Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed, has long established itself as a cinematic powerhouse, consistently delivering thrilling mysteries and breaking box office records with its annual film releases. As we look towards 2025, the franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the most successful anime film series of all time.
This article ranks the top 15 highest-grossing Detective Conan movies, including all major theatrical releases up to and including the latest blockbuster in 2024, along with a speculative entry for the anticipated 2025 film. Box office figures are primarily based on Japanese yen (JPY) gross, with estimated US dollar (USD) conversions.
15. Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital (2003)
- Estimated USD: $20.6 million
- Japan Release Date: April 19, 2003
- Duration: 107 minutes
- IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Set in Kyoto, the film features Heiji Hattori and Kazuha Toyama as they investigate a series of murders linked to an ancient Japanese poem and a mysterious group of thieves. Conan and Heiji must solve the case while exploring Kyoto’s rich history. A beloved film among fans, particularly for its focus on Heiji and Kazuha and its deep dive into Japanese culture and history. Its intricate mystery and charming setting made it a significant box office success.
14. Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker (2012)
- Estimated USD: $21.2 million
- Japan Release Date: April 14, 2012
- Duration: 110 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.2/10
Content Summary: Conan and the Detective Boys are caught in a bombing plot targeting multiple football stadiums. They must decipher riddles left by the bomber to prevent further explosions, all while a major soccer match is underway. This film successfully combined the thrill of a bombing case with the excitement of football, appealing to a broader audience. Its fast pace and multiple ticking clocks made for a suspenseful viewing experience.
13. Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street (2002)
- Estimated USD: $21.9 million
- Japan Release Date: April 20, 2002
- Duration: 107 minutes
- IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Content Summary: Conan and others participate in a virtual reality game set in 19th-century London, where they must solve the Jack the Ripper case. However, a rogue AI threatens to trap them inside the game if they fail. Often considered one of the best Detective Conan movies, “The Phantom of Baker Street” is lauded for its unique premise, intricate plot, and mature themes. Its blend of historical mystery and sci-fi elements resonated strongly with audiences.
12. Detective Conan: Dimensional Sniper (2014)
- Estimated USD: $26.5 million
- Japan Release Date: April 19, 2014
- Duration: 110 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Content Summary: A sniper terrorizes Tokyo, targeting individuals connected to a former US Navy SEAL. Conan teams up with the FBI to track down the culprit, facing a complex conspiracy and a seemingly impossible shot. A tense and suspenseful thriller that delivered on its promise of a high-stakes sniper mystery. The strong involvement of FBI characters and a gripping plot contributed to its solid performance.
11. Lupin the 3rd vs. Detective Conan: The Movie (2013)
- Estimated USD: $27.5 million
- Japan Release Date: December 7, 2013
- Duration: 107 minutes
- IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Content Summary: A highly anticipated crossover where the world’s greatest gentleman thief, Lupin the 3rd, crosses paths with the brilliant detective Conan Edogawa. They find themselves entangled in a plot involving a diamond heist, a kidnapped singer, and a sinister organization. This crossover was a massive commercial success, celebrated for bringing together two iconic anime figures. The dynamic between Lupin’s cunning and Conan’s deduction, along with high-stakes action, made it a memorable experience.
10. Detective Conan: Sunflowers of Inferno (2015)
- Estimated USD: $28.9 million
- Japan Release Date: April 18, 2015
- Duration: 112 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.2/10
Content Summary: Seven replicas of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” are gathered for an exhibition, but Kaitou Kid sends a予告状 (Kaitou Kid’s calling card), announcing his intention to steal one. Conan races against time to protect the paintings and uncover the true motives behind the heist. This film offered a compelling art heist mystery, featuring a strong interplay between Conan and Kaitou Kid. While not as action-heavy as some entries, its clever plot and artistic theme resonated with audiences.
9. The Darkest Nightmare (2016)
- Estimated USD: $40.8 million
- Japan Release Date: April 16, 2016
- Duration: 112 minutes
- IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Content Summary: A spy infiltrating the Japanese National Police Agency’s database is assassinated by the Black Organization. Conan and his allies find themselves in a direct confrontation with the Black Organization and a mysterious woman with heterochromia, leading to explosive action. Highly anticipated for its direct involvement with the Black Organization, this film delivered intense action and high stakes. It was a thrilling ride for fans eager to see Conan battle his ultimate adversaries.
8. Detective Conan: The Crimson Love Letter (2017)
- Estimated USD: $44.5 million
- Japan Release Date: April 15, 2017
- Duration: 112 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Content Summary: Set in Osaka, the film focuses on a bombing at a TV station and a traditional Japanese card game (Hyakunin Isshu). Heiji Hattori and Kazuha Toyama are central to the plot, exploring their developing relationship amidst a series of murders and a mysterious karuta player. This film beautifully blended romance, cultural elements, and a compelling murder mystery, particularly appealing to fans of the Heiji and Kazuha dynamic. Its emotional depth and unique setting were key to its significant box office success.
7. Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (2021)
- Estimated USD: $49.4 million
- Japan Release Date: April 16, 2021
- Duration: 110 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.4/10
Content Summary: Set during the World Sports Games in Tokyo, a major incident occurs involving the abduction of top executives. The film puts the spotlight on the Akai family, including Shuichi Akai and his siblings, as they become embroiled in the unfolding mystery. Despite facing pandemic-era challenges, this film performed strongly, a testament to the Akai family’s draw. Its blend of high-speed action, family drama, and a complex mystery kept audiences engaged.
6. Zero the Enforcer (2018)
- Estimated USD: $59.2 million
- Japan Release Date: April 13, 2018
- Duration: 110 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.2/10
Content Summary: Following a bombing incident at a newly built Tokyo summit convention center, Kogoro Mouri is arrested as a suspect. Conan teams up with Rei Furuya (Amuro Tooru) to uncover the truth, delving into the complexities of public security, justice, and conspiracies. “Zero the Enforcer” was a critical and commercial triumph, largely due to the immense popularity of Amuro Tooru and its high-octane action sequences mixed with a mature, politically charged storyline. It pushed the boundaries of the series’ typical narrative.
5. The Fist of Blue Sapphire (2019)
- Estimated USD: $60.5 million
- Japan Release Date: April 12, 2019
- Duration: 110 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.7/10
Content Summary: Conan, Ran, and Shinichi (as Kaitou Kid in disguise) travel to Singapore to investigate a massive gem theft. They find themselves entangled in a dangerous plot involving a martial arts tournament and a hidden treasure, with Makoto Kyogoku at the center of the action. Taking the franchise to an international setting for the first time, this movie offered stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences. The strong presence of Kaitou Kid and Makoto Kyogoku ensured its popularity and significant box office performance.
4. The Bride of Halloween (2022)
- Estimated USD: $63.1 million
- Japan Release Date: April 15, 2022
- Duration: 111 minutes
- IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Content Summary: The story centers on a bombing incident in Shibuya during Halloween. Rei Furuya is implicated, and Conan must uncover a conspiracy involving a mysterious organization and a past case linked to the Metropolitan Police Department’s bomb disposal squad. A thrilling and emotionally charged film that resonated deeply with fans due to its focus on the Police Academy arc characters and a return to high-stakes urban terrorism. Its compelling mystery and character-driven plot contributed to its massive success.
3. Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback (2025)
- Estimated USD: ~$64.5 – $74.2 million
- Hypothetical Japan Release Date: April 11, 2025
- Hypothetical Duration: 110 minutes
- Projected IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Content Summary: Speculative Entry: The highly anticipated 28th Detective Conan movie is expected to push new boundaries, potentially exploring a complex conspiracy within a cutting-edge technological setting or bringing a surprising character to the forefront. Fans anticipate a thrilling blend of high-stakes action and intellectual deduction. Speculative Entry: Given the recent trend of record-breaking success, the 2025 film is poised to be another major hit, solidifying the franchise’s continued dominance at the box office with its fresh narrative and captivating visuals.
2. Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine (2023)
- Estimated USD: $89.5 million
- Japan Release Date: April 14, 2023
- Duration: 109 minutes
- IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Content Summary: Conan and the Detective Boys visit a newly opened Pacific Buoy offshore facility in Hachijo-jima where engineers from around the world gather to connect all security cameras. A Black Organization plot unfolds, threatening the safety of a global system and critical data. This film soared to unprecedented heights, becoming the highest-grossing film in the franchise’s history prior to the 2024 release. Its intense focus on the Black Organization, high stakes, and dramatic character interactions made it a gripping watch that captivated audiences.
1. Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram (2024)
- Estimated USD: Over $96.8 million
- Japan Release Date: April 12, 2024
- Duration: 110 minutes
- IMDb Score: (Not yet widely finalized, early reception extremely positive)
Content Summary: Detective Conan’s latest film plunges him into a high-stakes treasure hunt in Hakodate, Hokkaido, involving Kaitou Kid and Heiji Hattori. The mystery revolves around a family’s hidden secret and a sword collector, leading to thrilling action and unexpected twists. A true phenomenon, “The Million Dollar Pentagram” has redefined box office success for the franchise. Its blend of beloved characters, intricate plotting, and spectacular action sequences has resonated profoundly with both long-time fans and new viewers, setting a new benchmark for future installments.
The Enduring Appeal of Detective Conan on the Big Screen
The consistent, and increasingly high, box office performance of the Detective Conan movies is a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of Gosho Aoyama’s creation. Each year, fans eagerly await the latest installment, drawn in by the promise of intricate mysteries, thrilling action sequences, and the beloved cast of characters. As the franchise continues to evolve and break new records, the legacy of Detective Conan as a cinematic powerhouse remains undisputed, promising many more years of big-screen adventures.