Top 10 Best One Piece Arcs Ranked And Reviewed

10 Romance Dawn Arc

The Romance Dawn is the first arc and the gateway to the endless adventure, “One Piece,” introducing us to the spirited Monkey D. Luffy and his dream of becoming the Pirate King. In this arc, we also meet the formidable swordsman Roronoa Zoro, who becomes the first mate of the soon-to-be iconic Straw Hat Pirates. Their encounter is not just a meeting of like-minded souls; it’s the beginning of a strong friendship that will stand firm, even through the most challenging times.

In this arc, Luffy confronts the oppressive Alvida and the ruthless Marine officer, Axe-Hand Morgan, and also inspires the shy and quiet Koby to chase after his dreams. Through Luffy’s actions, we get a taste of the justice and freedom the Straw Hat Pirates stand for in the later arcs. It’s a simple yet profound beginning, setting a solid foundation for the countless adventures that await our beloved pirate crew.

9 Arlong Park Arc

The Arlong Park arc is one of the earliest arcs in One Piece. It unveils the sinister Fish-Man, Arlong, marking a significant phase in the “One Piece” tale. This arc is not merely a clash between the straw hat crew and Arlong’s crew; it’s a deep dive into the sorrows and hopes of Nami, the navigator. Her backstory unravels, stirring the hearts of fans as they witness her strive to free her village from Arlong’s tyranny. This challenging situation pulls the Straw Hat Pirates closer together for the first time in the series One Piece, strengthening their bond as they unite to save Nami’s home. Luffy’s resolve shines brightly, his powerful punches bringing down Arlong’s rule and freeing the villagers.

8 Thriller Bark Arc

The Thriller Bark arc, wrapped in spooky Gothic settings, opens up a scary adventure for the Straw Hats, where they face the evil Warlord, Gecko Moria. They fight Moria’s zombie army, using salt to defeat them. 

During these scary moments, they meet a funny skeleton named Brook, who has a sad past but cheers everyone up with his music. He later joins the crew. Additionally, a big fight with Bartholomew Kuma ends with Zoro bravely taking on all of Luffy’s pain to protect him, showing a great act of loyalty that touches the fans.

7 Alabasta Arc

The Alabasta arc is a beloved chapter in “One Piece” as it brings the Straw Hats to the desert kingdom of Alabasta to stop Sir Crocodile’s devilish plans. This arc features thrilling battles, notably the showdown between Luffy and Crocodile. 

Fans adore the emotional depth, especially during the heartfelt farewell with Princess Vivi, and the heightened stakes as the crew earns higher bounties after their adventure in Alabasta. The blend of action, emotion, and compelling narrative makes this arc a fan favourite, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting imprint on the “One Piece” saga.

6 Sabaody Archipelago Arc

The Sabaody Archipelago arc in “One Piece” sinks Luffy and his crew into a whirlpool of challenges and introduces them to the harsh reality of the New World. They encounter the Celestial Dragons, igniting a bold stand against oppression. The arc also introduces other formidable pirate crews, hinting at the larger universe of powerful rivals. 

The arc tops in an upsetting separation of the crew, an unexpected turn that leaves fans yearning for their reunion. The blend of intense action, the unveiling of brutal truths, and the emotional rollercoaster resonate deeply with fans, making this arc a captivating and memorable part of the “One Piece” narrative.

5 Dressrosa Arc

In the Dressrosa arc, following the events of Punk Hazard, the Straw Hat Pirates form an alliance with Trafalgar D. Water Law to confront Warlord Doflamingo in Dressrosa. The storyline involves the goal to dismantle the Smile operation, a dark enterprise by Doflamingo, which had significant repercussions in the world, significantly after he fell from the Warlord status, causing chaos in many islands reliant on his illegal businesses​. 

The complexity of the alliance’s mission against the formidable Doflamingo family, revealing dark underworld dealings and the ultimate goal to take one of the four emperors, Kaido, adds layers to the comprehensive narrative, making it an exciting and impactful journey​. Through these aspects, the Dressrosa arc has secured its place as a fan favourite, demonstrating a blend of intense action, emotional storytelling, and a deeper exploration into the series’ expansive world.

4 Whole Cake Island Arc

The Whole Cake Island arc in “One Piece” unfolds a riveting rescue mission as the Straw Hat Pirates venture into the frightening territory of Yonko Big Mom to save their comrade Sanji from a political marriage. Set in the whimsical yet dangerous Totto Land, the arc presents a fantastical world where islands are made of food, creating a mesmerizing yet threatening backdrop for the following high-stakes battles. 

Fans are particularly drawn to this arc due to the profound camaraderie showcased in the Straw Hats’ resolve to rescue Sanji, alongside the significant narrative developments such as the addition of Jimbei to the crew and Luffy’s newfound ability to see slightly into the future. The intense fights, notably between Luffy and Big Mom’s formidable commander Katakuri, and the emotional clash between Luffy and Sanji bring both action-packed and emotional depth to the storyline. 

The unique and sinister dynamics of Big Mom and her diverse, wicked family further amp up the tension and intrigue, making this arc a captivating blend of adventure, loyalty, and growth, thereby holding a special place in the hearts of fans.​

3 Enies Lobby Arc

The Enies Lobby arc is one of the most powerful and cherished arc of “One Piece,” unveiling a daring rescue mission by the Straw Hat Pirates to save Nico Robin from the formidable CP9. 

Fans are captivated by the heart-wrenching backstory of Nico Robin, the unyielding loyalty showcased by Luffy and his friends, and the thrilling battles against CP9, which highlight new power-ups like Luffy’s Gear 2 and Sanji’s Diable Jambe. This arc also unravels sinister actions by the World Government, adding a darker tone to the storyline. The full-team engagement in battles, the debut of iconic techniques, and significant revelations about the government’s atrocities keep fans on the edge of their seats. 

The emotional resonance, coupled with action-packed sequences and the theme of unwavering friendship, makes this a fan favourite arc, often acknowledged in fan surveys as one of the best arcs in the entire series.

2 Marineford Arc

The Marineford arc is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and best arc in One Piece. It is celebrated for its epic battles, especially the colossal fight between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines, which is ignited by the mission to rescue Ace from execution. 

Fans are thrilled by the high emotional stakes surrounding Ace’s fate and the remarkable character moments that spotlight the deep bonds between Ace, Luffy, and Whitebeard. 

This arc also signifies a crucial turning point in the series, laying the groundwork for future narratives and symbolizing a new era in the “One Piece” universe. The involvement of various pirate crews, unexpected interventions by characters like Buggy, and the iconic moments unfolding throughout the battle add layers of intrigue and excitement to the storyline. 

The Marineford arc’s rich blend of action, emotion, and narrative intricacies makes it a fan favourite, leaving a lasting imprint on the audience due to its impactful storytelling and the profound character dynamics showcased​.

1 Wano Arc

The Wano arc is a distinguished ongoing arc which is undoubtedly one of the best in the series. It is recognized for its Japanese-themed backdrop and exploration of Japan’s historical isolation policy. It promotes the series by featuring numerous incredible battles, introducing engaging characters like Kin’emon and Yamato, and showcasing Luffy’s awakening of Gear 5 to defeat the formidable Kaido.

This arc is adored by fans for its unique cultural atmosphere, thrilling fights, and significant narrative advancements. The unveiling of new allies and foes, along with exploring Kozuki Oden’s legacy and the enigma of the Poneglyphs, enriches the plot. The Wano arc beautifully intertwines action, emotion, and lore, making it one of the best additions to the anime series “One Piece” saga.