Five classic episodes of One Piece are listed below.
Episode 151 (April 20, 2003)
Both new and longtime viewers of One Piece will find moments from Episode 151 that are worth watching again. Blackbeard, one of the series’ most deadly antagonists, makes his debut in this episode, and Luffy gets his chance to face off against Bellamy in a famous confrontation.
In Mock Town, Bellamy issues another challenge to Luffy, mocking the young pirate for his lack of a punch. Luffy, put to the test by Bellamy, musters the energy to land a devastating blow and knocks him unconscious. This episode serves as an excellent testing ground for Luffy and ultimately leads to Blackbeard’s on-screen menace.
Episode 278 (September 24, 2006)
Nico Robin opens up to the Straw Hat Pirates about her traumatic history in this episode. Seeing that she is at her lowest, Luffy tries to cheer her up by telling her, “Say you want to live! “We are friends”.
After Nico explains her situation to Luffy, he answers by setting fire to the World Government flag—one of Nico’s most hated opponents and the reason she can’t continue with the Straw Hats. If that wasn’t inspiring enough, one of the series’ most moving scenes is when the fantastic female anime assassin begs Luffy, “Take me with you”.
Episode 309 (May 13, 2007)
One of the most thrilling battles in the history of the series takes place in episode 309, when Luffy faces off against Rob Lucci. The manner Luffy deals with Lucci despite being initially overpowered lives up to expectations, as Lucci is widely regarded as one of One Piece’s most brutal villains due to his role in the Water 7 and Ennies Lobby arcs.
Usopp encourages Luffy to get up off the mat and fight for his buddies after he has been repeatedly beaten down by Lucci. Luffy is inspired by these remarks and proceeds to engage Lucci in a series of fistfights before resorting to his trusty Jet Gatling. Luffy was about to be defeated until he recalled Usopp’s words of wisdom and easily overpowered Lucci.
Episode 312 (June 3, 2007)
Three episodes after Luffy successfully fought Lucci, the Straw Hats said a heartfelt goodbye to their ship, The Going Merry. The Straw Hats cruised the world in The Going Merry, the only ship they had ever known, for the first 300 episodes of the still-popular long-running anime.
Unfortunately, The Going Merry suffered too much wear and tear over the years, and it was cancelled after Episode 312. One of the show’s most moving farewells occurred when the pirates staged a Viking funeral at sea for their beloved barge. This iconic episode serves as a powerful reminder of the Straw Hats’ incredible growth and the profound impact The Merry Going had on their lives.
Episode 316 (July 1, 2007)
Both the Marines and the World Government are powerless to stop the epic right between strong swordsman Shanks and Whitebeard that takes place in the Post-Ennies Lobby Arc. Fans have never forgotten the thrilling fight that ensued after Shanks asked Whitebeard to prevent Ace from following Blackbeard.
With the help of the Haki from his Conqueror, Shanks easily dispatches the majority of Whitebeard’s soldiers, sending them sprawling across the deck. Damage done to the ship notwithstanding, the moment when Shanks and Whitebeard combine their weapons and rip a scar across the sky is still one of the most striking visual moments from the first season of One Piece.
