6 Anime Movies Like One Piece Film: Strong World [Recommendations]

This probably will not surprise any of you; but, One Piece has received more than a couple of film adaptations. With more than 800 episodes, the Straw Hat Pirates are practically family. As the best-selling shounen series of the last decade, Eiichiro Oda's manga continues to go strong. Despite being a staple of our anime week since 1999, there can never be enough of Luffy and the gang. Thankfully, the films are a great way to experience a typical One Piece arc on the big screen.

As the 10th film based on the series, Strong World ranks among the very best. With the exception of One Piece Film: Gold, the movies are not considered canon. While this might seem like a negative, this allows the filmmakers to really have fun with the plot. In the last few years, these movies tend to be the only time the Straw Hats are together for an entire arc. Hopefully, they keep on coming.

After hearing that the East Blue is under attack, One Piece Film: Strong World sees the Straw Hats trying to return back home. Unfortunately, their journey is interrupted by a strange flying ship and its eccentric captain. Known around the world as the Golden Lion, Shiki is the only pirate to ever escape from Impel Down. Due to his crew lacking a proper navigator, Shiki kidnaps Nami and easily defeats the Straw Hats. Can Luffy and the gang save their navigator?

For those who love Strong World's exhilarating action, here are six similar anime worth watching.


Similar Anime to One Piece Film: Strong World

1. Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen – Yorozuya yo Eien Nare (Gintama: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya)

  • Aired: Jul 6, 2013

From one long-running series to another, Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen - Yorozuya yo Eien Nare was presented as the big send-off for the anime. Obviously, that was not actually the case, but fans of the hilarious series were treated to a big budget blockbuster that distilled everything great about the anime into two short hours. As this is a Gintama movie, viewers should expect the unexpected.

While preparing for the premiere of the Gintama film, Gintoki apprehends a movie pirate and confiscates his camera. As the samurai tries to check the footage, he is transported to a post-apocalyptic version of Edo. The story generally takes place five years in the future, where a plague has ravished the Earth's population and killed the future version of Gintoki. While hiding his true identity, Gintoki reforms the Yorozuya team to try and get to the bottom of things.

Gintama: The Final Chapter is made for fans of the anime. Most of the cast makes an appearance, with fan-favorites like Katsura and Takasugi getting their moment to shine. The humor is fast-paced and hilarious, while the action is well-choreographed and brutal.

Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen – Yorozuya yo Eien Nare Trailer


2. Lupin III: Cagliostro no Shiro (Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro)

  • Aired: Dec 15, 1979

Lupin III: Cagliostro no Shiro is directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Do we really need to say anything else? As the famous director's debut film, this adventure comedy tends to be overshadowed by Miyazaki's later work. While completely understandable, any anime fan should take some time out of their day to watch The Castle of Cagliostro. From the gorgeous animation to the lovable characters, this classic shounen film has aged like a bottle of fine wine.

As they stage another robbery, Lupin III and Jigen are up to their usual tricks. This time around, things do not quite go as planned, with the experienced criminals being left with a bag of fake money. Refusing to call it a day, Lupin heads to the Castle of Cagliostro to track down the counterfeiter responsible, but ends up entangled in a much bigger conspiracy involving a damsel in distress.

Putting aside the great action sequences and comedic characters, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro has that sense of mystery and whimsy often found in Miyazaki's works. In terms of shounen movies, this one should not be skipped.

Lupin III: Cagliostro no Shiro Trailer


3. Boruto: Naruto the Movie

  • Aired: Aug 7, 2015

With the completion of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, Studio Pierrot was left with a shinobi-shaped hole in their lineup. Thankfully, Naruto learned how to procreate. Boruto: Naruto the Movie is the continuation of the beloved franchise, although the reigns have been passed down to the next generation. As it was preordained, Naruto is currently serving as the Hidden Leaf Village's 7th Hokage; unfortunately, balancing his work and home life is proving rather difficult.

In terms of personality, Boruto Uzumaki shares a fair deal in common with his father. Overflowing with energy, the two blonde shinobi tend to attract trouble wherever they go. With the Chunin exams on the horizon, Boruto sets out on a path to surpass Naruto; in order to reach his goal, the young ninja seeks out the help of Uchiha Sasuke.

With Boruto: Naruto the Movie, Studio Pierrot crafted a stunning film that genuinely feels like it belongs on the big screen. While fan-favorites like Gaara and Rock Lee make appearances, the story rightfully focuses on the next generation. As a precursor to the Boruto series, this shounen action comedy showcases the best side of the franchise. Like Strong World, Boruto: Naruto the Movie is proof positive that a long-running anime can be successfully adapted into a film.

Boruto: Naruto the Movie Trailer



Any Anime Like One Piece Film: Strong World ?

4. Trigun: Badlands Rumble (Trigun – Badlands Rumble)

  • Aired: Apr 2, 2010

Whenever a studio decides to revive a beloved but complete anime, there are always fears that they might sully the original's good name. Trigun is a classic and one of the best action comedy series of all time; so the expectations were high when Madhouse announced Trigun: Badlands Rumble. By this point, the anime was already more than a decade old and the ending was rather perfect. Was there really any need to bring Vash the Stampede out of retirement?

The answer is a resounding yes! The anime world is better with Badlands Rumble in it. Alongside a bunch of other bounty hunters, Vash heads to Macca City to try and capture Gasback, a notorious robber with a massive price on his head. The plot takes place between episodes of the original anime; therefore, the majority of the cast is allowed to make an appearance.

Madhouse has not missed a beat. Vash continues to be an energetic goofball who can fire a pistol better than most people, while the animation has naturally improved over the years. While the plot is nothing particularly special, it is more than good enough to serve as a backdrop for Trigun's larger-than-life characters. At a brisk 90-minutes, Badlands Rumble is a thrill ride that never slows down.

Trigun: Badlands Rumble Trailer


5. Tiger & Bunny Movie 2: The Rising (Tiger & Bunny: The Rising)

  • Aired: Feb 8, 2014

Outside of Japan, this superhero anime has struggled to leave as big of an impression as Boku no Hero Academia or One Punch Man. Which is a shame, as Tiger & Bunny is a fantastic series that subverts tropes associated with the genre. The story follows the washed-up Kotetsu T. Kaburagi and the young Barnaby Brooks Jr, who are forced to form a team by their sponsor. The Rising is the second and final movie.

Do not be put off by the characters' costumes. Tiger and Bunny might seem like they belong in a mecha series, but that is far from the case. Sunrise's anime is packed with action and comedy, with the cast being subjected to a ton of character development. In terms of scale, The Rising takes everything up a couple of notches.

Fans of One Piece are likely to enjoy Tiger & Bunny's style of humor. Barnaby and Kotetsu share a bond that is similar to the Straw Hat pirates, while the rest of the superheroes are well-written and developed.

Tiger & Bunny 2: The Rising Trailer


6. Dragon Ball Z Movie 14: Kami to Kami (Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods)

  • Aired: Mar 30, 2013

If someone loves One Piece or Naruto, they are likely to enjoy a bit of Dragon Ball Z. As the grandfather of shounen anime, Akira Toriyama's franchise introduced many Western viewers to Japanese animation. Who could possibly forget the first time they watched Goku turn Super Saiyan? With Dragon Ball Super, Goku and friends returned to our screens for a brand new adventure. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods served as a precursor to the series.

Released in 2013, Battle of Gods' announcement was greeted with excitement. After nearly two decades, Dragon Ball Z was back! For this one, Toei Animation did not hold back, creating arguably the best-looking product associated with the franchise. The plot sees Goku going up against the God of Destruction, Beerus, an opponent who easily surpasses anyone the Saiyan has faced.

Battle of Gods' first half focuses on establishing the new characters and spotlighting old fan-favorites. These scenes are surprisingly laidback and comedic; although, things eventually heat up to a memorable and action-heavy climax. After all these years, Dragon Ball Z continues to knock it out of the park.

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods PV


Final Thoughts

One Piece Film: Strong World takes a typical arc of the anime and condenses the story into a quick two hours. Despite the limited run-time, Strong World manages to establish a fantastic villain and successfully delivers more than a few cool action sequences. These six recommendations accomplish the same thing and offer fans more of what they love. For those seeking a fun way to spend an afternoon, there is nothing better than a shounen anime.

Is there any other anime that you would recommend for fans of One Piece Film: Strong World? If yes, please leave us a comment below with your recommendations.

one-piece-strong-world-dvd-300x436 6 Anime Movies Like One Piece Film: Strong World [Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Mark Sammut

Born and raised on a small island in the Mediterranean, my life goal is to experience as many different ways of life as possible. Since time and money are in short supply, anime and film provide the best opportunity to experience far away cultures and worlds. When I'm not watching the latest episode of Gintama, or wondering what series to watch next, you can find me in the corner of the closest coffee shop; writing away on my aging laptop.

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