Ranking All One Piece Movies and Specials

Since its debut in 1997, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has solidified its status as a cornerstone of contemporary manga. With over 100 volumes and more than 1100 chapters published, fans eagerly anticipate the next adventures of Luffy and his iconic crew, the Straw Hats. The immense popularity of the franchise spans various formats including manga, anime, and films, making Luffy and his friends some of the most recognizable characters in fiction today.

While the manga holds many accolades, the anime adaptation by Toei Animation has also been integral to its global success. Over the past 25 years, the anime has aired upwards of 1100 episodes, captivating audiences with a blend of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, despite occasional pacing issues in recent arcs.

As with many prominent shonen series, One Piece has produced a significant number of films. Excluding the numerous specials, there have been 15 feature films to date. Although these films often exist outside the manga’s canon, they typically retain the essence of the main story while presenting standalone narratives. Notably, many of the best One Piece movies successfully encapsulate the franchise’s core themes into concise two-hour formats, allowing fans to enjoy more moments with the beloved Straw Hats.

This article has been updated as of December 31, 2024, to include guidance on where each film fits within the overall timeline of the series. As fans await the return of the show in April 2025, this serves as a perfect opportunity to explore the films.

Comprehensive List of One Piece Movies and TV Specials

With the conclusions of the manga and anime gradually approaching, it’s likely that more films or specials will be released before the Straw Hats embark on their final journey. Below is a complete list of notable One Piece movies.

24 One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase

IMDb Score: 6.5

Labeling One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase as a feature film might be overstating its nature, given its brief 30-minute runtime. The highlight of this film is its animation style, which gives a CGI spin to the iconic characters of One Piece. The plot revolves around Luffy’s missing straw hat, serving primarily as a backdrop to display visually engaging fight sequences.

Even though Straw Hat Chase resembles a video game cutscene, it offers a surprisingly enjoyable viewing experience. The film manages to maintain a brisk pace, ensuring it neither overstays its welcome nor becomes too tedious. However, aside from its unique visuals, there isn’t much depth to the narrative, and while the 3D effects are innovative, they’ve not aged particularly well. Regardless, the film should be acknowledged for its creative approach, even if it ultimately falls short in lasting significance.

Optimal Viewing Time for Straw Hat Chase

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

Straw Hat Chase functions as filler and does not adhere strictly to the continuous timeline. It can smoothly fit in following the Thriller Bark arc.

23 Chopper’s Kingdom On The Island Of Strange Animals

IMDb Score: 6.2

Despite having the lowest rating among One Piece films, Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals remains watchable. The story initiates when Chopper finds himself stranded on a unique island inhabited by talking animals, leading to his unexpected rise as the island’s king.

This film places Chopper, the Straw Hats’ doctor, in the forefront—an opportunity that is all too rare. While the narrative takes a while to build momentum, the pacing picks up in the final act. Overall, though largely uneventful, this film is noted for giving Chopper a spotlight, something that doesn’t often happen but should occur more frequently.

Best Time to Watch Chopper’s Kingdom On The Island Of Strange Animals

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

Being a non-canon film, Chopper’s Kingdom can be viewed after the Drum Island arc without disrupting the main continuity.

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

IMDb Score: 7.2

Released in 2017, Episode of East Blue succinctly captures the formation of the Straw Hats through Luffy’s recruitment of Zoro, Usopp, Nami, and Sanji. It essentially compacts these narratives into a brief format and serves as a quick guide to the series’ earlier arcs. Given the original story segments are already short, this special doesn’t feel particularly essential.

Ideal Viewing Moment for Episode Of East Blue

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

Episode of East Blue can be watched at any time after the completion of the East Blue Saga, although it fits well into the viewing experience after the time skip.

21 The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle

IMDb Score: 6.4

Unlike many of the recent One Piece films that emphasize action over storytelling, The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle encourages clever problem-solving among the Straw Hats as they embark on a treasure hunt initiated by the discovery of a woman trapped inside a chest.

This film offers opportunities for character development, particularly for Robin and Chopper, while allowing the crew’s martial powerhouses to flex their combat skills. Although it may come across as a condensed filler arc, it still entertains with basic One Piece charm—proving that even during its weaker moments, the series has a knack for engagement.

When to Watch The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle

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

This film is best viewed prior to the Water 7 arc as it provides context for certain elements introduced during Enies Lobby.

20 One Piece: The Movie

IMDb Score: 6.9

What marks One Piece’s inaugural feature film is its tendency to closely follow the series without veering too far from its roots. While some improvements in animation and pacing are evident, the plot feels more like filler than a fully realized narrative.

This film offers a nostalgic glimpse into an earlier era of the franchise, capturing the youthful vigor of the Straw Hats—Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp—in their improvised adventures. Their interactions reflect the camaraderie that fans have come to love while also serving as a reminder of the franchise’s humble beginnings.

When to Watch One Piece: The Movie

Straw Hats: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp

With Usopp part of the crew, this film fits best after the Syrup Village Arc, allowing new viewers to familiarize themselves with the characters before delving into the film’s experience.

19 The Curse Of The Sacred Sword

IMDb Score: 6.6

This film presents a storyline that tests Zoro’s loyalties as he confronts a figure from his past, creating discord among the crew. The Curse of the Sacred Sword ramps up tension through its fights, giving way to a more drastic feel compared to the earlier lighthearted narratives.

While the film showcases some thrilling combat scenes, Zoro’s behavior diverges from what fans anticipate, resulting in a strange yet compelling tale of friendship and conflict. Although it attempts to weave an emotional narrative into Zoro’s backstory, its non-canonical status detracts from its overall impact.

When to Watch The Curse Of The Sacred Sword

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

Given its ambiguous placement in the timeline, The Curse of the Sacred Sword is best enjoyed post-Skypiea or right after Dead End Adventure.

18 Clockwork Island Adventure

IMDb Score: 6.6

The early One Piece films struggled with pacing and depth, often feeling more like short specials than full-length features. However, Clockwork Island Adventure stands out with its engaging premise revolving around the Straw Hats’ ship theft.

Its brief runtime ensures a rapid plot progression filled with intrigues, kidnappings, and even a wedding. Although the story clearly lacks canon significance, it entertains well enough as a filler adventure without becoming tedious.

When to Watch Clockwork Island Adventure

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

While it doesn’t fit perfectly in the timeline, it is recommended to watch Clockwork Island Adventure after the Arlong Park arc and prior to the Alabasta saga.

17 Episode Of Skypeia

IMDb Score: 6.7

Given that the Sky Island Saga extends over 52 episodes, the Skypeia arc encompasses the bulk of this duration. While not particularly bad, this arc exemplifies an early instance of the series’ pacing issues.

Episode of Skypeia effectively condenses this lengthy saga for fans seeking to revisit it without having to watch every single installment. However, newcomers are encouraged to experience the full anime arc or read the manga for a better understanding, as the special leaves out significant elements and resembles a recap more than a satisfying standalone feature.

When to Watch Episode of Skypeia

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

As a recap, fans can watch Episode of Skypeia whenever they wish to refresh their memories of the Sky Island Saga.

16 Adventure Of Nebulandia

IMDb Score: 6.7

Foxy tends to provoke mixed feelings among fans, with his arcs frequently failing to add substantive value to the main story while dragging on longer than necessary. Nonetheless, Adventure of Nebulandia manages to present Foxy in a favorable light by providing a nuanced perspective that humanizes him, diverging from the typically comedic portrayal.

In this special, Foxy doesn’t serve as the main antagonist; instead, a new character named Komei assumes that role, presenting a more complex challenge for the Straw Hats, albeit without being overly threatening.

Best Timing for Adventure Of Nebulandia

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

Adventure of Nebulandia can be enjoyed directly after the conclusion of Film: Z.

15 The Desert Princess And The Pirates: Adventures In Alabasta

IMDb Score: 6.8

This film offers excellent animation but tends to rush through one of the franchise’s most celebrated arcs. Covering the substantial Alabasta Saga within a mere 90 minutes, it fails to deliver the depth that characterizes the original story, which introduces pivotal figures like Vivi, Robin, Ace, and Crocodile.

While the film may entertain after familiarizing oneself with the original material, it ultimately serves as a superficial recap rather than a comprehensive narrative worth experiencing in its standalone form.

Ideal Timing for The Desert Princess And The Pirates: Adventures In Alabasta

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

This film could be enjoyed anytime as it acts primarily as a recap of a significant story arc.

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

IMDb Score: 6.9

Episode of Chopper Plus adapts a well-known storyline from the manga while introducing Robin and Franky into the Drum Island Arc—a significant deviation given their later introductions. The film showcases stunning animation, representative of a matured franchise.

Though it provides a solid visual experience, Episode of Chopper Plus may feel superfluous, particularly when compared to the franchise’s previous films.

When to Feast on Episode Of Chopper Plus: Bloom In The Winter, Miracle Sakura

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

This film should ideally be viewed after the Post-Enies Lobby Arc as it primarily serves as a recap with added context from newly featured characters.

13 Heart Of Gold

IMDb Score: 7

This special introduces some themes that seamlessly segue into Film: Gold while presenting a self-contained yet typical One Piece adventure. The storyline encapsulates classic elements of the franchise with moments of humor and the revelation of a tragic backstory, all intertwined with a villainous presence.

Although not pivotal for those skipping the film, Heart of Gold serves as a fun, light-hearted experience for fans of the series.

When to Enjoy Heart of Gold

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

Viewers can watch Heart of Gold following the Silver Mine Arc.

12 Episode Of Luffy: Adventure On Hand Island

IMDb Score: 7.1

Co-released with One Piece Film: Z, Episode of Luffy presents a narrative that is both original and revisiting a crucial moment in Luffy’s journey. The episode revolves around the crew’s mission to rescue a wax sculptor from Marine captivity while simultaneously exploring Luffy’s early interactions with Shanks.

This narrative not only elaborates on their complicated relationship but also adds emotional depth to Shanks’ influence on Luffy’s childhood—something that’s rarely explored in the main storyline.

Ideal Watching Time for Episode of Luffy

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

Episode of Luffy is aptly positioned for viewing following the Fish-Man Island arc.

11 Film: Red

IMDb Score: 6.8

Film: Red features the Straw Hats attending a captivating concert by Uta, a singer with deep connections to both Shanks and Luffy. By centering on music, the film differentiates itself from typical One Piece narratives, showcasing memorable tunes alongside character interactions.

While the plot primarily revolves around Luffy, Shanks, and Uta—giving the characters ample development—other crew members may seem underutilized, resulting in a polarized reception among fans. Nevertheless, Uta enriches the lore of One Piece, making Film: Red a crucial chapter rather than just a side adventure.

When to Experience Film: Red

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

To fully appreciate Film: Red, viewers should first complete the Uta’s Past arc, consisting of episodes 1029 and 1030.

10 Film: Gold

IMDb Score: 7.1

Consistent with the franchise’s formula, the synopsis of One Piece films often involves the Straw Hats venturing to new, extravagant islands, confronting local tyranny, and ultimately surmounting trials to emerge victorious.

Film: Gold exemplifies this formula, boasting a vibrant backdrop in Gran Tesoro while maintaining a high-energy pace that keeps viewers engaged. As one of the more recent entries, the animation quality is exceptional, showcasing a cohesive cinematic experience, even though it heavily follows the standard patterns without introducing unexpected twists.

Ideal Viewing Time for Film: Gold

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

Film: Gold slots perfectly into the timeline following the Silver Mine Arc and the preceding special, Heart of Gold. Viewers can enjoy these back-to-back for a continuous experience.

9 Baron Omatsuri And The Secret Island

IMDb Score: 7.2

Among all the One Piece features, Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island stands out for diverging from the series’ mold. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this film breathes fresh air into the franchise with its narrative complexities and artistic expressions.

The film explores darker themes by scrutinizing the character dynamics within the Straw Hats, shedding light on their vulnerabilities. This departure from the often comedic tone of filler arcs provides a uniquely compelling narrative.

Best Timing for Baron Omatsuri And The Secret Island

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

Although it feels distinctive, Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island should ideally be enjoyed after the G-8 arc or Foxy’s Return.

8 Dead End Adventure

IMDb Score: 7.2

In its fourth film outing, One Piece finally hit its stride with Dead End Adventure, where the Straw Hats participate in a daring race that attracts some notorious pirate crews, including the formidable Gasparde Pirates.

This film is packed with dynamic visuals and an engaging antagonist, providing continuous entertainment throughout its duration. Dead End Adventure showcases the potential of One Piece films to blend thrilling narratives with familiar themes, setting a template for future entries.

Ideal Timing for Dead End Adventure

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

This movie should be watched following the Alabasta arc, making it possible to enjoy the adventures with established character dynamics and narrative context.

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

IMDb Score: 7.3

Following Ace’s poignant demise, One Piece unveiled Sabo, Luffy’s other brother, in a special that recounts their childhood moments shared with Ace. Episode of Sabo reframes this familiar narrative through Sabo’s perspective, providing invaluable insights into their bonds.

While highlighting pivotal moments from the Marineford arc, the real highlight occurs during the Dressrosa arc, where Sabo emerges as a compelling character deserving of greater exposure in the overarching narrative.

When to Experience Episode of Sabo

• Straw Hats: Luffy

This special fits best after the Dressrosa arc, presenting an alternative viewpoint to significant events encountered previously.

6 3D2Y: Overcome Ace’s Death! Luffy’s Vow To His Friends

IMDb Score: 7.6

While 3D2Y features flashbacks to canon moments, it explores new territory within the timeline established after the Marineford arc and before the Straw Hats reunite in the Return to Sabaody arc.

The plot involves Luffy and Boa Hancock teaming up to rescue her sisters from a nefarious pirate. As a filler addition, 3D2Y seamlessly integrates into the broader storyline and stands out as one of the more engaging non-canon films.

When to View 3D2Y

• Straw Hats: Luffy (Mainly)

3D2Y is best enjoyed before the Return to Sabaody arc, although it may provide minor spoilers for future developments.

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

IMDb Score: 7.8

Notably, the highest-rated One Piece entries are TV specials focusing on pivotal storylines, like Episode of Nami, which centers on the climactic Arlong Park arc. This arc deepened character connections and explored Nami’s backstory, reflecting the emotional core of the series.

Indeed, this special improves upon the original series by offering refined animation and an improved pacing, making it a highly recommended watch for fans who appreciate the emotional resonance of Nami’s journey.

Optimal Viewing for Episode of Nami

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

Being a recap, fans can view this episode at any point in the series without disruption to the overall storyline.

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