The world’s most popular anime right now – One Piece, by creator Eiichiro Oda, reached an epic milestone with its 1000th episode (!) (Overwhelming Strength! The Straw Hat Pirates Gather). In honor of the adventure anime’s achievement, we present the best One Piece episodes. We picked the highest-rated episodes, with an average score of 9.0 and above, from IMDB.
Please scroll down and vote for your favorite episode of all time. Let us know which One Piece episode in your opinion is pure perfection in the storyboard, direction, animation, and just everything.
Best One Piece Episodes *Spoilers Alert: You’ve Been Warned!*
One Piece Best Episodes (2008)
Episode 377, Rank 9.4: My Crewmate’s Pain is My Pain, Zoro Fights Prepared to Die
Zoro tries to fight for Luffy since he lies helplessly on the ground. Through Zoro’s efforts, Kuma offers a deal to him. He tells him that he can take all of Luffy’s pain away, but has to implant it in Zoro. Zoro agrees to this deal when Kuma says he could die from all of this pain. Kuma takes all of Luffy’s pain away from him, gives a small portion to Zoro, then Zoro jumps into Luffy’s pain (bubble).
One Piece Best Episodes (2009)
Episode 405, Rank 9.3: Disappearing Crew – The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew
Sentomaru reveals that Kuma has the ability to make people fly through the sky to faraway places. Kuma uses his ability to make the other Pacifista and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates disappear, while Luffy struggles desperately to protect them and Rayleigh is occupied dealing with Kizaru. Kuma tells Rayleigh something that he is reluctant to believe, before teleporting a despairing Luffy away, completely defeating the Straw Hats.
See also: One Piece Film Red: What Do We Know So Far?One Piece Best Episodes (2010)
Episode 481, Rank 9.3: Ace Freed! Whitebeard’s Final Captain’s Order.
Ace is freed at last as he and Luffy fight their way back to escape from Marineford. Everyone is glad for it, as Squard and his crew break into the plaza with the paddle ship to give a chance for everyone to escape, but is stopped by Whitebeard, claiming it would be a shame for a son to die in front of his father. Whitebeard stands and orders his sons to escape, saying the New Era does not need a person like him.
One Piece Best Episodes (2011)
Episode 482, Rank 9.3: The Power that Burns Even Fire – Akainu’s Ruthless Pursuit
Whitebeard aims to take down the whole of Marineford and orders his crew and the other pirates to flee. Ace gives his final, grateful farewell to his captain before trying to escape as well. However, Akainu tauntingly mocks Whitebeard, and Ace, feeling angry and insulted on Whitebeard’s behalf, tries to take him on. But it is quickly apparent that Ace is outmatched, and when Akainu aims to land a fatal blow on the now exhausted Luffy, Ace takes the hit for his younger brother instead.
Episode 483, Rank 9.5: Looking for the Answer – Fire Fist Ace Dies on the Battlefield
Ace is punched by a magma fist through the back by Admiral Akainu and falls into Luffy’s arms. He then thinks about his past and remembers his goal in life: to find out whether or not he deserved to be born. Akainu proceeds to attack Luffy, but Jinbe stops his advance. Marco and Vista then rush to the aid of Luffy and strike Akainu with Haki-imbued attacks, but realize they are ineffective against the admiral. As everyone else stares in shock at Ace’s wounds, they deduce that his organs were burned beyond help, and tell Luffy that Ace will not make it. Just as Ace dies, he thanks Luffy for everything and everyone for loving him. Luffy is then seen crying about the loss of his brother.
Episode 485, Rank 9.4: Settling the Score – Whitebeard vs. The Blackbeard Pirates
Blackbeard and his pirates arrive in Marineford, and they are taken down from the execution platform by Whitebeard. In order to avenge his two sons (Ace and Thatch), Whitebeard fights One Piece strongest character, Blackbeard. Even with Blackbeard’s powers to cancel Devil Fruit abilities, Whitebeard deals a critical blow with his bisento, then proceeds to pin Blackbeard down, grab him by the throat, and use his devil fruit to crush him and throw him back.
One Piece Best Episodes (2015)
Episode 706, Rank 9.3: Advance, Law! The Kindhearted Man’s Final Fight!
After recalling how he killed his father and met his executives as a child, Doflamingo confronts his brother, Corazon, over the latter’s betrayal of his crew. After learning that Law has eaten the Op-Op Fruit and being tricked into believing that he has already left the island, Doflamingo kills his brother and unknowingly has his crew transport a grieving Law to safety.
One Piece Best Episodes (2017)
Episode 808, Rank 9.3: Luffy vs. Sanji – Part 2
Luffy refuses to back down from the hostile Sanji, causing Sanji to confront him and attack him with Diable Jambe. Despite Sanji’s vicious attacks, Luffy refuses to fight back or retreat, and Nami pleads Sanji to stop to no avail. Finally, Sanji knocks Luffy out with a spinning midair kick, and returns to his family. Luffy yells out to Sanji as he leaves, saying that he will stay at this spot and not eat until Sanji returns, as he cannot become the Pirate King without Sanji. This causes Sanji to break down in tears as he is taken to Big Mom.
One Piece Best Episodes (2018)
Episode 850, Rank 9.3: A Ray of Light
Thanks to Pedro’s explosion, Chopper, Brook, and the Thousand Sunny are freed from the candy entrapment. Carrot furiously attacks Katakuri only to be overpowered. Luffy clashes with the Sweet Commander and manages to grab him.
One Piece Best Episodes (2019)
Episode 870, Rank 9.3: Another Gear Fourth Application Activated!
With 1:00 AM drawing closer, Sanji and Pudding reminisce about their experiences together as Sanji prepares to depart. The Straw Hats get close to Cacao Island, while the Fire Tank Pirates and the wedding cake approach Funwari Island with Big Mom on their tail. In the Mirro-World, Luffy emerges victorious from his battle with Katakuri. He finds that Brûlée has escaped, but Pekoms then shows up with a recaptured Brûlée, wanting to help Luffy escape to honor Pedro’s memory.
Episode 877, Rank 9.3: The Parting Time – Pudding’s Last Wish
Sanji finds out about Pedro’s death as the Straw Hats successfully sail out of Totto Land, and as she overhears the news on Cacao Island, Pudding weeps while recalling her memories with Sanji.
Episode 892, Rank 9.3: The Land of Samurai where Cherry Blossoms Flutter
Zoro, Usopp, Franky, and Robin are incognito inside Wano Country. Zoro poses as a ronin, Usopp works as a merchant, Franky works as a carpenter, and Robin trains as a geisha. One night, Zoro is arrested for street murders. On the next day, he is sentenced to commit seppuku. Deducing that the magistrate is the culprit, Zoro attacks him and his men.
Episode 914, Rank 9.3: Luffy vs. Kaidou
Right after the destruction of Oden Castle, Luffy enters a furious battle with Kaidou.
Episode 915, Rank 9.3: Destructive! One Shot, One Kill – Raimei Hakke!
Luffy continues his furious battle with Kaidou. Despite his best efforts, the battle ends in Luffy’s defeat from just one blow.
One Piece Best Episodes (2021)
Episode 957, Rank 9.4: Big News! An Incident That Will Affect the Seven Warlords
After the Levely concluded, big news concerning Sabo spread throughout the world. Those who knew Sabo become distressed after reading the news about him.
Episode 958, Rank 9.4: “A Legendary Battle! Garp and Roger
At the new Marine Headquarters, the Marine officers hold a meeting. Sengoku explains the Rocks Pirates and the history concerning this crew.
Episode 962, Rank: 9.4: Changing Destiny – The Whitebeard Pirates Cast Ashore!
Oden transformed the wildland of Kuri into a habitable region and is made Daimyo over it.
Episode 963, Rank: 9.4: Oden’s Determination! Whitebeard’s Trials!
Once their ship is repaired, the Whitebeard Pirates leave at night to avoid Oden’s advances but he catches up anyway, attaching a chain to the ship and riding with Izo through the ocean. Marco saves Izo and brings him onto Moby Dick where he is tied up.
Episode 964, Rank: 9.4: Whitebeard’s Little Brother! Oden’s Great Adventure!
Toki tends to Oden after he rescued her from the kidnappers. On the next day, they are confronted by the kidnappers and their leader, Karma. Whitebeard intervenes and knocks out Karma. Whitebeard accepts Oden into his crew because of his selflessness.
Episode 965, Rank: 9.5: Crossing Swords! Roger and Whitebeard!
Orochi plots to take the shogunate with Higurashi’s assistance. As Oden continues his journey with the Whitebeard Pirates, he finally encounters the Roger Pirates. A clash between Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger ensues.
Episode 966, Rank: 9.4: Roger’s Wish! A New Journey!
After an intense and lasting battle between the most fomented pirate gangs in the world, Roger discovers Oden’s skill, spent years in the Kouzuki clan, and decides to make an unpredictable invitation.
Episode 967, Rank: 9.4: Devoting His Life! Roger’s Adventure
Roger pirates sail around the Grandline and meet some old friends.
Episode 968, Rank: 9.6: The Pirate King is Born – Arriving at the Last Island!
The Pirate King is Born – Arriving at the Last Island!” is the 968th episode of the One Piece anime. The anime adds the following: The moment Toki fainted due to her sudden illness. Orochi talks with Higurashi about the arrival of Oden and his family in the Wano Country. Whitebeard grinned upon seeing the news declaring Roger the Pirate King.
Episode 972, Rank: 9.4: The End of the Battle! Oden vs. Kaidou!
The climactic battle between Oden’s small band and Kaido’s forces commences.
Episode 973, Rank: 9.4: Sentenced to Boil! Oden’s Deadly Hour!
Having been defeated by Kaidou, Oden is captured and sentenced to be executed in the middle of the Flower Capital. Orochi and Kaidou decide to boil him and his subordinates in hot oil, Oden proposes a challenge if one of them survives in the hot oil for one hour, the rest of them should be set free. Kaidou agrees to the challenge, and Oden rushes into the boiling vessel of oil. He holds a plank up for the Nine Red Scabbards to sit on. The crowd watching the execution criticizes Oden, but Shinobu reveals that Oden danced naked in the streets in order to save 100 people from being kidnapped with each dance. The kidnapped civilians were used as laborers to manufacture weapons, shocking the crowd.
Episode 974, Rank: 9.7: The Pirate King is Born – Arriving at the Last Island!
The climactic battle between Oden’s small band and Kaido’s forces commences. Oden manages to survive for over an hour, which enrages Orochi. The latter tells his men to shoot and kill Oden, breaking the promise. Oden manages to throw his scabbards off of the execution platform before being shot and killed by Kaido.
Episode 975, Rank: 9.5: The Castle on Fire! The Fate of the Kozuki Clan!
Kaido breaks into the burning Kozuki castle as Toki attempts to save her family.
Episode 976, Rank: 9.4: Back to the Present Day! 20 Years Later!
Hiyori and Kappa separate and she gets brought to Kysohiro who secretly pledges to protect her.
Episode 977, Rank: 9.4 The Sea Is For Pirates! Raid! To Onigashima
No allies have to come to aid the raid on Onigashima so the Nine Red Scabbards jump on a rowboat to get to Onigashima. Kikunojo tells that there must be a traitor amongst them. Kanjuro reveals himself to be the traitor. Three Beasts Pirates galleon come to attack all. Kanjuro is decapitated by Kin’emon only to reveal that it was a drawing. Kanjuro captures Momonosuke. Luffy, Law, and Kid arrive.
See also: 12 Most Expensive Anime per Episode, Ranked by CostEpisode 980, Rank: 9.4: A Tearful Promise! The Kidnapped Momonosuke!
The Beast Pirates start attacking the samurai’s ships from a distance. An old ally comes to Straw Hats’ aid.
Episode 981, Rank: 9.4: A New Member! Knight of the Sea Jinbe!
Zoro and Sanji team up to fight the guard as Luffy and Jimbei attack Kaido’s men.
Episode 982, Rank: 9.6: Kaidou’s Trump Card – The Tobi Roppo Appear
The Straw Hat Pirates enter Onigashima’s torii gate and defeat the guards there. Queen begins the Golden Kagura festivities, and the Tobi Roppo meet to hear their captain’s request. The Straw Hats set up to toast Jinbe joining, but after the Nine Red Scabbards and their other allies advance on Onigashima, they decide to wait to celebrate with everyone after they defeat Kaidou, Orochi, and Big Mom.
Episode 996, Rank: 9.4: Onigashima in Tumult! Luffy’s All-Out War Begins!
The Akazaya members deliver a crushing blow to Kaido. Luffy and Yamato back them up but are spotted by Big Mom.
One Piece Best Episodes (2022)
Episode 1015, Rank:9.7 (19,859 votes): Straw Hat Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the King of the Pirates!
Yamato reveals her dream to Ace in a flashback. Meanwhile Luffy, Zoro, Law, Kidd, and Killer Bee confront Kaido and Big Mom on the rooftop.
Episode 1016, Rank: 9.0: Battle of the Monsters! The Three Stubborn Captains!
Luffy’s strong attack reminds Kaido of all the strong ones he’s ever met. On the other hand, Luffy, Law, and Kid keep quarreling amongst themselves. Meanwhile, Sanji is caught and interrogated by Black Maria in what he calls “heaven.”
Episode 1017, Rank: 9.8: Barrage of Powerful Techniques! The Fierce Attacks of the Worst Generation!
Luffy, Law, Kid, Zoro, and Killer keep landing hard blows against Kaido in tandem despite the arguing. However, when Big Mom steps in and unleashes powerful lightning strikes, the tide turns for all except one of the rookies.
Episode 1028, Rank: 9.5: Surpass the Emperor of the Sea! Luffy Strikes Back with an Iron Fist!
Big Mom creates a replacement for Zeus and unleashes a tremendous attack on Kidd and Killer. Luffy vows to defeat Kaido after dealing a vicious blow to the Emperor.
Episode 1029, Rank 9.5: The Conclusion! Luffy’s Accelerating Fist of the Supreme King
Bearing the fate of the Land of Wano on his shoulders, Luffy finishes his battle with Kaido with a decisive attack.
Episode 1026, Rank 9.5: The Supernovas Strike Back! The Mission to Tear Apart the Emperors!
The Akazaya members run to save Momonosuke, but encounter a familiar enemy. Meanwhile, Kaido and Big Mom unleash a combination attack on the Supernovas
Episode 1027, Rank 9.5: Defend Luffy! Zoro and Law’s Sword Technique!
As the rooftop battle rages on, and with Luffy out of commission, Zoro launches an all-out attack at the risk of his life.
Episode 1028, Rank:9.7: Surpass the Emperor of the Sea – Luffy Strikes Back with an Iron Fist
Big Mom creates a replacement for Zeus and unleashes a tremendous attack on Kidd and Killer. Luffy vows to defeat Kaido after dealing a vicious blow to the Emperor.
Episode 1033, Rank:9.6: The Conclusion! Luffy’s Accelerating Fist of the Supreme King
Bearing the fate of the Land of Wano on his shoulders, Luffy finishes his battle with Kaido with a decisive attack.
Episode 1044, Rank:9.4: Clutch! A Demon Incarnate, Robin!
Black Maria torments Robin both physically and spiritually. As she burns in hellfire, Robin remembers the people who gave her a hard time and the people who supported her, and she as Demon Child shows what she is really capable of.
One Piece Best Episodes (2023)
Episode 1046, Rank:9.4: Taking a Chance! Both Wings Go into Battle!
Zoro gets back on his feet and along with Sanji, confronts King and Queen, the Lead Performers of the Animal Kingdom Pirates. Watching Zoro fight, Hyogoro and Kawamatsu remember someone from way back.
Episode 1046, Rank:9.4: Luffy Soars! Revenge Against the King of the Beasts!
Luffy amps up the reluctant Momonosuke, who is afraid of heights, in his giant pink dragon form, to fly and take him to Onigashima in the sky. Meanwhile, Yamato, in a hard battle against Kaido, vows to survive until Luffy returns
[Source: IMDB]
Which is the best One Piece episode in your opinion? Vote Below
Which is the best season of One Piece?
Fetching data from IMDB dataset, as of November 5th, 2022, There are 1040 One Piece episodes produced by Toei Animatio. 105 reported filler episodes with a total of 11% overall.
So far 2021 has been the best year for the anime series. With 39 episodes scoring 9 and above. Episode 968 scored 9.6, the highest score of the entire One Piece series.