Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece took fans by surprise again with the release of episode titles for Season 2. Just like Season 1, Season 2 retained that fun and playfulness of Eiichiro Oda’s original manga series by using clever wordplay in episode titles. Moreover, it goes a bit further by likely referencing classic Hollywood films.
Meanwhile, the live-action adaptation of One Piece continues to adapt Eiichiro Oda’s original manga series by exploring more of the Grand Line story arc, covering parts from Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island as the Straw Hat Pirates officially begin their Grand Line journey. This saga plays a very important role as it introduces the criminal organization Baroque Works and a new member of Monkey D. Luffy’s crew, Tony Tony Chopper.
So, below is a closer look at each episode title, which is likely inspired by a movie, the original film it references, and how that reference connects to the story arcs (if any) being adapted.
1. Episode 2 “Good Whale Hunting” – A Nod to Good Will Hunting
One of the most obvious movie references appears in episode 2’s title, “Good Whale Hunting,” which is most probably a direct reference to the Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting.
Luffy is looking at Laboon from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
In Eiichiro Oda’s story, the Straw Hat Pirates meet the massive whale Laboon at Reverse Mountain. Laboon had spent decades waiting for his pirate friends to come back and had been hitting the Red Line over and over again in frustration and loneliness.
Meanwhile, the word “hunting” in the episode title may reference how certain characters initially attempt to capture or exploit the whale. The organization Baroque Works sends its agents, Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday, to hunt Laboon for food, and this provides the main conflict for the story arc.
A still from the film Good Will Hunting. | Credit: Miramax Films
Now, interestingly, the emotional themes also parallel the movie’s core message. Just as Good Will Hunting explores trauma, healing, and understanding someone’s past, the Laboon storyline revolves around empathy and emotional connection as well.
2. Episode 3 “Whisky Business” – Inspired by Risky Business
The title of the next episode, “Whisky Business,” is likely a bit of a clever reference to the 1983 film Risky Business starring Tom Cruise. This episode covers the Whisky Peak arc in the One Piece manga, in which the Straw Hats come into a town that appears to be welcoming after arriving at the Grand Line.
Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
They get treated to drinks, music, and a party. However, it is all a trick, and the town is secretly filled with bounty hunters working for Baroque Works, who are hoping to capture the Straw Hats for their bounties.
A still from the 1983 film Risky Business. | Credit: Warner Bros
The title, therefore, reflects both the island’s name and the shady “business” happening behind the scenes.
3. Episode 4 “Big Trouble in Little Garden” – A Nod to Big Trouble in Little China
Another obvious reference is in the Episode 4 title, “Big Trouble in Little Garden,” which is most probably coming from the cult classic Big Trouble in Little China.
Nami looks at Brogy from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
The Straw Hats end up landing on Little Garden, which is a prehistoric island filled with dinosaurs and two giant warriors, Dorry and Broggy, who have been battling each other for over a hundred years.
A still from the Big Trouble in Little China. | Credit: Twentieth Century Fox
Of course, things quickly get out of hand as agents of Baroque Works interfere with the giants’ fight and try to take out the Straw Hats. Just like the movie title suggests, a chaotic adventure in a small place, the Little Garden arc becomes a massive conflict on an island that sounds far more peaceful than it really is.
4. Episode 5 – “Wax On, Wax Off” – Inspired by The Karate Kid
The title of episode 5 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece is “Wax On, Wax Off,” which is likely a nod to this famous line from The Karate Kid. In the movie, the phrase represents repetitive training techniques taught by Mr. Miyagi.
Credit: Columbia Pictures
Credit: Sony Pictures Television
In One Piece, however, it is a direct reference to the villain Mr. 3, who uses his Devil Fruit to create and control wax. In Oda’s story, Mr. 3 attacks the Straw Hats by transforming the battlefield into a crazy wax museum. So, the title of this episode is most likely a clever reference to Mr. 3’s ability to create and control wax and the eventual defeat of his wax traps.
However, a fun real-world trivia connection exists here as well. Actor Xolo Maridueña, who gained fame in Cobra Kai – a sequel series to The Karate Kid franchise – was selected as a cast member in Netflix’s One Piece Season 3 to play Luffy’s brother, Portgas D. Ace (via Netflix).
So, the reference unintentionally creates a neat pop-culture crossover moment between the franchise that inspired the title and the show itself.
5. Episode 6 “Nami Deerest” – A Play on Mommie Dearest
The title “Nami Deerest” is likely a nod to the classic drama “Mommie Dearest.” This pun changes “Mommie” to “Nami” and “Dearest” to “Deerest,” which is a nod to the introduction of Tony Tony Chopper, the reindeer doctor.
Tony Tony Chopper from the live-action adaptation of One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
In the Drum Island arc, Nami got seriously sick as they were sailing through the snowy Grand Line. Therefore, they decided to get to Drum Island as quickly as they could to find her a doctor who could cure her.
A still from the 1981 film Mommie Dearest. | Credit: Paramount Pictures
Meanwhile, this arc becomes the first major step toward Chopper joining the crew, making the wordplay both thematic and foreshadowing.
6. Episode 7 “Reindeer Shames” – Inspired by Reindeer Games
The episode 7 titled “Reindeer Shames,” which is again likely a nod to the thriller film “Reindeer Games.” This episode focuses on Chopper’s tragic backstory – because of his blue nose and transformation abilities, Chopper was rejected by both humans and his fellow reindeer.
A still from the live-action adaptation of One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
Chopper’s only mentor in life was Dr. Hiriluk, and his mentor’s obsession with curing all diseases inspired Chopper to become a doctor himself.
A still from the 2000 film Reindeer Games. | Credit: Northlight Studios
The word “shames” likely captures the emotional pain and rejection Chopper experienced throughout his life. Meanwhile, this flashback is considered to be one of the saddest in One Piece, especially in its early stages.
7. Episode 8 “Deer and Loathing in Drum Kingdom” – A Nod to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
The final episode of Season 2, which is Episode 8 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece, is “Deer and Loathing in Drum Kingdom,” which is likely a nod to “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” The pun replaces “Fear” with “Deer,” which is another nod to Chopper.
Monkey D Luffy and Wapol in live-action adaptation of One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
The “loathing” part of the title likely reflects the suffering of the people living under the tyrannical rule of Wapol, the corrupt king of Drum Kingdom. The story ends with the Straw Hat crew helping to bring hope back to the island and Chopper finding his new family with the crew.
A still from the 1998 film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. | Credit: Universal Pictures
Here is a quick episode-wise IMDb rating of Season 2 episodes for Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. Please note that all the IMDb ratings mentioned below are as of March 11, 2026.
Episode Number of Season 2Episode TitleIMDb Rating1The Beginning and the End8.5 / 102Good Whale Hunting 8.7 / 103Whisky Business8.9 / 104Big Trouble in Little Garden8.6 / 105Wax On, Wax Off8.8 / 106Nami Deerest8.8 / 107Reindeer Shames9.6 / 108Deer and Loathing in Drum Kingdom9.3 / 10
Ultimately, even though Netflix did not mention the above-mentioned films as the inspiration behind the episode titles, the playful nature of these titles perfectly reflects the storytelling style of Eiichiro Oda.
Moreover, One Piece is known to blend humor, drama, and action in a perfect mix, and these titles are a perfect fit in that regard. Thus, these possible nods to the movies provide an additional layer of fun to those who are familiar with these cultural references.
From the emotional depth of Laboon’s story, the trickery in Whiskey Peak, or even Chopper’s sad past, each of these titles cleverly foreshadows what is to come for our Straw Hat crew as their Grand Line journey truly begins in Season 2.
So, did you catch all the movie references hidden in One Piece Season 2’s episode titles while watching the series? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
When was Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 released?
Netflix released One Piece Season 2 on March 10, 2026, with all eight episodes becoming available to stream on the platform the same day.
Which story arcs does One Piece Season 2 adapt?
Season 2 adapts several early Grand Line arcs from the manga by Eiichiro Oda, including Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whisky Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island.
Which One Piece story arc introduces Tony Tony Chopper?
Tony Tony Chopper is introduced during the Drum Island storyline. He eventually joins the Straw Hat Pirates as their doctor.
The One Piece Season 2 live-action series is currently available to watch on Netflix.
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