Over the years, One Piece has captured the hearts of millions, taking anime fans on a thrilling adventure across the seas. Set in the world of pirates, Eiichiro Oda’s epic story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who embarks on a perilous quest with his quirky crew to find the legendary One Piece and become the Pirate King. As the beloved series completes 25 years, we take a look at 10 iconic moments from the award-winning anime.

Shanks entrusting his straw hat to Luffy

One of the most iconic moments in One Piece occurs in the very first episode, drawing us into the emotional core of the story. As a child, Luffy ate the Gum Gum fruit, a mythical Devil Fruit that grants his body the properties of rubber. However, when he wasn’t ready to use it yet, he was kidnapped by a bunch of pirates and tossed into the ocean. Since Devil Fruits make the users lose their ability to swim, Luffy nearly drowned.

Shanks, who inspired Luffy’s dream of becoming a pirate, leaps in to save him from a Sea King, sacrificing his arm in the process. Highlighting Shanks’ selflessness and Luffy’s innate bravery, this scene becomes even more poignant when Shanks entrusts his iconic straw hat to Luffy. By asking him to return it when he becomes a great pirate, Shanks sets Luffy on his journey across the seas.

Going Merry’s funeral

Before we started watching One Piece, we never imagined that we would cry over a ship. Oda made us emotionally invested in the Straw Hat Pirates’ first ship, Going Merry. During Going Merry’s “funeral”, each member of Luffy’s crew—Nami, Zoro, Sanji, Robin, Usopp, Chopper, Franky, and Brook—reflected on their cherished memories aboard the ship.

Merry’s animated voice said, “I’m sorry, I wish I could have taken you farther,” leading Luffy to break down and apologise for not taking better care of her. This moment marked Luffy’s first major setback on his journey, teaching him the heart-wrenching lesson that even the most treasured companions must be let go.

Nami’s plea to Luffy for help

Nami, who is the navigator of Luffy’s crew, was initially portrayed as a cunning thief who steals from pirates and doesn’t rely on anyone. However, overwhelmed by her traumatic past and the Arlong Pirates’ control over her life, she collapses and desperately pleads with Luffy for help. In a moment of raw vulnerability with tears trickling down her face, Nami repeatedly stabs at the Arlong Pirate tattoo on her arm to sever ties to her painful history. Her heartfelt plea is one of the most emotionally-charged moments in One Piece, which culminated in Luffy putting his straw hat on her head and saying, “Of course I will.”

Robin’s desire to live

In the Enies Lobby arc, Robin was captured by the World Government, which seeks to execute her for her knowledge of ancient history. In order to not lose Luffy and the rest of the crew like she lost her family in Ohara as a child, Robin leaves the Straw Hats without saying a word. It is only when she is on the verge of death that she sees Luffy on the other side of Enies Lobby and realises how far her newfound friends will go to save her.

In a moment of vulnerability, Robin cries out, “I want to live,” revealing her longing to survive and finding a place where she belongs rather than living a life in fear and isolation. Luffy’s determination to save her solidifies the emotional heart of the scene, highlighting the themes of friendship and the pursuit of one’s dreams that resonate throughout One Piece.

Whitebeard giving a push to the Great Pirate Era

In the Marineford arc, Whitebeard declares “The One Piece is real!” during the intense battle between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates, which reignites the Great Pirate Era. As he fiercely defends his crew and fights to save Luffy’s brother Ace from his execution, the emotional weight of the battle resonates deeply. While Whitebeard’s fate serves as a rallying cry for pirates to pursue the legendary One Piece, Ace’s fate becomes a turning point for Luffy, pushing him to grow stronger and more determined than ever.

Zoro's loyalty

During the final moments of the fight against the warlord Bartholomew Kuma, Zoro makes a heart-wrenching choice to protect his captain, Luffy. As Kuma prepares to eliminate Luffy, Zoro bravely steps forward to take on Luffy’s pain and suffering. He embodies resilience in the face of overwhelming pain, reinforcing the profound values of loyalty and selflessness within the Straw Hat crew.

Sanji and Luffy in Whole Cake Island Arc

In the tumultuous events of the Whole Cake Island arc, Sanji grapples with his loyalty to the Straw Hats and his family’s expectations. In a moment of weakness, he confesses to Luffy that he can’t return to their Thousand Sunny ship, fearing he might bring danger to the crew. Luffy, however, refuses to accept this and cries out to Sanji in desperation, admitting for the first time that he cannot become the Pirate King without him. Highlighting the depth of their friendship, this scene reveals Luffy's vulnerability as well as his unwavering determination to support his crew at all odds.

When Luffy fought his equal

Even though Luffy’s fight with Charlotte Katakuri in Whole Cake Island Arc isn’t the biggest battle in the series, it remains iconic since he fought his equal for the first time. Despite suffering heavy blows, Luffy went up against Katakuri, who had the powers of the Mochi Mochi Fruit, similar to Luffy’s Devil Fruit. Besides, Katakuri also possessed a strong Observation Haki, which allowed him to predict Luffy’s moves. Yet, in the end, Luffy learned how to harness that power for himself, making for a big step in his victory over the Emperor Big Mom.

Gear 5 awakening

After suffering his third defeat against Emperor Kaido in the Wano arc, Luffy lay motionless on Onigashima while his crew was left devastated. Suddenly, the Drums of Liberation soundtrack plays, signalling a dramatic shift as Luffy’s body begins to transform into Gear 5 mode. In this iconic moment, he unlocks the full potential of his Devil Fruit, evolving into a powerful new form that embodies the spirit of the Sun God Nika. Luffy’s infectious laughter and newfound energy quickly reinvigorate his allies and instil fear in his enemies, making for one of the most powerful moments in his quest to become the Pirate King.

Yamato’s memories with Ace

In Wano, Kaido’s daughter Yamato reflects on her cherished memories with Ace, who had entered the shut-off country to liberate it from the oppressive rule of the Sea Emperor. Her heartfelt recollection of their moments and dreams highlights the profound impact Ace had on her, as he spoke of freedom and adventure, central to the lives of pirates. The moment also saw Yamato realising that Luffy and the late Pirate King Gol D. Roger’s dreams are the same, emphasising the idea that dreams transcend generations.