Detective Conan Movies: What TV Episodes to Watch Before Each Film

The Ultimate Guide to Connecting Detective Conan Movies with TV Episodes

The release of a new Detective Conan (Case Closed) movie is a staple of the Japanese spring season. The 2025 blockbuster, The Million-dollar Pentagram, has already taken the box office by storm!

However, simply watching the movies is a missed opportunity.

The true charm of the franchise blossoms when you understand the continuous narrative built through the TV series and OVAs. Almost every theatrical release has a corresponding “must-watch TV episode” that serves as a prequel or context booster. Background settings, character dynamics, foreshadowing, and direction—everything is linked. Watching the anime before the movie will amplify your emotional investment tenfold.

In this guide, we have completely compiled the TV episodes and OVAs linked to each movie. From the perspective of a hardcore Conan fan, I will thoroughly explain why they connect and what points you should focus on!

Complete List: Essential TV Episodes & OVAs for Every Detective Conan Movie

Movie 1: The Time-Bombed Skyscraper

Best Pair: Episode 54 “The Game Company Murder Case”

This episode highlights Shinichi Kudo’s deduction skills and establishes the core of his relationship with Ran. The iconic “Red Thread of Fate” scene in the movie’s climax finds its emotional origin right here.

Movie 2: The Fourteenth Target

Best Pair: Episode 97 “The Farewell Wine Murder Case”

This story delves into Kogoro Mouri’s past. It depicts the misunderstanding between Kogoro and Eri, and the form of love he still protects. This context is crucial when the “Fourteenth Target” emerges in the film. It proves Kogoro isn’t just a drunk old man.

Movie 3: The Last Wizard of the Century

Best Pair: Episode 140 “SOS! Message from Ayumi”

At first glance, it seems like a heartwarming Detective Boys episode, but their spirit of adventure and unity directly connects to their active role in the movie. It highlights the warmth of human connection that Conan’s logic alone cannot solve. Also, don’t miss Conan’s incredibly smug face in this episode!

Movie 4: Captured in Her Eyes

Best Pair: Episode 185-186 “The Murdered Famous Detective”

In this movie, Ran loses her memory, forcing a re-examination of her bond with Conan. The TV episodes feature intense psychological warfare and character study. The reason “why Ran trusts Conan” in the movie becomes much more convincing after seeing these steady relationship-building moments.

Movie 5: Countdown to Heaven

Best Pair: Episode 230 “The Mysterious Passenger (Part 1)”

Ai Haibara’s inner turmoil is slowly revealed here. In the movie, Ai’s “preparedness to accept death” is a major theme, but the emotional fluctuation shown in this episode serves as the vital prelude. A must-watch for Haibara fans.

Movie 6: The Phantom of Baker Street

Best Pair: Episode 274 “The Truth of the Haunted House (Part 1)”

This episode blends reality with the supernatural. The themes explored here mirror the movie’s setting in a virtual space. It poses the philosophical question: “What is needed for deduction—logic or intuition?”

Movie 7: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital

Best Pair: Episode 315 “Place Exposed to the Sun”

This is essential for understanding Heiji and Kazuha’s delicate relationship. In the movie, they act almost like a married couple, but knowing their distance before that will make you swoon. Mandatory viewing for Kazuha fans.

Movie 8: Magician of the Silver Sky

Best Pair: Episode 356 “Kaito Kid’s Miraculous Midair Walk (1 Hour Special)”

This defines the Kid vs. Conan rivalry. It highlights Kid’s genius tricks and his contrast with Shinichi. The movie showcases his intellectual side, not just his disguises. If you like Kaito Kid, this is non-negotiable.

Movie 9: Strategy Above the Depths

Best Pair: Episode 393 “A Kidnapping… Case Looks Like”

While seemingly understated, the exchange of psychological tricks here parallels the maritime panic of the movie. The foreshadowing payoff at the end is brilliant.

Movie 10: The Private Eyes’ Requiem

Best Pair: Episode 434 “The Great Dog Coeur’s Triumph”

While the movie tests the brains of various detectives, this episode focuses on “non-human wisdom”—a dog’s success. It connects to the fundamental theme of what defines a detective.

Movie 11: Jolly Roger in the Deep Azure

Best Pair: Episode 469 “Kaito Kid and the Four Masterpieces”

Another Kid-related gem. The tricks surrounding treasure and adventure relate directly to the thrilling underwater action in the film. Kid, Conan, and the Ocean—it’s a classic combination.

Movie 12: Full Score of Fear

Best Pair: OVA “Shinichi Kudo: The Wall of Intrigue and the Black Lab Case” & Episode 501

Music is the key motif here. The OVA showcases Shinichi’s sharp auditory senses, which become critical in the movie. Additionally, Episode 501, “Clash of Red and Black,” sets up the tension with the Black Organization and the FBI.

Movie 13: The Raven Chaser

Best Pair: Episode 529 “Mighty Boy” & OVA “Shinichi and Ran, Mahjong Pieces and Memories of Tanabata”

This set demonstrates how personal emotions move the story, even amidst battles between the Organization and the police. The OVA depicts the subtle distance between Shinichi and Ran, linking beautifully to the “person you want to protect” theme in the movie.

Movie 14: The Lost Ship in the Sky

Best Pair: Episode 570 “The Crime with Zero Possibility to be Proven” & OVA “Osaka Okonomiyaki Odyssey”

A perfect match for the aerial tricks of the movie. The OVA features interactions with the Osaka crew (Heiji & Kazuha), guaranteeing high excitement for fans of the western detectives.

Movie 15: Quarter of Silence

Best Pair: Episode 610 “The Victim is Shinichi Kudo” & OVA “Niigata-Tokyo Souvenir Capriccio”

The movie features suspense in a snowy, closed environment. The TV series focuses on the existence of “Shinichi Kudo” as a keyword. Watching the episode where Conan’s identity is questioned adds weight to his resolve in the film.

Movie 16: The Eleventh Striker

Best Pair: Episode 651 “Conan vs. Heiji: The Deduction Battle Between the Detective of the East and West”

The Detective Boys, soccer, Heiji, and Conan. This episode is packed with a hot deduction battle that parallels the stadium panic in the movie. The passion of the youth connects beyond the screen.

Movie 17: Private Eye in the Distant Sea

Best Pair: Episode 734 “Jodie’s Memories and the Cherry Blossom Viewing Trap”

The movie is set on a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel. This episode digs deep into the relationships within the FBI and Public Security Bureau (PSB). Understanding Jodie’s past and Amuro’s movements makes the maritime operation feel much more real.

Movie 18: Dimensional Sniper

Best Pair: Episode 773 “Shinichi Kudo’s Aquarium Incident”

The movie deals with long-distance sniping, where visibility and psychology are key. In contrast, the TV series shows how Shinichi’s ability to notice “something wrong” acts as a trigger. It creates a sharp parallel.

Movie 19: Sunflowers of Inferno

Best Pair: Episode 812 “The Darkest Nightmare of the Prefectural Police” & Ep 813

Art is the theme here. The TV episodes involve unrest within the police and Amuro’s infiltration mission. Watching this with the mindset of “how much does Conan not know?” changes how you view the movie.

Movie 20: The Darkest Nightmare

Best Pair: Episode 854 “Memories of the Cherry Blossom Class”

A flashback to childhood. The gap between that innocence and the heavy action of the movie brings a touch of tenderness. Because Akai, Amuro, Conan, and the Organization all intersect, these childhood episodes hit hard emotionally.

Movie 21: The Crimson Love Letter

Best Pair: Episode 898 “The Cakes Melted!”

This is, without a doubt, Kazuha’s time to shine. This pre-story highlights the heartwarming moments between cases and Heiji’s clumsy kindness. If you want to root for their love in the movie, watching this first is highly recommended.

Movie 22: Zero the Enforcer

Best Pair: Episode 935 “The Fortune Teller and the Three Customers” & Ep 936

This is the Amuro movie. The TV series questions his face as a PSB officer and his concept of justice. Understanding the depth of his thinking and his suffering makes his final choice in the movie pierce straight through your heart.

Movie 23: The Fist of Blue Sapphire

Best Pair: Episode 1001 “The Moonlight Sonata Murder Case (Remastered)”

In a movie fusing music and action, the piano melody is striking. The TV series depicts psychological warfare using sound. Feel the contrast between the flashy fists of Makoto Kyogoku and the delicate melody.

Movie 24: The Scarlet Bullet

Best Pair: Episode 1038 “Wild Police Story: CASE. Wataru Date”

Paired with the death of Detective Date and the pain of Rei Furuya (Amuro). All of this reignites in the movie. If you don’t watch the “Wild Police Story” arc, the meaning of that scene will be lost on you.

Movie 25: The Bride of Halloween

Best Pair: Episode 1079 “The Black Organization’s Scheme (Identity)” & Ep 1080

As the presence of the Police Academy cohort (Matsuda, Date, Morofushi, Hagiwara) surfaces, knowing their human drama from the TV series will make you cry. The contrast between the camera closing in on the truth and Ai in a bride’s dress… it hits deep.

Movie 26: Black Iron Submarine

Best Pair: Episode 1119 “The Four-Person Class Reunion”

In this Haibara-centric movie, her loneliness and wish for a “normal daily life” bleed through. The TV episode linking to a reunion where people discuss “the past they want to return to” adds layers of meaning.

Movie 27: The Million-dollar Pentagram (2025)

Best Pair: Ep 854 “Memories of the Cherry Blossom Class” & Ep 812 (Nagano Prefectural Police Arc)

While future analyses will deepen the connections, getting a handle on the “Nagano Prefectural Police” episodes already introduced will definitely expand your worldview for the latest hit.

Kumao’s Perspective

Top 10 Detective Conan Movies for Beginners (2025 Edition)

With 27 movies released as of 2025, it’s hard to know where to start. Based on story clarity, character action, and emotional impact, here are my Top 10 recommendations for first-timers.

1. The Phantom of Baker Street (Movie 6)
   

   A battle of wits in a virtual space! A masterpiece that stimulates intellectual curiosity, enjoyable for both kids and adults.

2. The Darkest Nightmare (Movie 20)
   

   The Black Organization vs. Public Security! Thrilling action where Tooru Amuro shines.

3. Crossroad in the Ancient Capital (Movie 7)
   

   A must for Heiji & Kazuha fans. A classic mystery set in the beautiful city of Kyoto.

4. Magician of the Silver Sky (Movie 8)
   

   Kaito Kid enters the fray. A perfect balance of airport panic, deduction, and action

5. The Bride of Halloween (Movie 25)
   

   An emotional rollercoaster where the pasts of Rei Furuya and the Police Academy squad intersect.

6. The Raven Chaser (Movie 13)
   

   Conan vs. The Organization in an all-out war. Top-tier suspense and foreshadowing.

7. The Private Eyes’ Requiem (Movie 10)
   

   An all-star cast featuring Heiji, Hakuba, and Kid!

8. Captured in Her Eyes (Movie 4)
   

   Ran loses her memory! A masterpiece blending romance and crime mystery.

9. Zero the Enforcer (Movie 22)
   

   Public Security vs. Prosecutors. A strategic battle over a city bombing.

10. The Lost Ship in the Sky (Movie 14)
    

    A luxury liner, Kid, and a massive scale incident!

The Verdict: Just Start with One!

The TV series has over 1,000 episodes, which is intimidating. But movies are self-contained. Pick one from this list that sounds cool, and dive in!

Guide to Tooru Amuro (Rei Furuya) & The Public Security Arc

Who is Tooru Amuro?

He is an officer of the National Police Agency Security Bureau (Security Planning Division), known as “Zero.” He wears three masks:

• Tooru Amuro: A cheerful waiter at Café Poirot and a private detective.
• Bourbon: An operative infiltrating the Black Organization.
• Rei Furuya: His true identity as a Public Security elite protecting Japan.

Why is he so popular?

He is a “hot” man who is compassionate and cares for his friends, yet possesses a triple-faced personality with genius-level intellect and physical prowess. His backstory with the “Police Academy 5” is tragic and compelling.

The Ultimate Kaito Kid Watch List

The Phantom Thief

The “Magician Under the Moonlight,” Kaito Kid (Kaito Kuroba), is Conan’s greatest rival and entertainment master. Here are the essential watches:

Key Movies:

Essential TV Episodes:

Ep 76 “Conan vs. Kaito Kid” (The first encounter)

Ep 219 “The Gathering of the Detectives!”

Ep 356 “Miraculous Midair Walk”

Ep 627 “Conan & Kid’s Battle for Ryoma’s Treasure”

FAQ (great for FAQ schema blocks)

Q1. Can I watch Detective Conan movies without the TV series?
Yes—but you’ll miss major context, character relationships, and foreshadowing. This guide shows the best TV episodes/OVAs to watch first.

Q2. What’s the best Detective Conan movie watch order for beginners?
Start with a self-contained fan-favorite, then use the paired episodes here to deepen the experience movie by movie.

Q3. Which Conan movies are best if I like Amuro (Rei Furuya)?
Use the Public Security arc section, then watch the movies where his choices and conflicts matter most.

Q4. Which episodes should I watch for Kaito Kid?
Use the Kid watch list: it highlights his key movies and the essential TV episodes that define his rivalry with Conan.

Q5. Are OVAs required?
Not required, but several OVAs add character setup that makes certain movies land emotionally harder.

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Final Words

“Taking a little detour before watching the movie.”

That single step will undoubtedly expand your Detective Conan experience. The movies are not just stand-alone action flicks; they are chapters in a grand saga.

Let’s continue to enjoy the foreshadowing retrieval of the TV series and OVAs along with the latest theatrical releases! As a fellow otaku, I look forward to the day we can discuss this together!

Writing: Kumao

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