Before I begin re-watching, I want to rank every single One Piece arc. This was surprisingly difficult to do, and I now realize that I’ve actually missed a lot more than I thought!
So the way I’m going to do this is by running through ever arc and ranking the story arcs in them. I did mention before, when I first started watching One Piece, it was through 4kids, so it is hard for me to remember the feelings I had watching them because it’s so different, and even some arcs where completely cut.
I want to do this because it could change massively once I’m actually paying attention to the show. I would like to keep a record of what my standing was at the beginning. I know there is a good chance that what I enjoy will probably be different than most, but don’t forget, I haven’t really paid attention while watching either. Also, like what you like.
Prepare for a long blog! Yes, I’m ranking the fillers too.
East Blue
1. Arlong Park
I feel like this one should be a surprise to no one. Do I even really need to explain? To me, Arlong Park was where One Piece really showed what it would become.
2. Loguetown
This is where, to me, it felt like One Piece started. Before this, it was gathering the crew, and learning everyone’s backstories and motivation. This was more the beginning of the adventure.
3. Baratie
So Arlong Park was showing what One Piece would become, but this arc seemed to set up what we would be expecting in the Grand Line. The warlords were introduced (Mihawk really), and it was conveyed how tough the journey would become.
4. Romance Dawn
I’m not sure what to say about this one. It’s the beginning, it’s the start, but except for Koby and Helmeppo, you could almost skip it as you learn more about Luffy and Zoro in the next episodes. Should you do that? No, it’s still good!
5. Orange Town
I like Buggy, but I’m glad this isn’t a long arc. We get Nami, and meet Buggy, who is important for later, but It’s an arc that really has nothing else going for it. Maybe to show the kind of pirate Luffy is vs what other pirates are like, which you also get in the next arc.
6. Syrup Village
As much as I love him, I do think Usopp is a difficult character for newer fans to warm up to. This arc is just a bit too long, but it is a good one. He may not have the saddest of backstories, but I do feel like his is the most relatable for some, and the most realistic. We also get the Merry, which is super important.
7. Warship Island
This is one of those arcs that I don’t hate, but I prefer to skip. I think it’s the first filler you come to, before entering the Grand Line.
*Buggys Crew Adventure Chronicle 2 episodes (3 covers)
It’s two episodes, not an arc, but the wiki has it listed. It’s funny, Buggy and Gaimon becoming friends is pure. Could not figure out the mystery woman to save my life.
Alabasta
1. Alabasta / Post-Alabasta
At this point, I was reading the manga, and realized that 4kids was changing a lot of things. Even though I loved it, I was thinking it was so goofy with people using plunger guns. Reading this arc, and seeing Luffy beat Sir Crocodile with blood was crazy, but all I could think of is “how is 4kids gonna change this, you can’t!” They changed the blood with sweat.
I liked Vivi, but I wasn’t looking forward to her joining the crew. We just went through this whole thing, and for her to abandon her kingdom felt wrong, so I was in the minority happy that she stayed. Getting Robin on the other hand was surprising. I consider this to be the post-alabasta so I just put it with the main arc, but according to the wiki it’s actually the following fillers.
2. Drum Island
I want to say that it was somewhere around here that I began reading the manga way back when. It’s been so long, I can’t remember, but I do know that I knew nothing about Laboon and Little Garden. Wapol was not great, but many of the other characters were enjoyable. Chopper is adorable, and I love the unusual characters in One Piece and it’s nice to actually have them as part of the crew.
3. Reverse Mountain
I hate that I missed out on the story of Laboon upon first watch thanks to 4kids. In my mind it’s hard to remember that Whiskey Peak wasn’t right at the bottom of reverse mountain. But, it’s amazing just how much important things happen in this short arc.
4. Little Garden
This arc is so important, but it’s hard for me to appreciate it due to it being completely cut when I first watched One Piece. That’s not the fault of the arc, but I know that this is one I have not paid the best of attention to. It’s good from what I’ve seen.
5. Whiskey Peak
There’s nothing wrong with this arc, it’s just an act for the coming arcs. It’s an interesting concept, a town of bounty hunters, but it doesn’t last long, and then so far, from what I know, there’s never any more mention. Every place, excluding fillers, seems to have been brought up again later in the series.
Special: Diary of Koby – Meppo (2 episodes, several covers)
I’m not counting these as an arc, since it’s only 2 episodes, but if I did I think it would be pretty high. I love that these were included as episodes. I enjoy seeing these two figure out their paths, and of course, Garp. I would have been like “what, how, and why?!” seeing them together after Enies Lobby without this. I love that they rely on each other, and push each other. Seeing Axe Hand Morgan is the least interesting part.
Sky Island
1. Skypiea
I know this arc is not very popular, but just like another less popular arc, I really enjoy the story.Yea, it’s very drawn out and there are parts that could be cut out, but overall I really enjoy this arc. I liked the characters, the main villains, and of course, the amazing flashback!
2. Jaya
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if this would be 2nd or 3rd, but ultimately because it wasn’t filler, and introduced a few important people I put it 2nd. It does feel that it’s purpose was to set up for Skypiea, but it also set up for things much later as well.
3. G-8
I know I’m not alone in thinking this, but I didn’t realize this was filler for the longest time. It’s a good arc, and really explains everything with the Merry (from Skypiea), and the need to fix the ship. I’d argue that it has fairly important parts to it. I also really enjoy seeing the Marines as they’re supposed to be, good people just doing their jobs. Also, I love Johnathan and Jessica’s relationship.
4. Ruluka Island
I don’t really have a strong opinion one way or the other for this arc. I don’t mind it, it’s pretty short and makes me laugh, but I don’t hate it either. It’s not an arc that I feel the need to ignore or skip completely.
5. Goat Island
This one, however, I do feel is skippable. I don’t hate it either, I just like it a lot less. I do enjoy that the character they’re helping is a pirate accountant. That’s just funny to me.
Water 7
1. Post-Enies Lobby
I feel like this is where a lot of people will think I’m crazy. Enies Lobby is always the one considered the best. I personally enjoy the after more, once we’ve finished all the craziness. We get a new crew mate, Shanks and Whitebeard, Garp/Koby/Helmeppo, everyone gets bounties, Thousand Sunny, Ace vs Blackbeard, and so many answers that add even more questions. I think that it can also be argued that this is just the end of Enies Lobby arc, but I’m going by the One Piece Wiki, and it is its own on there.
2. Enies Lobby
It’s not because of the fights, it’s because of everything surrounding the fights. Robin’s story, what having her on the ship means, how far everyone is willing to go for each other, the huge enemies they made, the growth in strength everyone had, and the Merry. If I’m honest, the fights were probably the least interesting parts for me. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like them, I just liked everything else more.
3. Water 7
I’m so tempted to switch this one with Enies Lobby, but I’m just gonna stick with where I put it first. Just know, I was in the process of switching it but decided against it. It’s got great characters, an imaginative land, and some extremely important elements. Everything with Merry and Usopp – Amazing, Iceburg and Galley La – Amazing, Tom and the Sea Train – Amazing. The build up, the mystery, the emotions; it’s all amazing. Why did I put this at number 3?
4. Long Ring Long Land
How is this one canon, but G8 is filler?! Either way, I don’t hate it, I do enjoy it, but I do wish it was shorter.
5. Boss Luffy Special
I wasn’t sure if I should even count these in the arc list, but since there are several episodes I decided to just put it in. At first, I didn’t care too much for it, but it has grown on me a lot. I really enjoyed them, they were a nice break.
6. Foxy’s Return
I don’t hate these 3, but I just wanted less of them. There were funny parts, I enjoyed Robin and Chopper alone on the ship, and some parts of the crew on Foxy’s ship. Skippable, but not terrible.
7. Oceans Dream
I don’t like this arc, this arc makes me mad. Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but this is an arc I skip.
Thriller Bark
1. Thriller Bark
While Moria may not be a top villain for me, I loved everyone else. Also, the theme of the arc, Brook, and spooky elements in general are so fun. Brook had an amazing introduction and tear jerking backstory, more on Laboon, and Franky’s bridge building skills.
2. Ice Hunter
I really enjoy this one, and do think it is a good filler. Not as good as G8, obviously, but still good. Mostly good for the antagonists of the arc, because I could honestly tell you nothing about the other pirates the strawhats meet. Also, what a strong and good relationship.
3. Spa Island
Skippable. Not really much going on from what I remember. Sisters are trying to finish their fathers research for some kind of crystal? Not the worst filler out there, but not one that’s needed either.
Chopper Man Special
I haven’t really followed these episodes, I feel like there is 2 of them? I don’t know what to think. It’s a special, not an arc.
Summit War
1. Impel Down
I’m not sure, but this may be the best arc in One Piece for me. I love this arc, I look forward to it all the time. I love all the characters, old and new. Seeing Blackbeard be defeated so easy is cathartic. I do remember this is one that I read before the anime even came out. It was hard, because I wanted both sides to succeed. Luffy needed to rescue Ace, but the warden needed to keep criminals from escaping. It was wonderful and great, and really showed that it’s not black and white.
2. Sabaody Archipelago
This arc blew my mind. As the kids say, I could not even! I had no idea where to go or what to do after this arc. One piece always had darker elements and sad backstories, but this arc took a turn. It also showed how big the world really is, showing that Luffy is only one pirate, with several others in his “generation” that took different paths. I’m not sure, but I think this is where we get a little more understanding on Haki, or is that Amazon Lily?
3. Marineford
Really, this arc could be tied for number 2 but I thought not doing ties would be more fair. Marineford is a good arc, it’s amazing. Unfortunately for me, I read the manga as it was being released, so I didn’t have as hard of an impact other than being shocked. With the anime, it’s so much more emotional.
4. Amazon Lily
I mean this arc is funny. Or really, it starts out that way. Then you get hit with emotions. Boa is great, hate her at first, then she’s amazing. Momonga is great, he is one of my favorite marines.
5. Post-War
While it was hard, I liked that this arc really dealt with Luffy’s emotions. I liked getting more of the backstory for Luffy, Dadan was fun, and seeing the results of the war was interesting. I remember the narrator saying after Ace vs Blackbeard, that it would lead to the event that would shake the world, and seeing just how much is a bit crazy. I couldn’t even imagine how much it would.
6. Little East Blue (Movie Tie in)
So….I’m hispanic, and I love to joke around with my husband regarding this arc. It’s not a good arc, but it’s a fun one. It’s purpose is to set up for the Movie, Strong World. Amigo Pirates, that’s amazing, I found my crew, lol!
7. Strawhat Separation Special
I was super surprised that this was just chapter covers. I did not realize that. Caroline is amazing, she was my favorite.
Fishman Island
1. Fishman Island
I don’t understand the hate for this arc. Maybe I do, I’m not sure, but to me this is a really good and powerful arc. Like other arcs, it is drawn out, and the villains are not that intimidating so I do understand that complaint. Overall, it is a top arc for me. The story is so good, and even though the antagonists may not be great, I appreciate what they represent. I also loved learning more about Arlong.
2. Return to Sabaody
I don’t know if this should really be it’s own arc, but the wiki has it as separate from Fishman Island. We get to see everyone meet back up and depart to the next island. We also get fake straw hats, voiced by the real straw hats.
Dressrosa
I’m amazed by how much I haven’t seen or paid attention to at this point. I have a hard time believing that anything in this arc would be better than Dressrosa, but I can’t really rank it fairly. It’s a super long arc but insanely good.
Zou
Garchu!
I love Zou! It’s such a good arc. So many surprises!
Me watching Zou, cause Pedro man……
#notafurry
List of what I couldn’t rank:
- Have not watched:
- Z’s Ambition (Filler, movie tie-in)
- Punk Hazard (Seen bits and pieces)
- Caesar Retrieval (Filler, not sure what it’s about?)
- Silver Mine (Filler, I have no idea what this is)
- Marine Rookie (Filler, also no idea)
- Whole Cake Island (I’ve seen a clip here and there)
- Levely (What is that? I don’t know)
- Wano (I’ve only seen the Zoro clip from funimation)
- Carbonic Acid Kind (Filler, I know nothing)
This was a lot. I’m tired now. If you actually read and followed all that, props to you. I don’t know if I could have. It took me days to write this up, and i’m not 100% happy with it, but I’m sticking by it.
I think overall my lists are pretty average with what any other fan would say, but I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong. I can’t believe how much I have actually missed, so I’m excited to watch it and give it the attention it deserves.
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