The Best One Piece Episodes According to MyAnimeList

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This list contains spoilers up to the One Piece Egghead arc

It’s amazing to think about how One Piece, a series that keeps improving as it progresses, has now surpassed the 1000-episode mark. For those who have been with Luffy and his crew from day one, it’s safe to say they’ve embarked on quite a journey. Although the One Piece anime is widely recognized as an excellent adaptation of the original manga, over the past two decades, there have indeed been some episodes that fans remember most fondly. There are several reasons why these episodes might stand out.

The unique storyline and character interactions can make an episode stand out, but the animation, music, and voice acting also play significant roles in creating memorable and impactful moments within a story for fans. A reliable platform to gauge fan reactions towards specific episodes is MyAnimeList, and based on average ratings, these episodes are particularly cherished by those who took the time to express their opinions on this widely-used anime website.

Episode 236: Luffy VS Usopp

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.8

Upon reaching Water Seven, the Straw Hats crew soon discover that their vessel, the Going Merry, is no longer seaworthy due to its severe wear and tear accumulated throughout their voyage. Although most members concurred that a replacement ship was necessary, Usopp, who had been instrumental in constructing the ship and formed a strong bond with it, vehemently objected to the idea of discarding it. This disagreement led to one of the most passionate and heartfelt conflicts seen in the world of One Piece.

Luffy, now taking on the role of a captain, accepts Usopp’s challenge for a duel in an attempt to correct his ways. Despite Usopp’s valiant effort, employing various weapons and inventions to match Luffy, he ultimately couldn’t defeat the strong Straw Hat captain. This episode, which showcases only the camaraderie among the Straw Hats, left many viewers reaching for tissues as it seemed like Usopp was preparing to depart permanently.

Episode 272: Luffy Is In Sight

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.8

In the Enies Lobby storyline, there are numerous thrilling battle sequences, yet one fight that truly shines is when Luffy engages in an awe-inspiring duel with Blueno. Prior to this encounter, despite undergoing rigorous physical training, Luffy hadn’t experienced the typical anime power surge that amplifies his strength and speed. However, in this specific episode, Luffy unveiled Gear 2, and it would be an understatement to call this moment anything less than extraordinary.

Following a powerful thrust into the earth, Luffy’s flesh takes on a fiery hue as steam billows from every part of his body, charging him up. This enables him to outsmart Blueno effortlessly due to his immense strength. Simultaneously, the Straw Hat crew are frantically dashing towards the courtroom in an attempt to rescue Robin from CP-0’s grasp. This thrilling segment of the narrative maintains its high pace throughout, never once letting up for a moment.

Episode 405: The Final Day Of The Straw Hat Crew

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.8

As the Straw Hat pirates arrived at Sabaody, they felt they had amassed enough strength to tackle any adversary that crossed their path. However, unbeknownst to them, they were about to face an opponent who would prove far too formidable for any of them. Upon Kuma, a Warlord of the Sea at the time, unexpectedly appearing to challenge them on the island, he utilized his Paw Paw Fruit power to whisk each Straw Hat member away to distinct locations almost instantly.

The power of the episode lies in how Luffy’s teammates are gradually knocked out one by one. Characters like Sanji and Zoro valiantly tried to confront Kuma to halt his progression, while others such as Nami and Robin struggled to reach Luffy for assistance before their final moments. Witnessing Luffy lose emotional control in this episode leaves a lasting impression even after the show ends. Although the preceding events had been relatively straightforward, this episode marked a turning point in the storyline that forever altered its direction.

Episode 312: Thank You Merry

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.9

As an ardent enthusiast of One Piece, I can’t forget the moment when Luffy and the crew were compelled to part ways with our cherished vessel, the Going Merry. Given that they had journeyed together on this ship since the very inception of their tale, it’s no wonder they found it so difficult to bid adieu to their worn and weary companion. Despite Usopp’s valiant efforts to extend the farewell, they ultimately realized it was time to say goodbye, but not before offering a moving send-off.

In this episode, the most poignant scene is where the Straw Hats gaze upon their burning ship, the Merry, amidst the ocean. This moment stirs memories and moments shared throughout their journey so far. The atmosphere is tinged with a strong sense of nostalgia, intensifying when the crew bids farewell to the Merry for the last time. This scene ranks among the most emotionally charged in the entire series.

Episode 982: Kaido’s Trump Card

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.9

The episode remarkably manages to cram an impressive amount of manga content from Toei into a single installment, without creating a sense of haste or confusion for viewers. This particular episode not only marks the entrance of the Pirate-Mink-Samurai alliance into Onigashima, a development that’s been anticipated since the initiation of this storyline, but also unveils Queen, an eccentric commander from the Yonko faction, who is seen performing an extravagant dance routine on her stage.

Beyond just this, episode 982 also unveiled the Tobiroppo – a group of ruthless pirates loyal to Kaido, eager to curry favor with their new leader. Add to that some top-notch animation, and this episode truly ignited excitement among fans for the climax of the Wano saga.

Episode 968: The Pirate King Is Born

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.9

Initially, when Oden’s flashback starts during the Wano arc, many viewers assumed it would solely detail how he was slain by Kaido. However, as the flashback unfolded, it expanded to delve into the samurai’s numerous voyages across the expansive oceans. This particular episode zeroes in on Oden’s final days with the Roger crew, depicting them arriving at Zou, where they catch sight of the last Road Poneglyph.

The infamous pirate gang was on the brink of discovering the legendary One Piece treasure, and this led to an episode that was electric with excitement, until finally, Captain Roger and his jubilant crew arrived at Laugh Tale island. Although the treasure itself wasn’t visible in the scene, Roger and his crew were seen laughing uncontrollably, indicating their triumph in finding it. The episode exuded joy, mystery, and stunning animation, with a moving soundtrack that accentuated the emotional significance of the pivotal moments.

Episode 1136: Kuma’s Life

MyAnimeList Average Rating: 4.9

In the manga, Kuma’s heartrending flashback is already powerful, but the anime amplifies the emotions with poignant voice performances from Bonnie and Kuma, coupled with a moving soundtrack that underscores their scenes together. This particular episode zeroes in on the climax of the flashback where Kuma decides to sacrifice his own freedom to cure Bonnie’s illness. The animation team really outdid themselves in highlighting this intensely emotional scene, particularly the part where Kuma dashes across a field and memories of his loved ones appear behind him.

Conversely, this episode serves not only as an insightful exploration of Bonnie’s character, particularly her journey to prominence upon joining the pirate crew, but also magnifies the Straw Hats, given their historical connections with Kuma. With numerous heart-wrenching moments in the One Piece series, this particular episode might prove exceptionally challenging to watch without shedding tears throughout its duration. This is why it has left such a deep impression on countless viewers.

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2025-08-11 19:36