Eiichiro Oda's One Piece is celebrated worldwide as one of the most exuberant and exciting adventure tales ever made. Countless fans following Monkey D. Luffy and his crew on their adventure through the Grand Line fell in love with the story's imaginative worldbuilding, good-natured humor, and restless action.
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Yet, the emotional specter of One Piece is much grander than first meets the eye. This brilliant series can make the audience feel all kinds of intense sentiments, from jovial delirium to heart-wrenching sadness. These One Piece episodes feature some of the show's most notorious emotional climaxes that made everyone burst into tears.
10 Nami Asks Luffy To Save Her From Arlong
Episode 37
The Arlong Park Arc is often regarded as the turning point in the One Piece narrative. At this point, the story finally comes into its own, and the small Straw Hat Pirates crew begins to feel like a real family. Episode 37 truly establishes Nami as Luffy's devoted nakama, and it does so in a brilliantly heartbreaking way.
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It's impossible to hold back tears as Nami breaks down crying, asking Luffy to save her. Of course, the captain accepts her plea, letting Nami hold onto his treasured hat.
9 Vivi Doesn't Continue Her Adventure With The Straw Hats
Episode 129
Alabasta's princess Nefertari Vivi accompanied the Straw Hat Pirates on their journey through the Grand Line all the way to her home kingdom. Despite becoming an honorary crew member, Vivi understood that she couldn't continue sailing with the Straw Hats.
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She says goodbye to her friends in the heartbreaking episode 129, choosing to fulfill her duties as a princess. And while Vivi's farewell left many in tears, the Straw Hats didn't let the princess's decision affect their relationship, still treating her as a treasured nakama.
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8 Robin Remains The Only Survivor Of Ohara's Scholars
Episode 277
Robin's devastating backstory was one of the most tragic character developments in all of One Piece, taking the viewers twenty years back to the Ohara island of West Blue. Episode 277 concludes the woeful tale of Robin's childhood with the CP9 coming to destroy her home island for studying the Poneglyph language.
The little girl watches Ohara burn, together with the scholars who took her in and Robin's mother, Olvia, a woman she just met after years apart. It's impossible to hold back tears during this episode.
7 The Straw Hats Say Goodbye To The Going Merry
Episode 312
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The Going Merry was not only the Straw Hats' home for a significant part of their journey, but she was also their dear companion. So, when the time comes to say farewell to the crew's beloved ship in episode 312, the viewers can't help but cry along with the Straw Hats.
The melancholic tune playing over Merry's Vikings' funeral only enhances the feeling of sorrow. Yet, the ships' parting words of gratitude signify that Merry is ready to go to rest, accepting her fate with courage.
6 Brook Becomes Isolated As The Only Survivor Of His Crew
Episode 380
Yomi Yomi no Mi gave Brook a second chance in life, yet, the circumstances under which he had to use his Devil Fruit couldn't have been more tragic. Episode 380, Binks' Sake, concludes the sorrowful adventure of the Rumbar Pirates, Brook's previous crew from fifty years ago.
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As his nakama get ambushed in the Florian Triangle, they make peace with approaching demise. At last, the musical crew records a final performance for their friend Laboon in hopes that Brook will survive to tell the whale about their fate.
5 Bon Clay Believes In Luffy's Recovery Despite All Odds
Episode 440
Luffy's reunion with the former Baroque Works agent Bon Clay in Impel Down was a joyful occasion. They fought alongside each other in the name of friendship, leading to many heartfelt moments. Yet, the most tear-jerking Bon Clay gesture comes in episode 440.
While Luffy screams in agony, trying to fight off Magellan's poison in the treatment room, his former enemy never leaves his side, cheering the boy on together with other New Kama residents. Bon Clay's devotion to Luffy was touching to the point of tears.
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4 Ace Gives His Life Up With No Regrets
Episode 483
The sorrowful death of Luffy's older brother Portgas D. Ace in episode 483 is rightfully considered one of the most heartbreaking moments in One Piece. A beloved character and a treasured member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace was maliciously struck by admiral Akainu while trying to protect his little brother.
Ace died just like he lived, courageously and full of gratitude for the people who loved him. Gloriously tragic, his passing scarred the hearts of every viewer and left Luffy utterly devastated by guilt-ridden grief.
3 Corazon Sacrifices His Life For Little Trafalgar Law
Episode 706
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Trafalgar D. Water Law's backstory was a surprisingly tragic tale that made countless fans fall in love with this complex side character. Joining the Doflamingo Pirates as a terminally ill child, Law was saved by Doflamingo's kindhearted brother Corazon. Unfortunately, the man's devotion to Law cost Corazon his life.
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The boy's savior falls victim to his brother after curing Law and ensuring his safety in episode 706. A courageous act of kindness, Corazon's sacrifice broke the fans' hearts and rooted a vicious hatred for the Doflamingo Pirates in Law.
2 Sanji Shows Luffy His Ultimate Gesture Of Care
Episode 825
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Food has always been Sanji's passion, and he devotes himself to never let a man starve. Sanji giving malnourished Luffy a bento upon their reunion in episode 825 has tons of symbolic meaning, making this scene a ruthless tearjerker.
The episode gets even more heartbreaking when Sanji continues to push his captain to leave without him. Yet, Luffy persists, even punching the cook. Sanji tearfully admits how much he wants to stay with the Straw Hats in the episode's emotional climax, forcing the viewers' eyes to water.
1 Yasu's Noble Death Was Met With Disturbing Laughter
Episode 940
Despite his eccentricities and goofy appearance, Shimotsuki Yasuie was a surprisingly tragic character. His brutal execution in episode 940 made countless fans burst into tears and secured the hatred for former shogun Orochi in their hearts.
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It's impossible not to cry witnessing Yasu's final moments and fleeting memories of joy shared with his daughter Toko. This makes the disturbing sight of Ebisu Town citizens laughing at Yasu's dead body even more revolting. Affected by Kaidou's SMILE fruits, the people of Ebisu weren't even able to grieve Yasu's death.
NEXT: 10 Best Things About One Piece's Wano Arc
