Six One Piece Films Leave Netflix Sept. 1 — Only One Is Essential
Six One Piece films and TV specials will leave Netflix on September 1. If you want to watch them before they disappear, here’s a clear, ranked guide to what’s worth your time and what you can skip.
- 6. One Piece: Episode of East Blue — A rushed retelling of the East Blue saga.
- 5. One Piece: Episode of Skypiea — An abridged Skypiea special that cuts important beats.
- 4. One Piece: Heart of Gold — A standalone TV special with a middle-of-the-road story.
- 3. One Piece: Adventure of Nebulandia — A fun, non-canonical special that highlights side characters.
- 2. One Piece: 3D2Y — A recap-like special covering Luffy’s two-year training.
- 1. One Piece Film: Gold — The most recommended of the set, with series creator Eiichiro Oda involved.
What’s happening
Netflix will remove six One Piece films and specials from its library on Sept. 1. Some of these pieces are standalone TV specials, while others are theatrical films. Importantly, many One Piece movies lie outside the main manga/anime canon; for details, see this write-up from Game Rant.
Below is a ranked list from least to most essential, with short notes so you can decide what to watch before they go.
Ranked list
6. One Piece: Episode of East Blue
This TV special condenses the entire East Blue saga into about 1 hour and 45 minutes. As a result, it trims many character moments and side content that appear across the original episodes.
For long-time fans, it’s generally viewed as non-essential. Newcomers might use it as a quick primer, but it does remove material that defines the Straw Hats’ early development.
5. One Piece: Episode of Skypiea
Episode of Skypiea is another abridged TV special. It shortens the 43-episode Skypiea arc and omits many gags, battles, and introductions that the full arc includes.
Given Skypiea’s relevance to the broader story and world-building, watching the full anime arc is a better option than this condensed special.
4. One Piece: Heart of Gold
Directed by Tatsuya Nagamine, this TV special follows a girl named Olga and the Straw Hats as they search for the legendary substance Pure Gold. It features Mad Treasure and an island hidden inside a giant anglerfish.
It’s an entertaining adventure, but it’s not required to understand or appreciate the theatrical film One Piece Film: Gold, despite a loose connection in tone and staff.
3. One Piece: Adventure of Nebulandia
Adventure of Nebulandia is often compared to the non-canon G8 arc in that it gives several Straw Hats more screen time and adds playful world-building. The story centers on the return of the Foxy Pirates and an island where Devil Fruit powers are nullified.
It’s a light, enjoyable special that doesn’t interfere with the main storyline, so it’s fine as standalone viewing.
2. One Piece: 3D2Y — Overcome Ace’s Death! Luffy’s Vow to His Friends
This TV special covers Luffy’s two-year training period after Marineford and acts partly as a recap. It includes some non-canonical scenes, such as an expanded origin for the Red Hawk technique and imagined battles between high-level characters.
Because it summarizes key developments, it can spoil events for viewers who haven’t reached Dressrosa in the main anime. It’s useful as a refresher after you’ve seen the core story beats.
1. One Piece Film: Gold
One Piece Film: Gold (2016) was directed by Tatsuya Nagamine and co-written by Eiichiro Oda. The Straw Hats visit Gran Tesoro, a massive ship-city and entertainment complex, where they clash with casino boss Gild Tesoro.
With Oda’s involvement and higher production values, this film is widely recommended among the set for its antagonist and overall polish. It’s the most worth-prioritizing title if you only have time for one.
Final notes
If you plan to watch any of these before they leave Netflix, prioritize One Piece Film: Gold and then choose based on whether you prefer standalone fun or recap-style specials. Remember: several of these are non-canonical or condensed versions of longer arcs, so they do not replace the full anime episodes.
Also, for more detail on canonicity, check the Game Rant piece linked above.
