Fans of One Piece are often met with arcs that, despite being considered filler, emerge as unskippable gems within the tapestry of Luffy’s epic journey. While the main storyline and major arcs drive the overarching plot, these filler arcs are also a part of the series and what makes it so unique.
These filler arcs are self-contained storylines that deviate from the manga’s original narrative. While some fans may choose to skip these arcs in favor of the main story, certain filler arcs in One Piece have garnered a reputation for being unskippable. These arcs manage to captivate fans with engaging characters, unique premises, emotional depth, and moments of humor and adventure.
One Piece: 7 Best Filler Episodes
In a plethora of One Piece fillers, these are the ones that stand out the most.
6 Ocean’s Dream Arc
Episode 220-224
The Ocean Dream arc delves into how the memories of the Straw Hat pirates were erased by a young boy with a Seahorse-shaped instrument, leaving only Robin with her memory intact. The crew’s struggles begin when they cannot remember all their adventures together. It introduces a poignant storyline that tugs at the heartstrings, creating emotional moments like when Zoro gets hypnotized and tries to kill Lufy.
This scenario is ironic and adds a layer of depth to how strong the bond between Luffy and Zoro is as they overcome the mental prison inflicted on them by the boy. Also, this concept provides a fresh and intriguing aspect to the story, offering a break from the traditional plotlines and adding a touch of fantasy to the series.
5 Silver Marine Arc
Episode 747-750
The Silver Marine arc in One Piece is considered unskippable due to its connection to the One Piece Film: Gold movie. During the storyline, which runs between episodes 747 and 750, Luffy and Bartolomeo are taken hostage in a fortress by the Silver Mine Alliance. Any fan who wants to see the movie should watch the episodes that permeate the arc because it serves as a prequel. Considering how good One Piece Film: Gold is, this arc would give fans a background knowledge of what to expect in the film. A positive is seeing Bartholomeo fawn over Luffy with his comical facial expression.
From East Blue to the New World: A Guide to the Different Seas in One Piece
A look at the various seas that form the backdrop of the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventures in One Piece.
4 Little East Blue Arc
Episode 426-429
The Little East Blue arc maintains a light-hearted and comedic tone, reminiscent of the early comedic moments in One Piece. It once again explored the usual rendezvous of the Straw Hat pirates helping out people on every island they go to. The Straw Hat pirates once again liberate the people from the hands of their oppressors, especially Largo, the man who ate the Ami Ami no Mi devil fruit.
The fruit allows him to make nets out of everything he eats. While the arc does not connect to the main storyline, it expands the world-building of One Piece by introducing new islands and characters. It presents a unique perspective on the world and showcases the diverse and imaginative nature of the series.
3 Caesar’s Retrieval Arc
Episode 626-628
One Piece’s Caesar Retrieval Arc is a filler arc between the Dressrosa and Punk Hazard Arcs. In this storyline, Caesar Clown, already in the hands of the Straw Hat Pirates, is kidnapped by an enigmatic figure named Breed, who infiltrates the Thousand Sunny. After pursuing Breed, Luffy, Chopper, and Law end up on his ship, where they must battle his tamed animals to save Caesar. The primary characters of the arc—Luffy, Law, Chopper, and the Dugong—spend much of their time on Breed’s ship.
One Piece: 7 Inconsistencies Introduced By The Anime’s Filler Arcs
The One Piece anime’s filler has introduced several inconsistencies which can be confusing to the watchers.
During this arc, the news of Donquixote Doflamingo relinquishing his Warlord title also came in. While the arc is a filler and does not directly impact the main storyline, it offers an entertaining diversion for fans of the series.
2 Uta’s Past
1029-1030
The Uta’s Past arc in One Piece is considered unskippable due to its connection to the One Piece Film: Red and its focus on the history between Monkey D. Luffy and Shanks’ daughter, Uta. The arc delves deeper into Luffy’s childhood, and there is an additional storyline to this arc in One Piece Film: Red.
Most of Luffy’s childhood delves into his time with Dandan, Sabo, Ace, and the red-haired pirates. This arc, however, shows another character that impacted Luffy’s life growing up. Any fan who decides to skip the Uta’s Past arc will miss the extra depth and background information it provides. However, they may still continue with the main storyline of One Piece without any problem.
1 G-8 Arc
Episode196-206
The G-8 arc features a comedic and well-crafted storyline. The Straw Hat Pirates find themselves trapped in the marine base G-8 after the events of Skypiea, leading to a series of amusing and clever escapades as they navigate their way out. The arc involves amusing moments like the legendary General Condriano’s antics crafted by Usopp, provides ample opportunities for character interactions, and showcases the chemistry within the Straw Hat crew.
One Piece: 10 Episodes In The Anime You Didn’t Know Were Filler
Even with such a long-lived series as One Piece, the anime has to turn to filler at times. However, these episodes can still be spectacular.
Each crew member gets their spotlight, showcasing their unique abilities and quirks. Filler arcs often allow creators to explore creative and unique scenarios. The G-8 arc stands out for its inventive plot and the clever strategies the Straw Hat Pirates employ to outsmart the Marines. It features strategic battles between the Straw Hat Pirates and the Marines. Even though the battle was not as intense as battles in the major story arcs, the arc still proved to be entertaining and demonstrated the strength and resourcefulness of the Straw Hat Pirates.
One Piece
- Creator
- Eiichiro Oda
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Story By
- Eiichiro Oda
- Number of Episodes
- 1082+
