Detective Conan: All Movie Titles
Hey guys! Ever wondered about the epic journey of Detective Conan through his blockbuster movies? From thrilling mysteries to mind-bending plots, the Detective Conan film series has been a staple for anime fans for decades. If you're looking to dive into the world of Shinichi Kudo's cinematic adventures or just curious about the full list of movies, you've come to the right place! We're going to break down all the Detective Conan movie titles, giving you a quick rundown and maybe a little something to spark your memory or get you hyped for your next watch.
The Early Years: Setting the Stage
The Detective Conan movie saga kicked off in 1997 with "The Time-Bombed Skyscraper." This film immediately established the high stakes and personal connections that would become hallmarks of the series. We saw Conan (Kudo Shinichi) facing a dangerous bomber, testing his deductive skills under immense pressure and showcasing his unwavering determination to save lives. The sequel, "The Fourteenth Target" (1998), escalated the drama by putting those closest to Ran in danger, forcing Conan to confront not just a criminal, but also his own limitations and the pain of seeing loved ones hurt. Following this, "The Last Wizard of the Century" (1999) introduced a captivating jewel heist and a seemingly supernatural killer, adding a layer of intrigue and fantasy that broadened the appeal of the films. These early installments were crucial in building the franchise's cinematic identity, proving that the beloved manga could translate into thrilling, feature-length anime experiences that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. They weren't just extensions of the TV series; they were grand, cinematic events designed to captivate a massive audience, often introducing complex plots that went beyond the typical episodic format. The focus on character development, particularly Conan's internal struggle and his relationships with Ran, Heiji, and the Detective Boys, was already evident, laying the groundwork for the emotional depth that would characterize future films. The creators clearly understood the potential of the big screen, using it to craft more elaborate action sequences, higher stakes, and often, more personal and emotional narratives. This initial success paved the way for the franchise to become a global phenomenon, with each new release eagerly anticipated by millions. The blend of classic whodunit mysteries with thrilling action and heartfelt drama proved to be a winning formula, ensuring that the Detective Conan films would become a yearly tradition for many fans around the world.
Expanding Horizons: New Villains and Locations
As the series progressed, the movies began to explore more ambitious storylines and settings. "Captured in Her Eyes" (2000) delved into a personal tragedy for Inspector Megure and challenged Conan to solve a series of murders targeting police officers, pushing him to his limits as he worked to protect his allies. "Countdown to Heaven" (2001) brought the action to a futuristic skyscraper in Tokyo, featuring a complex bombing plot and intense rooftop chases that showcased cutting-edge animation for its time. "The Phantom of Baker Street" (2002) took a unique turn by incorporating virtual reality and a nod to Sherlock Holmes, offering a clever blend of technology and classic deduction. "Crossroad in the Ancient Capital" (2003) transported viewers to Kyoto, weaving a tale of Koka ninja clans, ancient temples, and a series of ritualistic murders that intertwined history with suspense. "Magician of the Silver Sky" (2004) upped the ante with a daring airplane hijacking and a charismatic phantom thief, creating a thrilling race against time in the skies. These films demonstrated a growing confidence in the franchise, with filmmakers experimenting with different genres and themes while staying true to the core elements of mystery and action. The introduction of new characters, complex villains with unique motivations, and exotic locales added fresh layers to the narrative, preventing the series from becoming stale. The stakes were consistently raised, not just in terms of the physical danger Conan and his friends faced, but also in the complexity of the mysteries themselves. Each movie aimed to outdo its predecessor, offering bigger explosions, more intricate plot twists, and deeper emotional resonance. The visual quality also saw significant improvements, with more dynamic fight choreography, detailed backgrounds, and expressive character animation, making each film a visual feast. This period was instrumental in solidifying Detective Conan's status as a major cinematic franchise, attracting both long-time fans and new audiences with its increasingly sophisticated storytelling and spectacular presentation. The willingness to innovate, whether through incorporating futuristic technology, historical elements, or international settings, kept the series dynamic and exciting, ensuring its continued popularity year after year. It was during this era that the movies truly began to feel like grand, standalone events, offering experiences that went beyond the scope of the weekly television series.
The Golden Era: Blockbuster Successes
From the mid-2000s onwards, the Detective Conan movies entered what many fans consider a golden era, consistently delivering high-quality entertainment and record-breaking box office numbers. "Horror of the Deep" (2005) plunged audiences into the depths of the ocean with a thrilling underwater base mystery and a dangerous terrorist plot. "The Private Eyes' Requiem" (2006) presented an elaborate murder game orchestrated by a mysterious criminal, forcing Conan and his allies into a desperate battle of wits. "Jolly Roger in the Deep Blue Sea" (2007) took the adventure to a remote island, combining pirate lore with a modern-day treasure hunt and a deadly conspiracy. "Full Score of Fear" (2008) introduced a musical theme with a series of murders linked to a renowned pianist and a cursed melody, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative. "The Raven Chaser" (2009) was a pivotal film, featuring the return of the Black Organization and a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with the formidable Gin, marking one of the most intense confrontations in the series' history. This era saw the films become even more ambitious, often featuring larger-scale action sequences, more complex character interactions, and deeper dives into the overarching plot involving the Black Organization. The animation quality reached new heights, with stunning visuals and fluid action that rivaled any major Hollywood blockbuster. The stories became more intricate, weaving together multiple plot threads, red herrings, and shocking revelations that kept viewers guessing until the very end. The success of these films wasn't just limited to Japan; the Detective Conan movies gained a significant international following, with many titles receiving theatrical releases and wide distribution across various platforms. The emotional stakes were also heightened, with characters facing personal dangers and difficult choices that added significant weight to the narratives. The filmmakers demonstrated a mastery of pacing and suspense, building tension gradually before delivering explosive climactic sequences. This period cemented Detective Conan's legacy as a cinematic powerhouse in the anime world, consistently providing fans with thrilling mysteries, compelling characters, and unforgettable action, making each annual release a highly anticipated event. The consistent quality and escalating stakes of this era solidified the movies' place as essential viewing for any Detective Conan fan, offering closure, development, and spectacular showdowns that often left a lasting impact on the series' lore.
The Modern Era: Pushing Boundaries
The 2010s and beyond have seen the Detective Conan films continue to innovate and thrill audiences, solidifying their place as a global phenomenon. "The Lost Ship in the Sky" (2010) took the action to a massive airship, pitting Conan against a notorious international thief in a battle for a legendary jewel. "Quarter of Silence" (2011) offered a more intimate mystery set in a snow-covered village, focusing on psychological suspense and the uncovering of dark secrets from the past. "The Eleventh Striker" (2012) brought a football-themed mystery to the forefront, with explosions threatening a major soccer match and Conan racing against time to save the day. "Private Eye in the Distant Sea" (2013) set sail for a naval base, featuring espionage, sabotage, and a thrilling investigation aboard a Aegis destroyer. "Dimensional Sniper" (2014) introduced a mysterious sniper targeting people from a tall building, creating a tense, urban mystery with a surprising twist. "Sunflowers of Inferno" (2015) saw the return of Kaito Kid in a spectacular art heist involving valuable sunflowers, filled with illusions and daring escapes. "The Darkest Nightmare" (2016) delivered one of the most intense encounters with the Black Organization yet, featuring a memory-wiped operative and a dangerous plan that threatened global security. "Zero the Enforcer" (2018) focused on the enigmatic Tooru Amuro, exploring his past and his role in a major terrorist plot targeting a summit. "The Fist of Blue Sapphire" (2019) took the adventure to Singapore, bringing back Kaito Kid and Heiji Hattori for a thrilling treasure hunt and a high-stakes confrontation. "The Scarlet Bullet" (2021) continued the focus on Akai Shuichi's family and the Black Organization, with a high-speed mystery surrounding the World Sports Festival. "Halloween's Bride" (2022) delved into a mysterious murder at a wedding and a potential connection to past events involving Detective Sato and Matsuda Jinpei. "Black Iron Submarine" (2023) brought the Black Organization back into the spotlight with a high-stakes operation at a cutting-edge naval facility, featuring the return of Ai Haibara and a desperate fight for survival. These films showcase the franchise's ability to adapt and evolve, incorporating contemporary themes, advanced CGI, and increasingly complex plotlines that keep fans engaged. The movies continue to be major events, often breaking box office records and sparking widespread discussion among the fanbase. The focus on specific characters, like Amuro or the Akai family, has added depth and appeal, drawing in viewers who are invested in the broader Detective Conan universe. The commitment to delivering thrilling action, clever deductions, and emotional narratives remains strong, ensuring that the Detective Conan film series continues to be a powerhouse of anime cinema.
The Full List: A Chronological Journey
Here's the complete list of Detective Conan movies released to date, for all you completionists out there!
- The Time-Bombed Skyscraper (1997)
- The Fourteenth Target (1998)
- The Last Wizard of the Century (1999)
- Captured in Her Eyes (2000)
- Countdown to Heaven (2001)
- The Phantom of Baker Street (2002)
- Crossroad in the Ancient Capital (2003)
- Magician of the Silver Sky (2004)
- Horror of the Deep (2005)
- The Private Eyes' Requiem (2006)
- Jolly Roger in the Deep Blue Sea (2007)
- Full Score of Fear (2008)
- The Raven Chaser (2009)
- The Lost Ship in the Sky (2010)
- Quarter of Silence (2011)
- The Eleventh Striker (2012)
- Private Eye in the Distant Sea (2013)
- Dimensional Sniper (2014)
- Sunflowers of Inferno (2015)
- The Darkest Nightmare (2016)
- Zero the Enforcer (2018)
- The Fist of Blue Sapphire (2019)
- The Scarlet Bullet (2021)
- Halloween's Bride (2022)
- Black Iron Submarine (2023)
There you have it, guys! A complete walkthrough of the incredible Detective Conan movie franchise. Each film offers a unique adventure, packed with mystery, action, and the charm we all love from our favorite teenage detective. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or diving in for the first time, there's a Conan movie out there for everyone. Happy watching!