All Endings Listed
For many years, the One Piece anime followed a traditional format of featuring both opening and ending themes. While the series eventually moved toward longer opening sequences and removed the ending slots for a significant period, the return of ending songs in the Wano Country Arc has reignited interest in these musical gems. From the nostalgic beginnings in the East Blue to the modern, high-production closers, the One Piece endings ranked list spans decades of musical history. To date, there have been over 20 official ending themes, each capturing a different emotional beat of Luffy's journey. Whether it is the melancholic vibes of the early 2000s or the vibrant, experimental tracks of today, these closing themes are an essential part of the franchise's identity.
Top 10 Endings
Ranking these songs requires balancing nostalgia, musical quality, and how well the animation complements the track. Here are the top 10 One Piece endings ranked based on fan popularity and thematic relevance:
- 1. Memories (Maki Otsuki): The gold standard for nostalgia.
- 2. Dear friends (TRIPLANE): A heartbreaking tribute to the Going Merry.
- 3. Raise (Chilli Beans.): The triumphant return of EDs in the Wano Arc.
- 4. Shouchi no Suke (Suga Shikao): A fun, rhythmic track from the Alabasta era.
- 5. Free Will (Ruppina): Captures the mystery and wonder of the Sky Island saga.
- 6. Eternal Pose (Asia Engineer): A feel-good anthem about the bonds of the crew.
- 7. Dear Sunrise (Maki Otsuki): A beautiful full-circle moment for the series' 25th anniversary.
- 8. faith (Ruppina): One of the most atmospheric and emotionally resonant tracks.
- 9. Shining ray (Janne Da Arc): A high-energy rock song that perfectly fits the early Grand Line.
- 10. RUN\! RUN\! RUN\! (Maki Otsuki): An energetic follow-up to the original ending.
Memories
No discussion of ED songs is complete without mentioning "Memories" by Maki Otsuki. As the very first ending theme of the series, it holds a sacred place in the hearts of fans. The song’s gentle melody and lyrics about looking back at one's dreams perfectly mirror Luffy’s departure from Foosha Village. When the track was brought back for special episodes and even referenced in the modern era, it served as a powerful reminder of how far the Straw Hat Pirates have come. It remains the most iconic of all closing themes, setting a high bar for everything that followed.
faith
"faith" by Ruppina is often cited by long-time viewers as one of the most beautiful pieces of music in the entire show. Used during the climax of the Alabasta Saga and the transition into Skypeia, the song features a hauntingly beautiful vocal performance and a sense of longing. It represents a time when the world of One Piece felt vast and mysterious. Among One Piece endings ranked by atmosphere, "faith" consistently sits near the top because it captures the "romance" of adventure that Eiichiro Oda emphasizes in his writing.
Shining Ray
"Shining ray" by Janne Da Arc brought a much-needed rock energy to the closing slots. Appearing during the Alabasta Arc, this song is fast-paced and optimistic. It highlights the determination of the crew as they faced their first major Shichibukai threat. The visuals associated with this ending, showing the crew in various candid moments, helped humanize the characters between the high-stakes battles. It remains a fan favorite for those who enjoy the more upbeat and driven ED songs of the early 2000s.
Fan Favorites
Beyond the top-tier rankings, several other closing themes have earned "fan favorite" status for specific reasons. "Dear friends" is inseparable from the emotional departure of the Going Merry, making it one of the saddest songs in the series. On the other end of the spectrum, "RUN! RUN! RUN!" is remembered for its infectious energy and the sight of the young Straw Hats running toward their futures. More recently, "Raise" by Chilli Beans. has been praised for its modern indie-pop sound and creative animation, proving that the series can still deliver top-quality endings in the modern era. These songs remind us that the closing credits are not just a time to leave the screen, but a time to reflect on the episode's journey.
FAQ
Why did One Piece stop having ending songs?
Around episode 278, the production shifted to a format with a longer opening theme (roughly 2 minutes and 30 seconds) to consolidate the music budget and airtime into a single, high-impact sequence.
When did ending songs return to One Piece?
Ending themes officially returned in 2023 during the Wano Country Arc with Episode 1071, starting with the song "Raise" by Chilli Beans.
What is the most popular One Piece ending?
While opinions vary, "Memories" is widely considered the most popular and significant ending song due to its status as the original theme and its immense nostalgic value.
