5 One Piece Arcs That Made Everyone Cry (& 5 That Made Us Happy)

These 5 One Piece arcs that made us cry and 5 that brought us joy show just how powerful the series can be at telling emotional stories.

The Straw Hat Pirates as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece is more than just a story about pirates chasing their dreams. Its story is full of laughter, sad times, and memories you will cherish. While some stories have caused people to cry, others have elated them. The stories switch from sad to happy, making them special and loved by fans everywhere.

In this article, we will look at four parts that made us feel really sad and four parts that made us feel super happy. These tales show us why One Piece is so special, making everyone feel all types of ways. From sadness to victory, these arcs show how much Eiichiro Oda excels at crafting stimulating stories that stay with us forever.

5 Arcs That Made Everyone Cry

1. Enies Lobby Arc

Nami, Zoro, Luffy, Sogeking, Sanji and Chopper
The Straw Hats at Enies Lobby (Image via Toei Animation)

The Enies Lobby arc is a tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom against a higher power. The Straw Hat Pirates risked everything to save Nico Robin from the hands of the World Government. Robin’s emotional breakdown when she screamed, “I want to live!” remains one of the most memorable moments in the series. Some incidents, such as Luffy versus Lucci and the destruction of the Going Merry, the crew’s first ship, only add to the emotional weight of this arc.

The Going Merry’s funeral is a scene that lives in the hearts of fans. As the ship speaks its final words of gratitude to the crew, it solidifies the theme of love and connection even to inanimate objects. The arc has lots of ups and downs, showing how much the crew cares about their friend. It’s really touching to see how they accept and support each other, making readers emotional as the crew becomes even closer. For many, this arc cements why One Piece is not just a story about adventure but also about family and unity.

2. Marineford Arc

5 One piece arcs
Luffy in front of the Three Admirals at Marineford (Image via Toei Animation)

The Marineford arc is one of the saddest plots of One Piece. Luffy tried really hard to rescue his brother Ace from being killed and joined the fight between the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates. Even though Luffy did his best, the story ended sadly when Ace died. Everyone, both the characters and fans, was deeply affected by Luffy’s heartbreaking reaction to losing his brother.

The death of Ace was a moment that broke the hearts of fans around the world. Whitebeard’s heroic sacrifice, which showed him standing tall even in death, and the aftermath of the war left a lasting sadness that stays with fans long after the arc ends.

This arc shows how war hurts everyone involved, how painful it is to lose someone, and how doing something for others can be both sad and meaningful. It makes viewers very emotional and shows just how hard it can be to follow your dreams when the world can be so tough.

3. Arlong Park Arc

Luffy and Nami
Luffy about to go fight Arlong (Image via Toei Animation)

The Arlong Park arc is one of the earliest arcs to deeply affect fans emotionally. It shows us Nami’s sad background and how she fought to protect her village from the evil Arlong. One of the most important moments is when Nami, who usually tries to handle everything alone, finally cries and asks Luffy to help her. This scene is not only an emotional highlight but also a turning point that solidifies Nami’s bond with the crew.

The intense emotions of this arc come from the injustice and cruelty Nami endured and the crew’s unwavering support for her. Luffy placing his straw hat on Nami’s head before marching to fight Arlong is a moment stuck in fans’ memories.

When Arlong Park is destroyed, Nami is finally free from all her pain and can start a new life. This story teaches us about the strength of having good friends, never giving up hope, and fighting back against bullies—which is why it’s one of One Piece‘s main themes.

4. Dressrosa Arc

Doflamingo’s Bird Cage ability (Image via Toei Animation)

The Dressrosa arc delivers a mix of triumph and heartbreak, but its tragic moments stand out the most. The story of the toy soldier and Rebecca’s tragic family history are enough to bring tears to anyone’s eyes. The flashback of Trafalgar Law’s past, particularly his bond with Corazon, is also another emotional highlight that resonates deeply with fans.

Corazon’s selfless sacrifice to save Law is one of the most poignant moments in the series. The suffering of the people of Dressrosa under Doflamingo’s tyrannical rule adds layers of emotional complexity. It was a big win when they finally beat Doflamingo, but the damage he caused didn’t just go away. The Dressrosa story is very moving because it shows how people can make up for past mistakes, stay strong through hard times, and keep fighting for what’s right.

5. Whole Cake Island Arc

Luffy and his clones bursting out of the wedding cake (Image via Toei Animation)

The Whole Cake Island story shows how Sanji struggles between keeping his crew safe and dealing with his past. We see Sanji at his weakest when his family pressures him into making tough choices. It’s painful to watch him push his friends away and even fight Luffy, all because he wants to protect them.

Learning about how Sanji’s family, the Vinsmokes, treated him badly when he was young makes the story even sadder. He suffers through their cruel behavior while being used in their plans. When Sanji breaks down and cries, thinking he can’t escape his situation, fans really feel his pain. Though his crew does save him in the end, the hurt doesn’t just go away. When Sanji finally tells his friends about everything he’s been through and why he did what he did, it becomes one of One Piece‘s most touching stories. It shows us how important it is to stay strong, care for others, and have true friends.

5 Arcs That Made Us Happy

1. Alabasta Arc

Zoro, Chopper, Usopp, Luffy, Nami
The Straw Hats leaving the island (Image via Toei Animation)

The Alabasta arc is an unforgettable tale of victory and hope. The Straw Hat Pirates helped Princess Vivi save her kingdom from the hands of Crocodile and Baroque Works. Despite the hardships, the arc ended on a rejoicing note as peace was restored to Alabasta. The epic battles and the teamwork displayed throughout this arc make it a fan favorite.

One of the most heartwarming moments was the Straw Hats’ farewell to Vivi. Though she chose to stay behind, their silent goodbye, marked by the crew raising their arms with X-shaped marks, showed their everlasting bond. This iconic gesture of friendship is an emotional high point that shows the themes of loyalty. The goodbye alone was enough to leave fans with a sense of joy and fulfillment.

2. Skypiea Arc

Luffy ringing the Golden Bell (Image via Toei Animation)

The Skypiea arc is a magical and uplifting adventure. The Straw Hats’ journey to the sky island and their fight against Enel to free the people of Skypiea were filled with wonder and excitement. The discovery of the Golden Bell and Luffy’s final punch to ring it bring a satisfying conclusion to this arc, restoring hope and freedom to the people.

What makes the Skypiea arc truly joyous is the sense of triumph and the celebration of dreams. The revelation that Noland’s tale of the City of Gold was true adds a layer of happiness. The title of Noland the Liar was killed by this, vindicating centuries of disbelief. The cultural richness and the characters introduced in the Skypiea arc make it a standout arc. This arc captures the adventurous spirit of One Piece and the joy of uncovering mysteries, leaving fans with a smile and a sense of wonder.

3. Water 7 Arc

Water 7 view (Image via Toei Animation)

This story has both sad and happy parts. The crew meets Franky and gets their new ship, the Thousand Sunny, which gives them a fresh start. Water 7 itself is a beautiful, exciting city that amazes everyone who sees it.

One of the best moments is when Usopp and Luffy become friends again after their big fight. Seeing the whole crew come together and get their amazing new ship makes fans feel happy and excited about what will happen next. The Water 7 arc’s combination of emotion, humor, and fun makes it a memorable One Piece arc. The bonds of the previous crew and the new member and their resilience shine, making it an arc that leaves a smile on viewers” faces.

4. Zou Arc

The Minks bowing to Kozuki Momonosuke (Image via Toei Animation)

The Zou arc is a feel-good story that highlights the bonds of friendship and trust. The revelation that the Mink race protected Raizo despite the danger from Kaido’s forces showcases the strength of loyalty. This selfless act of solidarity is a powerful reminder of the themes that define One Piece.

The introduction of Zunesha, the giant elephant carrying the Mink’s home, adds a magical touch to the arc. The moments of peace after the initial distrust between the Straw Hats and the Minks were heartwarming. The Zou arc shows how people can stay strong and support each other through tough times, making fans feel excited about what’s coming next.

5. Punk Hazard

Caesar Clown’s children test subjects (Image via Toei Animation)

The Punk Hazard story has many happy moments, even though it takes place in a dark and scary place. The Straw Hats make friends with a group of children they help save, showing how kind the crew can be. It’s fun to watch Chopper and Nami play with the kids, bringing some cheerful moments to the serious story.

When Law teams up with Luffy, it leads to a lot of funny scenes. Law is always serious while Luffy is his jovial self, which makes them a really entertaining pair. They don’t always understand each other, and that just makes things funnier.

The story ends happily when they save all the children, and Law officially becomes the crew’s ally. Even though they faced many problems, fans feel good at the end and can’t wait to see what adventures come next.

Conclusion

One Piece arcs, whether they make us cry or fill us with joy. It shows how much of a writing expert Eiichiro Oda is. These One Piece arcs show the series’ ability to provoke powerful emotions, making it a masterpiece. With each new adventure, One Piece continues to capture hearts, reminding us why we love this journey so much.


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