Even after over two decades, One Piece is still going strong. Interestingly, since this year, 2026, the anime has shifted to a seasonal format, and that has only helped the series achieve better overall quality and pacing. So, it doesn’t seem like One Piece is getting off the hype train anytime soon. Therefore, if you haven’t started your journey with the Straw Hats and are looking for the best watch order to get into the series, then this 2026 guide should serve as your ultimate savior.
That said, it must first be made clear that One Piece doesn’t really have a complex chronological watch order and can be enjoyed without much prior research. However, incorporating the movies and other special episodes into the timeline is where things get a bit trickier. Read below to know more.
| TITLE | One Piece |
| RELEASE DATE | October 20, 1999 |
| MAL SCORE (as of June 27, 2026) | 8.73/10 |
| WHERE TO WATCH | Crunchyroll |
What’s the Best Watch Order for the Original One Piece Anime?
For those who are worried that One Piece must have a complex timeline, while it can somewhat be true in the latter arcs, there won’t be a moment when you will struggle to understand the storyline if you watch it in release order. Since the very first episode to the ongoing episodes of the final saga in the anime, the narrative stays quite linear, only with several backstories unfolding in certain character arcs.
While the backstories might be events that happened in the past, if you think watching them first would do you any good in better understanding the anime, then you’re mistaken. Experiencing those character moments right when they are shown in the ongoing timeline always feels more rewarding.
Now, some may suggest that it’s best to skip some of the filler arcs in One Piece, but we’d recommend doing so only if you’re in a time crunch. Otherwise, even watching the fillers will give you more exposure to your already beloved characters and also highlight some of the new supporting characters, who might just become one of your next favorite things in the series.
A Chronological Listing of Every One Piece Saga (Including Movies)
The original One Piece anime is divided into 11 major sagas as of now, and each saga can be further divided into arcs. Now, if we list the One Piece sagas in chronological order, it would basically follow their release schedule. However, the One Piece franchise has also released multiple movies during its run, and exactly pinpointing where they fit in the timeline can be a bit difficult.
Therefore, the guide below will help you better understand what to watch and when to watch each One Piece saga, including the movies, special episodes, and the OVAs. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
[NOTE: The retelling and abridged versions of some already released arcs in the anime are not included in the list, as they basically offer the same story by condensing the arcs.]
1. The East Blue Saga (Episodes 1–61)
This is where it all began. Luffy eats the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and receives his powers. Also, the introduction of the OG members of the Straw Hat Pirates, such as Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, takes place in their respective arcs.
- Romance Dawn Arc: Episodes 1-3
- Orange Town Arc: Episodes 4-8
- Syrup Village Arc: Episodes 9-18
- One Piece: The Movie (2002) – After Episode 16
- Baratie Arc: Episodes 19-30
- Arlong Park Arc: Episodes 31-44
- Loguetown Arc: Episodes 45, 48-53
- Buggy’s Crew Adventure Chronicles: Episodes 46-47
- Warship Island arc (Filler arc: Episodes 54-61
- One Piece: Adventure in the Ocean’s Navel TV Special (2000) – After Episode 52
- One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure (2001) – After Episode 60
2. The Alabasta Saga (Episodes 62–135)
Helping Princess Vivi becomes the main objective in the early story arcs after entering the Grand Line. Luffy and others stop the criminal organization Baroque Works and its leader, Crocodile, from overthrowing the kingdom of Arabasta.
- Reverse Mountain Arc: Episodes 62-63
- Whiskey Peak Arc: Episodes 64-67
- Diary of Koby-Meppo Arc: Episodes 68-69
- Little Garden Arc: Episodes 70-77
- Drum Island Arc: Episodes 78-91
- Alabasta Arc: Episodes 92-130
- Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals (2002) – After Episode 102
- Post-Alabasta Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 131-135
3. The Sky Island Saga (Episodes 136–206)
Luffy and his crew follow a mysterious map and reach Skypiea, a legendary island in the sky. Uncovering the secrets of this island and defeating the self-proclaimed god Enel takes priority in the Sky Island saga.
- Goat Island Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 136-138
- Ruluka Island Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 139-143
- Jaya Arc: Episodes 144-152
- One Piece: Dead End Adventure (2003) – After Episode 146
- One Piece: Open Upon the Great Sea! A Father’s Huge, HUGE Dream TV Special (2003) – After Episode 149
- Skypiea Arc: Episodes 153-195
- Save! The Last Big Stage TV Special (2003) – After Episode 173
- One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword (2004) – After Episode 183
- G-8 Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 196-206
4. The Water 7 Saga (Episodes 207–325)
Bidding farewell to the Straw Hat Pirates’ Going Merry ship remains the emotional highlight of this arc. Furthermore, major events like declaring war on the World Government and rescuing Robin from Enies Lobby also occur.
- Long Ring Long Land Arc: Episodes 207-219
- Ocean’s Dreams Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 220-224
- Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island Movie (2005) – After Episode 223
- Foxy’s Return Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 225-228
- Water 7 Arc: Episodes 229-263
- Giant Mecha Soldier of Karakuri Castle Movie (2006) – After Episode 257
- Enies Lobby Arc: Episodes 264-290, 293-302, 304-312
- Boss Luffy Historical Special (Special Episodes): Episodes 291-292, 303, 406-407
- One Piece: The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures Alabasta (2007) – After Episode 299
- Post-Enies Lobby Arc: Episodes 313-325
5. The Thriller Bark Saga (Episodes 326–384)
One of the most beloved characters in One Piece, Brook gets introduced in this saga. The major events take place on a ghostly island ship, where the Straw Hats battle Gecko Moria, regain stolen shadows, and gain Brook as a new crewmate.
- Ice Hunter Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 326-335
- Thriller Bark Arc: Episodes 337-381
- Romance Dawn Story Movie (2008) – After Episode 378
- Spa Island Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 382-384
6. The Summit War Saga (Episodes 385–516)
Exploring Luffy’s connection to his brother Ace takes center stage in the Summit War saga. At one point in the storyline, the crew gets separated, and Luffy desperately tries to save Ace, leading to the massive Marineford War that changes the world forever.
- Sabaody Archipelago Arc: Episodes 385-405
- Amazon Lily Arc: Episodes 408-417
- Straw Hat’s Separation Serial: Episodes 418-421, 453-456
- Impel Down Arc: Episodes 422-425, 430-452
- Little East Blue Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 426 – 429
- Strong World Episode 0 OVA (2009) – After Episode 429
- One Piece: Strong World (2009) – After Episode 429
- Marineford Arc: Episodes 457-489
- One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase (2011) – After Episode 489
- Post-War Arc: Episodes 490-491, 493-516
- Toriko Crossover (Special Episode): Episode 492
7. The Fish-Man Island Saga (Episodes 517–574)
The Fish-Man Island Saga takes place after a two-year timeskip. The reunited Straw Hats arrive at Fish-Man Island, where they confront Hody Jones and learn more about discrimination between humans and fish-men.
- Return to Sabaody Arc: Episodes 517-522
- Fish-Man Island Arc: Episodes 523-541, 543-574
- Toriko Crossover (Special Episode): Episode 542
8. The Dressrosa Saga (Episodes 575–746)
One of the most well-written villains in anime history, Donquixote Doflamingo, gets introduced in this saga. The fight between him and the Straw Hats becomes the arc’s highlight. Luffy’s Gear 4 transformation in this saga is still one of the series’ best moments.
- Z’s Ambition (Filler arc): Episodes 575-578
- One Piece Film: Z (2012) – After Episode 576
- One Piece episode of Luffy: Adventure on Hand Island TV Special (2012) – After Episode 576
- Punk Hazard Arc: Episodes 579-589, 591-625
- Toriko & Dragon Ball Crossover (Special Episode): Episode 590
- Caesar Retrieval (Filler arc): Episodes 626-628
- Dressrosa Arc: Episodes 629-746]
- One Piece 3D2Y TV Special (2014) – After Episode 658
- One Piece: Adventure of Nebulandia TV Special (2015) – After Episode 722
9. The Whole Cake Island Saga (Episodes 747–889)
Big Mom’s character receives the deserved spotlight in the Whole Cake Island saga. Defeating her becomes the arc’s primary objective, which ultimately turns into a dramatic escape.
- Silver Mine Arc (Filler arc): Episode 747-750
- One Piece Film: Gold (2016) – After Episode 750
- Zou Arc: Episodes 751-774, 776-779
- Straw Hats Rescue Operation (Filler): Episode 775
- Marine Rookie Arc (Filler arc): Episode 780-782
- Whole Cake Island Arc: Episode 783-877
- Reverie/ Levely Arc: Episode 878-889
- One Piece: Episode of Skypiea TV Special (2018) – After Episode 850
10. The Wano Country Saga (Episodes 890–1085)
The longest arc in the series so far, the Straw Hats join forces with the pirates from the Samurai land to overthrow Kaido and Orochi. And of course, Luffy’s Gear 5 awakening is the major highlight of the Wano Country Saga.
- Wano Country Arc: Episodes 890-894, 897-906, 908-1028, 1031-1085
- Cidre Guild Arc (Filler arc): Episodes 895,896
- One Piece: Stampede (2019) – After Episode 896
- One Piece Anime 20th Anniversary Special Romance Dawn (Filler): Episode 907
- Uta’s Past (Filler arc): Episodes 1029, 1030
- One Piece: Red (2022) – After Episode 1030
- Time to Depart – Wano Country and the Straw Hats (Anime Canon): Episode 1084
11. The Final Saga (Episode 1086–Present)
The series finally enters the last stretch of its grand storyline, as the Final Saga is expected to deliver the decisive finale of One Piece. Though it is still ongoing, already in the initial arcs, we’re hit with many revelations linked to the Void Century. And much more to come.
- Egghead Arc: Episode 1086 -1155
- Elbaph Arc: Episode 1156 – Ongoing
Should You Watch The One Piece Remake & The One Piece Live-Action?
The upcoming One Piece remake by WIT Studio isn’t exactly a must-watch if you’re already caught up with the original series or are planning to. However, those who couldn’t make up their mind to start the original anime simply because of its sheer number of episodes can quite rightfully give the remake a try. The remake is basically aimed at condensing the main storyline while only cutting a few extra corners here and there. But we can expect that none of the changes will in any way lessen the viewing experience of the anime and may even improve it to some extent.
Now, what about the live-action then? Netflix really did a phenomenal job with One Piece‘s live-action adaptation, and people even started claiming that this is the best they’ve ever seen in the medium. So, if live-action shows are more of your personal preference, then you must give it a try. However, if you simply wish to enjoy the full storyline without cutting corners while keeping the original essence of the source material intact, then the original One Piece anime should be your best option.
While the remake is supposed to remodel the already great storyline for modern audiences, the series is expected to lose some of its authenticity in the process. Therefore, the original series should remain your first priority if you’ve got the time to invest.
Where to Watch the Original One Piece Anime Online?
All episodes of the original One Piece anime are currently available to watch on Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll even simultaneously releases every new episode on its platform. The series is available in both English sub and dub. Now, apart from Crunchyroll, Netflix is also currently on its way to catching up with the entire series, and they are not that far behind. Interestingly, the current ongoing Elbaph Arc episodes are being released on both platforms.
Apart from these two, some of the earlier seasons of One Piece are also available to watch on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. But since the entire anime isn’t available there, we’d recommend getting either a Crunchyroll or Netflix subscription for now, if you don’t have one already.
Well then, do let us know how helpful the guide has been for you in the comments below.
One Piece is now available to watch on Crunchyroll.
