One Piece Filler is different; different from other anime in that it bunches up overarching non-canon narratives into filler arcs. These filler arcs can transition pretty seamlessly from the canon episodes; rarely neglecting, but sometimes flanderizing the well-written character writing.
One doesn’t have to view them the first time watching the anime. However, it all scratches that itch for more Straw Hats after catching up with the series. Without giving too much away, this is an in-depth; non-narrative-spoiler look into One Piece filler arcs. Grouped into 15 filler arcs across the series (so far); here they are by name.
Episodes 54-61: Warship Island arc
A young girl named Apis is taken prisoner by the Marines for a valuable secret that she holds. The Straw Hats come across her after she escapes the Marine Ship she was on during a big storm. With the powers of the Hiso-Hiso no Mi Fruit and the help of the Straw Hat Pirates. They must make it to Secret Island which holds the key to finding her senile friend, Grandpa Ryu’s home.
Meanwhile, Marine Commodore Nelson Royale and hired mercenary Eric the Whirlwind to pursue them for Grandpa Ryu’s homeland secret. For the anime’s first filler arc, it’s pretty enjoyable. Nothing too memorable, but good with plenty of great character moments/interactions, and Apis is a pretty endearing character.
Also, despite being filler it foreshadows Luffy having The Voice of All Things ability. Something expounded upon after the timeskip over 500 episodes later in the Fishman Island Arc.
Episodes 131-135: Post Arabasta arc
Following the events of the Arabasta (Alabasta) Arc, this arc is about the Straw Hat crew’s histories and aspirations. Dedicating an episode to each Straw Hat in order: Chopper, Nami, Sanji, Usopp, and Zoro.
Chopper
The origins of his rumble ball and his relationship with his mentor and mother-figure Doctorine; his first patient ever. Chopper and Nico Robin also interact a lot in this episode sort of foreshadowing their future relationship.
Nami
Attempting to get work done transferring her charts from the past arcs, on indestructible she bought from a shady salesman named Rice Rice. However, the antics of the rest of the Straw Hats inhibit her work; utilizing the crisis of concentration trope. We also get a look into Nami’s past with her sister Nojiko and mother Bell-mère. Highlighting her fascination with the ocean and wanting to chart the world. This episode makes the Straw Hats feel more like a family than a pirate crew.
Sanji
About his expert curry and a young probationary cook, Tajio. After ruining the curry on the ship he is stationed right before an important Marine lunch. Sanji agrees to accompany the young cook after learning they share the same dream of finding All Blue. This is a great episode. It highlights Sanji’s subtle non-direct helpfulness displayed throughout the series and highlights his skills as a cook. Great character episode.
Usopp
Sharing his love of explosives with a girl named Kodama on an island preparing for their annual fireworks festival. Looking for gunpowder, Usopp ends up helping Kodama honor her late parents. This episode really highlights Usopp’s kind empathetic heart and incredulous yet adventurous spirit. Kodama is a very driven and compelling character. I guess angels can become gods.
This episode also foreshadows the Ruluka Island filler arc through a brief; comedic exchange involving Luffy and Robin.
Zoro
Looking into his past before he joined the Straw Hats, and how he met Johnny and Yosaku. This is a cool episode. Giving more insight into Zora’s past showing how he ended up in Shell Town where he met Luffy. It also adds more to the characters of Johnny and Yosake. Even though we haven’t seen them since Arlong Park in the anime. Chapter 624 in the manga cover story.
Episodes 136-138: Goat Island arc
While evading the Marines led by Chief Petty Officer Minchey. The Straw Hats land on an uncharted island where they befriend a man named Zenny. Who supposedly has three days to live. This arc is another that sheds light on the Straw Hat’s relationship with one another. Also, how the crew affects the people they interact with. Another arc that isn’t too memorable; good nonetheless. This short arc is full of funny gags and humor pre-timeskip is known for.
Episodes 139-143: Ruluka Island arc
The Ruluka Island, or Rainbow Mist arc. Following the Straw Hats as they run from Marine Major Rapanui Pasqua and Isoka’s fleet. Escaping to Ruluka Island where they encounter an old man named Henzo who is researching something called the Rainbow Mist. Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Robin, and Henzo go look for the legend. While Nami, Sanji, and Chopper encounter Lake, his grandfather, Wetton, and his father Phillip. Using the town’s taxes to find the treasure spoken of in the legend of the Rainbow Mist. The Pumpkin Pirates are also introduced in this arc. They give off a Lost Boys kind of vibe. Giving into the whimsy of the legend that the arc is about. A more world-focused narrative arc than the last few; it has a very interesting ending.
Episodes 196-206: G8 arc
Considered by most fans to be one of the best filler arcs. The G8 arc takes place directly after the Skypiea arc. While coming down from the Sky Island on the octopus balloon. The Straw Hats land right in the middle of the Marine Grand Line Eighth Branch (G8) base. Surrounded the Straw Hats are forced to separate. Now they must reunite and find a way out of the Marine base. This arc is hilarious, fun, and just a great watch. This arc features funny and interesting characters that further complement and are part of what makes it a fan favorite. Mekao, Lieutenant Drake, Jessica, and Dr. Kobato are some of the interesting characters featured in this arc.
Episodes 220-224: Ocean’s Dream arc
Ocean’s Dream arc is a filler arc based on the 2003 Playstation One Piece game of the same name. In this arc, all of the Straw Hats except Robin lose their memories suddenly while sleeping one night. Everyone only remembers everything right before they met Luffy. Luffy only remembers climbing in the barrel before getting sucked into the whirlpool from the beginning of his journey.
Never playing the game, but watching the arc. It’s a relaxing watch; the humor is still there, and overall it’s a charming piece of One Piece media. Kind of neat seeing the Straw Hats not know anything about one another and interacting. It’s entertaining, and a good arc for any Nico Robin fans. Referencing the Warship Island arc it is always neat to see connections in the story even though they’re both fillers. Ocean’s Dream isn’t as boisterous as other arcs mentioned, so it has an acquired taste.
Episodes 225-226: Foxy’s Return arc
As the title of the arc implies. Foxy returns floating out on a dingy with the two members of his crew, Porche and Hamburg. The Straw Hats help him get back to his ship. However, it turns out Foxy while he was absent the Fanged Toad Pirates seized control. Luffy who respects the rules of a Davy Back Fight agrees to help Foxy reclaim his ship and crew. This is an entertaining arc, but not for everyone. If you liked the Long Ring Long Land arc and the Foxy Pirates Davey Back Fight. Then you might enjoy this.
Episodes 326-335: Ice Hunter arc
Coming in as the second longest filler arc in the anime next to G8. Ice Hunter arc takes place after Enies Lobby arc. Joined by Franky and The Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hats encounter the Accino Family a group of bounty hunters. The Phoenix Pirates make for interesting characters introduced in the arc. Their motivations being the catalyst of the arc are believable as well. Ice Hunter arc is a decent watch with an interesting beginning. Sort of loses itself in the middle, then picks back up in the end. Cool to see bounty hunters again in the show too, they are a very underutilized group in One Piece.
Episodes 382-384: Spa Island arc
After Thiller Bark arc. The Straw Hats are on the artificial island the arc is named after, owned by a man named Doran. They meet Lina, Sayo, and their pet sea-raccoon Nukkey; helping them protect their father’s valuable research. Foxy and his crew members, Porche and Hamburg return as antagonists once again. There are only two episodes; this arc has some of the best animation seen in these filler arcs.
Episodes 426-429: Little East Blue arc
Made to lead into the movie One Piece Film: Strong World. Little East Blue arc briefly follows the events leading to the film. While on The Thousand Sunny, Luffy and Usopp encounter a beetle named, Boss, and his abrasive young master Yoko. Taking them to a town that actually are actually fans following their exploits, recreating a mini-East Blue. Between Thriller Bark arc and Sabaody Archipelago arc. Little East Blue arc plays the role of recapping the story to that point. While also adding new interactions between the defining characters of the Straw Hat’s pasts. Introducing the Amigo Pirates as the main antagonists of the arc, their absurdity is hilarious.
Episodes 575-578: Z’s Ambition arc
Made in preparation for One Piece Film: Z, Z’s Ambition arc is the first filler arc after the timeskip. After entering the Maubeugemour Sea the crew meets Lily; a young giant wielding the Mini Mini no Mi Devil Fruit. Preparing to rescue her father New World-renowned pirate chef, Panz Fry getting ready to be locked up in Impel Down. Luffy offers to help, in exchange for Panz Fry’s cooking of course. A good arc with a very different power-up than what we’ve seen before. A great start for the post-timeskip filler.
Episodes 626-628: Caesar’s Retrieval arc
The second filler arc after the timeskip. Caesar’s Retrieval arc takes place between the Punk Hazard arc and the Dressrossa arc. On edge; in fear of being attacked by Doflamingo on the way to Dressrossa. Ceasar is kidnapped by a pirate named Breed. Having eaten the Peto Peto no Mi Devil Fruit, Breed proves to be a formidable foe. Any arc with Law is a good one, and an old friend all the way from the Arabasta arc returns. It is always neat to see old characters.
Episodes 747-750: Silver Mine arc
Everyone’s favorite Straw Hat fanboy, Bartolomeo gets more screen time in the Silver Mine arc. On their way to Zou from Dressrosa, Luffy, and Bart are pirate-napped by the Silver Pirate Alliance. Their leader, Bill, eater of the Gutsu-Gutsu no Mi Devil Fruit. He’s only looking to cash in Luffy and Bart’s bounties. More is learned about Bartolomeo and an interesting character from his past, Desire; introduced in the arc. Bart and his crew are an absolute delight and will have you laughing to yourself throughout.
Episodes 780-782: Marine Rookie arc
Running out of food on the way to Whole Cake Island. The Sanji Retrieval Team is forced to stop at a Marine base to resupply. Out of all the filler this has to be the weakest one. It is the least engaging already done better in the G8 arc. The biggest plus is the addition of characters introduced post-timeskip. Opinions vary, so give it a watch if you would like.
Episodes 895-896: Cidre Guild arc
Cidre Guild arc ties into One Piece Film: Stampede and is the fifth arc after the timeskip. While stopping to resupply on cola, Luffy encounters the Cidre Guild. A group of bounty hunters led by the cola-drinking Cidre; commander of the Carbonate Assault Army. Boa Hancock and her crew are also on the island, Joining forces with Luffy to take on Cidre and his guild. Though the weapons introduced and fights are interesting here; character interactions in this arc are what shine.
Episode 1029-1030: Uta’s Past
Uta’s Past arc follows Luffy and Uta, daughter of Red-Haired Shanks. This arc takes place before Luffy was 7 years old; before he got the scar under his eye. Unraveling Uta and Luffy’s relationship. Uta’s Past arc ties into One Piece Film: Red and how they became lifelong friends. Introducing the film-original song, New Genesis, sung by present-day Uta. As stated before, treating this as anime-canon and filler. Uta and the past events with her and Luffy are canon confirmed by Oda himself. A nice mini-arc that ties itself into the movie and canon rather nicely.
To Be Continued.
With the final saga of One Piece underway and the anime getting ready to debut Gear 5. More than likely we will get more filler arcs in the near future. This might sound absolutely crazy to people who watch only canon, hopefully, we get more good arcs in the future.
One Piece’s filler arcs are very different than other anime; as stated before. These filler arcs do a lot with character interactions between the Straw Hats and the world they inhabit. Making these episodes entertaining, delightful, and sometimes engaging.
One Piece is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix in both sub and dub.
