Over the past two decades, One Piece has captivated anime fans around the world and established itself as a resounding success. With the countless expansion films in the franchise, it can be difficult to navigate. But don’t be afraid! We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll tackle a common question: In what order should you watch the One Piece movies?
We’ll provide both the release date and ranking order to help you enjoy the Straw Hat Pirates’ epic adventures seamlessly.
How many movies does One Piece have?
One Piece boasts 15 films, adding to its rich series of over 1,000 episodes over 20 seasons.
These films, while generally unorthodox, offer unique stories and enrich the series’ universe.
The amazing thing about most of these movies is that the characters wear different outfits than usual. Some fan-favorite characters, like Uta, were also introduced through these films. Such movie-specific characters and designs make for great figurines that you can find on the One Piece Store.
Anyway, back to the topic. Here are the One Piece movies in release order and the chronological order to watch them along with the anime episodes:
One Piece movies in order of release:
One Piece: The Movie (2000) Clockwork Island Adventure (2001) Chopper’s Kingdom on Strange Animal Island (2002) Dead End Adventure (2003) Cursed Holy Sword (2004) Baron Omatsuri and The Secret Island (2005) The Giant Cyborg of Karakuri Castle (2006) Arabasta Episode: The Desert Princess and the Pirate (2007) Chopper Plus Episode: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura (2008) Movie: Strong World (2009) One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase (2011) Film: Z (2012) Film: Gold (2016) Stampede (2019) Film: Red (2022)
One Piece Movies In Chronological Order:
One Piece: The Movie (watch after episode 18) Adventure on Clockwork Island (watch after episode 53) Chopper’s Kingdom on Strange Animal Island (watch after episode 102) Dead End Adventure (watch after episode 138) The Cursed Holy Sword (see after episode 143) Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (see after episode 224) The Giant Robot Soldier of Karakuri Castle (see after episode 228) Arabasta Episode: The Desert Princess and the Pirate (watch after episode 312) Chopper Plus episode: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura (watch after episode 325) ) Film: Strong World (watch after episode 429) One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase (watch after episode 381) Film: Z ( Watch after episode 578) Film: Gold (watch after episode 750) Stampede (watch after episode 889) Film: Red (watch after episode 1030)
You can watch One Piece movies mainly in release order, interspersed with series. Movie 9 recounts the events between movies 2 and 3, movie 8 recounts the story between movies 3 and 4.
Are there any One Piece movies that canon?
Most of the One Piece films are not considered canon due to their inconsistencies and minimal involvement by Oda. However, several characters introduced in the film later became canon.
There are also some “near standard” movies in One Piece. I talked about this issue in depth in this article.
Recommended >> List of all stories and arcs in One Piece
Best One Piece movies, ranked [Tệ nhất đến hay nhất]
In this section, I will rank all the One Piece movies in order of popularity. This ranking will be based on scores on MyAnimeList, an anime database where fans can rate their favorite anime.
15. One Piece: Chopper’s kingdom on the island of strange animals
Release date: March 2, 2002 MyAnimeList Rating: 6.85 Watch or skip?: Skip
The third film in the franchise, “Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals,” was a disappointment despite Chopper’s charm.
The Straw Hats intervene to save the talking animals on Crown Island from hunters. Fans considered this a disaster, except for Sanji and Zoro’s fight scenes.
14. One Piece 3D: Straw Hat’s chase
Release date: March 19, 2011 MyAnimeList Rating: 6.92 Watch or skip?: Skip
“One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase” is the 11th film in the series. The film premiered alongside Toriko 3D Movie.
Luffy searches for his missing crew members in the movie. However, it’s only 30 minutes long and not worth watching.
The fan community did not appreciate it because it resembled a video game cutscene.
13. One Piece: The Movie
Release date: March 4, 2000 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.09 Watch or Skip?: Skip
This is the first film in the series. The Straw Hats face the fierce pirate Eldoraggo. They stop the legendary captain’s journey to find the treasure.
“One Piece: The Movie” fits between the Syrup Village and Baratie arcs. It offers a nostalgic look back at the crew’s early adventures.
While not the best in terms of story or fighting, it’s still an “okay” show to watch.
12. One Piece: Adventure on Clock Island
Release date: March 3, 2001
The Straw Hat Pirates team up with the Thieves Brothers to retrieve their stolen ship, the Going Merry, and weapons from the robbers.
Together, they engage in a fierce confrontation with the pirate clan that rules Clockwork Island to stop their leader’s plan to obtain a super weapon and force their teammate Nami into marriage.
“Clockwork Island Adventure” is set after the latter part of the Loguetown arc in the East Blue Saga.
Although a standalone story, it offers an exciting and thrilling adventure revolving around a vacation gone wrong that fans should not miss.
11. One Piece: The cursed holy sword
Release date: March 6, 2004 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.12 Watch or skip?: Skip
Zoro, the gang’s swordsman, takes center stage in “The Cursed Holy Sword.” On Asuka Island, the Straw Hat Pirates discover the Shichiseiken, a mythical sword cursed by evil spirits.
The marines deceive the crew into rescuing the sword, trapping them in a trap. Zoro, affected by the curse, joins them, leading the group to discover his motives.
10. One Piece: Giant robot soldier of Karakuri castle
Release date: March 4, 2006 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.19 Watch or Skip?: See
This movie has some of the most epic battles that are a treat for mecha lovers. The Straw Hats discover a treasure chest. Instead of gold, they met an old woman.
They offered to help take back her house in exchange for guiding them to find the treasure on Mecha Island. Upon arriving, they were attacked by the island’s leader, who later sought their help in finding the treasure.
9. One Piece – Arabasta episode: Desert Princess and the Pirates
Release date: March 3, 2007 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.31 Watch or skip?: See
The Arabasta arc is one of the most successful stories in the series’ history. This film recaps, bringing the events to life with top quality visuals. Well, not top quality by today’s standards, but it’s still an upgrade.
However, it feels rushed compared to the actual plot. The complexity of this piece is best experienced in series form. If you’ve seen this, pay attention to the quality of the action scenes.
If not, you can skip it.
8. One Piece – Chopper Plus episode: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura
Release date: March 1, 2008 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.44 Watch or skip?: See
The Chopper Plus remake adds new events and characters, including a supporting character for the villain Wapol, to the Drum Island arc.
It’s like an alternate universe where Luffy still saves Nami but faces different challenges.
This movie is very enjoyable even if you have seen the Empty Island Arc of the series. You can watch after episode 325.
7. One Piece: Dead End Adventure
Release date: March 1, 2003
You all know what Luffy is when it comes to finances – needy. He is probably the only pirate who is almost always broke.
It all depends on Nami’s money management and thieving skills to keep the crew alive.
The Straw Hat Pirates need help with money, participating in the underground Dead End Competition among pirates. They face off against a vice admiral and a duo of bounty hunters. “Dead End Adventure”, the first full-length film, offers an exciting adventure for fans. The best movie to watch after episode 138.
6. One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the secret island
Release date: March 5, 2005 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.76 Watch or Skip?: Must watch
“Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island,” is the sixth part of the One Piece movie series. In this story, the Straw Hats visit an entertainment island.
They meet the island’s leader, Baron Omatsuri, who gives them seven trials. The film delves deeper into the island’s surface.
The crew finds the real villains and Luffy defeats them. It’s true that the content is old but it’s still quite interesting to watch.
5. One Piece Movie: Red
Release date: August 6, 2022 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.83 Watch or skip?: Must watch
Film: Red (2022) took the box office by storm, making its mark as a blockbuster, led by none other than Shanks. The film revolves around Shanks and his daughter Uta, giving a concert on an island.
The Straw Hats’ visit takes an unexpected turn. Shanks dominates along with Uta. While many of the songs in the first act may annoy some, the final act promises to be exhilarating. Filled with Easter eggs and showcasing Shanks’ legendary powers, this is a film worth watching.
4. One Piece Movie: Gold
Release date: July 23, 2016 MyAnimeList Rating: 7.89 Watch or skip?: Must watch
If you’ve ever wanted to see the Straw Hats on a casino adventure, Film: Gold (2016) will deliver. They visit Gran Tesoro, an entertainment city with many casinos.
But they get caught up in a robbery that they must find a way to navigate. Although the plot seems predictable, the beautiful animation of the Straw Hat crew makes the movie thrilling.
From start to finish, this was an incredible ride with great fan service. This is a must-watch for any One Piece fan.
3. One Piece Movie: Strong World
Release date: December 12, 2009 MyAnimeList Rating: 8.07 Watch or skip?: Must watch
The Straw Hats learn about the destruction of East Blue Island by Shiki the Golden Lion, a former member of the Rocks Pirates.
Shiki aims to destroy the Marines and kidnaps Nami as a navigator. The Straw Hats confront Shiki, demonstrating his devil fruit power.
Although unofficial, the film offers intense action between the Straw Hats and the former Rocks Pirates.
2. One Piece Movie: Z
Release date: December 15, 2012 MyAnimeList Rating: 8.13 Watch or skip?: Must watch
Movie: Z focuses on former marine admiral Z, who steals dangerous weapons called “Dyna Stones”. The Straw Hat pirates and admirals unite to fight him and prevent the apocalypse.
Considered one of the best One Piece films, Z delivers lively action and heartfelt moments. The ideal time to watch it remains controversial. Some suggested it after episode 573, while others waited until the end of Z’s Ambition arc in episode 578. Either way, missing it would be a shame.
1. One Piece: Stampede
Release date: August 9, 2019 MyAnimeList Rating: 8.21 Watch or skip?: Must watch
Stampede is a global hit and is the highest-ranking One Piece film of all time.
Luffy and the diving crew join the pirate festival and quickly realize it is a search for Roger’s treasure. Amid the chaos and mystery, fan-favorite characters shine, demonstrating their diverse powers in the Stampede adventure.
You can enjoy this must-watch drama after episode 889, especially after the Cidre Guild in Wano episode.
That means that since the story is not canon, you can watch it after any episode.