2024 was a remarkable year for One Piece fans. The first act of the Egghead saga blew everyone away, featuring epic battles like Shanks vs. Kid, Luffy vs. Lucci, and Garp vs. Blackbeard Pirates, all with stunning animation that raised expectations for what was to come. After a six-month hiatus aimed at enhancing animation quality, the One Piece anime triumphantly returned in 2025, skillfully adapting Kuma’s storyline and drawing the curtain on the Egghead arc.
Now that the Egghead incident has wrapped up in the anime, let’s recount the five best One Piece episodes that captivated me in 2025.
Spoilers Warning:
This article contains spoilers about the events in the Egghead arc Part 2. Proceed with caution.
5. Luffy vs. Kizaru Rematch
- Episode Number: 1127
- IMDb Rating: 9.6
When Admiral Kizaru first appeared during the Sabaody Archipelago arc, he seemed like an unbeatable force for the Straw Hats, only to be interrupted by Rayleigh. Fast forward, and Kizaru is now on a mission to eliminate Vegapunk at Egghead, crossing paths with a much stronger Monkey D. Luffy. The rematch kicked off with a haki-infused kick, marking the start of an exhilarating battle.
In his Gear 5 form, Luffy has become a formidable opponent. Kizaru, equipped with his Pika Pika no Mi powers, faced off against Luffy in a spectacularly animated showdown, complete with stunning light clone sequences and vibrant attacks. The return of the One Piece anime in 2025 was certainly kicked off with a bang!
4. Joy Boy’s Conqueror’s Haki Unleashed
- Episode Number: 1153
- IMDb Rating: 9.8
As of now, this is the highest-rated One Piece episode of 2025, right alongside Kuma’s Past. Joy Boy, a mysterious figure, has long intrigued fans. We awaited his Devil Fruit powers and haki abilities. The revelation of Joy Boy’s use of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, made for exciting viewing.
The anime uniquely depicted Joy Boy unleashing powerful Conqueror’s Haki stored within Emet, sending shockwaves throughout the episode. We experienced one of the most thrilling haki moments in One Piece history, complete with breathtaking animation that left us captivated. This also gave us a glimpse into the past, showcasing a touching exchange between Joy Boy and Emet, the Iron Giant Robot.
3. Bonney Becomes Joy Girl
- Episode Numbers: 1151 & 1152
- IMDb Rating: 9.7 & 9.7
Bonney’s transformation into Joy Girl in Egghead caught many off guard. Initially met with mixed reactions in the manga, the anime adaptation elevated this moment, blending original scenes that enriched the narrative. Seeing Bonney embrace the legacy of her father’s idol and confront St. Saturn was rewarding. This dazzling adaptation won over even skeptical fans. Toei Animation accomplished an extraordinary feat, making this transformation moment unforgettable.
2. The Five Elders’ Arrival on Egghead Island
- Episode Number: 1144
- IMDb Rating: 9.7
The ominous atmosphere surrounding the Five Elders has been palpable since their introduction in Skypiea. We finally witnessed their sinister motives unfold when St. Saturn took center stage during the Egghead incident. The transformation of St. Saturn into a terrifying monster resembling the yokai Ushi-Oni shocked everyone. The animators did a fantastic job bringing this intense moment to life, surpassing the manga adaptation.
As St. Saturn summoned the remaining Gorosei to halt Dr. Vegapunk’s broadcast, viewers were left feeling the weight of impending doom. This entry into the endgame phase of One Piece not only showcased haunting visuals, but cemented the Five Elders as formidable figures in the series.
1. Kuma’s Past
- Episode Number: 1136
- IMDb Ratings: 9.8
Honestly, if someone had told me that Bartholomew Kuma would become one of One Piece’s most beloved characters, I wouldn’t have believed it. However, Eiichiro Oda transformed this once villainous character into a fan favorite. The heartbreaking story of Kuma, intertwined with Bonney’s journey, left fans needing tissues. For months, we were eager to see Kuma’s past animated, and Toei Animation delivered.
This episode beautifully captured every chapter of Kuma’s life, bringing tears and joy in equal measure. His ultimate choice to embody kindness, rather than becoming a villain, resonates deeply. Even with so much thrilling action this year, the sheer emotional impact of Kuma’s journey makes it my top pick for One Piece episodes of 2025. There truly won’t be another character like Kuma or another flashback as evocative as this.
This year, 33 episodes of One Piece aired. It will be the last year for more than 30 episodes, as the series transitions to a seasonal format with the upcoming Elbaf arc. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What were your favorite One Piece episodes of 2025? Leave a comment below!