To provide a method for manufacturing an optical film excellent in the molecular weight retention of a cellulose ester resin and color pigmentation, a polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal display.

The method for manufacturing an optical film which carries out heating/melting of a cellulose ester resin or a cellulose ester resin composition containing this cellulose ester resin and an addition agent to cast and make a film is characterized in that the cellulose ester resin or the cellulose ester resin composition is used to be pulverized before the heating/melting and to be graded.