One Piece: Ranking the Top 10 Story Arcs

Our list of the top 10 story arcs in One Piece spans from Arlong Park to Water 7. Just like other anime, One Piece is divided into arcs, with each arc featuring a unique framing device that drives the story forward. In this series, the location of the adventure plays a key role in shaping each story arc.

Top 10 One Piece story arcs ranked

Here are our picks for the best story arcs in One Piece. We’re only considering completed arcs – otherwise, we would be talking about Egghead Island all day.

10: Skypiea

Crunchyroll

The Skypiea arc is often overlooked, but it actually plays a significant role in the One Piece series. It takes the Straw Hats to a new land with foreign technology and religion, where they feel out of place, offering an adventure with fresh perspectives. Additionally, it introduces the concept of Haki, which becomes a central element in modern One Piece.

As a self-contained adventure, Skypiea stands out with its memorable antagonist, the lightning-wielding Enel, who is portrayed as a pure villain with no redeeming qualities. Luffy's ability to take him down due to his rubber powers adds a fitting tone to the series. Despite being considered forgettable by some, Skypiea deserves credit for advancing the series.

9: Wano

Crunchyroll

Wano is packed with "wow" moments, featuring time-traveling characters and Oden's revealing backstory, shedding light on Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger. Although Luffy has faced defeats before, his losses to Kaido are the most severe, nearly leading to his demise until he unleashes the Looney Tunes-like action of Gear 5, adding a "destiny" aspect to his character.

Despite the arc in the anime being hindered by the infamous post-time skip pacing, where it struggles to keep up with the manga, Wano does an excellent job of raising the stakes with a complex situation and memorable villains, allowing all the side heroes to shine.

8: Thriller Bark

When you think of Thriller Bark, you may initially recall the Halloween-themed fun and low-stakes antics of the arc. However, upon further reflection, you'll also remember the emotional impact of Brook’s backstory, the entertaining battles, and the surprising appearance of Bartholomew Kuma.

The moment when Brook finally sings “Binks’ Sake” again with his friends after enduring years of solitude is undeniably one of the greatest highlights of One Piece. Although Thriller Bark's impact on the series is relatively short-lived, with the exception of Brook joining the crew, it encapsulates the self-contained adventure feeling that One Piece excels in.

7. Jaya

Jaya is often overlooked by fans because it is so closely associated with Skypiea, but the Jaya arc has enough standout moments to stand on its own. Despite its relatively straightforward storyline, the parallel between Blackbeard and Bellamy is the most intriguing aspect of Jaya, as both characters leave a lasting impact on Luffy.

Pirates are typically depicted as hardened criminals solely motivated by treasure, much like Bellamy, but there is also the romanticized idea of embarking on swashbuckling adventures. Although their aspirations and values differ greatly, it is the shared principles of pursuing one's dreams that make Blackbeard and Luffy similar.

6. Arlong Park

The East Blue saga hits its peak as the finale to the beginning of the Straw Hats’ adventures. Arlong, the first formidable villain with ties to a character’s past, proves to be a cunning and powerful adversary who poses a genuine threat to the crew, causing doubt about their ability to emerge victorious.

Arlong Park stands out for showcasing the entire crew coming together to face the threat, rather than relying solely on Luffy. Each member contributes to the combat in their own unique way, with Zoro’s loss against Mihawk having a lasting impact and Usopp seizing the opportunity to exhibit courage and make a distinct impression. Not to be overlooked is Luffy’s vow to grant Nami her freedom and the assurance of steadfast companionship.

5: Arabasta

After arriving in the Grand Line, the crew becomes involved in helping Princess Vivi save her country, Arabasta, from the criminal organization Baroque Works. This introduces a new dynamic to the story, as Arabasta becomes more complex with the introduction of a third party outside of pirate crews and the Marines in One Piece.

Arabasta is also credited with introducing the concept of fighting creatively against Logia-type devil fruit users. While Smoker is the first Logia user encountered, it is Crocodile who becomes the first truly imposing villain, forcing Luffy to rely on his resourcefulness until “Haki” comes into play later in the story.

4: Marineford (Summit War)

Crunchyroll

Clashes between the navy and pirates in One Piece are a common occurrence, but a full-scale war witnessed by the entire world is a dramatic and game-changing development for the series. The inclusion of new and returning characters outside the Straw Hat crew adds to the excitement.

The overarching theme in the arcs between Saboady Archipelago and the time skip is the idea of consequence. The world of pirating is not all fun and games; despite their good intentions, the Straw Hats face off against a government with laws and a navy that actively hunts them.

3: Drum Island

The Drum Island arc is one of the most endearing storylines in One Piece. It features high stakes as Nami requires urgent medical attention and a classic showdown between good and evil with the villainous Wapol being no match for Luffy in a fight. This arc also showcases Luffy's unwavering dedication to his friends, as he bravely carries his unconscious comrades up a frozen mountain, solidifying his bond with Chopper and undergoing significant character development along the way.

2: Sabaody Archipelago

Toei Animation

Simply mentioning the name of this arc is enough to give any One Piece fan chills. Sabaody offers more than just pain and heartbreak to the series. While the Marines are typically seen as the villains, the presence of a government-sanctioned criminal underworld to cater to the detestable Celestial Dragons who oppress everyone ignites a strong sense of hatred among fans.

The moment when the crew is separated, the overwhelming sense of hopelessness in the face of the Marine forces, and the unforgettable Bartholomew Kuma linger with you every time you revisit the arc. The "Worst Generation" group of pirates makes a lasting impression, with Trafalgar Law emerging as the fan favorite. This is evident in their significant involvement in each story arc that follows the two-year time skip.

1: Water 7/Enies Lobby

This one big arc may technically combine two arcs, but many fans consider it to be a single arc because it both begins and ends in the very wet town of Water 7. So much is condensed into this arc, and it’s all tremendous for one reason: One Piece becomes more serious. While the essence of One Piece is heartfelt adventure and comedy, the serious tone of this arc is what makes it famous.

Nico Robin’s declaration to live, Franky starting as a villain with his over-the-top bombastic attitude blending well with the crew, Luffy’s Second and Third Gear, the incredible fight scenes between CP9 and the Straw Hats, as well as the emotional fight and reunion between Luffy and Usopp. Water 7 is the absolute best arc that One Piece has to offer.

Here are our rankings for the top 10 best arcs in One Piece. Do you share our choices or do you have a different one for the number one spot? Nevertheless, all One Piece fans will be eager to find out the release date of the next episode, while readers will be keen to know when the next chapter is arriving.

Editor's P/S

As a One Piece fan, I am thrilled to see the ranking of the top 10 story arcs in the anime series. It brings back fond memories of the captivating adventures and epic battles that have made One Piece such a beloved series. Each arc has its own unique charm and excitement, and it's hard to pick a favorite. However, the Skypiea arc holds a special place in my heart.

The Skypiea arc is often underrated, but it plays a crucial role in the overall narrative of One Piece. It introduces the concept of Haki, which becomes a central element in the modern series. The adventure in the new land with foreign technology and religion offers a fresh perspective and makes the Straw Hats feel out of place. The antagonist, Enel, is a pure villain with no redeeming qualities, and Luffy's ability to take him down due to his rubber powers adds a fitting tone to the series. Despite being considered forgettable by some, Skypiea deserves credit for advancing the series and introducing important elements that shape the future of the story.