Generally, most One Piece movies are not considered canon to the main storyline. However, there is a notable exception with One Piece Film: Strong World, which holds a unique status due to author Eiichiro Oda's direct involvement.
Understanding Canonicity in One Piece
In the world of One Piece, canonicity refers to content that is officially part of the main ongoing story, as told in the manga by Eiichiro Oda. This distinction is crucial for fans tracking the Straw Hats' adventures, character developments, and the overarching plot. Most anime-exclusive arcs and movie plots deviate from this main narrative.
The Unique Case of One Piece Film: Strong World
While the vast majority of One Piece movies are standalone, non-canon adventures, One Piece Film: Strong World stands apart. Eiichiro Oda himself was heavily involved in the movie's production, contributing to its story, character designs, and general supervision. This direct input from the series creator grants Strong World a partial canonicity that other films do not possess.
Here's the breakdown of its unique status:
- Canon Elements: The primary canon contributions from Strong World are the character Shiki the Golden Lion and his unique Fuwa Fuwa no Mi (Float-Float Fruit) Devil Fruit ability. Shiki is a legendary pirate from Roger's era and is acknowledged within the manga's established history. His existence and powers are considered legitimate parts of the One Piece world.
- Non-Canon Plot: Despite the canon nature of Shiki and his Devil Fruit, the specific events and storyline of the Strong World movie itself are not considered part of the main One Piece manga narrative. The Straw Hats' adventure within the film exists outside the manga's timeline and doesn't directly impact the ongoing plot of the series.
This distinction highlights that while elements or characters introduced in movies might occasionally be integrated into the main story, the movie's plot rarely is. Oda's involvement in Strong World primarily validated a character and his powers, enriching the world's lore without making the movie's plot essential viewing for following the manga.
For more information on the franchise's canonicity, you can explore detailed analyses and fan discussions on reputable anime and manga news sites.
