Over the past two decades, One Piece has captivated anime fans worldwide, establishing itself as a monumental success. With numerous movies expanding on the series, it can be overwhelming to navigate. But fear not! We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll address a common question: How should you watch the One Piece movies in order?
We’ll provide both release date and ranked order to help you enjoy the epic adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates seamlessly.
How Many Movies Does One Piece Have?
One Piece boasts 15 movies, complementing its extensive series with over 1,000 episodes across 20 seasons.
These movies, while generally non-canonical, offer unique narratives and enrich the series’ universe.
What’s amazing about most of these films is that the characters wear different costumes than usual. Some fan favorites, like Uta, have also been introduced through these movies. Such film-specific characters and designs make excellent figurines, which you can find on the One Piece store.
Anyway, let’s get back to the topic. Here are the One Piece movies in release order and the chronological order to watch them alongside the anime episodes:
One Piece Movies In Release Order:
- One Piece: The Movie (2000)
- Clockwork Island Adventure (2001)
- Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals (2002)
- Dead End Adventure (2003)
- The Cursed Holy Sword (2004)
- Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (2005)
- The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle (2006)
- Episode of Arabasta: The Desert Princess and the Pirates (2007)
- Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura (2008)
- Film: 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)
- Clockwork Island Adventure (watch after episode 53)
- Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals (watch after episode 102)
- Dead End Adventure (watch after episode 138)
- The Cursed Holy Sword (watch after episode 143)
- Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (watch after episode 224)
- The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle (watch after episode 228)
- Episode of Arabasta: The Desert Princess and the Pirates (watch after episode 312)
- Episode of Chopper Plus: 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 films mostly in release order, intercut with the series. Film 9 recounts events between films 2 and 3, and film 8 retells the story between films 3 and 4.
Are Any One Piece Movies Canon?
Most One Piece movies aren’t considered canon due to inconsistencies and minimal involvement from Oda. However, some characters introduced in the movies became canon later on.
There are also some “near-canon” movies in One Piece. I’ve talked about this in-depth on this article.
Recommended >> A List Of All Sagas & Arcs In One Piece
Best One Piece Movies, Ranked [Worst To Best]
In this section, I’ll be ranking all the One Piece movies in order of popularity. This ranking will be based on the score 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 franchise’s third film, “Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals,” disappoints despite Chopper’s charm.
Straw Hats intervene to save talking animals on Crown Island from hunters. Fans consider it a disaster, except for Sanji and Zoro’s fight scenes.
14. One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase
- Release date: March 19, 2011
- MyAnimeList Rating: 6.92
- Watch or Skip?: Skip
“One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase” is the eleventh movie of the franchise. It premiered alongside a 3D Toriko movie.
Luffy searches for his missing crew members in the movie. However, it’s only 30 minutes long and not worth watching.
The fandom doesn’t appreciate it due to its resemblance to a video game cut scene.
13. One Piece: The Movie
- Release date: March 4, 2000
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.09
- Watch or Skip?: Skip
This is the very first film in the franchise. The Straw Hat Pirates face the fierce pirate Eldoraggo. They stop his quest for a legendary captain’s treasure.
“One Piece: The Movie” fits between Syrup Village and Baratie arcs. It provides a nostalgic look at the crew’s early adventures.
While it is not the best in terms of story or fights, it is still an “okay” show to watch.
12. One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure
- Release date: March 3, 2001
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.10
- Watch or Skip?: Watch
The Straw Hat Pirates collaborate with the Thief Brothers to retrieve their stolen ship, Going Merry, and weapons from bandits.
Together, they engage in a fierce confrontation with the pirate clan ruling over Clockwork Island to thwart their leader’s plan of obtaining a superweapon and coercing their crewmate Nami into marriage.
“Clockwork Island Adventure” is set after the latter part of the Loguetown arc within the East Blue Saga.
Despite being a standalone tale, it offers an enjoyable and thrilling adventure centered around a vacation gone wrong that fans shouldn’t miss.
11. One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword
- Release date: March 6, 2004
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.12
- Watch or Skip?: Skip
Zoro, the crew’s swordsman, takes center stage in “The Cursed Holy Sword.” On Asuka Island, the Straw Hat Pirates discover Shichiseiken, a mythical sword cursed by evil spirits.
The Marines deceive the crew into rescuing the sword, ensnaring them in a trap. Zoro, affected by the curse, joins them, prompting the crew to uncover his motives.
10. One Piece: The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle
- Release date: March 4, 2006
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.19
- Watch or Skip?: Watch
This film has some of the most epic battles which is a treat for mecha lovers. The Straw Hats discover a treasure chest. Instead of gold, they meet an old lady.
They offer help to reclaim her home in exchange for guiding them to treasure on Mecha Island. Upon arrival, they’re attacked by the island’s leader, who later seeks their aid in finding treasure.
9. One Piece – Episode of Arabasta: The Desert Princess and the Pirates
- Release date: March 3, 2007
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.31
- Watch or Skip?: Watch
The Arabasta arc is one of the most successful stories in the franchise’s lore. This movie recaps it, reanimating the events with top-quality visuals. Well, not top quality in today’s standards, but it is still an upgrade.
However, it feels rushed compared to the actual story arc. The intricacies of the arc are best experienced in the series format. If you’ve seen the arc, watch for the action scenes’ quality.
Otherwise, it’s skippable.
8. One Piece – Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura
- Release date: March 1, 2008
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.44
- Watch or Skip?: Watch
The Chopper Plus remake adds new events and characters, including a sidekick for villain Wapol, to the Drum Island arc.
It’s like an alternate universe where Luffy still saves Nami, but faces different challenges.
This film is interesting even if you’ve watched the Drum Island Arc of the series. You can watch it after episode 325.
7. One Piece: Dead End Adventure
- Release date: March 1, 2003
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.52
- Watch or Skip?: Watch
You all know how Luffy is when it comes to finance– lackster. He is probably the only pirate who’s almost always broke.
It all comes down to Nami’s money management and stealing skills to keep the crew alive.
The Straw Hat Pirates, in need of money, enter the underground Dead End Competition race among pirates. They confront a vice-admiral and a bounty hunter duo. “Dead End Adventure,” the first full-length feature, offers a fantastic adventure for fans. It’s best watched 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 installment of One Piece films. In this story, the Straw Hat Pirates visit an amusement island.
They meet the island’s leader, Baron Omatsuri, who assigns them seven challenges. The film delves into uncovering the island’s facade.
The crew finds the true villains, and Luffy beats them up. The same old stuff, yes, but it is still pretty fun to watch.
5. One Piece Film: Red
- Release date: August 6, 2022
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.83
- Watch or Skip?: Must Watch
Film: Red (2022) stormed the box office, marked as a blockbuster, led by none other than Shanks. The movie revolves around Shanks and his daughter Uta, hosting a concert on an island.
The Straw Hats’ visit takes an unexpected turn. Shanks steals the show, along with Uta. Though the numerous songs in the first act may irk some, the final act promises excitement. Packed with easter eggs and showcasing Shanks’ legendary powers, it’s a must-watch.
4. One Piece Film: Gold
- Release date: July 23, 2016
- MyAnimeList Rating: 7.89
- Watch or Skip?: Must Watch
If you ever wished to see the Straw Hats in a casino adventure, then Film: Gold (2016) delivers. They visit Gran Tesoro, an entertainment city filled with casinos.
But they’re drawn into a heist they must navigate. While the plot may seem predictable, the stunning animation of the Straw Hats makes it thrilling.
From start to finish, it’s an incredible ride with fantastic fan service. This movie is a must-watch for any One Piece fan.
3. One Piece Film: Strong World
- Release date: December 12, 2009
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.07
- Watch or Skip?: Must Watch
The Straw Hats learn of East Blue islands’ destruction by Shiki the Golden Lion, ex-member of Rocks Pirates.
Shiki aims to annihilate Marines and abducts Nami as navigator. Straw Hats confront Shiki, showcasing his devil fruit powers.
Though non-canon, the movie offers thrilling Straw Hat vs. Rocks Pirates’ ex-member action.
2. One Piece Film: Z
- Release date: December 15, 2012
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.13
- Watch or Skip?: Must Watch
Film: Z focuses on former marine admiral Z, who steals dangerous weapons called the “Dyna Stones.” The Straw Hat Pirates and admirals unite to battle him and prevent the end of the world.
Regarded as one of the best One Piece movies, Z offers vibrant action and heartfelt moments. The ideal time to watch it is debatable. Some suggest after episode 573, while others wait until the end of the Z’s Ambition arc at episode 578. Regardless, missing out on it would be regrettable.
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 ranked One Piece movie of all time.
Luffy and crew dive into a pirate festival, soon realizing it’s a quest for Roger’s treasure. Amidst chaos and mysteries, fan-favorite characters shine, showcasing diverse powers in the Stampede adventure.
This must-watch movie can be enjoyed post-episode 889, particularly after the Cidre Guild arc in Wano.
That said, since the story is not canon, you can watch it after any episode.