So you want to start One Piece in 2026? First of all, respect. With over 1,100 episodes and counting, diving into Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece is a commitment that rivals getting a college degree—except this one is actually fun. One Piece isn’t just an anime; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captivated millions worldwide for over two decades. The story of Monkey D. Luffy and his quest to become King of the Pirates is filled with incredible world-building, emotional depth, and some of the most memorable characters in anime history.
This guide will break down exactly how to watch One Piece in 2026, including which filler episodes you can safely skip, where the movies fit in, and alternative viewing options like One Pace for those who want a faster journey. Whether you’re a complete newcomer or someone returning to catch up, we’ve got you covered with the most efficient path through the Grand Line.
The beauty of One Piece is that despite its length, every major arc builds upon the last. The world Oda has created is incredibly interconnected, with plot threads from episode 50 paying off 800 episodes later. Trust the process—this journey is worth every episode.
Quick Answer: One Piece Watch Order
- One Piece (Episodes 1-1,122+) — The main anime series
- One Piece Films (Optional) — Watch after corresponding arcs
- One Piece: Strong World — After Thriller Bark arc
- One Piece Film: Z — After Fishman Island arc
- One Piece Film: Gold — After Dressrosa arc
- One Piece Film: Red — After Wano arc
Complete One Piece Watch Order Explained
The East Blue Saga (Episodes 1-61)
This is where your adventure begins. The East Blue Saga introduces Luffy and the core Straw Hat crew members: Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. These episodes establish the foundation of what makes One Piece special—the bonds between crewmates and the dreams that drive them.
- Episodes: 1-61 (with some filler)
- Key Arcs: Romance Dawn, Orange Town, Syrup Village, Baratie, Arlong Park, Loguetown
- Watch on: Crunchyroll
- Filler to skip: Episodes 50-51, 54-60
The Arlong Park arc (episodes 31-44) is often cited as the moment One Piece “gets good.” If you’re struggling with the early episodes, push through to this arc—it’s where many fans fell in love with the series.
Alabasta Saga (Episodes 62-135)
The crew enters the Grand Line and the stakes escalate dramatically. This saga introduces Princess Vivi, Chopper (everyone’s favorite reindeer doctor), and the criminal organization Baroque Works. The Alabasta arc is One Piece’s first truly epic storyline.
- Episodes: 62-135
- Key Arcs: Reverse Mountain, Whisky Peak, Little Garden, Drum Island, Alabasta
- Filler to skip: Episodes 98-99, 101-102, 131-135
Sky Island Saga (Episodes 136-206)
One of the most polarizing sagas among fans—you’ll either love it or want to rush through it. The Straw Hats travel to a sky island called Skypiea, introducing unique world-building and the terrifying Enel.
- Episodes: 136-206
- Filler to skip: Episodes 136-138, 196-206
Water 7 Saga (Episodes 207-325)
This is peak One Piece for many fans. Water 7 and the Enies Lobby arc that follows contain some of the most emotional moments in the entire series. The introduction of CP9, the tragedy of the Going Merry, and Robin’s backstory will break your heart and put it back together.
- Episodes: 207-325
- Key Arcs: Long Ring Long Land, Water 7, Enies Lobby, Post-Enies Lobby
- Filler to skip: Episodes 207-219, 279-283, 291-292, 303, 317-319
Thriller Bark Saga (Episodes 326-384)
A Halloween-themed arc featuring zombies, ghosts, and one of the most iconic moments in anime history (if you know, you know). Brook, the skeleton musician, joins the crew here.
- Episodes: 326-384
- Filler to skip: Episodes 326-336, 382-384
Summit War Saga (Episodes 385-516)
The emotional climax of the first half of One Piece. The Sabaody Archipelago, Impel Down, and Marineford arcs are absolutely essential viewing. These episodes change everything and set up the entire second half of the series.
- Episodes: 385-516
- Filler to skip: Episodes 406-407, 426-429, 457-458, 492, 499, 506-516
Fishman Island Saga (Episodes 517-574)
The beginning of the New World and post-timeskip One Piece. The crew reunites after two years of training, now stronger than ever. This arc addresses themes of racism and prejudice through the lens of fishmen and humans.
- Episodes: 517-574
- Filler to skip: Episodes 542-543, 573-574
Dressrosa Saga (Episodes 575-746)
One of the longest arcs in the series, Dressrosa can feel like a slog at times due to pacing issues. However, it introduces fan-favorite characters like Sabo and Law, and the climax is phenomenal.
- Episodes: 575-746
- Filler to skip: Episodes 575-578, 590, 626-628, 737, 739, 746
Whole Cake Island Saga (Episodes 747-891)
Sanji’s arc. If you’ve ever wondered about the cook’s mysterious past, this saga delivers everything and more. Big Mom is a terrifying villain, and the arc features incredible action sequences.
- Episodes: 747-891
- Filler to skip: Episodes 747, 780-782, 807, 881, 891
Wano Country Saga (Episodes 892-1085)
The arc that broke the internet multiple times. Wano features the best animation One Piece has ever had, thanks to Toei Animation stepping up their game. The battles against Kaido and Big Mom are legendary.
- Episodes: 892-1085
- Filler to skip: Episodes 895-896, 907, 1014, 1023
Egghead Arc (Episodes 1086+)
The current arc as of 2026. The final saga of One Piece has begun, and every episode is bringing major revelations about the world’s history and the true nature of the One Piece itself.
- Episodes: 1086-ongoing
- Watch on: Crunchyroll
Complete One Piece Filler List
Here’s the comprehensive filler episode list for easy reference:
Safe to Skip:
- 50-51, 54-60 (East Blue filler)
- 98-99, 101-102, 131-135 (Post-Alabasta)
- 136-138, 196-206 (Skypiea filler)
- 207-219 (Long Ring Long Land extended)
- 279-283, 291-292, 303, 317-319 (Water 7/Enies Lobby)
- 326-336, 382-384 (Thriller Bark)
- 406-407, 426-429, 457-458, 492, 499, 506-516 (Summit War)
- 542-543, 573-574 (Fishman Island)
- 575-578, 590, 626-628, 737, 739, 746 (Dressrosa)
- 747, 780-782, 807, 881, 891 (Whole Cake Island)
- 895-896, 907, 1014, 1023 (Wano)
Total filler percentage: Approximately 10% of the series
One Pace: The Alternative Viewing Experience
Don’t have time for 1,100+ episodes? One Pace is a fan-edited version of One Piece that removes filler, extends flashbacks, and tightens the pacing to match the manga more closely. It cuts the series down significantly while keeping all canon content.
One Pace is particularly recommended for:
- The Dressrosa arc (cuts it from 118 to ~50 episodes)
- The Long Ring Long Land arc
- Any arc where pacing feels slow
Note: One Pace isn’t available on official streaming platforms, so you’ll need to find it through fan communities. For supporting the official release, stick with Crunchyroll.
Where to Watch One Piece
- Crunchyroll — Complete series, simulcast new episodes
- Netflix — Select arcs and the live-action adaptation
- Funimation (merged with Crunchyroll) — Dubbed episodes
- Hulu — Partial library
For the manga, grab One Piece Vol. 1 on Amazon to experience Oda’s original artwork.
One Piece Movies: Where Do They Fit?
Most One Piece movies are non-canon but fun side adventures. Here’s when to watch them:
| Movie | Watch After |
|---|---|
| One Piece: The Movie | Episode 18 |
| Clockwork Island Adventure | Episode 53 |
| Chopper’s Kingdom | Episode 102 |
| Dead End Adventure | Episode 130 |
| Cursed Holy Sword | Episode 143 |
| Baron Omatsuri | Episode 224 |
| Giant Mecha Soldier | Episode 228 |
| Episode of Arabasta | Episode 130 (recap) |
| Strong World | Episode 381 |
| Film Z | Episode 578 |
| Film Gold | Episode 746 |
| Film Red | Episode 1030 |
| Film: Red (2022) | After Wano arc |
Bold movies are produced with Oda’s direct involvement and feel most “canon” despite being standalone stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to watch all of One Piece? A: At approximately 24 minutes per episode with 1,100+ episodes, you’re looking at around 440 hours or about 18 days of continuous watching. Realistically, watching 5 episodes a day, you’d finish in about 7-8 months.
Q: Should I watch One Piece dubbed or subbed? A: The Funimation dub (now on Crunchyroll) is excellent, with consistent voice actors who’ve grown with their roles over decades. However, the sub is the “authentic” experience and is further ahead. We recommend starting with whatever you prefer—just start!
Q: Is the One Piece live-action a good alternative? A: The Netflix live-action adaptation covers the East Blue Saga in 8 episodes and is surprisingly good. However, it’s a complement to the anime, not a replacement. You’ll still want to watch the anime for the full experience.
Q: When will One Piece end? A: Eiichiro Oda has stated One Piece is in its final saga as of 2024. Estimates suggest the manga will conclude around 2027-2028, with the anime following 1-2 years later.
Final Thoughts
One Piece is a journey, not a destination. Yes, 1,100+ episodes is intimidating, but every fan who has made it through will tell you it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in anime. The world-building is unmatched, the characters become family, and the emotional payoffs are earned through careful setup.
Start with the East Blue Saga, give it until Arlong Park, and let Oda’s masterpiece hook you. Skip the filler episodes listed above if pacing becomes an issue, or try One Pace for an even tighter experience. However you choose to watch, welcome to the crew—your adventure to become King of the Pirates starts now.
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