Starting the One Piece anime from scratch can be a daunting task, with over 1,122 episodes and counting, not to mention the specials. It’s no wonder that many people are deterred from giving it a chance due to the sheer amount of content. To put it into perspective, if we assume each episode is 20 minutes long, that’s a total of 22,440 minutes of viewing time, which translates to around 374 hours or approximately 15.6 days of non-stop watching.
However, when you factor in the demands of daily life, such as work, sleep, and personal activities, it’s easy to see how this can turn into a significant time commitment. In reality, watching the entire series could take around 3-4 months of dedicated viewing, which is a substantial ask for many fans. I completely understand that not everyone has the time or inclination to undertake such a massive endeavor.
For those who are eager to start their One Piece journey, I’ve put together a guide to help you navigate this vast and complex series. First and foremost, it’s essential to decide how you want to approach the anime. If you’re looking to watch the complete series, I recommend checking out our chronological guide, which includes the recommended order of episodes, movies, and specials.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can still benefit from our chronological guide, which highlights the so-called “filler” episodes. For the uninitiated, filler episodes are chapters created by the animation studio that don’t have any connection to the original manga. These episodes are essentially non-canonical and are used to buy time, allowing the anime to stay ahead of the manga’s storyline.
One of the biggest challenges of watching One Piece is the sheer volume of content. To make it more manageable, I recommend using a service like One Pace, a fan-made project that removes all the filler episodes and condenses the series into a more streamlined narrative. Alternatively, you can follow our chronological guide, which eliminates the non-essential material, allowing you to focus on the core story.
Another approach is to set milestones and take breaks between story arcs. The series is divided into well-defined arcs, making it an excellent way to pace yourself and avoid burnout. For example, you can start with the East Blue saga (episodes 1-61), followed by the Alabasta saga (episodes 62-135), and so on. This approach will help you stay engaged and prevent the series from feeling overwhelming.
In addition to pacing yourself, it’s also essential to be mindful of your viewing schedule. I recommend watching no more than 5-6 episodes per day to avoid saturation. You can also use online resources like AnimeFillerList to help you identify and skip filler episodes. If you’re watching with a friend or family member, it’s a good idea to discuss the series without revealing too much, as comments like “you’ll see later” or “remember this character” can create unrealistic expectations or spoil upcoming plot twists.
If you’re new to the One Piece universe, you might consider starting with the live-action adaptation on Netflix or waiting for the upcoming remake, which will be released on the platform. These alternatives can serve as a gentle introduction to the world of One Piece, and if you become invested, you can always switch to the anime.
Ultimately, the question remains: is One Piece worth watching in 2025? The answer is a resounding yes. Despite the initial challenges, One Piece is one of the greatest anime series of all time, with a rich narrative, memorable characters, and a unique world. While the early sagas may not have aged perfectly in terms of animation, they remain engaging and full of interesting storylines. So, if you’re interested in anime, I highly recommend One Piece, but be sure to take it at your own pace and don’t be afraid to set boundaries to avoid burnout.
