Most Cinematic Fights In One Piece

Key Takeaways

One Piece has awe-inspiring fight scenes, including Zoro vs. Mihawk and Luffy vs. Katakuri.
Toei Animation elevates these battles with fluid animation, talented voice actors, and epic music.
The battles in One Piece, like Zoro vs. King and Luffy vs. Kaido, redefined its characters and are surprisingly cinematic.

As someone who has been following One Piece for over two decades, I must say that the battles in this anime have always managed to captivate me with their sheer scale and spectacle. However, there are a few fights that stand out as truly exceptional, and these are the ones that I’d like to highlight today.

Besides being renowned for its captivating sense of adventure and side-splitting humor, One Piece stands out in Eiichiro Oda’s legendary pirate saga due to its breathtaking and extraordinary battle sequences that are among the most impressive within the entire action shōnen genre.

Not only were the battles in the original manga already spectacular, but Toei Animation took them to new heights by enhancing them with smooth animations, exceptional voice acting, and enchanting background music. The anime adaptation of One Piece boasts numerous cinematic brawls, making it difficult to pick favorites, yet here are some of the most impressive ones thus far.

8. Roronoa Zoro vs. Dracule Mihawk

A Beautifully Choreographed Clash Between Two Strong Swordsmen

Arc: Baratie Arc
Episode:Episode of East Blue TV Special

The first confrontation between Roronoa Zoro and Dracule Mihawk is a highly memorable battle from the entire series, and while its initial portrayal was strong, it received a total revamp in the 2017 TV Special titled “Episode of East Blue,” solidifying it as one of the most thrilling showdowns in the franchise.

As a gamer, I must say the animation in this fight scene is vibrant and smooth, with each movement flowing flawlessly. The pace is lightning-fast, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The swordplay choreography is top-notch; every clash feels real, like I can feel the resonance of each strike. And oh boy, Zoro’s defeat hits hard – it’s harsh yet emotional. Watching well-animated fights in anime is always a treat, and this battle truly embodies that essence.

7. Monkey D. Luffy vs. Sir Crocodile (Round 3)

The Satisfying Conclusion To A Long Battle, Set To An Epic Score

Arc: Arabasta Arc
Episodes: 123 to 126

Throughout the Arabasta Arc, Monkey D. Luffy repeatedly clashed with the vile antagonist Sir Crocodile. Each of these encounters was significant, but their ultimate showdown stands out as one of the most iconic moments in this anime’s history. This is largely due to Crocodile being a truly detestable villain who came very close to destroying Arabasta, sparking great anticipation among viewers for Luffy’s victory over him.

In their final confrontation, there were numerous unexpected events, and each combatant displayed remarkable skills. However, it was the finishing move that elevated the experience to an entirely different dimension. The battle between Luffy’s Gomu Gomu no Storm and Crocodile’s Desert la Spada had superb animation for its era, but the addition of Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony as the backdrop music made this scene more captivating and cinematic than most viewers anticipated.

6. Monkey D. Luffy vs. Charlotte Katakuri

A Long & Challenging Fight With A Worthwhile Conclusion

Arc: Whole Cake Island Arc
Episodes: 850 to 871

In a different wording, the animated version of Luffy and Katakuri’s confrontation at the end of the Whole Cake Island Arc is often criticized for being excessively lengthy relative to the manga, yet this doesn’t necessarily equate to it being poor quality. Remarkably, numerous fans still regard it as the finest battle in the entire One Piece anime series, and there are compelling reasons behind this assessment.

After all, Luffy’s rubber abilities and Katakuri’s mochi powers look and feel wonderful when they’re animated, especially Luffy’s brand-new Snake-Man form. So, even if it’s dragged out, at least this battle is brimming with beautifully animated sequences through and through. And if it wasn’t already cinematic enough, the final clash between Luffy’s Gomu Gomu no King Cobra and Katakuri’s Buzz Cut Mochi remains one of the most breathtaking and intense moments in all of One Piece.

5. The Supernovas vs. Kaido & Big Mom

The Long-Awaited Climax Of The Wano Country Arc Defied All Expectations

Arc: Wano Country Arc
Episodes: 1015 to 1031

In the Wano Country Arc, Toei Animation significantly enhanced its animation quality, particularly during the climactic third act, the Attack on Onigashima. This segment is brimming with spectacularly animated battles. Notably, an extraordinary fight broke out as soon as Luffy, Zoro, Trafalgar Law, Eustass Kid, and Killer arrived at the rooftop to confront Kaido and Big Mom head-on.

Luffy initiated an extraordinary sequence with his Gomu Gomu no Red Roc, one of the most dramatic moments in the series, demonstrating right away that even the two Sea Emperors could be harmed by a single destructive strike. Every character delivered, making this battle a compilation of powerful fighters exhibiting their incredible skills and unique abilities against each other: from Zoro’s Ashura’s triumphant reappearance to the combined attack, Hakai, by Kaido and Big Mom; it’s a visually stunning showdown that has the feel of a blockbuster movie rather than a weekly TV program.

4. Sanji vs. Queen

Sanji’s Most Complex Fight Has Detailed Choreography

Arc: Wano Country Arc
Episodes: 1045 to 1061

Sanji’s battles are undoubtedly thrilling yet demanding to animate due to his powerful kicks and elegant fighting technique that always seem awe-inspiring on-screen. However, these battles reached unprecedented heights when he faced off against Queen the Plague during the Raid on Onigashima. This confrontation was particularly draining for the chef because Queen frequently reminded him of his abusive past and urged him to utilize the Raid Suit repeatedly.

In this intense fight, outstanding voice acting and a powerful soundtrack heightened the tension, yet the animation took center stage, being absolutely astonishing. Particularly noteworthy was when Sanji unveiled his new Ifrit Jambe technique – it was truly breathtaking! The entire battle was exceptional, but nothing could compare to the climactic moment of Sanji kicking Queen. It was as satisfying and awe-inspiring as it was revealing of Sanji’s immense power and noble character.

3. Roronoa Zoro vs. King

An Outstanding Spectacle Of Colorful Attacks And Over-The-Top Techniques

Arc: Wano Country Arc
Episodes: 1045 to 1063

In a manner similar to Sanji’s battle against Queen, Zoro’s confrontation with King, Kaido’s second-in-command, was an exceptionally striking fight that significantly reshaped Zoro’s character. This fight contrasts greatly with his duel with Mihawk as it is much more extravagant and cinematic compared to the grounded and realistic nature of their encounter.

In this extraordinary battle, Zoro’s masterful swordplay techniques, augmented by King’s Lunarian abilities and the power of the Pteranodon Devil Fruit, created a spectacle that seemed almost unreal. The fight was a stunning display of fiery fireballs, peculiar maneuvers, and vibrant Haki attacks. Remarkably, the climactic confrontation between Zoro and King became an internet sensation when it debuted, due to its incredible animation quality and detail. Few scenes have since rivaled the visual brilliance that this sequence offered in the entire series’ run.

2. Monkey D. Luffy vs. Kaido

A Fun Love Letter To The Medium Of Animation

Arc: Wano Country Arc
Episodes: 1027 to 1076

The final fight between Luffy and Kaido in the Wano Country Arc was already thrilling and engaging on its own, with numerous masterfully crafted scenes added to the mix. However, everything took a dramatic turn when Luffy activated his Devil Fruit and transformed into his Gear 5 form.

In this animated battle, Toei Animation deliberately exaggerated Luffy’s movements and attacks for a humorous and animated effect, making it entertaining. Yet, even with all the fun, the struggle maintained its high-pressure situation. Consequently, when Luffy unleashed his Gomu Gomu no Bajrang Gun to defeat Kaido, it was not only rewarding but also breathtaking, serving as a fitting end to one of the longest conflicts in One Piece, leaving viewers in awe.

1. Monkey D. Garp vs. Kuzan (Aokiji)

An Emotional Battle That Looked Like Something Straight From A Movie

Arc: Egghead Arc
Episodes: 1115 and 1121

Luckily, Toei Animation didn’t let the quality of fights in One Piece deteriorate after the Wano Country Arc concluded. Even though Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates have been involved in notable skirmishes within Egghead, the battle between Monkey D. Garp and Kuzan on Hachinosu is unquestionably the most spectacular fight of the arc thus far.

Landing his impressive Galaxy Impact on Hachinosu, Garp’s action scene instantly became one of the finest in anime history. However, Toei Animation took this epic fight against Kuzan to new heights with its seamless animation and unexpectedly cinematic flashbacks that intensified the emotional impact of their clash. In the end, the battle between Garp and Kuzan was so awe-inspiring it seemed like it belonged in a big-budget animated film. Let’s hope future battles can match or surpass its brilliance.

2024-12-02 09:05