Don’t skip these! The ‘One Piece’ fillers that are actually worth watching

Not all ‘One Piece’ fillers are fluff; these arcs deliver laughs, action, and surprising depth.

Update: Jun 24th, 2025 22:58 CEST

With over 1,100 episodes and counting, 'One Piece’ is a marathon of an anime, and many fans choose to skip filler arcs to stay focused on the main story. But not all fillers are created equal. A few stand out for their humor, world-building, or surprisingly strong storytelling. If you’re trimming the fat, these are the filler arcs you shouldn’t cut.

How to watch One Piece in order? All episodes and movies (2025)

G-8 Arc (Episodes 196–206)

The gold standard of anime filler. Set right after Skypiea, the Straw Hats accidentally land in a Marine fortress and must escape without blowing their cover. It’s clever, funny, and feels like a self-contained heist movie. Even manga purists praise this arc for its tight writing and original characters.

Ice Hunter Arc (Episodes 326–336)

Also known as the Lovely Land arc, this one follows the Straw Hats as they clash with the bounty-hunting Accino Family. It’s got solid action, a snowy setting, and some great moments for Franky and Robin. It’s not essential, but it’s fun—and fits well between Enies Lobby and Thriller Bark.

Z’s Ambition Arc (Episodes 575–578)

A prelude to ‘One Piece’ Film: Z, this arc introduces Ain and Binz, two of the film’s antagonists. While the movie isn’t canon, this arc helps bridge the gap and gives context to the film’s events. Worth watching if you plan to check out Film Z.

Caesar Retrieval Arc (Episodes 626–628)

Set between Punk Hazard and Dressrosa, this mini-arc follows the Straw Hats as they try to recover Caesar Clown from a mysterious enemy. It’s short, action-packed, and ties directly into the next canon arc—making it one of the few fillers that feels narratively necessary.

Marine Rookie Arc (Episodes 780–782)

A lighthearted detour before Whole Cake Island, this arc sees the crew infiltrate a Marine base to steal food. It’s a fun, low-stakes breather with great comedic timing and some classic ‘One Piece’ absurdity.

Uta’s Past (Episodes 1029–1030)

These episodes serve as a tie-in to ‘One Piece’ Film: Red, offering a glimpse into Luffy’s childhood friendship with Uta. While not canon, they add emotional weight to the film and are beautifully animated.

While most ‘One Piece’ filler arcs are skippable, these select few offer genuine entertainment, character development, or tie-ins to the broader world. If you’re watching for the first time or doing a rewatch, these arcs are worth your time.