Shonen anime might not be known for its nuance or maturity, but if the genre has developed a reputation for anything, it's the ability to generate excitement and motivate audiences. That said, one specific shonen title seems to have figured out how to do both. Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece, One Piece, has proven that it offers something for everyone.
One Piece expanded upon the conventional shonen formula, allowing it to delve into all sorts of themes and stay relevant for over two decades. On multiple occasions, its characters have made statements that did more than just stick with readers — they inspired a whole generation of anime fans.
Updated on September 30, 2023, by Kennedy King: As One Piece moves into what has been confirmed to be the series' final saga, fans are reflecting upon the legacy left by Eiichiro Oda's sea-faring masterpiece. The Wano Arc spawned several fantastic quotes from the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies. In addition to this, it also provided tons of information that, in retrospect, made some of the series' previous quotes even more poignant.
25 “I Left Everything I Gathered Together In One Place."
Episode 1 — "I'm Luffy! The Man Who's Gonna Be King Of The Pirates!"
In Gol D. Roger's first appearance of the series, he clearly conveyed One Piece's thoughts about dreams and freedom. For people to pursue dreams, they need a motivator, and the One Piece is the biggest motivator. The treasure is synonymous with the pursuit of aspiration, and only through this pursuit can one achieve greatness.
Roger's name-drop of One Piece single-handedly started the Golden Age of Pirates, launching the next generation of seafarers (as well as the show's viewers) into a journey of self-exploration that will guide them towards the reason for freedom itself.
24 "Nobody Hurts A Friend Of Mine!"
Episode 4 — "Luffy's Past! The Red-Haired Shanks Appears"
Shanks is one of the most important characters in the world of One Piece, yet he plays a relatively minor role in the events of its narrative. As a result, his scenes are jam-packed and often contain some of the best one-liners in series history.
During Shanks' opening flashback, a group of mountain bandits runs roughshod over the Red-Haired Pirate, dousing him in alcohol and dumping plates of food on his head. The legendary pirate simply laughs them off and only springs to action when they mistreat his young companion, Luffy. His display of self-control serves as an example for both the audience and One Piece's protagonist.
23 "Only I Can Call My Dream Stupid!"
Episode 23 — "Protect Baratie! The Great Pirate, Red Foot Zeff!"
Roronoa Zoro’s dream is to become the World's Strongest Swordsman. From the very beginning of One Piece, this goal is at the forefront of his character's motivation, and he wouldn’t let anyone mock it — not even his future crewmate/rival, Sanji. While still working on Baratie as a chef, Sanji criticized Zoro for chasing his dream, calling him "stupid" for pursuing something so unlikely.
Upon hearing Sanji's criticism, the former Pirate Hunter bristled at the statement, quickly responding, "Only I can call my dream stupid!" The cook was taken aback, but after watching Zoro's unwavering commitment during his fight against Mihawk, he realized that the swordsman's statement spoke to the same mentality that spurred Sanji towards his own dream: discovering the All Blue.
22 "Scars On The Back Are A Swordsman's Shame."
Episode 24 — "Hawk-Eyes Mihawk! Swordsman Zoro Falls Into The Sea!"
The samurai code stresses the importance of honor and courage, and few One Piece characters embody these traits more than the Straw Hat Pirates' resident swordsman, Roronoa Zoro. From his very first appearance in the series, he set the tone for his journey to becoming the World's Strongest Swordsman.
In his preliminary encounter with his greatest rival, Dracule Mihawk, Zoro utters a line that still sticks in the mind of One Piece fans over two decades later. When the Straw Hat Pirate was asked why he insisted on taking a slash to the chest from Mihawk, Zoro stated it was dishonorable for a swordsman to suffer "scars on their back." Although he decisively lost his clash with the Warlord, Zoro's words inspired many to face their challenges head-on in life with their heads held high.
21 “A Man Dies When People Forget Him!"
Episode 86 — "Hiriluk's Cherry Blossoms And The Will That Gets Carried On!"
Dr. Hiriluk's relationship with Chopper added so many layers to the reindeer's tragic backstory. The future member of the Straw Hat Pirates was taught the value of life by Hiriluk, and regardless of his more eccentric habits/personality traits, the kooky doctor left a legacy on Drum Island that will last for generations after his passing.
Before departing from this world due to his terminal illness, Dr. Hiriluk delivered a speech so powerful it left the face of Dalton — as well as the fans — covered in tears. His impassioned argument that people survive until they are forgotten strikes straight to the core and establishes exactly how much One Piece cares about personal connections.
20 "The King's Promise Kept Ringing In My Head."
Episode 98 — "Here Come The Desert Pirates! The Men Who Live Free"
Keeping in line with most shonen anime, the characters introduced in One Piece's filler episodes are usually flatter, less-developed characters than their canonical counterparts. However, in the Rasa's case, she's the source of what is arguably the best monologue in the entire saga.
Rasa grew up in a remote village in Alabasta Kingdom, and when she was little, King Nefertari Cobra promised her he would visit her hometown if anything were to happen to it. Eventually, the village ends up abandoned because of repeated sandstorms, but rather than leaving the village, Rasa desperately clung to the King's words and held out hope. Her commitment is a reminder of the power that a promise can have, especially in the presence of extreme struggle.
19 "You Want It To Work Out Where Nobody Dies In This Fight, Isn't That Right? You'll Never Win That Way."
Episode 104 — "Luffy Vs. Vivi! The Tearful Vow To Put Friends On The Line!"
Monkey D. Luffy may usually present himself as a goofy, unassuming captain, but fans know when push comes to shove, the Straw Hat Captain is more than capable of handling business. Case in point, the wake-up call he delivered to Princess Vivi during his time in Alabasta Kingdom spoke volumes.
While Princess Vivi was (understandably) fretting about the death of her people, Luffy interjected with a cold, yet much-needed statement regarding her naivety. He pointed out the intrinsic link between death and war, reminding us all why the struggle for peace is so important.
18 "There Comes A Time When A Man Must Stand And Fight."
Episode 114 — "Swear On Your Crewmate's Dream! Battle At Molehill 4th Avenue"
Although Usopp isn't One Piece's most beloved character, that doesn't mean he won't stand up for his friends and the things they hold dear. This is evident as early as his first appearance in Syrup Village when he tries to stop Captain Kuro from taking Lady Caya's fortune for himself.
While fighting against some of Baroque Works' strongest officers, Usopp expresses how important it is to protect the dreams of his friends. His call-to-action rallies not just his ally, Tony Tony Chopper, but also all the fans who appreciate this underrated sequence during Alabasta.
17 "As Long As She Keeps Fighting To Save Her Kingdom, Then So Will We!"
Episode 124 — "The Nightmare Draws Near! Secret Base Of The Suna Suna Clan"
While Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates' first encounter with Nefertari Vivi happens by chance, the princess of Alabasta Kingdom quickly turns into one of the crew's most trusted allies. Her battle to save Alabasta from Crocodile and Baroque Works makes for the first truly epic sequence of One Piece, and were it not for the help of the Straw Hat Pirates, she would have almost certainly failed.
Crocodile defeats Monkey D. Luffy on two separate occasions before the pair meet for their final battle, leading the Warlord of the Sea to question the source of the young pirate's resolve. Luffy reminds him that Vivi's will to fight is the only reason his crew needs to persevere — an explanation that hints at Crocodile's defeat shortly after.
16 “The Dreams Of Pirates Will Never End!"
Episode 147 — "Distinguished Pirates! A Man Who Talks Of Dreams And The King Of Undersea Search"
As deplorable as he is, Blackbeard is one of the rare One Piece characters who unwaveringly follows an established, consistent philosophy. The Jaya Arc centers around the pursuit of seemingly unobtainable goals, teeing up the perfect opportunity for Marshall D. Teach to demonstrate his intimidating resolve.
Teach states that the dreams of pirates never end — a quote that perfectly introduces the concept that Luffy and Blackbeard are opposite sides of the same coin. Despite their polar-opposite moralities, these two are driven by their dreams to an unimaginable degree, and their drive to succeed should motivate anyone who can relate to their aspirations.
15 “When You Aim High, You Often Come Across Fights That Just Aren't Worth Fighting.”
Episode 147 — "Distinguished Pirates! A Man Who Talks Of Dreams And The King Of Undersea Search"
In all truthfulness, Blackbeard’s entire presence during the Jaya Arc was impactful. He provided several of the greatest lines to grace One Piece, and the fact they came from a completely random drunkard (or so everyone thought at the time) makes it even more striking.
Blackbeard shrugged off the mockery being heaped upon him in Mock Town and acknowledged that there are "fights not worth fighting" in this world. Although he may not have had the best intentions when he said this, turning the other cheek and dismissing unwarranted criticism is a lesson that everyone could stand to learn.
14 "I Want To Live!"
Episode 278 — "Say You Want To Live! We Are Friends!"
The majority of the time, Nico Robin is one of One Piece's more subdued characters. As the sole survivor of the Ohara massacre, Robin was forced to live in the shadows, placing her own wants and needs secondary to those of the world around her. However, the Enies Lobby arc changed all this, finally giving her a reason to want the thing she had denied herself for so long: life.
Nico Robin's transformation during this arc is beautiful, and there is a reason that it has been so well-remembered by fans ever since it originally aired. When Nico Robin's broken voice finally screams, "Take me with you!" to the Straw Hat Pirates, the pure emotion is devastatingly palpable.
13 "I'll Do What You Can't Do, And You Do What I Can't Do."
Episode 297 — "Hunter Sanji Appears? Elegy To The Lying Wolf"
Although the Alabasta and Skypiea arcs are pivotal for the Straw Hat Pirates, the Enies Lobby arc is where the group finally grows into a full-fledged pirate crew. Every character plays a significant role in the narrative arc, leading to quality interactions, such as the one shared between Sanji and Usopp after the former saves Usopp from Jabra.
Usopp feels particularly insignificant after the events of Water 7, so he openly laments his perceived uselessness to his crewmate, Sanji, after being saved from the CP9 member. Sanji's response is exactly what his friend needed to hear, and it was a beautiful reminder than everyone is valuable, regardless of their differences.
12 “I Won’t Die.”
Episode 400 — "Roger And Rayleigh — The King Of The Pirates And His Right Hand Man"
Gol D. Roger's legacy is larger than life, as it sparked the flames of revolution that will undoubtedly swallow the world of One Piece by the end of its narrative. However, as memorable as Roger's life was, the moments preceding his death spawned what could potentially be his most poignant quote of all-time.
During the solemn final meeting between the Pirate King, and his right-hand man, Silvers Rayleigh, Roger addressed his impending demise. The greatest pirate of all time knew he was dying, but just like Dr. Hiriluk, he also knew that he wouldn't be forgotten anytime soon.
11 "Little By Little The Tides Are Changing."
Episode 408 — "Landing! No-Boys-Allowed Island Amazon Lily"
The Sabaody Archipelago Arc results in the most devastating defeat of the Straw Hat Pirates' relatively brief history. Still, the arc provides plenty of reason to be optimistic, and as stated by Shakky, the owner of Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, the gathering of the 11 Supernovas is evidence that the world of One Piece is slowly changing.
Shakky is a former Empress of Amazon Lily, as well as the former captain of the Kuja Pirates, so she has seen her fair share of the Grand Line. The fact she acknowledges the upcoming generation's growing impact should inspire any who wish to change the world around them.
10 "The Flower Of Friendship Can Bloom Even In Hell."
Episode 451 — "Cause The Last Miracle — Breaking Through The Gate Of Justice!"
Few motivations are as strong as the power of friendship, and as proven by Bon Clay's sacrifice during the Impel Down Arc, some bonds are worth more than life itself. Bon Clay formerly worked as part of Baroque Works, committing heinous acts as part of Crocodile's criminal syndicate, but after meeting the Straw Hat Pirates, he gradually changed become a better person.
By the events of the Impel Down Arc, Bon Clay appreciates everything that Monkey D. Luffy stands for, so in the ultimate act of sacrifice, he stays behind to guarantee the Straw Hat Pirate's safe passage to Marineford. His final words are equal parts inspiring and tear-jerking, and they serve as the perfect conclusion to Luffy's first arc without his crew.
9 “The Winner Will Define The Meaning Of Justice!!”
Episode 465 — "Justice For The Winners! Sengoku's Strategy In Action!"
During the Marineford Arc, Donquixote Doflamingo made a major appearance alongside his fellow Warlords of the Sea. Doflamingo was still a mysterious character at this point in the series, but after claiming that whoever won the Paramount War would be the ones who decided what justice looked like, he made it very obvious that he wouldn't be playing a small role in the narrative.
Donquixote Doflamingo's speech doesn't only apply to the world of One Piece — it speaks to real historical bias well. History is written by the victor, as they say, and Doflamingo's accurate assessment that might-equals-right stresses the need for widespread activism among the people.
8 "His Power Is To Rally Those Around Him."
Episode 470 — "The Master Swordsman Mihawk — The Black Sword's Slash Draws Near Luffy"
The Marineford Arc demonstrated conflict on a scale that has been achieved very few times in fiction, let alone anime. Even though the Paramount War centered on "Fire Fist" Ace, his brother, Monkey D. Luffy, found himself at the center of events after disrupting the Whitebeard Pirates' scheduled execution.
Dracule Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, acknowledged Luffy's magnetic personality during the ensuing battle, pointing out that Luffy's ability to "rally those around him" was perhaps the greatest talent of One Piece. Viewers may not be able to develop their Haki or acquire a Devil Fruit, but they can certainly strive to unite those around them.
7 “The One Piece Is Real!”
Episode 485 — "Ending The Matter! Whitebeard Vs. The Blackbeard Pirates"
Freedom and dreams are the two concepts that comprise the largest role in the moral structure of One Piece's world. The series elevates those concepts above all others, represented most plainly by their attachment to the titular treasure that defines the show.
Whitebeard viewed piracy as the pursuit of freedom, so when death loomed near, he declared that the One Piece was real, assuring that a new generation of Pirates would continue to dream about achieving this freedom. Whitebeard himself might not have pursued Laugh Tale, but his final words during the Summit War signaled his acknowledgment of its importance.
6 "There Are Wounded Men Out There — We Can Save Them If We Stop Fighting!"
Episode 488 — "A Desperate Cry — Seconds Of Valor That Change Destiny"
Even before the audience is introduced to any of the Straw Hat Pirates, they encounter Koby, the lowly deckhand who has been captured by Alvida and her pirate crew. However, after Luffy demonstrates just how obtainable change can be by defeating Alvida, Koby begins his journey as a Marine.
Koby was called to assist in the Battle of Marineford, and while there, he saw the carnage caused by the unyielding resolve of the warring parties. Each group was losing sight of the importance of life itself, so his desperate plea for Admiral Akainu to think about his soldiers was incredibly impactful for characters and fans alike.
