The essential episodes of One Piece

Watch these 15 in order and you've got One Piece — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S1999E01 · Pilot · October 20, 1999 · 25m

   I'm Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King!7.1

   A band of pirates led by Alvida plundered a ship, only to find a barrel which contains a strange boy named Luffy. Luffy is on a quest to find the legendary treasure "One Piece" and he befriends the ship's cabin-boy, Koby, who actually wants to become a marine officer. Luffy defeats Alvida and the two journey on in search of crewmates.

2. 02

   S2002E16 · Season 2002 peak · May 5, 2002 · 25m

   Merciless Fight to the Death! Luffy vs. Crocodile10.0

   After escaping from Rain Dinners, the Straw Hats and Vivi cross the desert to Alubarne, where the final battle will take place. Crocodile, however, manages to catch Luffy, beginning the first round of their battle.

3. 03

   S2003E13 · Season 2003 peak · April 20, 2003 · 25m

   The 100 Million Man! The World's Greatest Authority and the Pirate Blackbeard10.0

   Luffy takes out Bellamy with a single punch. Meanwhile, the world government heads are concerned over Whitebeard, Shanks, and Luffy. The marines try to decide who will replace Crocodile as a Shichibukai - one of Blackbeard's crew shows up uninvited and nominates his captain.

4. 04

   S2004E17 · Season 2004 peak · May 9, 2004 · 25m

   The Miracle in God's Country! A Love Song Heard by Angels10.0

   Luffy defeats Enel, ringing the Golden Bell in the process.

5. 05

   S2005E13 · Season 2005 peak · March 27, 2005 · 25m

   Marine High Admiral Aokiji! The Threat of the Greatest Power10.0

   The man they met, Marine High Admiral Aokiji, appears to be incredibly lazy. He first displays his Devil's Fruit ability by freezing the sea so some deserted people can get off the island. Unfortunately, he's determined to catch Robin. Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro attack but they seem to be no match.

6. 06

   S2006E21 · Season 2006 peak · August 6, 2006 · 25m

   Answer Us, Robin! The Outcries of the Straw Hat Crew!!10.0

   Franky helps Robin escape from their chains and they make it outside to see Luffy. Luffy wants to come over to rescue Robin but she tells him to stay, that she only wants to die. Below, as Yokozuna falls, the giants come to cover. All the Straw hats arrive on the roof, and ask Robin to return.

7. 07

   S2010E17 · Season 2010 peak · May 2, 2010 · 25m

   Magellan's Scheme! The Jailbreak is Obstructed10.0

   Luffy becomes enraged after learning about Magellan defeating Emporio Ivankov and Inazuma, but Mr. 2 and Jinbe persuade him that escaping takes priority.

8. 08

   S2015E30 · Season 2015 peak · August 23, 2015 · 25m

   Advance, Law! The Kindhearted Man's Final Fight!10.0

   Doflamingo and his Family begin to zero in on Corazon and Law`s whereabouts, but Corazon has a plan to hide Law long enough to let him escape - even if that means sacrificing his own life. However, when things turn sour, it`s a chain of lucky coincidences that allows the plan to be set into motion - almost as though someone or something is keeping Law alive!

9. 09

   S2016E09 · Season 2016 peak · March 20, 2016 · 30m

   Strike the Heavens - Luffy's King Kong Gun of Rage10.0

   Luffy regains enough Haki to face off against Doflamingo, but his health is still poor. With the Birdcage closing in, is there a technique left in his repertoire that is strong enough to take down Doflamingo?

10. 10

    S2017E38 · Season 2017 peak · October 1, 2017 · 30m

    A Heartbreaking Duel! Luffy vs Sanji! - Part 210.0

    Luffy refuses to back down from the hostile Sanji, causing Sanji to confront him and attack him with Diable Jambe. Despite Sanji's vicious attacks, Luffy refuses to fight back or retreat, and Nami pleads Sanji to stop to no avail. Finally, Sanji knocks Luffy out with a spinning midair kick, and returns to his family. Luffy yells out to Sanji as he leaves, saying that he will stay at this spot and not eat until Sanji returns, as he cannot become the Pirate King without Sanji. This causes Sanji to break down in tears as he is taken to Big Mom.

11. 11

    S2018E06 · Season 2018 peak · February 11, 2018 · 30m

    A Liar! Luffy and Sanji!!10.0

    Sanji and Luffy meet finally - and while he is happy to feed Luffy to replenish his energy, Sanji`s explanation of what actions he must take baffles Luffy! The crucial decision, to turn his back on his friends or his family, tears Sanji apart!

12. 12

    S2019E04 · Season 2019 peak · January 27, 2019 · 30m

    A Fist of Divine Speed! Another Gear Four Application Activated!10.0

    Luffy and Katakuri are locked in a duel to end all duels! Their powers ensure that each blow could be the last! Luffy must rely on his training, let all his thoughts out, and keep pushing on! Meanwhile, Sanji is about to land at Cacao Island!

13. 13

    S2021E44 · Season 2021 peak · November 21, 2021 · 25m

    Overwhelming Strength! The Straw Hats Come Together!10.0

    Luffy and Zoro try to get to the rooftop to help the Akazayas but Queen and King get in their way. The rest of the Straw Hats arrive, the whole crew assembles and Luffy vows to take down Kaido.

14. 14

    S2022E11 · Season 2022 peak · April 24, 2022 · 25m

    Straw Hat Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the King of the Pirates!10.0

    Yamato tells Momonosuke about how Ace gave him hope for the future. Meanwhile, Luffy and the other allied pirates from the Worst Generation make it to the rooftop to finally face off against Kaido and Big Mom.

15. 15

    S2023E17 · Season 2023 peak · May 21, 2023 · 25m

    King of Hell Three Sword Style - Zoro vs. King10.0

    King recalls his first meeting with his captain and declares that Kaido is the one to become the King of the Pirates, which leads Zoro to set his swords alight with hellfire.