One Piece movies have a sort of pattern of the odd-numbered movies being a ‘meh’ as compared to the even-numbered ones.
That being said, all of the One Piece does have an entertaining side to them to some degree.
In that respect, all of them can be said to have the potential to be a good time investment, but the standards that the series has set for itself over the course of time make us difficult to enjoy something too regular.
So, should you even watch these given how long One Piece is without you having to watch any of these? Are they worth your time?
Let’s find out.
One Piece: The Movie (2000)
Verdict: Not worth it.
This movie takes place before the Baratie Arc featuring Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp as the current Straw Hats.
With a flat primary antagonist and a plain storyline, this movie only has comedy going for it. The end of the villain also is very regular and nothing special or weird like everything One Piece is.
It has the regular Usopp and Nami deceiving people and also the Luffy accidentally hurting Zoro running gag.
This movie isn’t worth the time that it demands.
Clockwork Island Adventure (2001)
Verdict: Worth it.
It does very well considering it is one of the very first One Piece movies to ever be made. This nostalgic One Piece movie takes us down memory lane.
With wacky villains and the Straw Hats having their ship and supplies stolen, this movie has a promising plot and the characters of the Straw Hats totally liven up the movie.
The Clockwork Island has a great set of side characters and a story for them to liven them up, a set of challenges to overcome and stakes that question the existence of the entire island.
All in all, this movie is a rollercoaster entertainer!
Chopper’s Kingdom on the Island of Strange Animals (2002)
Verdict: Not worth it.
The only good thing in this movie is that Zoro has to fight an antagonist that specialized in kicks and Sanji fights a swordsman.
This movie provided a scene of much-needed respect and camaraderie between these members of the Straw Hat crew that are usually seen constantly arguing.
Clips are available on YouTube, watch this and move on.
Dead End Adventure (2003)
Verdict: Worth it.
This movie is one of the most One Piece-ish movies that were made.
It has the perfect set-up of rigged race that allows everything since no rules protect you when you’re a pirate, sea and free adventure, fights among all the different ships to secure the treasure and prize, a great boss villain, camaraderie and comedy among the Straw Hats.
The Dead End race actually captured pretty well how the world of pirates works showing that ultimately, strength, money and betrayals rule the seas.
The Cursed Holy Sword (2004)
Verdict: Not worth it.
This movie features Zoro, more than Luffy in a protagonistic role.
It has a lot of magic and friendship involved but there’s a lot of unexplained voodoo sort of magic happening which isn’t exactly what One Piece is about since it’s not a supernatural anime.
Zoro also shows us why he is one of the best side characters and that’s what he should be.
Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island (2005)
Verdict: Worth it.
This is one of the darkest movies One Piece has ever made. The antagonist in the movie doesn’t use any other weapons against the Straw Hats but their own differences.
It portrays how the Straw Hats are actually easy to manipulate and gullible. They can be easily taken advantage of and manipulated.
The Straw Hats separate, argue and fight among themselves. The side characters of this movie are also quite fun to watch.
All in all, it portrays a very different side of the Straw Hats and is totally worth it.
Giant Mecha Soldier of Karakuri Castle (2006)
Verdict: Not worth it.
This movie does have the inherent potential to have been a much better movie but spoils itself by walking into the trap of trying to do too much and not being able to do anything properly.
This movie has everything but does everything only to a limited extent.
The Desert Princess and the Pirates: Adventures in Alabasta (2007)
Verdict: Not worth it.
A retelling of the Alabasta Saga in short in the form of a movie in the 2007 animation quality.
The Alabasta Saga is a much better-told story in the episodic form with the built and details but this movie does a small recap by letting you relive the important moments of the Saga.
It isn’t necessarily a must-watch but seeing the Straw Hats raise their hands for the goodbye will always have a special place in our hearts.
Episode of Chopper Plus: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Cherry Blossom (2008)
Verdict: Not worth it.
Honestly, just don’t. A mushroom powered antagonist who can blow up the entire island with mushroom-based powers?
Hiluluk’s story and Chopper’s arc are fantastic stories on their own, but the addition of this weird tertiary antagonistic threat does absolutely nothing.
One Piece Film: Strong World (2009)
Verdict: Worth it.
This was the first movie Oda was involved in creating and it shows. This movie has a strong story, motivation for the protagonists has all the One Piece fun and action.
It expands Shiki’s horizon as a terrifying pirate who was on top in the previous pirate era alongside Rocks and Gold Roger.
The perfect premise to raise the stakes of the drama and a perfect ending with Shiki being defeated.
Straw Hat Chase (2011)
Verdict: Not worth it.
This is more of a special episode than a movie animated in 3D and has the straw hats chase around Luffy’s treasured straw hat that gets stolen.
The good part of the movie is his the Straw Hats fight a set of three giants at their own Marine base in order to get back the beloved Straw Hat.
One Piece Film: Z (2012)
Verdict: Worth it.
A more Marine-centric movie, Film: Z tells the story of Zephyr, a fallen Marine hero.
This film has one of the best endings in all of the One Piece movie endings, an open one, that is left to your imagination. This is what makes it special.
One Piece Film Z is one of those bittersweet One Piece moments and it varies that for the entire movie flawlessly.
One Piece Film: Gold (2016)
Verdict: Worth it.
Gold tells a beautiful story of how love can heal and destroy hearts.
This movie has everything a One Piece story needs.
A great arc of development, side characters, and their backstories, the action, drama, story, comedy, surprise and it shows the extent of the pirate world in One Piece.
One Piece: Stampede (2019)
Verdict: Absolutely worth it.
One Piece Stampede is the Dead End Race but a much much better version of it!
Characters that we know and have established for a long time, pirate vs pirate action, a race to the top that is ironically won by a Buggy in the beginning…
The involvement of Marines and the CP0, an unlikely scenario that comes together in a time of crisis, the actual importance of having your trusted comrades on your side, and the fall of a villain as strong as Roger!
One Piece Stampede is a rage and must-watch with the combination of its stunning storyline with a high-quality animation that takes the action to another level!
Hope this helps you navigate through the whole wide world that One Piece is! Let us know your opinions through the comments!
