13 Best 'One Piece' Episodes, Ranked According to IMDb

The long-awaited Netflix live-action adaption of the era-defining One Piece premiered to positive reviews and acclaim from longtime viewers. Inspired by the seamless transition into live-action, fans everywhere are looking back on the source material either in comparison or to look forward to what is to come for future seasons of the newborn series.

Dealing with a show that has over 1,000 episodes and countless anime movies means some might want to go back and rewatch only the best of the best. Luckily, passionate fans on IMDb have ranked One Piece's episodes, granting high ratings to a few. Whether because of their action, character development, or humor, these One Piece episodes are the highest-rated on IMDb, making them ideal for fans to rewatch and relive their favorite moments.

One Piece (1999)

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13 "Say You Want to Live! We Are Your Friends!"

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

A despondent Robin believes that, one day soon, the Straw Hats will no longer protect her and might even betray her. Thus, all seems lost for the Straw Hat's affiliation with Robin. When told that taking Robin in would mean making the entire world their enemy, Luffy simply commands Sogeking to shoot down the World Government flag and declare war on them.

"Say You Want to Live! We Are Your Friends!" emphasizes how much of a family the Straw Hats truly are, one of One Piece's most celebrated aspects. It also shows Robin's journey from a solitary figure haunted by her past to someone who finds the courage to seek help and trust in her friends. Audiences really get to see the depth of how much Luffy and his crew truly care for others, no matter the enemies it makes them.

12 "Kaido's Trump Card - Introducing the Tobi Roppo"

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

The Tobiroppo makes their appearance as Queen performs on the island before the Fire Festival while the allied forces prepare to begin their raid on Onigashima. While animation quality is a standout of many One Piece episodes, this episode, in particular, was highly praised for its consistently brilliant animation quality. Moments like Queen's dance and Luffy's Red Hawk are two commonly noted standouts.

Fans all across the internet note the animation to be on the same level as most anime films, which historically feature much better quality than most anime series for the extra time and effort they're allocated. So, to say an episode features movie-grade animation is quite high praise, especially for a weekly anime like One Piece. Toei Animation set a new standard for the series' animation quality with this episode.

11 "Barrage of Powerful Techniques! The Fierce Attacks of the Worst Generation!"

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

Kaidou and Big Mom continue to face off with Luffy, Zoro, Killer, Kid and Law when Big Mom unleashes a devastating lightning strike that hits the battlefield and takes out a large portion of the fighters. But Luffy somehow seems completely unaffected, giving him the chance to unleash his Gomu Gomu no Kong Gatling to completely turn the tide of the battle.

A big standout to a lot of the hardcore fans who are also following the manga was the content added to the One Piece episode and how well it expands on the initial ideas in the book. The anime team added more arguments between Luffy, Law and Kid, which provided a lot more character dynamic between the three, which, paired with the astoundingly well-animated action sequences, made for not only a visually compelling but emotionally powerful episode.

10 "The Pirate King is Born - Arriving at the Last Island!"

IMDb Score: 9.5/10

Continuing his journey through Wano Country, Oden leaves his loved ones behind after Toki had fallen ill from all of their adventures. He sets sail with the Roger Pirates as they conquer the entire Grand Line, making Roger the first Pirate King in history.

"The Pirate King Is Born" had fans in shambles, with many noting that the inclusion of the show's first-ever ending song, "Memories," was not only thematically on point but enough to bring out a well of tears. What's more, it provides crucial context for the series' overarching narrative and deepens the lore of the One Piece treasure. Many fans on the r/OnePiece subreddit spoke about how "The Pirate King Is Born" made them realize how close the story is to its eventual conclusion in a few years.

9 "The Three-Sword Style of the Supreme King! Zoro vs. King"

IMDb Score: 9.7/10

The battle between Zoro and King up to this episode had been intense and thrilling. After discovering the secret to King's abilities, Zoro debuts The King of Hell Three-Sword Style with the help of his newfound power. Zoro employs this new technique to overcome King and emerge victorious.

No anime would be complete without a character getting a power-buff in a time of need, and episode 1062 is no exception. "Zoro vs. King" featured a game-changing battle for One Piece and remains pivotal for Zoro's character arc. The King of Hell Three-Sword Style wasn't the only thing that excited fans either, with the stellar animation quality making waves across the internet. The marvelous use of impact frames left audiences speechless.

8 "Straw Hat Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the King of the Pirates!"

IMDb Score: 9.7/10

The time has come for Zoro, Law, Kid, Killer and Luffy to finally face Kaidou and Big Mom, with Luffy pulling out a Third Gear punch to knock Kaidou off his feet. Meanwhile, Yamato digs deeper into Oden's journal, eventually handing it off to Momonosuke and implying that the man detailed in the prophecy that would save the country from Kaidou is none other than Luffy.

The episode features some bone-chilling yet beautiful imagery, such as cutting from Luffy cheerfully saying goodbye to the Scabbards to their bodies lying on the ground after being beaten by Kaidou. Fans and critics praised "Straw Hat Luffy" for its wonderful directing and impactful storytelling, cementing its place among One Piece's best episodes.

7 "Eliminated Friends - The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

When Kuma realizes he can fly people into the sky to faraway places, Luffy struggles to protect the rest of the Straw Hat pirates as Kuma makes them disappear. Luffy ultimately fails and is transported away as well, resulting in a crippling defeat for the Straw Hat pirates.

The episode is known for its emotionally crushing sequence of Luffy desperately attempting to save his crew but continuously failing. He wept as he fell to his knees, feeling like a failure, and many fans wept with him. Luffy's relationship with his crew is among One Piece's most important storylines. Thus, "Eliminated Friends" is among the most emotional and pivotal episodes in One Piece, both for Luffy's character journey and for the overarching story.

6 "The Power that Burns Even Fire - Akainu's Ruthless Pursuit"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

The show's story reaches a heart-wrenching climax in "The Power that Burns Even Fire - Akainu's Ruthless Pursuit." The episode centers on the heated battle at Marineford. Despite Whitebeard's command to retreat, Ace is provoked by Akainu's ruthless taunts about Whitebeard’s legacy. Eventually, everything comes to a head when Akainu targets Luffy, prompting Ace to sacrifice himself to protect his brother. Ace's vivre card, burns away, leaving Luffy in utter despair.

This episode is a masterpiece of storytelling and animation. The emotional weight of Ace's sacrifice is portrayed with poignant intensity, making it a tear-jerking experience for viewers. The animation quality during the battle sequences is also a high point for viewers as it successfully highlighted the brutal power of Akainu and the desperation of the pirates.

5 "Marine Headquarters Collapses! Whitebeard's Silent Rage!"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

In Episode 484, "Marine Headquarters Collapses! Whitebeard's Silent Rage!", the Marineford arc crescendos with Whitebeard’s monumental fury. Following Ace's tragic death, Whitebeard unleashes his full power against the Marines. The battlefield trembles as Whitebeard unleashes his fury and under his relentless assault, the Marine headquarters crumbles, which showcases his power and the burning desire to avenge his fallen brother.

The episode in the much-loved anime show is a tour de force of emotional resonance and physical might. Whitebeard's rage is awe-inspiring and heartbreaking which further fleshes out his character while highlighting the war's high stakes. The animation masterfully depicts his destruction, making viewers feel the tremors of his wrath. His unwavering commitment to his "sons" and his silent but potent fury are also some high points in the episode.

4 "Powers on a Different Level! Luffy vs. Lucci!"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

"Powers on a Different Level! Luffy vs. Lucci!" features the exciting battle between Luffy and Rob Lucci during the Enies Lobby arc. Luffy pushes his limits in an epic battle to save Robin! Lucci, CP9's strongest member, unleashes his Rokushiki techniques. Luffy courageously fights back with Gear Second and Gear Third, putting up with immense pain just to overpower him.

Electrifying animation ignites each punch and clash, making them sizzle with raw power and fierce emotion. This makes the fight sequence stand out as a visual spectacle in the show. But the episode's true power lies beyond action — it's the emotional core that resonates. Luffy's unwavering spirit to protect his crew embodies what One Piece is all about and his fight with Lucci is a turning point that marks his growth and unbreakable bond with his crew.

3 "Ending the Matter! Whitebeard vs. The Blackbeard Pirates!"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

Whitebeard faces off against Blackbeard in hopes of avenging his sons in this action-packed episode. While Whitebeard lays a decent beat down on Blackbeard, he finds trouble with Blackbeard's ability to cancel out Devil Fruit powers. He eventually dies telling Blackbeard that the One Piece is real and the will of his sons will not perish.

Whitebeard has a true underdog story. Not only did he face Blackbeard one-on-one, but he also had to deal with Teach and his crew firing their guns at him, which would eventually finish him off. Whitebeard's final moments were written spectacularly, making his death one for the books and securing "Whitebeard vs. the Blackbeard Pirates' place among One Piece's most impactful episodes.

2 "The Pain of My Crewmates Is My Pain! Zoro's Desperate Fight!"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

Episode 377 brought the tension and stakes to an all-time high. With Luffy temporarily unable to fight, Zoro steps up to fight on his behalf. Amidst their battle, Kuma makes Zoro a deal to take all of Luffy's pain away; the catch is that he has to implant it into Zoro. Although he could die from the sheer amount of pain, Zoro bravely accepts his offer.

It's no joke to call Zoro an absolute fan-favorite of the series; he has some of the best battles in One Piece and a compelling character journey, so getting a whole episode dedicated to him was sure to please fans everywhere. Still, fans were surprised by how much "The Pain of My Crewmates Is My Pain!" showcases Zoro's dedication to his friends' well-being. Zoro believed in Luffy so much that he was willing to die for him. If that isn't friendship, then what is?

1 "Looking for the Answer - Fire Fist Ace Dies on the Battlefield"

IMDb Score: 9.8/10

As the episode title states, Ace meets his end after having his organs scorched beyond repair due to Admiral Akainu delivering a magma fist to his back. As Ace collapses, the battlefield falls silent, and he spends his final moments in Luffy's arms, reflecting on his life and expressing gratitude to his friends and family.

"Fire Fist Ace Dies on the Battlefield" delivered what fans say is one of the most emotional episodes in One Piece's history. Watching Ace die believing he is good for nothing and still unsure whether he even deserved to be born was harrowing enough. The brilliant performance from Luffy's voice actor made the scene even more intense, with his heartbreaking scream piercing millions of hearts worldwide.

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