One of the longest-running anime of all time, One Piece is a worldwide sensation based on an iconic franchise that has several adaptations in the works. From Netflix’s well-received live-action series to their upcoming animated remake of the manga written by Eiichiro Oda, the streamer has a tight connection with Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates. However, it’s hard to beat the show that started all the way back in 1999 and still releases weekly episodes to this day. To that point, Netflix has been adding seasons of the beloved anime to their library over the past few years, and they are set to add one of the best, most emotional arcs from the series.
Starting February 1, the Dressrosa Arc, which takes place over 118 episodes, will be available on Netflix. The season, which began airing in 2014, is known as one of the lengthier and most dense story arcs of One Piece. Netflix had previously added the Fishman Island and Punk Hazard arcs last year, which all culminate in the epic storyline of gladiator fights and rebellion that arises on the Dressrosa island. Although some fans lament the anime’s slow-burn approach to the arc, with a considerable amount of “filler” in between big moments, Dressrosa is a pivotal moment in the overarching One Piece story.
In addition to all previous arcs of the anime, Netflix also houses the first season of its live-action adaptation. One Piece Season 2 just wrapped up filming and is set to release by the end of 2025, while a third season is already in the works. By the time fans are able to see the live-action series again, the streamer will likely have most if not all arcs from the anime. In addition to Dressrosa, Netflix’s library includes fan favorites like Alabasta, Water 7, Enies Lobby, and Marineford, among many others. It seems Netflix intends to become the next largest platform to house One Piece episodes, new and old, as Crunchyroll puts the iconic series behind a paywall for the first time this year.
How Dressrosa is One of the Best ‘One Piece’ Arcs

Despite being criticized for “stretching” out the Dressrosa Arc, it is still regarded as a pinnacle part of the One Piece canon. In Dressrosa, Monkey D. Luffy and Trafalgar D. Water Law’s partnership reaches its climax, battling Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the best villains in all of One Piece, for the future of the corrupted island. Amidst the beautiful scenery, inspired by the Roman Empire, are gladiator battles, an underground rebellion from people-turned-toys, and a host of emotional moments that stem from Law’s tragic backstory. A number of iconic One Piece scenes are littered throughout the season, including Luffy using Gear 4 for the very first time against Doflamingo.

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In many ways, Dressrosa is the culmination of past arcs as well as a good setup for what came after, including WANO. Above all, however, the arc features some of the most emotional moments of the anime. From Law’s personal connection to Doflamingo and his sadistic pirate crew to Luffy’s new friends, including Rebecca, who battles in the Roman-like arena, every character gets a moment to shine. In fact, some think the arc includes too many new characters as well as familiar ones, but that’s the beauty of One Piece. No matter the scale, the emotional backbone of the story is how the anime propels forward. And Dressrosa is now exception.

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Release Date

October 20, 1999

Cast

Mayumi Tanaka
, Kazuya Nakai
, Akemi Okamura
, Kappei Yamaguchi
, Hiroaki Hirata
, Ikue Ôtani
, Yuriko Yamaguchi
, Kazuki Yao
, Chō