One Piece Arcs With The Best Action

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One Piece is arguably the most popular anime of the 21st century, and its success is due to a number of factors. The Straw Hat crew is particularly well-loved, and some of the series’ best scenes simply showcase their interactions. Creator Eiichiro Oda has built an incredible world, with each island feeling distinct yet connected. While the action isn’t always considered as strong as in some other action-focused anime, the best story arcs still deliver exciting and visually impressive battles.

As a long-time follower of One Piece, I’ve noticed the best story arcs aren’t just about incredible fights, though those fights are definitely a huge part of what makes them great. So, I started thinking about the last twenty-plus years of Luffy’s journey and which arcs really deliver when it comes to non-stop, exciting action. Which saga, in my opinion, truly has the most thrilling battles?

8. Fish-Man Island Arc

The Straw Hat Pirates Got To Show Off Their New Skills After The Time Skip

  • Duration: Chapters 603 to 653 (Manga), Episodes 523 to 574 (Anime)

The Fish-Man Island Arc is often a point of debate among One Piece fans, but it definitely delivered exciting action. It’s the first big story arc following the two-year time skip, giving the Straw Hat crew a chance to demonstrate their improved strength after intense training.

Nearly every member of the Straw Hat crew gets a one-on-one battle against a Fish-Man Pirate, and these fights are all incredibly dynamic, well-executed, and imaginative. Some highlights include Luffy’s fight with Hody Jones, Zoro’s with Hyouzou, and Franky’s with Ikaros Much. While the original anime version of the Fish-Man Island arc had issues with animation quality and slow pacing, Toei Animation has since remastered it, significantly improving the look and feel of each fight.

7. Arabasta Arc

An All-Out War For The Fate Of An Entire Country

  • Duration: Chapters 155 to 217 (Manga), Episodes 92 to 130 (Anime)

The Arabasta Arc was a turning point for One Piece. Unlike previous adventures, the Straw Hat Pirates didn’t just battle other pirates or the Marines; they faced a massive, well-organized criminal organization called Baroque Works. The entire kingdom of Arabasta’s future rested on their shoulders, making every battle and every decision incredibly impactful and thrilling.

The members of Baroque Works, while threatening, were also surprisingly comical, and their strange abilities constantly challenged the Straw Hat crew. This ultimately forced the crew to improve their fighting skills, which was a positive outcome. The Arabasta Arc is also known for some of the most memorable battles in One Piece, including Sanji’s fight with Bon Clay, Zoro’s battle against Daz Bones, and the three clashes between Luffy and Sir Crocodile.

6. Dressrosa Arc

Another Intense Political Conflict, But With Even More Players Involved

  • Duration: Chapters 700 to 801 (Manga), Episodes 629 to 746 (Anime)

The Dressrosa Arc shares similarities with the Arabasta Arc, as both involve the Straw Hats defeating a corrupt organization that has taken control of a nation. However, occurring after the time skip, the stakes are much greater in Dressrosa, and a wider range of characters are involved – including Trafalgar Law, the Revolutionary Army, Admiral Fujitora, and all the fighters from the Corrida Colosseum. This ultimately made it one of the most impressive, expansive, and enjoyable arcs in One Piece.

The Dressrosa Arc is a standout in the series, and it really shines in two parts. The first half, centered around the Corrida Colosseum, does a great job introducing a ton of interesting characters with unique powers, like Cavendish, Bartolomeo, and Don Chinjao. However, it’s the second half – a full-scale war against the Donquixote Family – that truly makes this arc so exciting. While many of the fights are fantastic, like Zoro versus Pica and Franky versus Senor Pink, the peak of the arc is the incredible battle between Luffy and Doflamingo, where Luffy unveils his powerful new Gear 4 transformation.

5. Whole Cake Island Arc

Elevated By One Of The Best Fights In The Series

  • Duration: Chapters 825 to 902 (Manga), Episodes 783 to 877 (Anime)

The Whole Cake Island Arc isn’t as action-packed as some other story arcs, as it has a lot of different plot threads to follow. However, it still delivers some of the most exciting and unforgettable fights in the series. This is largely due to the focus on Big Mom and her incredibly unique Charlotte Family, who all have strange and creative powers based on food.

As a huge One Piece fan, I always thought the fight between Luffy and Cracker was great – it really showed he needed to push himself to have any chance against one of the Emperors’ crews. But honestly, the real highlight of the Whole Cake Island arc, and what everyone talks about, is the battle with Katakuri! It’s often called one of the best fights in the whole series, and for good reason. The way their personalities clashed, their different views on strength, and even how similar their powers were… plus the amazing transformations and fight choreography! It all came together to create this epic, unforgettable action sequence that fans are still discussing and rewatching today.

4. Egghead Arc

Introduced Some Of The Most Powerful Antagonists In The Series

  • Duration: Chapters 1058 to 1125 (Manga), Episodes 1086 to 1155 (Anime)

The Egghead Arc is the latest finished story arc in One Piece, and it’s quickly become a fan favorite thanks to its compelling story and thrilling action. A big reason for this is the introduction of incredibly strong and intimidating villains. The early battles against characters like Rob Lucci and Borsalino were particularly exciting and rewarding, as Luffy was able to go toe-to-toe with two opponents who had previously defeated him.

The arrival of the Five Elders at Egghead dramatically changed everything, forcing Luffy and his allies to fight for their survival. Although the Egghead Arc isn’t fully animated yet, the fights we’ve seen so far have been stunning, with some of the best animation the series has ever produced – battles like Blackbeard versus Law, Luffy versus Lucci, and the Straw Hats and CP0 against the Seraphim were particularly impressive. This suggests the remaining battles in the arc will be visually spectacular when they are adapted into the anime.

3. Marineford Arc

A World-Changing War That Featured All The Important Characters In The Story

  • Duration: Chapters 550 to 580 (Manga), Episodes 457 to 489 (Anime)

The Marineford Arc is arguably the most crucial storyline in One Piece. After years of careful development, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines clashed in an epic battle over the fate of Portgas D. Ace. Monkey D. Luffy found himself caught in the middle, determined to save his brother. Because of its importance to the story, nearly every significant character introduced up to that point appeared in the arc, including the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Three Admirals, Whitebeard’s entire crew, and even the Blackbeard Pirates.

This story arc is packed with thrilling action, featuring a full-scale war between powerful characters showcasing incredible abilities. It’s a non-stop experience, perfect for fans of high-quality animation. What truly makes the fights impactful, though, is the intense emotional weight of the story. Moments like Akainu killing Ace and enraging Whitebeard created some of the most dramatic and rewarding confrontations in the series.

2. Enies Lobby Arc

Every Straw Hat Pirate Got Their Own Battle Where They Unlocked A Brand-New Power-Up

  • Duration: Chapters 375 to 430 (Manga), Episodes 264 to 312 (Anime)

Many fans consider the Enies Lobby Arc to be one of the greatest in One Piece, often saying it’s when they became truly hooked on the series. While its powerful story and memorable scenes are major factors, the arc’s amazing action sequences shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s rare in One Piece for every member of the Straw Hat crew to have a significant, challenging battle, and Enies Lobby delivers exactly that.

I have to say, the CP9 agents were really compelling villains – scary, but with a strange charisma. They were perfect opponents for the Straw Hats, really making them shine. Their fights were incredible to watch, especially because we finally got to see the Straw Hats unleash some of their strongest moves. I remember being blown away when Chopper went into Monster Point against Kumadori, and Sanji first used Diable Jambe against Jabra. Zoro’s fight with Kaku, where he used Ashura, was epic, and of course, Luffy’s Gear Second and Third against Blueno and Rob Lucci were game-changers. Even Franky got a chance to prove himself in a funny fight with Fukuro, showing everyone why he deserved to join the crew.

1. Wano Country Arc

Features A Lot Of Fights That Were Elevated By Their Incredible Animation

  • Duration: Chapters 909 to 1057 (Manga), Episodes 890 to 1085 (Anime)

The Wano Country Arc is known for being incredibly long, standing out as one of the most extensive arcs not just in One Piece, but across the entire anime and manga world. However, its length felt worthwhile thanks to a compelling story, a stunning setting, characters you won’t forget, and a series of thrilling battles. These fights were particularly impressive, showcasing some of the most detailed and smoothly animated action Toei Animation has ever produced. Many One Piece fans believe the anime reached a new level of quality during this arc.

The Wano Country Arc has been incredibly exciting so far, with fantastic fights like Luffy vs. Kaido and Zoro vs. Kamazo. The biggest part of the arc is the Raid on Onigashima – a huge, action-filled battle involving all the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies, including Kid, Law, and the Nine Red Scabbards, against the Beasts Pirates. This arc features some of the best fights in One Piece, such as Franky vs. Sasaki, Jinbe vs. Who’s-Who, Robin vs. Black Maria, Law and Kid vs. Big Mom, Zoro vs. King, and Sanji vs. Queen. The fight between Luffy and Kaido on the rooftop of Onigashima was especially legendary, as it’s where Luffy revealed his Gear 5 form. If you enjoy well-animated and satisfying action scenes, the Wano Country Arc is definitely worth checking out.

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2025-12-24 18:07