“One Piece”, a legendary anime, has been delighting fans around the world with its visually stunning episodes. With the arrival of the Wano Country arc, fans were treated to an animation quality that exceeded all expectations. The team behind One Piece has raised the bar, producing episodes that not only highlight the narrative but also shine in terms of animation and direction.
Choosing the best One Piece episodes is an arduous task, given the vastness of the series. However, some episodes notably stand out for their exceptional animated quality and creative direction.
One Piece: Top 9 episodes with the best animation
9. Episode 1017: Worst Generation Vs Kaido and Big Mom
“Epic Battle and Breathtaking Animation”
Episode 1017 is a gem in terms of animation. The confrontation between Luffy and the other members of the Worst Generation against Big Mom and Kaido is a visual spectacle. The team’s most talented animators joined forces to create an unforgettable experience. The episode captures the intensity of the battle with stunning artistic vision, making it one of the best in the series.
8. Episode 957: The Dissolution of the Shichibukai
“Intense Drama and Exemplary Execution”
Elevating an episode with a smaller focus on action is a challenge that episode 957 masterfully overcomes. This episode addresses the dissolution of the Shichibukai and turns an incredible chapter of the manga into something even more spectacular. Director Megumi Ishitani does a phenomenal job, enriching the narrative with sublime direction.
7. Episode 1033: Luffy Vs Kaido
“Titanic Clash with Extraordinary Animation”
Episode 1033 takes Luffy’s fight against Kaido to a new level. The battle, which in the manga does not receive much attention, is expanded in the anime, standing out as a true epic confrontation. The intense and dynamic animation culminates with Kaido coming out on top after surprising action sequences.
6. Episode 982: Queen’s Funk
“Elevating the Ordinary to the Extraordinary”
Challenging yourself to elevate episodes without fights to a high level is a complex task, especially when the manga chapter is considered average. Episode 982 does this masterfully, transforming the beginning of the invasion of Onigashima into one of the best episodes of the anime. Thanks to the work of Megumi Ishitani, the episode gains incredible emotional weight, along with animation that elevates an ordinary story to a spectacular level.
5. Episode 1074: Gear 5 in Full Swing
“Spectacular Action and Unforgettable Storyboards”
Episode 1074 stands out for its action sequences and extraordinary storyboards. The battle between Luffy and Kaido, featuring Luffy’s Gear 5, is an example of breathtaking animation. This episode, which contains a 3+ minute Luffy versus Kaido sequence, is a visual triumph, combining intense action with Luffy’s limitless imagination against Kaido’s relentless strength.
4. Episode 1061: Sanji Vs Queen
“Exceptional Direction and Stunning Cinematography”
The confrontation between Sanji and Queen is one of the highlights of the Wano Country arc. Although the fight is not the most intense, the direction and photography of the episode elevate it to a cinematic level. With a perfect balance between emotion and action, episode 1061 is a masterpiece of the arc, standing out for its exceptional quality.
3. Episode 1062: Zoro Vs King
“A Memorable Fight with Exceptional Animation”
Episode 1062 is a milestone in terms of action. The fight between Zoro and King is masterfully presented, thanks to the talent of Katsumi Ishizuka, one of Toei’s best artists and animators. This episode stands out for its epic scale and incredible animation, making it one of the best fights in the entire series.
2. Episode 1072: The Drums of Liberation
“Perfect Synergy between Animation and Direction”
Episode 1072 is one of the best in the Wano Country arc, combining extraordinary skills of animators and directors. This episode stands out for addressing the powerful Gear 5, delivering a visual experience that transcends expectations and encapsulates the exciting power of the series.
1. Episode 1015: Luffy Arrives on the Roof
“Exceeding Expectations and Impeccable Execution”
Episode 1015 is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of One Piece animation. Under the supervision of the talented Megumi Ishitani, this episode captures the moment when Luffy defies the Emperors, carrying the weight of a country. The combination of masterful direction and impeccable visual execution makes this episode the best in terms of animation, direction and fidelity to Oda’s vision.
Each of these episodes is a testament to the talent and dedication of the One Piece team, demonstrating how animation can transcend narrative and create an immersive and moving experience for fans.
