Below are 6 Detective Conan anime films that considered top by opinion. These films are chosen for popularity, fan ratings, emotional impact, and mystery quality. Have you watched them yet?
1. Detective Conan: The Time-Bombed Skyscraper (1997)
Why it’s a top film:
This is the very first Conan movie. It established the tone for all future films: high-pressure mystery thrillers with personal stakes.
Pre-story context:
At this point in the series, Conan has only recently adjusted to his new child form. He still struggles with daily life as Shinichi Kudo in disguise and is trying to keep Ran safe while keeping his identity hidden. The police are accustomed to Conan appearing at crime scenes, though many still think he’s just an odd yet helpful kid.
What the film contains:
This movie is a pure classic detective thriller involving bomb threats across Tokyo.
It focuses on:
- Conan’s early struggles balancing secrecy and heroism
- His relationship with Ran and Kogoro
- A clever, escalating puzzle involving bomb locations
- A villain with a methodical, psychological motive
The tone is tense and suspense-driven, with countdown sequences, city-wide stakes, and a puzzle that grows more personal as the story unfolds. It shows Conan’s early deductive style and sense of responsibility.
2. Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street (2002)
Why it’s a top film:
Widely considered one of the best Conan films ever made. It blends mystery, history, and psychological intensity on a grand scale.
Pre-story context:
Japan is entering a technological boom. Advanced AI and virtual reality become major themes. Conan and the Detective Boys get invited to a prestigious event involving a new VR system. Meanwhile, societal tension in Japan regarding wealth, power, and the future of youth plays into the film’s atmosphere.
This movie was produced during a time when the main series began exploring social commentary more deeply.
What the film contains:
The film places the characters inside a virtual recreation of Victorian London, where Sherlock Holmes once lived.
The story blends:
- Historical references
- Cyber mystery
- Real-world tragedy parallel to VR danger
- A unique Holmes-style case adapted for the Conan universe
It’s atmospheric, philosophical, and dangerous — but details of the mystery and solution remain unspoiled.
The movie deals with themes of justice, inequality, and the value of human life, all without giving away key twists.
3. Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital (2003)
Why it’s a top film:
This film has a strong emotional connection to Heiji Hattori and features some of the most beautiful Japanese cultural elements in any Conan movie.
Pre-story context:
Heiji and Conan often collaborate on cases involving Osaka and Kyoto. This film takes place at a time when both detectives have formed mutual respect, though a friendly rivalry remains. Heiji’s emotional past and unresolved issues are hinted at as a major theme.
What the film contains:
The story revolves around historical treasures, old Kyoto traditions, and a series of interconnected crimes tied to past secrets.
Expect:
- Samurai-era flashbacks
- Traditional Kyoto aesthetics
- A mysterious group involved in artifact-related incidents
- Heiji’s personal emotional storyline
- Swordplay mixed with detective logic (rare in Conan)
The film blends culture, romance hints, and mystery without spoiling the identity of the antagonist or the nature of the final reveal.
4. Detective Conan: The Raven Chaser (2009)
Why it’s a top film:
This is one of the biggest and most intense movies involving the Black Organization, making it essential for fans who love the overarching plot.
Pre-story context:
At this stage in the series, Conan’s battles against the Black Organization have escalated. Haibara has joined his side, and the threat of organization members discovering Conan’s true identity is constantly hanging over him.
Rumors of new operatives and internal shifts within the Organization set the tone for this film.
What the film contains:
- The movie features:
- Multiple homicide cases linked by a chilling pattern
- A nationwide manhunt involving the police from several prefectures
- High-level crime syndicate activity
- Deep psychological pressure on Conan
- Clues related to the Organization’s internal structure
The atmosphere is dark, dangerous, and more violent than typical Conan movies.
The film builds tension about infiltration, betrayal, and mistaken identity — but the major revelations and character connections are not spoiled here.
5. Detective Conan: Quarter of Silence (2011)
Why it’s a top film:
This film is highly praised for its emotional depth and snowy, atmospheric setting.
Pre-story context:
After the events involving internal police affairs in Tokyo, the government is preparing major public projects, and political tension is rising. A suspicious explosion tied to these political events becomes the catalyst for Conan’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Ran and others are preparing for trips involving rural regions with heavy snowfall.
What the film contains:
This movie blends mystery with themes of:
- Childhood trauma
- Rural community secrets
- Revenge and guilt
- Natural disaster risk
- Political manipulation
The story takes place in a remote village buried in snow, creating a closed-circle mystery vibe.
It focuses on the emotional realities hidden beneath a seemingly peaceful community.
The film slowly unravels a past incident that influences present events — without revealing who is responsible or how Conan uncovers the truth.
6. Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare (2016)
Why it’s a top film:
A high-action, spy-thriller-style movie involving the Black Organization, the FBI, and multiple intelligence agencies — making it one of the most intense Conan films ever.
Pre-story context:
The Black Organization is increasing its surveillance and international operations. Several intelligence agencies — FBI, CIA, NPA, and MI6 — have been tracking its activities. Conan is aware that the Organization has extended reach far beyond Japan.
A mysterious case involving stolen spy information sets the stage.
What the film contains:
This movie includes:
- Multiple agencies clashing and cooperating
- A mysterious individual with unclear allegiance
- High-speed chases and dark psychological themes
- Intelligence war, memory loss themes, and infiltration
- A heavy focus on espionage rather than a traditional murder case
The tone is darker, more intense, and more global in scale than standard Conan movies.
All key twists remain unspoiled, preserving the movie’s big surprises.
Bonus Recommended Conan Films:
If you want more:
- Zero the Enforcer (2018) — incredible Amuro-centered story
- The Crimson Love Letter (2017) — Heiji–Kazuha romance + karuta mystery
- Strategy Above the Depths (2005) — luxury liner mystery
- Captured in Her Eyes (2000) — emotional Ran-focused memory story
- Countdown to Heaven (2001) — Black Organization + skyscraper tension
I like conan.