One Piece: From the beginning, One Piece has tried its best to avoid meaningless episodes, but even this shonen masterpiece has filler content worth skipping.
One Piece Filler Episodes and Arcs You Can Skip
From the beginning, One Piece has tried its best to avoid meaningless episodes, but even this shonen masterpiece has filler content worth skipping.
One Piece is one of the longest-running anime in the medium’s history, but despite its long-standing nature, the series is nowhere near finishing up. The pirate-themed shonen (based on Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga of the same title) has well over 1000 episodes — only a small percentage of which are of the filler variety.
Unlike many other shonen series, One Piece does a fantastic job of avoiding pointless filler episodes. However, on rare occasions, it falls victim to the same shortcomings that plague similar titles within the genre. With this in mind, there are more than a few One Piece filler arcs that even the most diehard fans would be wise to avoid.
Updated on February 12, 2024, by Kennedy King: With One Piece’s Egghead Arc firmly underway, there are more eyes than ever on the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. Although filler episodes have become less prevalent as the series has continued, that doesn’t mean they haven’t continued to pop up throughout One Piece post-timeskip. Because of this, even the most veteran fans of the franchise should be on the lookout for new, non-canon material.
One Piece’s vast worldbuilding and intricate storylines have produced exciting arcs for fans to enjoy.
1The Warship Island Arc Interrupts A Pivotal Moment In Luffy’s Journey
Warship Island Episode #
Title
54.
Precursor to a New Adventure! Apis, a Mysterious Girl!
55.
Miraculous Creature! Apis’ Secret and the Legendary Island!
56.
Eric Attacks! Great Escape from Warship Island!
57.
A Solitary Island in the Distant Sea! The Legendary Lost Island!
58.
Showdown in the Ruins! Tense Zoro vs. Eric!
59.
Luffy, Completely Surrounded! Commodore Nelson’s Secret Strategy!
60.
Through the Sky They Soar! The 1000-Year Legend Lives Again!
61.
An Angry Showdown! Cross the Red Line!
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The Warship Island arc is the first filler arc that takes place during One Piece. It’s set just after the East Blue Saga and before the Straw Hat Pirates enter into the Grand Line. In the arc, a young girl named Apis escapes from a military warship and is rescued while floating in the ocean by the Straw Hat Pirates.
For a multitude of reasons, the Warship Island Arc is clearly unimportant to the overall plot of One Piece. Apis, nor any other characters from the arc, make appearances later in the series, and the titular island that they reside on isn’t even confirmed to exist. Given this arc’s position in the narrative, fans would be better suited skipping straight to the Straw Hats’ journey through the Grand Line.
2The Post-Alabasta Arc Lightens The Mood After Crocodile’s Defeat
Post-Alabasta Episode #
Title
131.
The First Patient! The Untold Story of the Rumble Ball!
132.
Uprising of the Navigator! For the Unyielding Dream!
133.
A Recipe Handed Down! Sanji, the Iron Man of Curry!
134.
I Will Make it Bloom! Usopp, the Man, and the Eight-Foot Shell!
135.
The Fabled Pirate Hunter! Zoro, the Wandering Swordsman!
One Piece features many key characters vying for the titular treasure, and these individuals greatly vary in age.
As one can probably guess by its title, the Post-Alabasta Arc occurs immediately following One Piece‘s Alabasta Arc. The filler arc doesn’t have one overarching plot, as many filler arcs do. Instead, each of the five episodes are standalone tales featuring a different member of the Straw Hat Pirates.
To be fair, the Post-Alabasta arc provides insight into each of the Straw Hat Pirates’ goals and histories. However, these episodes are narratively shallow, and due to Nico Robin and Monkey D. Luffy’s absence, they lack the oomph to justify watching them.
3The Goat Island Arc Introduces A Quirky New Character
Goat Island Episode #
Title
136.
Zenny of the Island of Goats and the Pirate Ship in the Mountains!
137.
How’s Tricks? The Designs of Zenny the Moneylender!
138.
Whereabouts of the Island Treasure! Attack of the Zenny Pirates!
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In the Goat Island Arc, the Straw Hat Pirates land on an island inhabited by an old man and his goats while hiding from Marine ships. They befriend the old man, and when the Marines find them on the island, the Straw Hat Pirates fight against them alongside him and his goats.
While on Goat Island, the Straw Hats also continuously lose their belongings (including their ship) to the old man in various games. Unsurprisingly, the Straw Hat Pirates win all their belongings back, turning this slog of a filler arc into an inconsequential series of events best left unseen.
4The Ruluka Island Arc Suffers From Its Place In The Story
Ruluka Island Episode #
Title
139.
Legend of the Rainbow Mist! Old Man Henzo of Luluka Island!
140.
Residents of the Land of Eternity! The Pumpkin Pirates!
141.
Thoughts of Home! The Pirate Graveyard of No Escape!
142.
An Inevitable Melee! Wetton’s Schemes and the Rainbow Tower!
143.
And so, the Legend Begins! To the Other Side of the Rainbow!
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Like many of the filler arcs in One Piece, the Ruluka Island Arc begins with Luffy and the Going Merry crew being chased by the Marines and finding themselves on an unusual island. In this case, the crew ends up on Ruluka Island, where a dictator has been overtaxing the island’s citizens in the hopes of financing the construction of the Rainbow Tower.
Set shortly before the Jaya and Skypiea arcs, Ruluka Island finds itself in an unforgiving narrative position. At this point in the anime, most fans are probably clamoring to see the fallout of Alabasta, only for there to be back-to-back filler arcs that prevent them from doing so. Accordingly, it makes sense to skip both the Goat Island and Ruluka Island arcs at the exact same time.
5The G-8 Arc Is Potentially The Best Filler In One Piece
G-8 Episode #
Title
196.
A State of Emergency is Issued! A Notorious Pirate Ship has Infiltrated!
197.
Sanji the Cook! Proving His Merit at the Marine Dining Hall!
198.
Captured Zoro! Chopper’s Emergency Operations!
199.
The Marines Dragnet Closes In! The Second Member Captured!
200.
Luffy and Sanji’s Daring Rescue Mission!
201.
Enter the Hot-Blooded Special Forces! Battle on the Bridge!
202.
Breaking Through the Siege! The Going Merry is Recovered!
203.
The Pirate Ship Disappears! Fortress Battle, Round #2!
204.
The Gold and Waver Recovery Operations!
205.
The One Fell Swoop Plan! Jonathan’s Surefire Secret Tactic!
206.
Farewell, Marine Fortress! The Last Battle for Escape!
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The G-8 Arc comes directly after the Sky Island Saga, in which the Straw Hat Pirates find their way to the Sky Island, otherwise thought of only as a myth. When their ship returns to the sea, instead of landing in open water, they find themselves in a heavily fortified Marine base. From there, they have to figure out how to reclaim their ship and escape.
Compared to most filler arcs, the G-8 episodes are actually fairly high quality. This, coupled with the fact that the anime includes its antagonist, Vice Admiral Jonathan, in the events of the Marineford Arc, makes it a fun watch for most fans of the series.
6The Ocean’s Dream Arc Feels Like A Fever Dream
Ocean’s Dream Episode #
Title
220.
Was It Lost? Stolen? Who Are You?
221.
A Mysterious Boy With a Horn and Robin’s Deduction!
222.
Now, Let’s Get Back Our Memories! The Pirate Crew Lands On the Island!
223.
Zoro Bares His Fangs! A Savage Animal Stands in the Way!
224.
The Last Counterattack by the Memory Thief Who Reveals His True Colors!
As the events of One Piece’s Egghead Arc reach their climax, Bartholomew Kuma’s role in the series is more important than ever before.
The Ocean’s Dream Arc is based on the One Piece PlayStation video game of the same name. Everyone on the ship, except for Nico Robin, finds themselves without any of their memories of being in the Straw Hat Pirates. This causes chaos among the crew, who no longer recognize each other, and ultimately makes them all feel that each of them is a threat.
Eventually, the Straw Hat Pirates slowly realize that they are dreaming about the same boy blowing an instrument underwater. While the Ocean’s Dream arc is a fun detour, it’s incredibly different from the rest of One Piece. This, coupled with the lack of character development in the arc, makes it an absolute must-skip for first-time watchers.
7The Foxy’s Return Arc Rehashes One Piece’s Worst Arc
Foxy’s Return Episode #
Title
225.
Proud Man! Silver Fox Foxy!
226.
The Guy Who’s the Closest to Invincible? And the Most Dangerous Man!
227.
Navy Headquarters Admiral Aokiji! The Ferocity of an Ultimate Powerhouse!
228.
Duel Between Rubber and Ice! Luffy vs. Aokiji!
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The events of Long Ring Long Island introduce Foxy and the Foxy Pirate crew to One Piece. During the Foxy’s Return filler arc (which occurs shortly after the Long Ring Long Island arc), Foxy and two of his crew, Porche and Hamburg, are floating in a small boat on the ocean. Luffy sees them from the Going Merry and brings them aboard until they find their ship.
Effectively, all the Foxy’s Return arc does is rehash the Straw Hat Pirates’ relationship with Foxy — one of the most disliked characters in One Piece history. Perhaps this filler arc would’ve been more meaningful had it not occurred immediately after Foxy’s introduction. Alas, it does not, and as a result, most fans would benefit from instantly skipping it for the setup of the Water 7 Arc.
8The Ice Hunter Arc Explores An Underepresented Part Of One Piece
Ice Hunter Episode #
Title
326.
The Mysterious Band of Pirates! Sunny and the Dangerous Trap!
327.
Sunny in a Pinch! Roar, Secret Superspeed Mecha!
328.
The Dream Sinking in the New World! The Disillusioned Pirate, Puzzle!
329.
The Assassins Attack! The Great Battle on Ice Begins!
330.
The Straw Hat’s Hard Battles! A Pirate Soul Risking It All for the Flag!
331.
Hot Full Throttle! The Twin’s Magnetic Power Drawing Near!
332.
Mansion of Great Chaos! The Enraged Don and the Captured Crew!
333.
The Return of the Phoenix! The Dream of the Pirate Flag Sworn to a Friend!
334.
The Red Hot Decisive Battle! Luffy vs. The Scorching Don!
335.
Waiting in the New World! Farewell to the Brave Pirates!
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In the Ice Hunter Arc, the Straw Hat Pirates run across a crew on a damaged ship and decide to help them. However, it turns out that the people on the ship work for a family of bounty hunters named the Accino Family, utilizing an enemy that isn’t the Marines.
The work conducted by bounty hunters is rarely explored in One Piece, minus a few brief references by Johnny and Yosaku. Because of this, the events of the Ice Hunter arc feel distinctly separate from the normal adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it helps this filler arc stand out from some of its peers.
9The Spa Island Arc Fulfills One Of Anime’s Laziest Tropes
Spa Island Episode #
Title
382.
The Slow-Slow Menace! ‘Silver Fox’ Foxy Returns!
383.
The Great Scramble for Treasure! Collapse! Spa Island!
384.
Brook’s Great Struggle! Is the Path to Becoming a True Comrade Rigorous?
No anime is truly complete without a spa arc, and One Piece is no different. The Spa Island arc depicts the Straw Hat Pirates as they stop at Spa Island, an artificial island with many recreational activities. The pirates split up to enjoy themselves and end up meeting a young girl named Lina and her sister Sayo, who is holding onto a curious notebook she won’t let anyone see.
Like most spa episodes, the Spa Island arc adds virtually no substance to One Piece‘s events. As if this wasn’t bad enough, Foxy and his crew also appear, turning this arc into a jumbled mess of fan service with little direction or intrigue.
10The Little East Blue Arc Sets Up The Events Of Film: Strong World
Little East Blue Episode #
Title
426.
A Special Presentation Related to the Movie! A Gold Lion’s Ambition on the Move!
427.
A Special Presentation Related to the Movie! Little East Blue in Danger!
428.
A Special Presentation Related to the Movie! The Fierce Onslaught of the Amigo Pirates!
429.
A Special Presentation Related to the Movie! Luffy vs. Largo – The Battle is on!
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The Little East Blue arc is a four-episode arc meant to lead directly into the One Piece Film: Strong World. The story finds the Straw Hat Pirates on an island that is pretty much a replica of East Blue, where many of them are from.
While enjoying themselves, the Amigo Pirates attack and capture the Straw Hats, leading to a battle between Luffy and the Amigo Pirates’ leader, Largo. For fans looking to watch One Piece Film: Strong World, the Little East Blue arc is totally worth checking out. Otherwise, it’s best left unwatched.
11The Z’s Ambition Arc Is Another Movie-Related Narrative
Z’s Ambition Episode #
Title
575.
Z’s Ambition! Lily the Little Giant!
576.
Z’s Ambition! A Dark and Powerful Army!
577.
Z’s Ambition! A Great and Desperate Escape Plan!
578.
Z’s Ambition! Luffy vs. Shuzo!
Over the years, Luffy has gained access to several forms to combat his opponents at different times and overcome them with all his might.
The Z’s Ambition Arc is the first One Piece filler arc to occur after the time skip. The episodes also act as a set-up for the film, One Piece Film: Z. In the arc, the Straw Hat Pirates make their way into the New World, only to suddenly end up surrounded by a fleet of Marine ships.
As with the Little East Blue arc and One Piece Film: Strong World, Z’s Ambition primarily appeals to fans who plan to watch One Piece Film: Z shortly after the arc. For everyone else, these filler episodes are meaningless.
12The Caesar Retrieval Arc Adds Nuance To Its Titular Antagonist
Caesar Retrieval Episode #
Title
626.
Caesar Goes Missing! The Pirate Alliance Makes a Sortie!
627.
Luffy Dies at Sea!? The Pirate Alliance Comes Apart!
628.
A Major Turnaround! Luffy’s Angry Iron Fist Strikes!
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The Caesar Retrieval arc follows the kidnapping of Caesar Clown, who the Straw Hat Pirates have held captive on their ship. The story involves several parties who want to capture Caesar, trying to recapture him after a mysterious person kidnaps him off the Thousand Sunny.
As far as filler episodes go, the Caesar Retrieval arc isn’t terrible. It provides a closer look at Caesar Clown and his connection to many of One Piece‘s main characters, adding some depth to one of One Piece‘s most underappreciated villains. However, given its nonexistent impact on the narrative, the sequence can certainly be skipped without much narrative impact.
13The Silver Mine Arc Falls Flat Because Of Its Low Stakes
Silver Mine Episode #
Title
747.
The Silver Fortress! Luffy and Barto’s Great Adventure!
748.
An Underground Maze! Luffy vs. the Tram Human!
749.
The Sword Technique Heats Up! Law and Zoro Finally Appear!
750.
A Desperate Situation! Luffy Fights a Battle in Extreme Heat!
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The Silver Mine arc is another filler arc that takes place as a lead-up to a film — in this case, One Piece Film: Gold. In the arc, the Silver Mine Alliance kidnaps Luffy and Bartolomeo and holds them captive in a large fortress located in the pirates’ silver mine. Luffy and Bartolomeo work their way through the mine, fighting off pirates as they go.
By the time the Silver Mine arc happens, Monkey D. Luffy has clearly established himself as one of the most formidable pirates on the Grand Line. This makes the mundane nature of the Silver Mine arc a bit off-putting, as its gravitas pales compared to the arcs sandwiched between.
14The Marine Rookie Arc Is Extremely Removed From The Rest Of The Series
Marine Rookie Episode #
Title
780.
A Hungry Front! Luffy and the Navy Rookies!
781.
The Implacable Three! A Big Chase After the Straw Hats!
782.
The Devil’s Fist! A Show Down! Luffy vs. Grount!
Read More
In the Marine Rookie arc, Luffy wastes all the food supplies the Sanji Retrieval Team has, placing the group on the brink of starvation. To replenish their supply of food, they break into a Marine base, attack some soldiers, steal their uniforms, and once they’re disguised, raid their food storage.
Although the Marine Rookie arc is a fun detour, it offers little substance to incentivize One Piece fans to check it out. There are no cameos, very little action, and zero major costume changes, making it one of the least impactful sequences in the entire series.
15The Cidre Guild Arc Interrupts The Flow Of The Straw Hat Pirates’ Journey
Cidre Guild Episode #
Title
895.
Side Story! The World’s Greatest Bounty Hunter, Cidre!
896.
Side Story! Clash! Luffy vs. the King of Carbonation!
Read More
With 15 One Piece movies having been released, here’s your guide to the ones worth watching and those you should skip.
As with most filler episodes in One Piece post-timeskip, the Cidre Guild arc is another filler arc that ties directly into a film — this time, One Piece: Stampede. During these episodes, Luffy encounters the Cidre Guild, a group of bounty hunters who have been on the Straw Hat Pirates’ tail for some time.
The Cidre Guild arc takes place just before the events of Wano Country, and as a result, it pales in comparison to the episodes that it immediately precedes. By this point in the series, fans are likely clamoring to see the strength of the Beast Pirates, rendering this arc an unnecessary exercise in patience.
16The Uta’s Past Arc Blurs The Line Between Filler And Canon
Uta’s Past Episode #
Title
1029.
A Faint Memory! Luffy and Red-Haired’s Daughter Uta!
1030.
A Pledge for the Next Genesis! Luffy and Uta!
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For the most part, all One Piece‘s filler episodes after the timeskip generally serve a single purpose: introducing the narrative of an upcoming movie. Such is the case with the Uta’s Past arc, which details the history between Monkey D. Luffy and Shanks’ daughter, Uta, prior to the events of One Piece Film: Red.
Technically, the One Piece manga confirms Uta is indeed part of the franchise’s canon. However, it only briefly mentions her, making the events of the Uta’s Past arc an anime-only creation until future notice. Accordingly, fans would be much better suited to skip it in favor of watching the canonical events tied to the Raid on Onigashima.
