Arcs are the key format for most anime series, dividing the story into noticeable chunks with distinct settings and plots. The show with the most arcs isOne Piece, which has over a thousand episodes and around 30 arcs. With so many arcs, not all of them will be good, but a lot of them are renowned pieces of fiction, and while there is a rough consensus, everyone has their favorite and least-favorite.
That is why this list will highlightthe most rewatchableOne Piecearcs based on the opinion of this hardcore fan. While some fan opinion and critical acclaim will apply, this list is mainly about my perception based on my enjoyment of the series. I will showcase my most rewatchable arcs through aspects such asrelevance, comedy, action, moments, enjoyability, lore, worldbuilding, and writing. This list does not rank the best arcs, but it is one I can go back to anytime and rewatch.
Episodes: 153-195
One of the most polarizing arcs inOne Pieceis Skypiea, mainly because many fans don’t feel like it is relevant and is more of a side adventure. However, they can’t be more wrong. After learning about a sky island and a city of gold, the Strawhats travel to the hidden island of Skypiea, where they must help defeat a self-proclaimed god and resolve land disputes among the natives.
Besides Enel having one of thebest character designs inOne Piece, he is also a memorable villain who I need to return in the future. Skypiea isone of the funniest arcs in the series, letting the characters journey and showcase their dynamics. However, this is also anextremely relevant arc to current plotlines, making it an important rewatch I’ll never get tired of.
9Return to Sabaody
Episodes: 517-522
Time skips have become common in some of the biggest anime because they give them time to rest, develop the world, and bring the story to exciting new moments. Return to Sabaody is the first arc afterOne Piece’s two-year time skip, where the Strawhats reconvene on the island to finally sail into the New World and take the next step to becoming the King of the Pirates.
Return to Sabaody doesn’t have much going on; it simply highlights the crew’s newfound power and designs. However, this reunion wasa touching moment and long-awaited after years of separation. This arc is so rewatchable because it isn’t that long and gives fans thedynamics they have been missing alongside some nostalgic hijinks.
8Long Ring Long Land
Episodes: 207-219
One Piecehas a handful of infamous arcs for various reasons, but Long Ring Long Land is the most controversial. After Skypiea, the crew didn’t have any immediate plan, but the intervention of Foxy and the Davy Back Fight gave them something to do. Foxy challenged the Strawhats to the competition, with the winner being able to steal a member of the opposing crew.
This is many fans' least favorite arc because of its lack of relevance and overly goofy feeling, butOne Pieceis for all ages. There wasn’t much point to it besides deliveringan enjoyable side adventure, and that is what I love about it.The games were silly and fun, and they blessed us with more character interactions and hilarious situations. It may break up the flow, but sometimes that is just what the story needs to give fans a good time.
7Marineford
Episodes: 457-489
This list might give fans whiplash because right after the Long Ring Long Land arc is Marineford,the most critically acclaimed arc inOne Piece. With Ace captured and his execution scheduled, Luffy and the Whitebeard pirates separately plan to attack the base to save him. What ensues is the biggest war inOne Piece, with Warlords, Emperors, and Admirals all battling it out.
I don’t really need to explain why I like this storyline so much, considering Marineford is thegreatest arc in anime history. However, that doesn’t make it the most rewatchable since I can’t take Ace and Whitebeard’s deaths over again. Still, Marineford is ahigh-stakes, battle-fueled masterpiecewithdramatic moments, epic fights, some humor, and a riveting plotthat took the anime world by storm.
6Thriller Bark
Episodes: 337-381
Like a few other arcs on this list,Thriller Bark is pretty polarizing, with some fans loving its creativity and others not appreciating the deviation from the main story. Learning of a haunted sea and ghost ships, the Strawhats encounter Brook, whose shadow was stolen by a warlord, prompting the crew to embark on the spooky island and defeat Gecko Moria.
It is common for this list to include less relevant arcs to the grand story, but that makes them so rewatchable. You don’t need to focus on the overall plot; instead, you can just have fun with what is happening in the present, andThriller Bark has a lot to enjoy. It has comedy, moments, worldbuilding, lore, some plot relevance, and some of thebest fights inOne Piece. It stands out as a successful arc that is perfect to watch every Halloween.
5Enies Lobby
Episodes: 264-312
One Pieceis an unpredictable anime, and Enies Lobby proved that every step of the way, dazzling fans with unexpected moments, plot developments, fights, and twists. Needing a new ship, the Strawhats came to Water 7, but after a series of events, the crew challenged the World Government in order to get back their crewmate. Battling CP9 agents,this arc is non-stop action and thrills.
Enies Lobby is one of the grandest arcs anda moment-making machine, with each member getting their shine and having a memorable event, which has become a staple of the series. With some of the best fights inOne Pieceand unforgettable moments, Enies Lobby isa dramatic masterpiece. Character development, action, comedy, storytelling genius, and relevance,this arc is my personal favoriteand one of the most rewatchable.
Episodes: 196-206
Almost every arc on this list is canon, and for good reason, asOne Piecehas a rocky history with filler episodes. However, there is one exception, and that is the G8 arc. After falling into a Marine base from Skypiea, the Navy impounded their ship and forced them into hiding. The Strawhats must now sneak around the base and steal back their ship to escape, but that is easier said than done.
One Piecefans must never skip the G8 arc because it issurprisingly good compared to the rest of the filler. The plot is shockingly entertaining and gives every character their own mini-arc and role, giving them a chance to showcase their infiltration skills.Full of funny moments and clever writing, G8 is one ofthe best filler arcs in animeand a rewatchable delight for One Piece fans.
3Arlong Park
Episodes: 31-44
One Piececan have a slow start depending on personal preferences, but for many fans, Arlong Park was the arc that fully immersed them into the series. After Nami steals their boat and map, the crew decides to bring her back, but they learn she “owes” a debt to Arlong. The Strawhats must face the fearsome Fishman pirates and ensure Nami’s safety ina heartwarming and epicOne Piecearc.
Part of what makes Arlong Park rewatchable is the nostalgia. It is aclassic arc that embodies some of the bestOne Piecehas to offer, especially early in the series. There are a lot of things I want tosee inOne Piecebefore it ends, and Arlong Park was the arc that got me fully invested in the plot. Theemotional and epic momentscreated a perfect handful of episodes that anyone can easily rewatch.
2Sabaody Archipelago
Episodes: 385-405
Remember when I mentioned I loved Return to Sabaody because we finally saw the Strawhats reunite? Well, Sabaody Archipelago was the arc that took it all away, and I love it more. As the crew readies itself to enter the New World, they encounter other rookie pirates, Celestial Dragons, a Warlord, and an admiral, all culminating in the tragic separation of the Strawhat pirates.
Sabaody Archipelago is a standard length for an arc, but compared to the rest ofOne Piece’s arcs,it is short, making it easy to return to. There are some sad moments, butthis arc has it all: drama, action, comedy, plot relevance, masterful story, character growth, and worldbuilding/lore. Sabaody Archipelagogives fans a little of everything, making it one of thebest arcs inOne Pieceand a pound-for-pound masterpiece.
1Romance Dawn
Episodes: 1-3
It wouldn’t sit right with me if I didn’t include the arc that started my favorite anime franchise. Romance Dawn is theintroduction to the world and characters, starting with Luffy emerging from a barrel and helping Coby live his dreams by beating up his captor. Then we see Luffy recruit Roronoa Zoro, and thus officially begins their pirating journey from humble beginnings.
Romance Dawn isn’t the best arc, and with three episodes, it doesn’t get much time to establish itself. However, it is short and sweet, making it an easy rewatch.This arc is pure nostalgia, reminding us whatOne Piecewas always intended to be. It is a good storyline to see how much has changed, from the characters to the world. I will never get tired of Romance Dawn because itmade me fall in love with this pirating world, freeing story, and silly characters, which creates one of thebest anime series of all time.
