watch
Ocean’s Dream Arc 220-224 Skip
Foxy’s Return Arc 225-226 Skip
Straw Hat Backstories Arc 279-283 Skip
Straw Hat and Buggy Adventures 291-292, 303 Skip
Ice Hunter Arc 326-335 Watch
Spa Island Arc 382-384 Skip
Boss Luffy Historical Special 406-407 Skip
Little East Blue Arc 426-429 Watch (if watching Film: Strong World)
A Special Retrospective Before Marineford Arc 457-458 Skip
One Piece x Toriko Crossover 492 Watch (if you’re a Toriko fan)
Luffy’s Past 499 Must Watch
Straw Hats Reaction 506 Watch
Z’s Ambition Arc 575-578 Watch (if watching Film: Z)
One Piece x Dragon Ball x Toriko 590 Watch (if you’re a fan of all three anime)
Caesar Retrieval Arc 626-628 Watch
Silver Mine Arc 747-750 Skip
Straw Hats Rescue Operation 775 Skip
Marine Rookie Arc 780-782 Skip
Cidre Guild Arc 895-896 Watch (if watching Film: Stampede)
Uta’s Past Arc 1029-1030 Watch (if watching Film: Red)

Must-Watch Filler Arcs

While most filler episodes can be skipped, there are a few filler arcs in One Piece that are highly recommended due to their entertainment value or connection to movies. Here are the filler arcs worth watching:

1. G-8 Arc (Episodes 196-206)

Widely regarded as the best filler arc in One Piece, the G-8 Arc takes place after the Skypiea Arc. The Straw Hat Pirates accidentally land in a marine base and must find a way to escape without being captured. This arc is praised for its engaging plot, humor, and strong character moments. Even though it’s filler, it feels like it fits into the main story.

2. Ice Hunter Arc (Episodes 326-335)

Also known as the Ice Hunter Arc, this filler takes place after the Enies Lobby Arc. The Straw Hats encounter a group of bounty hunters in the Florian Triangle, and they must fight their way out. While not essential to the plot, it offers some fun battles and showcases the crew’s teamwork.

MUST READ: All One Piece Arcs in Order (A Complete Guide)

3. Luffy’s Past (Episode 499)

This single filler episode is part of the Post-War Arc, and it delves into Luffy’s childhood. It features a heartwarming and nostalgic look at Luffy, Ace, and Sabo, and connects to the larger canon. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves the ASL trio and wants to explore their bond.

4. One Piece x Dragon Ball x Toriko Crossover (Episode 590)

For fans of Dragon Ball, Toriko, and One Piece, this crossover episode is a treat. It features characters from all three series teaming up for a cooking contest, followed by a battle. While it’s not part of the main One Piece story, it’s fun for those who love crossovers.


Why You Might Want to Skip Certain Filler Arcs

Some filler arcs are considered slow, repetitive, or uninteresting compared to the action-packed canon arcs. Here are a few examples of filler arcs that can be skipped without any impact on the main plot:

1. Warship Island Arc (Episodes 54-61)

The Warship Island Arc is the first filler arc in One Piece and takes place before the crew enters the Grand Line. The Straw Hats help a girl named Apis and her dragon return to their homeland. While it’s not a bad arc, it doesn’t contribute much to the overall story, and you can safely skip it.

2. Goat Island Arc (Episodes 136-138)

In this filler arc, the Straw Hats land on Goat Island, where they meet an old man who lives with a herd of goats. The plot revolves around helping the man avoid the Marines. This arc is often seen as slow and lacking in excitement, making it skippable.

3. Ruluka Island Arc (Episodes 139-143)

Following the Goat Island Arc, the Straw Hats arrive at Ruluka Island, where they meet a former pirate-turned-tyrant. The story is somewhat predictable, and the arc doesn’t have the same energy or stakes as the main arcs.


Filler Arcs Tied to One Piece Movies

If you’re planning to watch One Piece movies, some filler arcs are connected to the films and provide additional context. Here are a few filler arcs you should watch before diving into specific One Piece movies:

  • Little East Blue Arc (Episodes 426-429): Watch this arc before watching One Piece Film: Strong World.
  • Z’s Ambition Arc (Episodes 575-578): This arc ties into One Piece Film: Z.
  • Cidre Guild Arc (Episodes 895-896): Watch this arc before watching One Piece Film: Stampede.
  • Uta’s Past Arc (Episodes 1029-1030): This arc is connected to One Piece Film: Red.

Watching these filler arcs can enhance your experience of the corresponding movies, but if you’re not planning to watch the films, you can skip these episodes.


Conclusion: Should You Skip One Piece Filler?

While filler episodes aren’t essential to the One Piece story, they can still offer enjoyable content, character moments, and fun side adventures. Whether you choose to watch or skip filler arcs depends on your personal preferences and how much time you want to invest in the series.

For fans who want to stay focused on the main plot, skipping filler is a great way to keep the pace of your One Piece journey. However, if you’re someone who loves to experience everything the series has to offer, watching the recommended filler arcs like the G-8 Arc and Luffy’s Past can add extra enjoyment to your viewing experience.

No matter how you choose to experience One Piece, this guide will help you decide which filler episodes to watch and skip, allowing you to enjoy the core story of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates without any unnecessary detours. As you journey through the Grand Line and beyond, you can refer back to this guide whenever you’re unsure about whether to watch or skip certain episodes.