Pokémon Movies Watch Order (September 2025)

If you’ve been an ardent follower of the Pokémon series for a long time but haven’t delved into their movies yet, it’s high time you did. After all, if not now, when? Granted, there are a couple that might not be must-watches, but if you’re determined to see them all (which is the goal here), you’d best do it in the optimal order. Here’s a recommended sequence for watching all 23 Pokémon movies.

Or, in a more conversational tone:

Hey there! If you’ve been hooked on Pokémon for ages but haven’t dipped your toes into their movie universe yet, you should definitely give it a go. It’s about time! Now, not every movie is essential viewing, but if you’re dead set on watching them all, then the best way to do that is by following an ideal order. Here’s the one we recommend for the 23 Pokémon movies.

What’s the best order to watch the Pokémon movies as of 2025?

While there’s a total of 23 mainline animated Pokémon movies if you count short Pikachu films, TV specials, and the live-action movie “Detective Pikachu” (2019), this list focuses on the core animated Pokémon films. Specifically, it includes the three latest ones: “I Choose You”, “The Power of Us”, and “Secrets of the Jungle”. These movies either happen in a separate timeline or are reinterpretations of the original stories.

The best watch order for the Pokémon movies is release order:

Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)
Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei (2000)
Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest (2001)
Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias (2002)
Jirachi—Wish Maker (2003)
Destiny Deoxys (2004)
Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
Black—Victini and Reshiram / White—Victini and Zekrom (2011)
Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution (2019)
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)

Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

In natural and easy-to-read language: The longest-lasting Pokémon film was initially released nearly three decades ago, titled “Pokémon: The First Movie.” This movie starts with researchers creating an experimental version of Mewtwo, a clone of the legendary Pokémon Mew. However, Mewtwo soon understands that he was made as a tool for humans and decides to defy his creators. In search of retribution, Mewtwo deceives several renowned Pokémon Trainers, such as Ash, Misty, Brock, and their Pokémon companions, into attending a tournament on his island fortress, which turns out to be a trap.

Beyond its storyline, this film is often recognized for its ’90s music soundtrack, featuring many popular pop stars such as Britney Spears and NSYNC. A clever marketing strategy indeed from the American team.

Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)

In a slight contrast to The First Movie, The Power of One stands out as the superior Pokémon film due to its more seamless narrative. This time around, our heroes Ash, Misty, and Brock encounter a collector named Lawrence III who aims to capture the Legendary Birds – Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno. His actions inadvertently stir up Lugia, the sea’s guardian, causing an environmental disaster. As foretold in an ancient prophecy, Ash assumes the mantle of the “Chosen One” and embarks on a quest to collect three elemental orbs, aiming to restore balance and forestall impending global catastrophe.

As an additional point, Pokémon is an excellent example of creative capitalism – it’s hard not to think about the cards you needed to purchase in order to play. Back then, the card-buying and trading frenzy was overwhelming, a true sensation. In this sense, the film subtly criticizes the obsession with collecting, though it may have flown over the viewers’ heads.

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

As a dedicated movie-goer, let me share an intriguing piece of trivia: Pokémon 3 was the first Pokémon film to be premiered in IMAX theaters! This cinematic adventure, dear to many of us Pokémon fans, takes place in a quaint town where Professor Spencer Hale, after studying the enigmatic Pokémon Unown, mysteriously vanishes. His young daughter Molly, who’s also missing her mother, is left behind, and the sorrowful Unown responds by granting her wishes, leading to a bizarre reshaping of reality around her. The plot thickens when Entei, acting as Molly’s guardian, abducts Ash’s mom, stepping into the role of Molly’s absent family members. This forces our beloved characters, Ash, Misty, and Brock, into an exhilarating rescue mission in a warped world.

Despite not typically receiving high ratings from movie evaluation platforms like IMDb or Reddit, this Pokémon film is frequently deemed as one of the more impactful ones by the fan community, primarily because it delves into profound themes such as grief and bereavement.

Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest (2001)

The story begins with a series of intricate time-travel sequences, dating back 40 years. A budding trainer named Sammy finds himself in the role of protector for Celebi, a mythical Pokémon capable of time travel, as he battles against an ill-intentioned villain known as the Iron Mask Marauder. This wicked character aims to exploit Dark Balls to twist Pokémon to his advantage. Sammy unintentionally gets drawn into a time vortex and is catapulted ahead in time, where he encounters Ash and his comrades. To thwart the Marauder’s nefarious plans, they join forces.

Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias (2002)

In the aquatic metropolis of Alto Mare, guarded by the majestic dragon duo Latios and Latias, I found myself entangled in a thrilling chase for hidden riches, pitted against a pair of cunning rogues – Annie and Oakley. Though their antics might lead one to underestimate them, these two were relentless in their pursuit of a potent crystal, capable of being transformed into a destructive weapon. With the well-being of my Pokémon companions at stake, I had no choice but to rely on their abilities and quick wit to keep this powerful artifact away from those who seek to misuse it.

Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker (2003)

Progressing forward to number six in our Pokémon movie series, we find ourselves with Jirachi: Wish Maker, a film that hasn’t received as much praise as others. This narrative revolves around Ash, May, Max, and Brock who journey towards the site of the Millennium Celebration, located within a crater. Every millennia, a comet appears, reviving the wish-granting Pokémon Jirachi. However, this peaceful encounter is disrupted when an unscrupulous scientist from Team Magma emerges, aiming to harness Jirachi’s powers for nefarious purposes – specifically, to reawaken the Legendary Pokémon Groudon.

Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)

As a dedicated movie connoisseur, I recently found myself immersed in a fascinating Pokémon adventure, where the roles of human and Pokémon are artfully switched. In this metropolis brimming with automation, Ash and his companions cross paths with Tory, the offspring of a scientist, who harbors an unusual fear towards these mystical creatures due to a past Pokémon-related incident.

Contrary to the typical portrayal where it’s humans that are afraid of Pokémon, here the scenario is inverted. Ash eagerly steps up, aiming to demonstrate the wonders of Pokémon and alleviate Tory’s apprehension. However, tranquility is short-lived as an enigmatic Space Pokémon, Deoxys, materializes on Earth with a puzzling agenda – to gather humans.

With global catastrophe looming large, Ash and his friends are once again thrust into the heat of the action, this time having to outmaneuver a nefarious gang of rogue Pokémon who only serve to complicate matters further. This unique take on the Pokémon saga presents an intriguing premise that explores fear from an unexpected perspective while keeping audiences on their toes with high-stakes action and captivating storytelling.

Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

Among all Pokémon films, it’s generally agreed that “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew” is the one that garners the most praise from viewers on average.

The film begins by revisiting Sir Aaron, an illustrious hero, and his faithful companion Lucario, a remarkable Aura Pokémon, who gave their lives during a grand war in the past to save Rota’s kingdom. Fast forward through the centuries, Ash, Pikachu, and their comrades attend a festival celebrating Sir Aaron. However, events take an unexpected turn as Lucario is inexplicably freed from his century-long confinement within a staff. Simultaneously, Mew plays a trick on Pikachu, causing him to vanish, which propels Ash and Lucario into a quest to retrieve him.

Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)

As a devoted movie-goer, I’d say: Having wrapped up the high-tech phase in Pokémon and seamlessly linking to the spinoff series of Pokémon Ranger, I find myself embarking on an oceanic journey titled “Ranger and the Temple of the Sea”. This voyage brings along my trusted team – Ash, May, Max, and Brock. In this exciting escapade, we team up with a Pokémon Ranger named Jack Walker to safeguard the elusive Mythical Pokémon, Manaphy. However, our mission is threatened by a menacing pirate known as Phantom. This sea-faring tale promises thrills, adventure, and the bonding of our team in pursuit of protecting the precious Manaphy.

Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)

Ash, Dawn, and Brock make their way to Alamos Town for a Pokémon competition. However, an ominous prediction left by the town’s architect foretells a confrontation between the Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia, who have power over space and time. As bizarre events start to disrupt the city, the locals attribute these occurrences to the mysterious Darkrai, fearing it is causing the turmoil.

In a new development, the appearance of Darkrai signified the initial exploration of horror elements within the franchise, although it was still somewhat subtle. The film emphasizes a chilling enigma, unsettling dream scenes, deeper shades, and even startling tears in the fabric of time portrayed through its animation.

Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)

In a turn of events, the group discovers a dispute between Giratina and Shaymin, stemming from a common misunderstanding, much like many conflicts. It’s hard to imagine anyone staying upset with the adorable Shaymin, but their charm is not the only impressive aspect. Both Pokémon possess extraordinary abilities, and Giratina showcases their unique talent: the ability to create and traverse alternate dimensions freely. This skill catches the eye of the film’s antagonist, Zero, who intends to misuse this power for nefarious purposes. If you’ve been noticing a pattern in these movies, you’re absolutely right! And indeed, Ash and his companions intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)

In this film, we encounter characters akin to Pokémon deities, or at least incredibly powerful beings, which is an exciting prospect for fans of Pokémon folklore. The narrative revolves around the god-like Pokémon Arceus, who crafted a gem to rejuvenate the homeland of his companion Damos, who safeguarded the stone. However, deceived by someone, Arceus vowed retribution and has now resurfaced to assess humankind.

Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)

Among the most fearsome Pokémon characters, Zoroark stands out due to its extraordinary shape-shifting abilities, making it an intriguing protagonist for a feature film. This movie revolves around Zoroark’s powers being manipulated by a sinister media tycoon with nefarious intentions. His plans involve misusing Zoroark for his wicked objectives, such as trapping the legendary, time-jumping Pokémon Celebi to glimpse into the future without any regard for the potential disastrous environmental repercussions. Yet, what ruthless capitalist ever worries about damaging the planet’s resources when profit is on the line? However, Zoroark’s chameleonic transformations make things more challenging than anticipated as it becomes increasingly difficult to identify and capture them. After all, how can you collect them all if you don’t even know what or whom you are trying to catch?

Pokémon the Movie: Black – Victini and Reshiram / White – Victini and Zekrom (2011)

This twofold movie presents the same narrative, but viewed from distinct angles based on your chosen character. Each version subtly differs; one highlights Victini and Reshiram, while the other focuses on Victini and Zekrom. Debuting in the Pokémon anime’s Black and White epoch, this film coincided with the launch of the corresponding video games. In the storyline, our hero Ash and his companions are navigating the Unova region, thwarting a tyrant, Damian, who aims to utilize Legendary Pokémon for regional conquest.

Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)

In the Unova region, the story unfolds as Kyurem squares off against the Swords of Justice (Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion). These Pokémon are preparing Keldeo to become a member, but first, he must face Kyurem – a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon that can harness the powers of Reshiram and Zekrom. The Swords of Justice have doubts about Keldeo’s readiness, prompting him to demonstrate his skills. Unfortunately, the ensuing battle goes poorly, leaving the Swords of Justice frozen solid. The movie follows Keldeo on a mission to save his friends, with assistance from Ash and other trainers.

Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)

In the story, Ash and his companions reach a city that mirrors Manhattan, where a gang of Genesect – advanced Pokémon modified by humans – start wreaking havoc upon being roused from their slumber after centuries. These Genesect zero in on a park reminiscent of Central Park, causing turmoil among the tranquil Pokémon inhabiting it. This clash in the park between peaceful Pokémon and the Genesect ultimately results in an encounter with Mewtwo, who is back to safeguard the city. The movie carries a subdued message of unity amidst the chaos, but unfortunately, it tends to be rather uninteresting overall.

Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)

The Enchanting yet Drowsy Episode in the Pokémon Series: Diancie and the Realm of Eternity

This captivating, albeit somewhat unexciting addition to the Pokémon movie collection is called “Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.” In this tale, Diancie, an exceptional Pokémon known as a princess, possesses the unique ability to generate diamonds. Most notably, the Heart Diamond, vital for powering her subterranean empire, is losing its sparkle.

Determined to save her city, Diancie embarks on a quest in search of Xerneas, a Pokémon controlling life energy. She believes that Xerneas can guide her through creating a new diamond to revive the Heart Diamond. However, the enchanting world above ground captivates Diancie’s attention, causing numerous distractions along the way. And just as expected when it comes to precious stones, those who learn of her power have no qualms about using her for their own gain.

As if on cue, “Prepare for trouble… and make it double!” Team Rocket concocts a devious plot of its very own in this vibrant adventure.

Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)

In this captivating film, Ash and companions cross paths with the playful Hoopa, a Pokémon known for its ability to summon Legendary Pokémon from different eras. Predictably, Hoopa’s summons stir up a whirlwind of turmoil, creating an exhilarating climax. With assistance from some valuable allies, Ash and his team join forces with Hoopa to prevent the ensuing mayhem. Although the storyline might be minimal, this movie is a delight for enthusiasts as it reunites some of the most esteemed titans in Pokémon history, setting them against each other in an epic battle for the ages – a title well-earned!

Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)

The Industrial Revolution and the development of the steam engine significantly impacted our environmental well-being, yet propelled our contemporary age at an astonishing pace. If you recall this period from middle school history classes, you’ll understand why Volcanion, a Legendary Pokémon powered by steam, is intriguing. However, in the storyline, Volcanion and our group of trainers are on a quest to prevent a renegade engineer from misusing Pokémon for an extensive industrial project that could also cause environmental devastation.

Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)

On his 10th birthday, young Ash Ketchum is ready to embark on a journey as a Pokémon Trainer. However, his alarm clock fails him, causing a delay. By the time he reaches Professor Oak’s lab, the popular starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – have been taken by other trainers. Luckily, Ash encounters an unclaimed Pokémon named Pikachu, who is lively and stubborn, refusing to be confined in a Poké Ball. This charming encounter marks the beginning of their unique bond, which is later chronicled in this endearing origin story.

Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)

In the movie “Pokémon: The Power of Us,” Ash and companions journey to Fura City, once a barren place but now endowed with wind power by the legendary Pokémon Lugia. Every year, they celebrate this gift and remember a past fire calamity in the Wind Festival. Suddenly, an odd occurrence jeopardizes the city, summoning Zeraora, causing fear among the populace. To prevent another catastrophe, Ash joins forces with local trainers and residents.

Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution (2019)

Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution – A Modern, CGI Restage of the Debut Pokémon Film

This modern rendition, titled Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution, closely follows the original animation, but with computer-generated imagery (CGI) replacing traditional art. Though visually stunning, some viewers find the new style slightly disconcerting compared to the original. Despite this, many fans feel that it doesn’t quite recapture the enchantment of the initial film.

In terms of narrative, the plot remains largely unchanged: Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon, takes control of his destiny after being manipulated by humans. The story once again finds Ash and friends in the middle of the conflict, much like before.

Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)

In the latest addition to the Pokémon series, there’s an intriguing blend of Pokémon and The Jungle Book themes, as portrayed in Secrets of the Jungle. This captivating tale follows Koko, a child brought up by Pokémon within the heart of the wilderness, believing himself to be one of them. However, upon leaving the forest, Koko discovers an unexpected truth about his human heritage. As he navigates the complexities of the human world and grapples with revelations about himself, Koko also uncovers a dangerously dark plot that endangers both his home and the beloved Pokémon around him.

2025-09-09 23:27