10 Best Pokemon Movies Fans Will Never Forget

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In the ’90s, many of us who loved anime found a cherished part of our childhood in the Pokemon series. This show was all about friendship, adventures, and adorable pocket monsters. We essentially grew up alongside Ash and his companions as they strived to become top-notch Pokemon trainers. However, it was the movies that really tugged at our heartstrings. Although the anime emphasized character growth and narrative, the movies offered a blend of poignant themes such as sacrifice, thrilling battles, and emotional highs.

Over the years, the Pokemon movies have amassed tremendous popularity thanks to their emotional resonance. Delving into themes such as loss, bonding, and bravery, these films transcend mere animated entertainment for children. With this understanding, we’ve assembled a collection of highly-regarded Pokemon movies that have earned admiration from both fans and critics. Whether you followed Ash’s journey since childhood or are a recent enthusiast of the Pokemon universe, these films will serve as a poignant reminder of why the franchise continues to linger vividly in our memories.

1) Pokemon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

Initiating a brilliant chapter for the Pokemon series, the initial movie titled Mewtwo Strikes Back served as a groundbreaking milestone. The storyline primarily revolved around the enigmatic Mewtwo, a psychic cat-type Pokemon that was artificially produced by certain scientists. Feeling betrayed and seeking vengeance, Mewtwo took control of its destiny, unleashing chaos within the realm of Pokemon.

Mewtwo Strikes Back marked a significant milestone as the initial film in the series, but it also dared to explore complex themes that weren’t prevalent in anime at the time. The emotional turmoil of Mewtwo and Ash’s poignant sacrifice left many with teary eyes. Moreover, when Pikachu revived a petrified Ash by shocking him while fighting through its own tears, it underscored the profound impact these characters can have on us.

2) Pokemon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)

The 2000 film, titled “Pokemon: The Movie“, centers around the always-explorative character Ash Ketchum, who finds himself on a puzzling island. Initially, his intentions were diverse, but he was captured by the locals and designated as the “chosen one” to accomplish an essential mission. As they progressed, Ash and his companions discovered something ominous brewing, which propelled them into heroic roles once more. Notably, in this movie, Team Rocket plays a significant part in the narrative rather than just providing humorous interludes.

In the sequel of the franchise, they attempted to unveil a novel category of Pokemon, which proved successful. The iconic Pokemon Lugia quickly captured hearts with its thrilling fights. Moreover, this film boasted an enchanting soundtrack that left viewers spellbound, as well as animation so advanced it was years ahead of contemporary standards, demonstrating respect for its predecessor while surpassing the expectations of fans.

3) Pokemon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei (2000)

Up until now, the Pokemon films have typically depicted Pokemon causing turmoil in the human realm, with humans dealing with the ensuing chaos. However, the movie Spell of the Unown broke this pattern by demonstrating how human emotions can affect a Pokemon’s powers and their influence on the human world. Despite receiving an IMDB rating of 5.9 out of 10, many fans agree that it was truly exceptional.

The narrative centers around a young girl named Molly Hale who experiences heartache after her father mysteriously vanishes. As she grieves, she taps into the powers of Unown to construct a fantastical realm where her dad returns. However, this dreamlike state takes a dark turn when the powerful Pokemon Entei snatches Ash’s mother in an attempt to reunite Molly’s family. The story then delves into themes of sorrow, loss, and misfortune, highlighting Entei’s formidable skills throughout.

4) Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

The top-ranked Pokemon movie on IMDB, titled “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew,” explores themes such as betrayal and the strength of connections. It stands out among fans and casual viewers as a standalone film within the series. An interesting trivia: Lucario’s English voice actor is the same as Goku from Dragon Ball!

In the past, Lucario – a Pokemon known for its steel and fighting abilities – was deceived by his mentor, Sir Aaron, who imprisoned him within his staff in order to prevent an upcoming conflict. Fast forward to the present day, after Lucario had been sealed away for centuries, Sir Aaron is revered as a hero while Lucario carries bitterness towards humans. However, as the story unfolds, Lucario’s personality evolves gracefully, starting off suspicious of Ash before ultimately giving up his life to save him.

5) Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)

In simpler terms, “The Rise of Darkrai” marked the initial foray into incorporating horror elements within the world of Pokemon. This movie is set in a town shrouded by fog, named Alamos, where an intriguing tale unfolds involving fear, misconceptions, and concealed facts surrounding the solitary Pokémon, Darkrai. As opposed to previous films and even the TV series, it was noticeably darker and imbued with a sense of mystery.

The narrative unfolds in Alamos Town, where strange occurrences emerged due to two celestial Pokémon clashing high above. Specifically, Dialga, the ruler of time, and Palkia, the sovereign of space, were engaged in an unrelenting battle. Unfortunately, Darkrai was wrongly accused by townsfolk for these disruptions. It was here that our beloved heroes stepped in to reveal the real cause and clear Darkrai’s name from the unfair accusations it had been burdened with for quite some time.

6) Pokemon: I Choose You! (2017)

The Pokemon series marked its 20th anniversary by presenting fans with an exceptional 20th film titled “I Choose You!“. This movie offers a fresh take on Ash’s adventure as a Pokemon trainer, focusing on his evolving relationship with Pikachu. Additionally, it showcases the iconic clash between Ash and Ho-Oh, where the legendary Pokemon bestows him with a Rainbow Wing this time around.

This film evoked intense emotions in dedicated fans through its nostalgic undertones. Although it follows a familiar narrative, the polished animation significantly enhances it compared to the original version. The internet is still abuzz with adoration after Pikachu, speaking for the first time, told Ash, “I’ve always wanted to be by your side.

7) Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)

In regards to debuting fresh, formidable Pokemon, we rely on the directors to unveil them through their movies. While many of us cherished the epic appearance of the legendary Pokemon Rayquaza in the anime, it was the Destiny Deoxys movie that initially showcased it. The fierce battle between Deoxys and Rayquaza unfolded after an extraterrestrial Pokemon named Deoxys arrived on Earth, causing havoc in a city.

In this “Pokemon” film, we saw for the first time humanity’s suspicion towards a Pokemon. To add intrigue, the setting was an entirely automated city designed by brilliant scientists. As events unfolded, Ash and his companions met a boy named Tory, who had developed a fear of Pokemon due to a harrowing childhood experience. However, Ash assisted Tory in overcoming his phobia, but Deoxys had different intentions, which is where things began to become complicated.

8) Pokemon: Heroes – Latios and Latias (2002)

As a diehard Pokémon fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the unbeatable trio from the earlier movies – Ash, Brock, and Misty. The climax of their adventures is beautifully encapsulated in the final installment, “Heroes – Latios and Latias.” This epic tale unfolds in the breathtakingly aquatic city of Altomare, where we find ourselves right in the thick of things with the legendary siblings, Latios and Latias. They’re on a mission to safeguard the precious Soul Dew!

In this film, we find these revered Pokemon responsible for guarding the city of Altomare. Though they strive tirelessly to protect the Soul Dew, sly thieves manage to swipe it. Our beloved trio then steps up to resolve the situation, but not without a significant cost. This movie presented an unusual scenario where a Pokemon’s demise was acknowledged, a poignant scene that will forever linger in fans’ hearts.

9) Pokemon: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)

Imagine Tarzan in a world filled with Pokémon instead! That’s the essence of “Secrets of the Jungle”. If only the directors had chosen to bypass the typical villain and Earth-saving storylines, this movie could have been the greatest Pokémon film ever made. With mature themes such as self-discovery, family, and connection, it would have been a massive hit, even without the predictable good versus evil tale.

The film transports us into a lush, wild environment where Zarude discovers a human infant who has lost his parents. Unable to find them, Zarude chooses to care for the child instead. Fast forward to ten years later, this same kid, named Koko, encounters Ash and his companions and recognizes himself as human too. Simultaneously, the primary characters work to prevent a rogue scientist from causing destruction, while Koko embarks on a journey to uncover his heritage and bond with it. The emotional climax comes when he acknowledges Zarude as his true father, even after learning about his family’s background.

10) Pokemon: The Power of Us (2018)

Following the awe-inspiring portrayal of power in “The Power of One” featuring Lugia, we move to another legendary Pokemon, Zeraora, highlighted in “The Power of Us”. Deviating from conventional storytelling, this film shifts focus onto various supporting characters as they embark on a quest for the greater good alongside Ash.

A habitual deceiver, an elderly woman with disdain for Pocket Monsters, a timid researcher, a past athlete, and a young lady once connected to a mayor embark on personal growth journeys to conquer their weaknesses. With the aid of their respective Pokemon, they cross paths with Ash, who is also seeking self-understanding. As they join forces, they demonstrate remarkable teamwork that not only saves the city but also highlights Zeraora’s bravery.

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2025-07-06 05:10