Quick Answer
One Piece has 15 official animated films (2000–2022) as well as several specials and compilation movies. Of these, 4 are considered canon with a screenplay written or validated by Eiichiro Oda himself: Strong World (2009), Film Z (2012), Film Stampede (2019), and Film Red (2022). For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to watch them after the manga/anime arcs that correspond to their chronological placement.
Article written by the Wanted Store team — sources: One Piece manga vols. 1-110+ by Eiichiro Oda, Toei Animation anime, official SBS. Updated on April 26, 2026.
How Many One Piece Films Are There?
Since the first film released in Japan in 2000, the One Piece franchise has produced 15 official animated feature films, in addition to several short films, OVAs, and TV specials (Episode of Sabo, Episode of Skypiea, Episode of Nami, etc.). These specials are generally compilations of canonical arcs re-edited into film format, distinct from original productions.
Outside of animation, the One Piece Live Action series launched on Netflix in August 2023 with an 8-episode Season 1 covering the East Blue arc. Season 2 is expected in 2025, confirmed by both Toei and Netflix. In parallel, Toei Animation is working on an HD remaster of older episodes, being progressively released on Netflix.
Among the 15 animated films, three categories can be distinguished:
- Oda-validated canon (original or supervised screenplay): Strong World, Film Z, Film Stampede, Film Red.
- Semi-canon (consistent with continuity, but without Oda’s direct involvement): Film Gold.
- Non-canon: the first 9 films (Movie 1 to 9, 2000–2008) and Movie 12 (3D2Y).
Summary Table of One Piece Films
| No. | Title | Year | Runtime | Canon? | Oda Script? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One Piece — The Movie | 2000 | 51 min | No | No |
| 2 | Clockwork Island Adventure | 2001 | 56 min | No | No |
| 3 | Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals | 2002 | 56 min | No | No |
| 4 | Dead End Adventure | 2003 | 95 min | No | No |
| 5 | The Cursed Holy Sword | 2004 | 90 min | No | No |
| 6 | Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island | 2005 | 91 min | No | No |
| 7 | The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle | 2006 | 83 min | No | No |
| 8 | Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in Winter, Miracle Sakura | 2008 | 82 min | No | No |
| 9 | Episode of Alabasta | 2007 | 90 min | Compilation | No |
| 10 | Strong World | 2009 | 115 min | YES | YES |
| 11 | Film Z | 2012 | 107 min | YES | YES |
| 12 | 3D2Y (TV Special) | 2014 | 100 min | No | No |
| 13 | Film Gold | 2016 | 120 min | Semi-canon | No |
| 14 | Film Stampede | 2019 | 101 min | YES | YES |
| 15 | Film Red | 2022 | 115 min | YES | YES |
The Canon One Piece Films in Detail
One Piece Film: Strong World (2009) — Oda’s First Film
Strong World marks a decisive turning point in One Piece film history: it is the first time Eiichiro Oda himself wrote the screenplay. The antagonist, Shiki the Golden Lion, is a character created for the occasion but fully integrated into the lore: a former rival of Gol D. Roger who had already escaped from Impel Down before the events of the manga. His Devil Fruit, the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, allows him to levitate anything he touches (except himself).
The Straw Hat crew must confront Shiki on a flying island after he kidnaps Nami to make her his navigator. The film is visually impressive for its era and delivers memorable action sequences, particularly a standout Zoro fight.
Chronological placement: post-Sabaody Archipelago arc, but before Impel Down. Ideally watch after anime episode 405.
One Piece Film Z (2012) — The Renegade Admiral
Film Z introduces Zephyr, known as “Z” — a former Marine Admiral turned leader of a renegade army called the “Neo Marines”. His objective: to destroy the New Age of pirates by using the Dyna Stones — weapons capable of triggering massive volcanic eruptions.
Oda’s screenplay explores with rare depth the contradictions of the Marines and the razor-thin line between justice and vengeance. Z is one of the most tragic antagonists in the entire franchise. The film also introduced a black-and-white Luffy outfit that proved extremely popular with fans.
Chronological placement: post-Punk Hazard arc. Watch after approximately anime episode 590.
One Piece Film Gold (2016) — The Floating Casino
Film Gold introduces Gild Tesoro, master of a vast floating casino called Gran Tesoro, whose immense fortune gives him an influence independent of world governments. His Gol Gol no Mi allows him to control gold.
The film is semi-canon: it was not directly scripted by Oda, but received his supervision and is consistent with continuity. Notably, it features references to Sengoku. Visually very ambitious, it benefits from polished animation for its era.
Chronological placement: post-Dressrosa arc. Watch after anime episode 746.
One Piece Film Stampede (2019) — The 20th Anniversary Celebration
Released for the anime’s 20th anniversary, Stampede is a spectacular franchise celebration. Almost every major One Piece character appears: Sabo, Trafalgar Law, Smoker, Buggy, Crocodile, Boa Hancock, the Barto Club, Caribou… The main antagonist is Douglas Bullet, a former member of Gol D. Roger’s crew whose Gasha Gasha no Mi allows him to assemble any type of material.
Stampede is designed as a tribute to fans: every fight gives a beloved secondary character their moment. The finale involving Luffy in Gear Fourth is particularly spectacular.
Chronological placement: post-Wano arc. Watch after anime episode 1085+.
One Piece Film Red (2022) — The All-Time Record
Film Red is the biggest commercial success in the entire One Piece franchise: 246 million dollars in worldwide box office receipts — an absolute record for a non-Ghibli Japanese animated film in 2022. The film centres on Uta, a young international pop star presented as the adoptive daughter of Shanks, which immediately makes it a film with major narrative stakes.
Uta possesses the Uta Uta no Mi, which allows her to trap anyone who hears her voice inside a dream world called “Uta World”. Her desire to create a world without pirates takes a tragic turn. The film explores for the first time in depth Shanks’s past and his relationship with Roger’s crew.
The soundtrack, performed by Japanese artist Ado, achieved phenomenal success in Japan and internationally, with tracks such as New Genesis and Backlight. Film Red is considered canon by Oda himself, though its exact integration into the manga’s timeline has yet to be fully confirmed.
Chronological placement: post-Wano arc. Watch after anime episode 1085.
Shanks is also available in our Yonko Wanted Poster pack — the ideal choice for Film Red fans.
The Non-Canon Films: Overview of the First 9 Movies (2000–2008)
The first nine One Piece films (Movies 1 to 9, plus Episode of Alabasta) were produced before Toei Animation and Oda established any screenwriting collaboration. They are considered non-continuity but remain enjoyable entertainment, especially for nostalgic fans.
- Movie 1 (2000): short introductory film featuring a mysterious pirate on an abandoned island. Runtime: 51 minutes.
- Movie 2 — Clockwork Island Adventure (2001): adventure on a medieval clockwork island. The first film to exceed one hour.
- Movie 3 — Chopper’s Kingdom (2002): Chopper-centric film, released shortly after his introduction in the manga.
- Movie 4 — Dead End Adventure (2003): Zoro at the heart of the plot, centred on a cursed sword.
- Movie 5 — The Cursed Holy Sword (2004): second film of the year, featuring island magic elements.
- Movie 6 — Baron Omatsuri (2005): directed by Mamoru Hosoda (future creator of Summer Wars), a psychologically dark film considered the best non-canon entry by many fans.
- Movie 7 — The Giant Mechanical Soldier (2006): steampunk adventure featuring a colossal robot.
- Movie 8 — Episode of Chopper Plus (2008): a retelling of the Drum Island arc featuring Chopper.
- Movie 9 — Episode of Alabasta (2007): condensed compilation of the Alabasta arc — the first truly long arc in the series.
The Ideal Viewing Order for One Piece Films
To fully enjoy the films while respecting narrative continuity, here is the recommended viewing order, integrated into the anime’s progression:
- Movies 1 to 9 — These films can be watched at any point, alongside the corresponding East Blue or Grand Line arcs. They do not contradict anything essential.
- Film Strong World — After episode 405 (end of Sabaody arc). It introduces elements linked to Impel Down and emotionally prepares you for the crew’s separation.
- Film Gold — After episode 746 (end of Dressrosa arc). Semi-canon, it fits well into the transition period leading to Whole Cake Island.
- Film Z — Technically post-Punk Hazard (after episode 590), but can also be watched just before Film Gold. Some fans place it after Dressrosa to maintain the power-scaling logic.
- Film Stampede — After episode 1085 (end of Wano arc). Its celebratory logic requires knowing all the characters present.
- Film Red — Also after episode 1085, in parallel or after Stampede. The two can be watched in either order.
For a complete guide on manga reading order, see our article: How to read One Piece in order.
Where to Watch One Piece Films Legally
In 2026, One Piece films are accessible via several legal platforms:
- Crunchyroll: the reference platform for anime. Offers the majority of One Piece films in subtitled and dubbed versions, accessible with a premium subscription.
- Netflix: hosts certain One Piece films including Film Red, as well as the Live Action series and the HD remaster currently being rolled out.
- ADN (Anime Digital Network): French specialist platform, also offering a selection of One Piece films for legal streaming.
- Digital purchase: some films are available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.
- Cinema releases: since Film Z, Toei has organised special theatrical screenings internationally. Film Red was screened in several hundred cinemas in 2022.
- Physical editions: canonical films are available on Blu-ray and DVD, often in collector’s editions via Kana Home Video.
Note that availability may vary based on regional licensing agreements. Always check updated catalogues on the relevant platforms.
One Piece Film Red — Special Analysis
Film Red (2022) deserves its own dedicated section, as it represents a cultural phenomenon that goes well beyond a simple animated film.
Uta and the mystery of Shanks. For 25 years, Shanks has been one of One Piece’s most mysterious characters. Mentor to Luffy, a Yonko respected by all, his true motivations had never been fully explored. Film Red reveals that he raised Uta — a child found aboard an enemy pirate ship — as his own daughter, before leaving her on an island to protect her, without her knowledge. This tragic decision structures the entire film.
The Uta Uta no Mi. Uta’s power is singular within the lore: her songs allow her to draw people’s consciousnesses into a dream world called Uta World, from which no one can escape without her consent. This fruit implies total self-sacrifice, giving the character rare depth.
The musical success. Japanese singer Ado lent her voice to Uta for all songs in the film. The tracks New Genesis, Backlight, and Shinjidai topped the Japanese and Korean charts and enjoyed international reach. This success contributed significantly to the film’s 246 million dollars in worldwide box office receipts.
Link to the rest of the manga. Without excessive spoilers, Film Red introduced narrative elements — particularly related to Shanks and his relationship with the world of pirates — that resonate with post-Wano manga chapters. For fans seeking to understand One Piece’s grand finale, this film is virtually essential viewing.
Find Shanks in our Yonko Wanted Poster collection, along with other iconic franchise characters in our Wanted Store shop.
FAQ — One Piece Films
- Which One Piece films are officially canon?
- Four films are considered canon with a screenplay validated by Oda: Strong World (2009), Film Z (2012), Film Stampede (2019), and Film Red (2022). Film Gold is often classified as semi-canon.
- Do I need to watch all One Piece films in order?
- No. Non-canon films can be watched in any order. For canonical films, it is advisable to watch them after the corresponding arcs: Strong World after Sabaody, Film Z after Punk Hazard, Gold after Dressrosa, Stampede and Red after Wano.
- What is the most popular One Piece film?
- Film Red (2022) is the biggest commercial success with 246 million dollars in worldwide receipts. It is also regularly cited as the best film by the community, alongside Strong World and Baron Omatsuri (Movie 6) for non-canon entries.
- Is One Piece Film Red connected to the manga?
- Yes. Oda supervised and validated the screenplay of Film Red. Certain elements of the film have implications in recent manga arcs, particularly concerning Shanks and the mysteries of the Final War.
- Where can I watch One Piece Film Red legally?
- Film Red is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll. It is also available on Blu-ray and DVD published by Kana Home Video.
- Is there a One Piece film planned after Film Red?
- Toei Animation has not officially announced a Movie 16 as of April 2026. However, with the manga approaching its conclusion and Film Red’s record-breaking success, a new production is widely anticipated by fans and industry analysts.
- Is the Netflix Live Action part of the One Piece films?
- No. The Netflix Live Action series (2023–2025) is a live-action adaptation separate from the animated films. It is not considered part of the official animated filmography, but remains a work supervised by Oda and Toei.
Further Reading
Passionate about One Piece? Here are more resources to deepen your knowledge of the universe:
- How to read One Piece in order — the complete guide to not missing anything from the manga and anime.
- What is a Yonko in One Piece? — everything about the four Emperors of the Sea, including Shanks.
- One Piece Wanted Posters — ultimate guide — the history of bounties and their significance in the franchise.
- Gift ideas for One Piece fans — a selection of products to treat yourself or someone you love.

