Since its first feature in 1980, Doraemon has starred in 43 theatrical films plus two CGI specials up to March 2025, spanning epic time-travel adventures, heartfelt dramas, and even musical sci-fi tales Below is a curated selection of the best entries—classics that defined the franchise, modern remakes that reinvigorated it, CGI blockbusters, and the very latest musical spectacles—each with its original English title, Japanese title (Kanji / Romaji), key credits, release date, and a concise synopsis.
Classics (1980s–1990s)
1. Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の恐竜 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Kyōryū
- Release Date: 15 March 1980
- Synopsis: When Nobita unearths a dinosaur egg and hatches a baby “Piisuke,” Doraemon and friends embark on a prehistoric journey to return it—kick-starting the franchise’s legacy of heartfelt, family-friendly exploration Wikipedia.
2. Doraemon: Nobita’s Great Adventure into the Underworld
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の魔界大冒険 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Makai Daibōken
- Release Date: 17 March 1984
- Synopsis: A chilling mirror world and demonic fleets threaten Earth after a cursed mirror is stolen. Nobita and Doraemon must traverse this “Makai” to reclaim the mirror and save reality Wikipedia.
3. Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の宇宙小戦争 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Uchū Shō Sensō
- Release Date: 16 March 1985
- Synopsis: Miniature robot forces from a tiny planet enlist Doraemon’s help to overthrow a tyrant—turning Nobita’s backyard into an interstellar battleground full of clever gadget-powered tactics Wikipedia.
4. Doraemon: Nobita and the Birth of Japan
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の日本誕生 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Nippon Tanjō
- Release Date: 11 March 1989
- Synopsis: A time-travel mishap lands Doraemon’s gang in prehistoric Japan, where they aid a tribe in fending off monsters and shaping the nation’s ancient birth—one of the series’ most imaginative historical epics Wikipedia.
Remakes & Revivals (2000s–2010s)
5. Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur 2006
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の恐竜２００６ / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Kyōryū 2006
- Release Date: 4 March 2006
- Synopsis: A full-CGI reimagining of the original 1980 classic, updating the dinosaur expedition with modern visuals while preserving its emotional core Wikipedia.
6. Doraemon: Nobita’s Treasure Island
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の宝島 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Takarajima
- Release Date: 3 March 2018
- Synopsis: Inspired by Stevenson’s tale, Nobita and friends uncover a treasure map leading to a floating island—blending pirate thrills with Doraemon’s signature gadget flair Wikipedia.
7. Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の月面探査記 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Getsumen Tansa-ki
- Release Date: 1 March 2019
- Synopsis: Tasked with mapping the Moon’s hidden mysteries, Doraemon’s crew encounters lunar beasts and ancient secrets in a whimsical rock-’n’-roll sci-fi adventure Wikipedia.
CGI & 3D Milestones
8. Stand by Me Doraemon
- Japanese: STAND BY ME ドラえもん / Stand BY ME Doraemon
- Directors: Ryūichi Yagi, Takashi Yamazaki
- Release Date: 8 August 2014
- Synopsis: A full-CGI retelling of Doraemon’s origin and his bond with Nobita, balancing tear-jerking drama with nostalgic warmth. This became the franchise’s highest-grossing film to date Wikipedia.
9. Stand by Me Doraemon 2
- Japanese: STAND BY ME ドラえもん 2 / Stand BY ME Doraemon 2
- Directors: Ryūichi Yagi, Takashi Yamazaki
- Release Date: 20 November 2020
- Synopsis: Nobita travels to his future wedding only to find himself missing! A soul-swap gadget leads to heartfelt reconciliations, exploring nostalgia and the bonds of family across time Wikipedia.
Modern Musical & Sci-Fi Epics
10. Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太の地球交響楽 / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita no Chikyū Shinfonī
- Director: Kazuaki Imai
- Release Date: 1 March 2024
- Synopsis: When a cosmic “Noise” threatens Earth’s music, Nobita and friends must master their recorders aboard a floating concert hall—an animated musical odyssey that grossed over $33 million worldwide WikipediaBox Office Mojo.
11. Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales
- Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太のArt World Tales / Eiga Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales
- Director: Kazuaki Imai
- Release Date: 7 March 2025
- Synopsis: To celebrate the 45th film anniversary, Doraemon’s gang enters famous paintings to recover a stolen masterpiece—blending surreal art-world visuals with classic gadget-powered escapades Wikipedia.
Why These Stand Out:
- Emotional Resonance: From tearful farewells in Stand by Me to epic family quests, these films blend humor with heart.
- Innovative Concepts: Time-travel, miniature wars, prehistoric odysseys, and even cosmic musical battles showcase the series’ imaginative scope.
- Technical Milestones: The shift from traditional cel animation to full CGI and 3D highlights Doraemon’s evolution alongside animation technology.
- Cultural Impact: Each entry has left its mark—from box-office records to inspiring manga spin-offs and international adaptations.
For any Doraemon fan, these films represent the very best of what the blue robot cat and his friends have to offer—adventure, laughter, and a reminder that true friendship transcends all time and space.
