Here’s How To Watch the ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ Movies in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date) (2025)

Takahashi Kazuki’s Yu-Gi-Oh! is more than just a manga or a card game; it's a phenomenon that has touched the lives of millions around the world. Nobody could have foreseen the amazing adventure when Takahashi first unveiled Yugi Mutou and his enigmatic Millennium Puzzle in 1996. What started as a story of friendship, bravery, and the power of games grew into something far greater - a world filled with unforgettable characters, epic duels, and a bond with fans that has only deepened over the years. Yu-Gi-Oh! was never just about winning – it was about the excitement of the game, the friendships formed, and the life lessons learned along the way. The main characters are far from perfect, and each has flaws that sometimes lead to defeat. However, these flaws are never presented as weaknesses, but rather as opportunities for growth. Through the bonds of friendship, these characters learn to trust one another, compensating for each other’s shortcomings and becoming stronger together, like pieces of a larger puzzle. This theme of friendship is the cornerstone of the Yu-Gi-Oh! story. It reflects Takahashi’s belief that true strength comes from doing things for others, drawing on the power of the bonds we share.

The franchise’s expansion into animated series, movies, video games, and an actual card game – the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game, brought these stories to life in a way that captured the essence of Takahashi’s vision, making each release a cherished piece of the larger canvas. Navigating the vast universe of Yu-Gi-Oh! can feel like a daunting task, especially with 11 TV shows and four movies to explore. The franchise’s sheer scope can make it challenging to figure out where to start and that’s where this guide comes in — to help you through the epic journey of watching the Yu-Gi-Oh! movies in the right order, whether chronologically or by release date.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Movies in Order of Release

• Yu-Gi-Oh! Movie - March 6, 1999 (Japan)
• Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light - August 13, 2004 (USA), November 3, 2004 (Japan)
• Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time Movie - January 23, 2010 (Japan)
• Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions - April 23, 2016 (Japan)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Movies in Chronological Order

'Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie'

The 30-minute Yu-Gi-Oh! movie, often referred to as part of the "Season Zero" continuity, offers fans a captivating, bite-sized adventure reminiscent of the original anime’s tone, a series that established the darker and more psychological roots of the franchise. Directed by Junji Shimizu and written by Yasuko Kobayashi, who also contributed to the original series, the film blends familiar elements with fresh intensity. With Michi Himeno and Shingo Araki returning to helm the character designs and animation, the film retains the unique visual style that fans of the early Yu-Gi-Oh! series have come to love. BMF’s music adds a dramatic flair, enhancing the tension and excitement throughout.

The plot centers around Shōgo Aoyama, a timid boy who possesses the powerful "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" card. His insecurities, however, prevent him from dueling with it, believing that owning such a legendary card is enough to secure victories without facing the risk of battle. This false confidence catches the attention of Seto Kaiba, who challenges Shōgo and Yugi Muto to a high-stakes tournament. Kaiba’s obsession with victory and his relentless pursuit of the "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" sets the stage for a fierce duel - one that pushes Shōgo to confront his insecurities. When Kaiba’s minions steal Shōgo’s prized card and Yugi’s Millennium Puzzle, the two boys find themselves cornered. But with the encouragement of his friends, particularly Jonouchi Katsuya, Shōgo realizes that true strength comes from facing one’s fears head-on. As Yugi steps in to duel Kaiba, he relies on Shōgo’s Red-Eyes Black Dragon, refusing to summon it until Shōgo finds the courage within himself; and it is this moment of bravery that becomes the turning point, leading to a dramatic comeback.

'Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light'

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light, released in North America in August 2004, was a bold attempt to capitalize on the soaring popularity of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise in the West. Developed specifically for Western audiences by 4Kids Entertainment and released by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film sought to bring the intense duels and mythological themes of the beloved television series to the big screen. The movie hit U.S. theaters on August 13, 2004, before making its way to DVD and VHS in November of the same year. Japan saw the film's release in theaters through Toho on November 3, 2004, and it later aired on TV Tokyo on January 2, 2005, bringing the excitement full circle to the franchise's home country.

Set between the third and fourth seasons of the Yu-Gi-Oh! television series, Pyramid of Light offers a new adventure featuring all fan-favorite characters. The movie follows Yugi as he faces off against a new and powerful threat – Anubis, an ancient Egyptian sorcerer resurrected by the Pyramid of Light, a mystical artifact. Anubis seeks to destroy Yugi and reclaim his power over the world, plunging Yugi, his friends, and even his rival Kaiba Seto into a deadly game with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The plot intensifies as Kaiba, driven by his obsession to defeat Yugi, uncovers the Pyramid of Light card, believing it to be the key to finally besting his rival. However, he inadvertently awakens Anubis, who seeks revenge and attempts to trap Yugi in a duel where the stakes are higher than ever. As Yugi navigates the deadly traps laid by Anubis, he must rely on the power of his ancient alter ego – Pharoah Atem, and the strength of his friends to overcome the dark forces at play.

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'Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions'

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions stands apart from its predecessors as a unique and emotionally charged chapter in the Yu-Gi-Oh! saga. This film carries the special distinction of featuring a new story crafted by the franchise's late creator, Kazuki Takahashi, who not only provided fresh character designs but also contributed to the animation by drawing keyframes for a sequence. Takahashi’s vision for the film went beyond simply adding to the franchise; he intended it to serve as a final, fitting closure to the original Yu-Gi-Oh! Storyline. Written and directed by Satoshi Kuwabara, with Takahashi and Masahiro Hikokubo as co-writers, The Dark Side of Dimensions is produced by Studio Gallop and distributed by Toei Company. The movie is set six months after the conclusion of the original manga, allowing the film to explore new territory, more prominently, the unresolved obsessions and deep-seated emotions left behind by the series’ dramatic conclusion.

For many fans, the end of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series brought a sense of closure. Yugi Mutou’s victory over the Pharaoh Atem in their final duel allowed the ancient spirit to pass peacefully into the afterlife, leaving viewers with a bittersweet farewell. As Yugi and his friends gradually moved on from that chapter, Seto Kaiba did not. Kaiba, still obsessed with his defeat at the hands of the Pharaoh Atem, embarks on a quest to bring Atem back from the afterlife for one final duel. To achieve this, Kaiba uses advanced technology to reconstruct the Millennium Puzzle, the ancient artifact that once housed the Pharaoh's spirit.

Meanwhile, a new threat emerges in the form of Aigami, also known as Diva, who possesses the force that can alter reality itself. Aigami seeks to reshape the world and eliminate the Millennium Items to prevent the return of the darkness they once brought. His plans bring him into conflict with both Yugi and Kaiba, as he sees Yugi as the key to stopping Kaiba’s dangerous obsession. As the story unfolds, Yugi, Kaiba, and Aigami become embroiled in a high-stakes duel that transcends the boundaries of reality. Kaiba's relentless determination to summon Atem puts him on a collision course with Aigami's mission to safeguard the world.

The Dark Side of Dimensions zeroes in on Kaiba’s relentless determination to challenge the Pharaoh once more, even if it means defying the boundaries of life and death. Kaiba’s unyielding drive to cross dimensions and face his ultimate rival speaks to his character’s complexity and highlights him as perhaps the greatest antagonist in the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe. Unlike other villains driven by a lust for power, Kaiba’s obsession is deeply personal, making his pursuit both compelling and tragic.

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'Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time'

Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time is a time-travel adventure that unites three of the most iconic duelists from the Yu-Gi-Oh! world: Yugi Mutou, Jaden Yuki, and Yusei Fudo. Produced to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, this movie is a nostalgic tribute to fans and is packed with epic duels, legendary monsters, and a storyline that transcends time itself, all in eye-popping 3D, marking a first for the franchise. The movie begins with a new villain, Paradox, who travels through time on a dark mission to erase Duel Monsters from history. Believing that the game has caused more harm than good, Paradox targets pivotal moments in the timeline where Duel Monsters played a crucial role. With his actions threatening to unravel the very fabric of the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, Yusei, Jaden, and Yugi are drawn into a time-bending adventure to stop him. As Paradox leaps through time, the three protagonists, each from different eras of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series, must join forces to protect the game they love. Together, they track Paradox across time, resulting in a heart-pounding showdown where the trio faces off against Paradox and his fearsome monsters.

Fans of the series will revel in the witty banter between the three protagonists, especially Yugi and Jaden, whose unresolved duel in the GX finale left many viewers wanting more. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time is more than just a celebration of the franchise’s legacy; it’s a love letter to the fans who have grown up alongside these characters. Whether it’s watching Yugi summon the Dark Magician, Jaden calling forth Elemental HERO Neos, or Yusei bringing out Stardust Dragon, the film is packed with moments that will leave fans cheering. It's a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that captures what makes Yu-Gi-Oh! so enduring: the bonds between duelists, the thrill of the game, and the timeless appeal of its heroes.

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Yu-Gi-Oh!

TV-Y7

Animation

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

Family

Action

Adventure

Release Date

April 4, 1998

Cast

Megumi Ogata , Toshiyuki Morikawa , Yumi Kakazu , Ryôtarô Okiayu , Yukana , Hikaru Midorikawa , Tsutomu Kashiwakura , Kaneto Shiozawa , Katsue Miwa , Takeshi Aono , Michiko Neya , Ryou Naitou

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Kazuki Takahashi

Character(s)

Yugi Mutou , Katsuya Jonouchi , Anzu Mazaki , Hiroto Honda , Miho Nosaka , Seto Kaiba , Ryo Bakura , Shadi , Mokuba Kaiba , Sugoroku Mutou , Shizuka Kawai , Ryuji Otogi

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