One Piece is one of the most beloved and long-running anime and manga series of all time. With over 1000 episodes, 100 volumes of manga, and a passionate global fanbase, the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat pirate crew have captivated audiences for over two decades. In addition to the main series, One Piece has also spawned 15 animated feature films that provide exciting side stories and showcase the characters in new adventures.
While not all of the One Piece movies are considered canon, many of them are action-packed, emotional, and full of the humor and heart that makes the series so special. For One Piece fans looking to dive deeper into the franchise, watching the best movies is a great place to start. Here are the top 15 One Piece movies every fan must see, ranked.
15. One Piece: The Movie (2000)
One Piece: The Movie was the very first feature film in the franchise, released in 2000 when the series was still in its early days. The story is fairly simple, following Luffy, Zoro, Nami and Usopp as they face off against the evil El Drago and his crew. While its animation and scale don’t quite compare to later films, it’s a fun, nostalgic adventure for long-time fans.
14. Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals (2002)
This second One Piece movie puts the spotlight on the adorable doctor of the Straw Hats, Tony Tony Chopper. When the crew gets stranded on Crown Island, they discover Chopper’s former mentor has been kidnapped by the evil Count Butler. With a unique setting and plenty of silly animal antics, it’s a lighthearted romp starring the crew’s furriest member.
13. One Piece: Stampede (2019)
One Piece: Stampede is one of the more recent films, released to commemorate the anime’s 20th anniversary. It brings together a massive cast of characters from across the series to hunt for the treasure of Gol D. Roger at the Pirates Festival. While light on plot, it’s full of epic battles, team-ups, and fanservice moments that make it a fun celebration of the franchise.
12. The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta (2007)
Essentially a condensed retelling of the Alabasta story arc, this eighth One Piece movie follows the Straw Hats as they help Princess Vivi save her desert kingdom from the evil Crocodile. While retreading familiar ground for fans of the series, it features improved animation and some expanded scenes that make it an enjoyable alternate take on one of the most beloved storylines.
11. One Piece 3D: Straw Hat Chase (2011)
One Piece‘s first foray into 3D animation, this short film has Luffy and the gang frantically searching for his iconic straw hat after it’s stolen. At only 30 minutes long, it’s a quick, goofy adventure that makes the most of the eye-popping 3D visuals. While not essential viewing, it’s a fun novelty for fans.
10. One Piece: The Cursed Holy Sword (2004)
The fifth One Piece movie sends the Straw Hats to the island of Asuka, where they get caught up in a plot involving a legendary cursed sword. Zoro takes the lead as he faces a fellow swordsman seeking the blade. With lots of sword fighting action and a darker, more serious tone, it stands out from some of the more lighthearted early films.
9. One Piece: Dead End Adventure (2003)
In the fourth movie, Luffy and his crew enter a deadly boat race called the Dead End Competition in hopes of winning a massive prize. However, they soon uncover a sinister plot. With a unique premise, interesting new characters, and a memorable villain, it’s one of the better early One Piece films that holds up well.
8. Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Cherry Blossom (2008)
A retelling of the Drum Island storyline, this ninth movie once again focuses on Chopper, showing how he came to join the Straw Hats. It expands on his emotional backstory with his mentor Dr. Hiruluk and his time on Drum Island before meeting Luffy. The snowy setting and heartfelt moments make it a touching Chopper-centric film.
7. Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (2005)
The sixth One Piece movie is one of the most unique, taking the Straw Hats to a mysterious island where they participate in a series of bizarre challenges hosted by the eccentric Baron Omatsuri. Famous director Mamoru Hosoda brings a distinct visual style to this surreal, psychological adventure that many fans consider one of the series’ best films.
6. One Piece: The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle (2006)
In this inventive seventh movie, the Straw Hats explore a island with a mechanical castle and face off against a mad inventor and his giant robot. Featuring the debut of Franky, it’s full of the wild creativity and humor that creator Eiichiro Oda is known for. The castle makes for a memorable setting and the robot battle is a blast.
5. Episode of Alabasta: The Desert Princess and the Pirates (2007)
Another Alabasta retelling, this one is generally considered superior to the eighth movie version. It streamlines the story to focus on the core conflict and themes. The battles are grand in scale and the emotional moments still pack a punch. For fans wanting to revisit this classic arc, it’s the definitive film version.
4. One Piece Film: Gold (2016)
Film Gold takes the Straw Hats to the glitzy, glamorous Gran Tesoro, the world’s largest entertainment city run by the ruthless Gild Tesoro. Hunted by Tesoro, the crew stages a daring heist to save the city and its people. With a Las Vegas-style setting, flashy visuals, and an engaging story of greed and liberation, it’s top-tier One Piece.
3. One Piece Film: Z (2012)
Film Z pits the Straw Hats against Zephyr, a former Navy admiral with a tragic past who aims to destroy the New World with ancient weapons. The story fleshes out the Navy and the consequences of the Navy vs. pirate conflict. With intense action, nuanced themes, and emotional flashbacks, it’s one of the series’ most mature and impactful films.
2. One Piece Film: Strong World (2009)
The first One Piece movie written by Eiichiro Oda himself, Strong World matches the quality of the manga. When Nami is kidnapped by the powerful pirate Shiki the Golden Lion, Luffy and his crew must rescue her and save East Blue. Oda’s involvement elevates the story, comedy, and characterization, making it feel like a true One Piece adventure.
1. One Piece Film: Red (2022)
The latest film is also the greatest. Film Red revolves around Uta, a world-famous singer who is secretly the daughter of Red-Haired Shanks. Her magical voice has the power to make her audience’s dreams come true, but also puts them in danger. When Luffy and Uta reunite at her concert, adventure and chaos ensue. With jaw-dropping animation, a moving story about family and freedom, and a show-stopping musical number, Film Red represents One Piece at its very best.
From the humble beginnings of the first movie to the grand spectacle of Film Red, the One Piece movies showcase the evolution and enduring appeal of the series. For over 20 years, Luffy’s seafaring sagas have made audiences laugh, cry, and cheer. These 15 films capture the many sides of One Piece – the thrilling battles, heartfelt bonds, goofy humor, and inspiring message of chasing your dreams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, these movies are a testament to the storytelling magic of One Piece. Set sail with the Straw Hat crew and see why this pirate anime is truly the king of the sea.
