The Straw Hat Pirates’ sprawling journey throughout the Grand Line has been a staple of anime ever for the reason that late 90s, and with greater than 1000 episodes, it’s honest to say that One Piece has had quite a lot of unforgettable moments. Narrowing down this listing to only 10 of the very best moments from One Piece was a very troublesome process, and a few robust cuts needed to be made, however regardless, listed below are our picks for the highest 10 One Piece moments, as of episode 1088 of the anime.
Note after all that by the very nature of this characteristic, there are going to be main spoilers for One Piece. We are holding nothing again right here, however we’ll inform you earlier than every entry what episode the spoiler covers so you’ll be able to skip those you haven’t come throughout but.
10. Luffy’s Pain (Episode 377)
This second is what solidified Zoro because the badass of the Straw Hat crew. With Luffy exhausted from his battle with Pirate Warlord Moria and the Straw Hats taken out by Warlord Kuma, Zoro is the one one left standing. Realizing he can’t win in opposition to Kuma, Zoro affords his life in change for Luffy’s. Kuma agrees, however provided that Zoro can tackle Luffy’s accidents as his personal. This emotional second is when Zoro’s bond along with his crewmates solidified, proving that regardless of being a pirate hunter, he was prepared to surrender his life to spare theirs.
9. Red Leg’s Leg (Episode 26)
Sanji has one of many saddest backstories in all of One Piece. He simply can’t catch a break. Young Sanji may care much less about pirates, particularly Zeff, who was stranded on a abandoned island with him. Nonetheless, the subtlety of Zeff’s actions made for a heartwarming second when Sanji finds out that Zeff sacrificed his leg so he may reside. The indisputable fact that Sanji thought Zeff was a rotten, no-good pirate the whole time, solely to seek out out that he’s one of the selfless individuals he’s ever met is one in every of One Piece’s most memorable moments.
8. Arrival of the Worst (Episode 1015)
“Roof Piece!” It’s the time period followers had been throwing round main as much as the tip of the epic Wano story arc. It was solely a matter of time earlier than this confrontation occurred and, oh boy, did the anime step it up! Knowing fan expectations had been excessive, Toei clearly went above and past for the episode. From the doorway of the Worst Generation to Luffy’s stroll previous the Emperors and Kin’emon’s heartfelt plea, the feelings construct in an unimaginable dramatic crescendo, accented with fast flashes of their journey as much as that time way back to Raizo’s security and Pedro’s sacrifice. Finally, we see Luffy’s vibrant Red Roc punch with “We Are” booming within the background to accompany one of many largest smackdowns in all of anime. In solely about 5 minutes, the sequence makes us recognize the lengthy and winding journey Luffy has been on, and why it’s so particular.
7. Ultimate Defeat (Episode 405)
The Saboady arc is jam-packed filled with game-changing moments, however there’s one second that helped outline who the Straw Hats are that got here by the hands of the stoic, overpowered Kuma. Up till this level, Luffy and the crew had been in a position to overcome even probably the most troublesome of challenges, however there was no escape from the utter devastation that happened on the archipelago. Even Luffy knew they didn’t have an opportunity, and he’s not one to surrender so simply. As he watches his associates start to vanish, he yells out in desperation to flee, not understanding it was futile. When he’s lastly the final one standing, Luffy can’t assist however cry in agony for not being sturdy sufficient to save lots of his associates. It’s the primary time we’ve seen our plucky protagonist so susceptible. With the ultimate disappearance of the Straw Hats, we had been left in shock, and it was clear from this level on the crew would by no means be the identical after struggling such a dreadful defeat.
6. Don’t Be Mad…(Episode 396)
We can’t speak concerning the earlier second with out additionally mentioning the inciting incident that led to it. If there was an inventory for finest, or on the very least, most cathartic singular punch in all of anime, this punch could be on the prime. There isn’t a single particular person with a beating coronary heart who watched Episode 396 that wasn’t begging Luffy to beat the heck out of Saint Charlos at Sabaody, and when he lastly did, man did Luffy make it depend. What makes this so particular is the build-up and payoff. After spending the previous few episodes studying why the Celestial Dragons are principally untouchable, and the intense penalties that include laying a hand on them, it’s all of the extra stunning when Luffy strikes him down anyway and not using a second thought.
5. The Punch That Changed the World (Episode 483)
The battle between the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates rages on as Luffy and Ace lastly start their escape. In a short second of desperation, every thing modified. The sound of crying fills the air as Akainu’s magma fist plunges via the again of Ace, taking his life in entrance of Luffy. In Ace’s final heartfelt phrases, he thanks everybody for loving him as he dies on the battlefield. We really feel the load behind Ace’s demise as we’re caught watching Luffy in disbelief, realizing that his life has eternally modified.
4. A Funeral (Episode 312)
It could appear odd to be emotionally invested in an inanimate object like a pirate ship, however One Piece followers are constructed totally different. The “funeral” of the Going Merry had us shedding precise tears over a dying boat. The manner the main target shifts from every crew member as they relive their very own introduction to the Merry whereas somber music performs within the background is simply so superbly achieved. Then there’s the one-two emotional gutpunch of listening to the Merry’s disembodied voice saying, “I’m sorry, I want I may have taken you farther.” adopted by Luffy breaking down and apologizing for each little factor he ever did to the ship. It all provides as much as one of the coronary heart wrenching moments in all of One Piece.
3. Luffy… Help Me… (Episode 37)
The scene that includes Luffy and Nami throughout the Arlong Park arc is among the most defining moments for the Straw Hat crew. At this level, we’ve recognized Nami as a scheming, assured lady who can maintain herself, however her dire state of affairs with the Arlong Pirates brings her to tears as her household and associates put together to combat to the demise. Seeing Nami drop to the bottom in despair, screaming in anger as she makes an attempt to chop her despised Arlong tattoo from her personal flesh is as brutal as it’s unhappy. It’s at this second that we see a distinct aspect of Luffy that’s calm and critical. With the final ounce of Nami’s stubbornness whittling away, she lastly says to Luffy, “Help me”. With Nami at her lowest level, Luffy items her his treasured straw hat and exclaims, “Of course I’ll!” This second has develop into one of the iconic within the sequence as a result of it encapsulates what makes it nice and exhibits why it’s so beloved amongst followers.
2. The Return of a Legend (Episode 1071)
Though its place on this listing may be controversial, Gear 5 was an occasion so huge that it almost broke the web. It’s the proper fruits of Luffy’s journey up to now. His pleasant romp round Onigashima in Gear 5 was not solely a pleasure to behold from an animation standpoint, however one which additionally marks Luffy’s all-important ascension into the fabled Joyboy – a second that each tastefully encapsulates all that has occurred in addition to foreshadows the approaching epic of Luffy’s remaining steps in turning into the King of Pirates.
1. I Want to Live! (Episode 278)
This second of payoff was 100 episodes within the making. Ever since she left the Straw Hats with out saying a phrase out of concern of shedding her associates like she misplaced her household on Ohara, we had been ready for Robin to do one thing, something, to point out some kind of resistance to the ruthless and weasley Spandam. That second lastly is available in episode 278, the place, upon gazing at her captain and crewmates on the opposite aspect of Enies Lobby, and seeing that they’re prepared to go to battle even with the World Government if it means having her of their lives, Robin lastly responds to Luffy in a single clear voice. And that’s all that Luffy wanted.
What had been a few of your favourite moments in One Piece? Let us know within the feedback, and if you would like extra anime, take a look at our listing of the highest 10 anime of all time, together with our listing of the largest anime coming in 2024. And for every thing else, hold it right here on IGN.
Note: This rating was up to date on April 7, 2025. It was initially printed on Feb. 27, 2020.
This listing was written by Mitchell Saltzman, Mike Mamon, Jay Park, and Rosie Knight, a number of of the largest One Piece followers at IGN. Thanks for checking it out, and tell us within the feedback which moments would make your prime moments in One Piece listing!
