Netflix released its live-action adaptation of the beloved anime One Piece to its platform in late August of 2023 and has received high praise for its fantastical world-building and intricate character development. The adaptation does well to keep the same attributes that made the anime so successful and famous, changing little from the plotline to the lovable characters and retaining the adventurous and exciting spirit of the anime. 

The live-action adaptation follows Luffy, a young boy with a big dream to find the one piece, a treasure hidden in the grand line, and become king of the pirates. Luffy’s charisma and lovable personality draw in a rag-tag crew: the reluctant thief with a mysterious past, Nami, and pirate hunter Zoro calling themselves the straw hat pirates after Luffy’s infamous straw hat. Luffy and his team embark on a whirlwind of adventure, making Netflix’s season one entertaining as they fight formidable foes and make their way toward the grand line. Below is every episode from season one ranked, and forewarning, this list does include a few minor spoilers. 

8. Episode 2: The Man in the Straw Hat

Episode two follows Luffy, Zoro, and Nami as they embark on an adventure headed for the Grand Line, a place only reachable with a map. Of course, maps to the Grand Line are scarce, making Luffy and his crew a target for others hoping to get their hands on such a rare artifact. A clown pirate named Buggy jumps on the opportunity and captures Luffy and his team, returning them to his stronghold. There, Buggy tries his best to acquire the map, using nothing less than torture to do so.

While the idea of fighting a crazed clown pirate who can detach their limbs at will sounds entertaining, there is little to no action until the end of the episode, and it was short-lived at best. Instead, the episode is filled with flashbacks to Luffy’s past and scenes of Zoro and Nami trying to escape to help rescue Luffy from the clutches of Buggy. While these scenes are not necessarily unimportant, they drag on just a bit, making the episode a bit drab compared to the rest of the show. 

7. Episode 3: Tell no Tales

Episode three sees the introduction of Usopp, a resident of the Syrup Village, and Kaya, owner of her late parent’s shipyard. Luffy, Zoro, and Nami arrive at Syrup Village, seeking another ship, and are swept into the drama revolving around Kaya’s life and her mysterious servants. Luffy, Zoro, and Nami befriend Kaya and Usopp, resolving to help Kaya against an evil force hoping to prey upon her wealth. 

Episode three does well to reimagine Kaya’s whimsical mansion home and Usopp’s upbeat personality, making their introduction to the show realistic and relatable. It’s warming to watch Luffy and his crew go out of their way to extend a helping hand, even in the face of nasty pirates. And it’s the first glimpse viewers get of Nami, Zoro, and Luffy finally acting as a crew, even if Zoro and Nami still deny being a part of the Straw Hat pirates. However, like episode two, the pacing is perhaps a bit slow, focused more on character development than the plot or the action.

6. Episode 1: Romance Dawn

Episode one follows Luffy as he embarks on the journey of a lifetime, rescuing his newfound friend Koby from a vicious pirate. Together, they head toward a marine base so that Luffy can acquire a map of the grand line and Koby can enlist as a marine. However, seeing as though marines hunt pirates, Luffy must sneak onto the base and steal the map for himself, running into Zoro and Nami while there. Without much choice, Zoro and Nami join Luffy’s crew, and Koby stays behind to become a marine.

The introduction of all the show characters makes for a highly entertaining first episode. Luffy is pictured as a carefree boy with a seemingly impossible dream. Zoro is the brooding pirate hunter known for his skills with a blade, and Nami is a sly thief with unclear intentions. Not to mention the ripe potential Koby and Luffy’s relationship can bring to the show as they essentially become enemies. Seeing each character first interact with one another is hilarious and exciting, laying down the building blocks for the rest of the season. It’s an exciting episode that promises mysteries, adventures, and pirates galore. 

5. Episode 4: The Pirates Are Coming

This episode follows Kaya and Usopps’ story as it comes to a climax and a close, resulting in Luffy and company getting their ship and Uspopp joining the Straw Hat Pirates as they take off for their next adventure. It’s also the first time Koby and Luffy meet again after separating in the first episode, adding a dramatically emotional element as viewers watch to see how the situation will be handled.