Best One Piece Movies

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is an institution by this point. Debuting in 1997, the shonen manga has produced over 100 volumes and 1100 chapters, and there are still more adventures to come. Luffy and the Straw Hats sit comfortably among the most iconic characters in modern fiction, stemming from the franchise’s success in a variety of mediums.

The manga is the most decorated version, but the anime has played just as pivotal of a role in turning One Piece into an international phenomenon. Toei’s adaptation has been going strong for roughly 25 years, producing more than 1100 episodes in the process. While the pacing can be too slow at times, particularly in recent arcs, the anime is nevertheless a gripping epic that balances action, drama, and humor well.

As with most successful shonen anime, One Piece movies are hardly in short supply. Not counting specials, 15 features have been released, most of which tell standalone stories that are not based on the manga. While Oda has gradually become more involved, these projects are generally not canon and can be easily skipped. However, the best One Piece movies distill the main story’s core appeal into a digestible two hours, essentially condensing arcs into a film format. When done right, they represent an ideal way to spend more time with the Straw Hats.

As they are typically feature-length, TV specials like Episode of Nami will be included.

Updated on December 31, 2024 by Mark Sammut: As no new One Piece movies or specials have been released, sections have been added to every entry to explain when these stories should be watched in the timeline. While waiting for the series to make its big return in April 2025, this is the perfect time to check out some films.

Every One Piece Movie & TV Special

While the manga and anime’s conclusions are finally starting to come into view, one has to assume the franchise will produce another movie or special before the Straw Hats officially sail into the sunset. Let’s highlight every One Piece movie.

24

One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase

IMDb Score: 6.5

Describing One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase as a feature is generous, as the project clocks in at only 30 minutes. As implied by its title, this film’s selling point is its animation, as Straw Hat Chase gives a CGI makeover to One Piece‘s iconic characters and world. The story, which revolves around Luffy’s misplaced straw hat, is merely a means to showcase the visuals through a couple of memorable fight scenes.

Despite looking like a cutscene from a game, Straw Hat Chase is a surprisingly entertaining watch and it also doesn’t overstay its welcome. However, there is not all that much to get excited about here other than the change in animation, and the 3D visuals have not necessarily aged that well either. Still, this project deserves recognition for trying something new, even if the final experience is mostly just forgettable.

When To Watch Straw Hat Chase

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook

Straw Hat Chase is the definition of filler that does not pay that much attention to the timeline; that said, it fits in well enough after Thriller Bark.

23

Chopper’s Kingdom On The Island Of Strange Animals

IMDb Score: 6.2

It says a lot about the quality of One Piece movies that even the lowest-rated of the bunch, Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals, is perfectly watchable. After arriving at a peculiar island filled with talkative animals, Chopper ends up separated from the Straw Hats. The doctor also becomes the island’s king.

Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals earns points for pushing the Straw Hats’ resident reindeer to the forefront, a rare practice. The story takes a bit too long to build up any significant momentum, although things pick up somewhat in the final act. Still, this is a largely dull affair that is only worth noting because it pushes Chopper into the limelight, something that does not happen as often as it should.

As great as he is, Chopper has not had the best of luck as a featured player, and the reindeer tends to work better when left in a supporting role.

When To Watch Chopper’s Kingdom On The Island Of Strange Animals

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper

Like most of these movies, Chopper’s Kingdom On The Island of Strange Animals‘s non-canon nature means it is not meant to fit into the timeline at any specific point. Therefore, it can just be watched after Drum Island.

22

Episode Of East Blue: Luffy And His Four Crewmates’ Great Adventure

IMDb Score: 7.2

Released in 2017, Episode of East Blue covers the formation of the Straw Hats and Luffy’s recruitment of Zoro, Usopp, Nami, and Sanji. Essentially, this is five segments squashed into a single special, making for a respectable cliff notes version of One Piece‘s earliest arcs. As these stories are actually quite short in the manga and anime, Episode of East Blue does not feel all that necessary.

When To Watch Episode Of East Blue

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook

Episode of East Blue can be generally watched at any point after the East Blue Saga is complete, but it might be best left for when a viewer wants a change of pace after the time skip.

21

The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle

IMDb Score: 6.4

Most of the recent One Piece films prioritize action above anything else, often overlooking the main series’ penchant for adventure and mystery. The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle allows the Straw Hats to use their brains along with their fists, as the heroes end up on a treasure hunt sparked by a woman found in a chest.

Characters like Robin and Chopper benefit greatly from the movie’s more laid-back and adventurous tone, while the crew’s heavy hitters still get a few opportunities to showcase their fighting skills. That said, like most of the franchise’s weaker flicks, The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle comes across as a condensed filler arc, just with slightly superior animation than Toei’s series. While not the most memorable story ever, basic One Piece is still usually entertaining, and this movie gets the job done.

When To Watch The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin

This movie should be watched before Water 7, and it even provides some context for a power-up Luffy introduces during Enies Lobby.

20

One Piece: The Movie

IMDb Score: 6.9

One Piece‘s first movie does not distinguish itself enough from the series. While its animation is somewhat better in places and the story moves at a quicker pace than the show, the 2000 film very much feels like a filler storyline with no weight to it.

As it came out so early in the franchise’s run, One Piece: The Movie has a certain simplicity that is quaint and charming. The film is like a time capsule to an extent, one that captures the excitement and hopeful energy of the anime’s early arcs. In this point in the story, the crew consisted of only Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp, and the quartet bounce off each other pretty well.

When To Watch One Piece: The Movie

Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp

As Usopp is part of the crew but Sanji is not, One Piece: The Movie is best watched after the Syrup Village Arc that introduces the former and adds him to the Straw Hats.

19

The Curse Of The Sacred Sword

IMDb Score: 6.6

A person from Zoro’s past causes a rift to form between the swordsman and his fellow crew members. The Curse of the Sacred Sword ramps up the violence and dread as it tells a story that challenges Zoro’s allegiances. It also features a genuine fight between Zoro and Sanji, as their duels are usually comedic.

Considering the Straw Hats’ first mate’s loyalty is never questioned in the main series, Zoro acts somewhat out of character in The Curse of the Sacred Sword. Permitting someone can look past that, this entry’s action is generally better than most of the sequences in the early movies, setting it above its contemporaries. Beyond that, the story tries to add emotional weight by shining a light on Zoro’s fairly unknown past, all the while testing his bond with the Straw Hats. While this sounds good on paper, the movie’s non-canon nature dulls its blade.

When To Watch The Curse Of The Sacred Sword

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin

Even more so than some of the other One Piece movies, The Curse of the Sacred Sword is hard to pin down in terms of a supposed timeline. While post-Skypiea would be fine, this might be worth watching right after Dead End Adventure.

18

Clockwork Island Adventure

IMDb Score: 6.6

One Piece‘s movies got off to a relatively slow start. As none of the first three films reach the hour mark, they come across more like specials than full features. Out of the franchise’s earliest attempts, Clockwork Island Adventure stands out as being better than average, primarily due to an interesting premise revolving around the theft of the Straw Hats’ ship.

Due to its short length, Clockwork Island Adventure moves at a blistering pace as it throws conspiracies, a kidnapping, and a wedding into the mix. There is no denying that the story screams “non-canon,” but as far as filler adventures go, it is not boring.

When To Watch Clockwork Island Adventure

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji

There is no exact point where Clockwork Island Adventure fits snugly into the anime’s timeline, but it should be watched after Arlong Park and before the start of the Alabasta saga (so, before the Laboon Arc, but it can be watched before the Warship Island Arc too).

17

Episode Of Skypeia

IMDb Score: 6.7

The Sky Island Saga lasts for an overwhelming 52 episodes, with the Skypeia Arc making up the majority of it. While it is by no means bad, the anime adaptation drags in places and is one of the earliest examples of the show’s pacing venturing into too-slow territory.

Episode of Skypeia, naturally, leaves a lot out, but it does cover the basics well enough to be worth recommending for fans who want to revisit this saga without sitting through the entire thing. However, newcomers should read the manga or watch the full anime arc rather than this truncated version. It just leaves way too much out to stand on its own, and mostly comes across like a recap episode.

When To Watch Episode of Skypeia

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper

This is purely a recap of Skypeia, so fans can watch it whenever they feel like a refresher.

16

Adventure Of Nebulandia

IMDb Score: 6.7

Foxy tends to be a polarizing figure; his arcs typically do not add much to the overall story and, in the anime, have a habit of overstaying their welcome. While Foxy can be funny, the character’s humor relies heavily on his obnoxious nature, and he tends to bring out Luffy’s goofiest side. The latter can be entertaining in fits, but it is not always fun to see the Straw Hats going up a joke character.

That said, Adventure of Nebulandia finds Foxy at his best, with the special doing a decent job of humanizing a figure that mostly acts as a punchline in the main series. Wisely, the storyline opts against using Foxy as the ultimate villain, instead pulling a twist and introducing a new character (Komei) for that role. He proves to be a far more enjoyable antagonist, even if he does not come across as a huge threat to the Straw Hats.

When To Watch Adventure Of Nebulandia

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook

Adventure of Nebulandia can be watched directly after completing Film: Z.

15

The Desert Princess And The Pirates: Adventures In Alabasta

IMDb Score: 6.8

Although a solid film in isolation, The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta is perhaps the worst way to experience one of the franchise’s greatest early sagas. This 2007 film condenses an arc that took more than 30 episodes in the series into a brief 90 minutes. That might not be as rushed as some arcs in the One Piece: Pirate Warriors games, but 90 minutes is still a tall order to cover a saga that establishes Vivi, Robin, Ace, and Crocodile.

While the show has often been criticized for its slow pace, The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta simply has too much ground to cover to present anything more than a cliff-note version of this storyline. To its credit, the film has pretty good animation, to the point of warranting a watch after someone has either consumed the manga or anime episodes.

When To Watch The Desert Princess And The Pirates: Adventures In Alabasta

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Vivi

This film can be watched whenever since it is, ultimately, a recap of an arc.

14

Episode Of Chopper Plus: Bloom In The Winter, Miracle Sakura

IMDb Score: 6.9

Another film adaptation of a canon storyline, Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura shakes things up by adding Robin and Franky to the Drum Island Arc, characters who are introduced later down the line in the original manga.

The animation can be quite stunning at times as, by this point, One Piece had mastered the art of delivering proper cinematic adventures. While Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura is an entertaining enough diversion, it does feel unnecessary, even more so than One Piece‘s other non-canon movies.

When To Watch Episode Of Chopper Plus: Bloom In The Winter, Miracle Sakura

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky

While mostly a recap of an arc, Episode of Chopper Plus adds a few wrinkles by featuring Robin and Franky. As such, this film should be watched after the Post-Enies Lobby Arc.

13

Heart Of Gold

IMDb Score: 7

Setting up the stage for Film: Gold, Heart of Gold shares some themes with that movie, although a direct connection isn’t established until the end of the special. On its own, Heart of Gold is a typical but enjoyable One Piece story; the Straw Hats meet someone with a tragic past, a villain of the week is introduced, and some laughs are had along the way.

While not much to write home about, Heart of Gold should please anyone looking for more of the same and a few interesting-looking islands. Ultimately, this special exists to set the stage for Gold while also not including anything so important that will cause issues for viewers who skip it but watch the film.

When To Watch Heart of Gold

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook

Heart of Gold can be watched after the Silver Mine Arc.

12

Episode Of Luffy: Adventure On Hand Island

IMDb Score: 7.1

Released to coincide with One Piece Film: Z, Episode of Luffy is both an original story and a more faithful retelling of a defining moment in the manga protagonist’s life. The majority of the episode centers around the Straw Hats trying to free a wax sculptor from the Marines, but this special also covers Luffy’s early days with Shanks.

Anime-only viewers who want to learn how Luffy got the scar on his face should check out this movie as it covers the process in detail. Considering it is arguably one of the story’s emotional pillars, Luffy and Shanks’ relationship is rarely spotlighted throughout the manga and anime; consequently, this special adds further context to their dynamic.

When To Watch Episode Of Luffy: Adventure On Hand Island

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook

Episode of Luffy works well after the Fish-Man Island arc.

11

Film: Red

IMDb Score: 6.8

Film: Red finds the Straw Hats attending a concert held by Uta, a reclusive idol with a majestic voice. She also knows Luffy and has ties to one of the most important figures in the captain’s life, Shanks. Film: Red sets itself apart from other One Piece movies by revolving heavily around music, and the soundtrack has a few memorable tracks on it.

While the rest of the Straw Hats do get moments to shine, this story is strictly Luffy, Shanks, and Uta’s. On the one hand, this allows Film: Red to tell a more cohesive narrative than something like Stampede; conversely, some characters are short-changed, resulting in an experience that might be divisive depending on what a viewer is expecting. Nevertheless, Uta is a fantastic addition to the One Piece lore, and her history with both Shanks and Luffy ties neatly into the overarching saga, making Film: Red a must-watch rather than just an amusing side story that is ultimately inconsequential.

When To Watch Red

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, Jinbe

Film: Red can be watched after Uta’s Past, the anime arc that sets up the movie. The latter lasts for two episodes (1029 and 1030).

10

Film: Gold

IMDb Score: 7.1

One Piece movies tend to stick close to the standard formula utilized by the manga. More often than not, the Straw Hats end up on a beautiful or insane new island, they run afoul of the location’s dictator and then suffer a huge loss around the halfway mark. Naturally, the pirates rally and come back to defeat the villain.

Gold is One Piece at its most formulaic. Despite featuring practically no surprises, the movie’s central location, Gran Tesoro, and its manic pacing help paper over the story’s predictability. Also, as this is a fairly “modern” movie in the franchise’s library, Gold comes across as a genuine feature, including stellar animation and a great sense of scale. Even if the stories are not always incredible, the post-Strong World entries embrace their movie format more than most of the earlier releases.

When To Watch Gold

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook

A fairly easy movie to place within the timeline, Gold continues directly from the Silver Mine Arc and Heart of Gold. As such, they can just be watched all in a row. Silver Mine starts on episode 747 and ends on 750.

9

Baron Omatsuri And The Secret Island

IMDb Score: 7.2

Although hardly devoid of creativity, One Piece movies are generally subservient to the manga. Out of all the franchise’s feature releases, Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island is the only one that sets itself apart by highlighting its director’s strengths over One Piece‘s conventions. Although he would go on to bigger and better things, Mamoru Hosoda’s fingerprints are all over this feature, both narratively and visually.

Along with a far looser art style, Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island challenges the bonds that link the Straw Hats together in a tale that gets pretty dark at times. The crew’s weaknesses are often played for laughs in most filler arcs, but this movie shines a proper light on their flaws, exploring how they define each character.

When To Watch Baron Omatsuri And The Secret Island

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin

Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island feels like it is set in a different universe, but it should be watched after G-8 or Foxy’s Return.

8

Dead End Adventure

IMDb Score: 7.2

At the fourth go of things, One Piece finally hit a home run with a movie. Dead End Adventure sees the Straw Hats taking part in an infamous race that attracts some rather dangerous crews, including the Gasparde Pirates run by a former Marine.

A highly entertaining romp that features a fantastic antagonist and plenty of impressive animation, Dead End Adventure is a delight from start to finish. This film arguably set the blueprint for most future One Piece films, demonstrating how the franchise could utilize this format to tell familiar but still ambitious narratives that capture the manga and show’s spirit.

When To Watch Dead End Adventure

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin

Dead End Adventure needs to be watched after the Alabasta arc since Robin is part of the Straw Hats, and it can also be left for after the subsequent Jaya Arc. Basically, after Robin joins and before Skypiea.

7

Episode Of Sabo: Bond Of Three Brothers – A Miraculous Reunion And An Inherited Will

IMDb Score: 7.3

Following the death of Ace, One Piece introduced Sabo, Luffy’s other brother. Episode of Sabo covers familiar ground, albeit switching the perspective to the titular character. Sabo, Luffy, and Ace’s childhoods together are covered by this TV movie.

While the Marineford Arc stuff is interesting, the best part of this special takes place in Dressrosa. The movie covers the early parts of this arc with Sabo taking center stage. Sabo doesn’t get too much screen time in the anime, so this special gives the character some much-needed attention.

When To Watch Episode Of Sabo

Episode of Sabo should be watched after the Dressrosa arc, just to receive another perspective.

6

3D2Y: Overcome Ace’s Death! Luffy’s Vow To His Friends

IMDb Score: 7.6

Unlike the “Episode” specials, 3D2Y covers new ground, although it does include flashbacks to canon moments. The movie takes place during the two-year timeskip following the Marineford Arc and before the Straw Hats reunite in the Return to Sabaody Arc.

When Boa Hancock’s sisters are kidnapped by a pirate who escaped from Impel Down’s Level 6, the Pirate Empress and Luffy have to team up to save them. While not canon, 3D2Y slots in well into the timeline and is one of the better filler additions brought on by the anime.

When To Watch 3D2Y

• Straw Hats: Luffy (Mainly)

3D2Y can be watched before Return to Sabaody and the time skip, although it can spoil a few small things for later arcs.

5

Episode Of Nami: Tears Of A Navigator And The Bonds Of Friends

IMDb Score: 7.8

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the highest-rated One Piece movies are not theatrical releases but TV specials that cover some of the anime’s stories. Episode of Nami focuses on the Arlong Park Arc, which acted as One Piece‘s coming-out party and established the structure that would go on to define the majority of the manga and anime.

It is also one of the most emotional sagas in the series, establishing Nami’s backstory and cementing her relationship with the Straw Hats. Out of all the abridged movies, the Episode of Nami loses the least in translation; in fact, it benefits from approved animation and better pacing than the original version.

When To Watch Episode Of Nami: Tears Of A Navigator And The Bonds Of Friends

• Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji

As this is a recap, Episode of Nami can be watched at any point.