How many pokemon movies are there ? The Pokémon franchise has had a constant presence in entertainment since its inception back in the late 1990s. Nine generations have been introduced, covering numerous video game titles, and anime series. Ash and Pikachu’s long journey through the anime may be over, but fans can look back on their adventures, not just in the series itself, but through the many accompanying movies.

Pokémon released a new movie every year from 1998 through to 2020, an impressive feat of consistency in itself. Each movie serves as a spotlight for a generation’s Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, from Mewtwo and Celebi, all the way to Volcanion and Zarude. These movies are typically outside the anime series’ storyline, with the more recent few even occurring in alternate timelines. Yet Ash and Pikachu’s presence throughout has made them still feel like classic Pokémon.

1. Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)

Despite being released in Japan back in 1998, Pokémon: the First Movie is still one of the most memorable Pokémon movies of the entire franchise. Not only does it have the main movie Mewtwo Strikes Back, but it also has the fun short, Pikachu’s Vacation, as well as the uncut story of Mewtwo’s origin.

Mewtwo Strikes Back shows off one of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon to have graced the franchise, with all of its Psychic capabilities on display. Mewtwo coaxes Ash and friends to New Island, where they are put through various tests, and come to a new understanding of love and sacrifice.

2. Pokémon The Movie 2000: The Power Of One (1999)

The Power of One was the second Pokémon movie to be released. Just like its predecessor, it also has a short, Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure. The Power of One itself, shows off the three Gen I Legendary birds of Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres, but they ultimately serve to make the Gen II Legendary, Lugia, look even more powerful.

Ash and friends find themselves caught up in a scheme by Pokémon Collector Lawrence, who pursues Lugia with no mercy or remorse, while also harming the other birds and pitting them against one another. Ash and friends try their absolute best to rescue these legendary birds, and cease the ensuing fighting.

3. Pokémon 3: The Movie (2000)

The third Pokémon movie brings more characters from the anime series into the fold with Ash’s mother Delia and Professor Oak. Delia is taken by a mysterious Entei, making Ash angry and desperate to get his mother back.

Various Gen II Pokémon are shown off in this movie, from the titular Entei and Unown, to Ash’s own Johto species. Psychic powers allow for some spooky and dangerous shenanigans to take place in the Pokémon universe, but this movie goes further beyond in introducing other dimensions.

4. Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice Of The Forest (2001)

2001 saw the release of two epic Pokémon adventures, in the official fourth movie Celebi – Voice of the Forest and Mewtwo Returns. The latter however, is seen as a special episode that serves as a sequel to the first movie, rather than as an official Pokémon movie.

Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest explores time travel, thanks to the introduction of Gen II Mythical Pokémon, Celebi. Celebi is being pursued by the sinister Marauder and is injured. Suicune also appears to help Ash and co save the day, while revelations about Professor Oak, make for an interesting and entertaining Pokémon movie.

5. Pokémon Heroes: Latios And Latias (2002)

Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias is one of the most popular Pokémon movies. Critics may not have liked it so much, but Heroes was for true Pokémon fans. In fact, in Ash’s anime farewell tour – Aim To Be A Pokémon Master – Ash interacts and cares for a Latios and Latias once again, which was a clear nod to this movie.

Pokémon Heroes introduces the city of Alto Mare, protected by the Eon Duo, Latios and Latias. New Team Rocket agents Annie and Oakley are the new threats, as they try to capture the Legendary Pokémon. Heroes has plenty of heart and surprising twists and turns for a Pokémon movie, which may be why so many still love it so much.

6. Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker (2003)

The sixth main Pokémon movie, Jirachi: Wish Maker, is preceded by a short, with the hilarious Gotta Dance focusing on Team Rocket and various Pokémon dancing uncontrollably. The main movie however, focuses on the Mythical Pokémon Jirachi.

Jirachi, Wish Maker is a rare occasion where May’s brother Max to steal the show, as he forms a close bond with the Mythical Pokémon. As always, someone is out to harness this special Pokémon’s power for themselves, but once again, Ash and friends are on hand to help Jirachi go home.

7. Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)

Destiny Deoxys was the third of the Gen III movies, centering around the alien Deoxys and Rayquaza bringing chaos to LaRousse City. Despite being an extraterrestrial Mythical Pokémon, more memorable Pokémon spearhead a movie than the titular Deoxys.

In fact, Deoxys is actually aided by the presence of fellow Gen III Legendary Pokémon, Rayquaza. As in most Pokémon movies, Ash and friends try to help the titular Pokémon, which in this case involves finding Deoxys’ green crystal, and ultimately fighting off thousands of robots.

8. Pokémon: Lucario And The Mystery Of Mew (2005)

Since its official introduction in Diamond & Pearl, Lucario has become one of the most popular Pokémon of the entire franchise. However, Lucario actually debuted ahead of its time in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a movie that still felt like the Gen III adventures, with Ash traveling with Max, May, and Brock.

As the title suggests, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew has two fan-favorite Pokémon at its center, as well as appearances from the three Regis. It isn’t the last movie with May, Max, and Hoenn Pokémon, but this is certainly where the transition to the next generation starts to ease in.

9. Pokémon Ranger And The Temple Of The Sea (2006)

Pokémon Ranger has made a handful of appearances throughout the anime series, and in one movie, Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. Ash and friends are ultimately caught up in a Pokémon Ranger mission to return the Mythical Pokémon Manaphy to its undersea palace of Samiya.

May is heavily involved in this movie, forming an immediate bond with the newly-hatched Manaphy, and justifying the gang’s inclusion in proceedings. Naturally, there are bad guys pursuing Manaphy and the promise of treasure, making this an action-packed, water-based adventure. Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea is the final movie with May and Max accompanying Ash, signaling the official transition to Gen IV.

10. Pokémon: The Rise Of Darkrai (2007)

Gen IV Dark-type Mythical Pokémon Darkrai has always been seen as an evil species, not helped by its reputation for inducing nightmares. Even Tobias’ Darkrai in the anime series is shown as a menacing opponent looking for any opportunity to violently strike its foes down. In The Rise of Darkrai however, the titular Pokémon is actually the hero of the story.

When Gen IV Legendary Pokémon Palkia and Dialga cause serious dimensional disturbances around Alamos Town, and Darkrai gets the blame. It then tries to stop the endless fighting between the legendaries, as they even threaten to destroy the town.

11. Pokémon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior (2008)

Some of the Pokémon movies have subtle tie-ins to later entries, but very few are actively viewed as a direct sequel. Giratina & The Sky Warrior happens as a direct consequence of The Rise of Darkrai, with Giratina arriving in the aftermath of Dialga and Palkia’s inter-dimensional warfare.

When Giratina captures Dialga and condemns it to the Reverse World, it accidentally takes the adorable Mythical Pokémon Shaymin with it. Shaymin portals its way out and stumbles across Ash and the gang. In taking care of Shaymin, Ash and the gang end up in the Reverse World themselves. Exploring the Reverse World is a welcome change of pace for the franchise, while Shaymin gets plenty of time to shine.

12. Pokémon: Arceus And The Jewel Of Life (2009)

As Arceus is essentially seen as a deity and creator of everything in the Pokémon universe, it was always going to get central focus in a movie of its own. Arceus and the Jewel of Life starts with some ancient lore and history, about the origins of Arceus’ distrust of humanity, bringing events to the present day as it wakes up and ultimately causes Dialga and Palkia’s conflicts two movies ago in The Rise of Darkrai.

Arceus and the Jewel of Life is another sequel, following on from Giratina & The Sky Warrior. Ash and friends arrive and are caught up to speed, learning that Arceus needs its Jewel of Life. When Arceus gets the Jewel, it is able to restore order, ensuring that Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia can all return to whence they came.

13. Pokémon – Zoroark: Master Of Illusions (2010)

Zoroark: Master of Illusions brought in the new era of Pokémon movies, moving on from the Sinnoh trilogy, while easing in the transition to Unova by sticking with Dawn and Brock for the time being. The movie introduces the Gen V Illusion Fox Pokémon, and its knack for creating convincing illusions.

Master of Illusions has it all, from Celebi’s influence on time travel, to Zoroark creating illusions of Entei, Raikou, and Suicune to wreak havoc. The movie focuses on family loyalty, as the despicable Kodai motivates Zoroark by torturing its Zorua cub. Kodai is remembered as one of the most horrendous villains in Pokémon history, helping the audience to root against him.

14. Pokémon The Movie: Black – Victini And Reshiram (2011) & Pokémon The Movie: White – Victini And Zekrom (2011)

The 2011 Black & White movies kick off Pokémon’s movie journey through the Unova region, with a first for the franchise. There are two movies with very similar premises, both having Victini but then also a different Legendary Pokémon of focus. Black has Reshiram, while White follows Zekrom.

Both movies have various other minor differences, but their narratives are similar, to the point of their trailers having the same voiceover, just with different visuals. It is an interesting way of presenting the movies, that fits Pokémon’s usual pattern of releasing two games with each generation. However, both movies ultimately follow the generic Pokémon movie formula of power hungry bad guys who tries to use Legendary Pokémon to achieve their goals, but gets thwarted by Ash and friends.

15. Pokémon The Movie: Kyurem Vs. The Sword Of Justice (2012)

Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice follows Ash, Iris and Cilan as they join forces with one of the Swords of Justice, the Mythical Pokémon Keldeo. Keldeo leads the gang back to save its friends, the Legendary Pokémon, Terrakion, Cobalion, Virizion, from the frightening power of Kyurem.

Kyurem even has the ability to wield the power of other Gen V Legendary Pokémon Reshiram and Zekrom. The movie sees the growth of Keldeo, as it learns to step up to the plate and become the best version of itself.

16. Pokémon The Movie: Genesect And The Legend Awakened (2013)

Genesect and the Legend Awakened is another Pokémon movie to have Ash’s Unova companions Iris and Cilan accompanying him. The movie introduces the intimidating Bug/Steel-type Mythical Pokémon Genesect, as a rampaging group wreaking havoc wherever they go.

This movie has Mewtwo playing the role of hero this time, albeit a different Mewtwo from the misguided antagonist of Mewtwo Strikes Back. Genesect and the Legend Awakened is a rare Pokémon movie that doesn’t have humans in a villainous role, instead exploring Genesect’s distrust of humans as the overarching antagonist.

17. Pokémon The Movie: Diancie And The Cocoon Of Destruction (2014)

Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction is the first Pokémon movie of the XY series, moving swiftly on from Gen V. Serena, Clemont and Bonnie join Ash as they happen upon the Gen VI Mythical Pokémon, Diancie.

They follow Diancie on its journey to find Xerneas, and be gifted the power to create its own Heart Diamond. However, thanks to Team Rocket fighting some thieves, they disturb the titular Cocoon of Destruction, awaking Yveltal from its slumber. Yveltal and Xerneas represent destruction and life respectively, and after an intense encounter, Xerneas restores order and helps Diancie.

18. Pokémon The Movie: Hoopa And The Clash Of Ages (2015)

Hoopa and the Clash of Ages is an interesting entry to the list of Pokémon movies, in that the titular Hoopa ends up fighting on both sides. This is thanks to its anger manifesting a shadow version of itself. Hoopa can even summon other Legendary Pokémon, prompting the presence of Lugia, Rayquaza, Latios and Latias.

Hoopa’s power can even influence the mind, with it possessing various characters including Team Rocket’s Meowth. Ash and friends ultimately try their best to help Hoopa overcome its shadowy counterpart, and aid it in returning home.

19. Pokémon The Movie: Volcanion And The Mechnical Marvel (2016)

Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel brings the XY series of movies to a close, following Ash as he is physically bound to the titular Volcanion. The mysterious Mythical Pokémon leads Ash on a journey to rescue fellow Mythical Pokémon Magearna from the Azoth Kingdom.

As with most Mythical Pokémon aside from Mew and Celebi, Volcanion and Magearna have rarely been seen throughout the games and the anime. This movie serves as an introduction and exploration of their characters, moves and capabilities. Volcanion is even capable of speech through its connection to Ash, despite not being a Psychic Pokémon. This helps Volcanion voice its true intentions and feelings, and helping Ash to understand it.

20. Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You (2017)

I Choose You is as refreshing as Pokémon movies have ever been, despite retracing old steps. The 2017 movie takes things way back to Ash’s first day as a Pokémon Trainer, and the day he met Pikachu. Yet things take a different turn from the original series, as Ash’s experience with the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh is fleshed out in greater detail than just a chance encounter.

Ash and Pikachu meet new characters, as they re-forge the start of their relationship once again, and even encounter Entei, Suicune and Raikou. I Choose You is set in an alternate timeline, completing detached from the anime series aside from Ash and Pikachu, thus existing between the usual generational format of Pokémon movies. This ultimately inspired other subsequent movies to follow this alternate timeline route.

21. Pokémon The Movie: The Power Of Us (2018)

The Power of Us is the highest-rated Pokémon movie among both critics and fans, and for good reason. It is another to take place in an alternate timeline, taking Ash and Pikachu away from the anime series and exploring a refreshing new side to Pokémon.

The Power of Us sees Ash and Pikachu arriving in Fula City for the wind festival. The movie even gives the Electric-type Mythical Pokémon Zeraora the spotlight it deserves, yet rarely got in the main series of the anime. The movie has the classic Pokémon sense of wonder and fun, but with the threat of danger bringing out the very best in people. While some may not like this alternate timeline away from the anime, this standalone movie still has the heart and excitement that the franchise stands for.

22. Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution (2019)

Aside from the alternate timeline Pokémon movies, Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution is one of the most unique entries. It is a CGI remake of the first Pokémon movie, a surreal-looking upgrade, twenty years down the line.

The obvious visual changes are not to everyone’s taste, but such an iconic movie deserved to have a more modern remaster, to keep it relevant in this day and age. Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution recaptures the wonder and excitement of the original, while standing out for its adjustments. Regardless of overall opinion, the CGI enhances the quality and gravitas of Pokémon battles, and the English dub is a clear improvement on the original.

23. Pokémon The Movie: Secrets Of The Jungle (2020)

Secrets of the Jungle is the most recent Pokémon movie, and likely the last to involve Ash and Pikachu, given their departure from the anime in 2023. Pokémon Sword & Shield never got direct representation in the anime like all previous generations, as Journeys sees Ash traveling all over, and Secrets of the Jungle is the only movie to come from that era.

Secrets of the Jungle feels like a Pokémon spin on Tarzan, with a young man named Koko growing up among the Zarude, a group of Gen VIII Rogue Monkey Mythical Pokémon. Secrets of the Jungle has great heart, especially when it shows the Zarude, how they live, and even how they speak among themselves.

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