Watch the Pokémon anime in order from the original series (1997), following Ash through Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos and Alola to Pokémon Journeys, where his story ends; Pokémon Horizons (2023) starts over with new heroes. Each film fits after the series era it came out in. I Choose You! (2017) and The Power of Us (2018) are a separate retelling, and Detective Pikachu (2019) is live action and stands alone.
- Titles
- 32
- Films
- 24
- Series
- 8
- Watch time
- 575 hours
- Box office
- $1.52 billion
- Avg IMDb
- 6.4
Pokémon movies in release order
Here is every Pokémon title in the order it came out, 1997 to 2023: 24 films and 8 series. Optional entries are marked; you can skip them on a first watch.
Release or chronological: which order is best?
For Pokémon, release order and story order are the same thing: every series picks up after the one before it. There is no prequel to slot in early and no flashback to reshuffle, so the list above is the only order you need.
Where to start
Start with Pokémon: The Original Series and go in release order, skipping the 4 optional titles on the first pass.
The essentials are 28 titles and about 568 hours, 1% less than the full run.
The three highest rated: Pokémon: XY (8.2), Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (7.7), and Pokémon: The Original Series (7.6).
Every Pokémon movie, explained
One entry per title in release order: what it is about, why it matters to the bigger story, who is in it and how it did.
No. 01 · 1997 · Series · 105h 47m
Pokémon: The Original Series
It’s Ash Ketchum’s tenth birthday, and he’s ready to do what many 10-year-olds in the Kanto region set out to do—become a Pokémon Trainer! Things don’t go exactly the way he planned when he ends up with a Pikachu instead of a standard first Pokémon, and winning Gym Badges turns out to be much tougher than he thought. Luckily he’s got former Gym Leaders Brock and Misty at his side, along with a bevy of new Pokémon friends, including Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander.
Why it matters: Ash and Pikachu set out from Pallet Town through Kanto, the Orange Islands and Johto; the 1997 start of everything.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 7.6
No. 02 · 1998 · Film · 1h 36m
Pokémon: The First Movie
Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokémon match like none before.
Why it matters: Mewtwo, a cloned Pokémon, turns on the humans who made him; Ash is turned to stone.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayumi Izuka
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $164 million on a $30 million budget
- Scores
- IMDb 6.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 17%
No. 03 · 1999 · Film · 1h 24m
Pokémon: The Movie 2000
When Lawrence III's scheme to capture the Legendary Pokémon Lugia upsets the balance of nature, it is up to Ash Ketchum and his friends to save the world.
Why it matters: Ash must gather three treasures to stop the legendary birds from destroying the world.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayumi Izuka
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $134 million on a $30 million budget
- Scores
- IMDb 6.1
No. 04 · 2000 · Film · 1h 13m
Pokémon 3: The Movie
When the sadness of her father's disappearance gets to Molly Hale, she unknowingly uses the Unown to create her own dream world along with Entei, who she believes to be her father. When Entei kidnaps Ash's mother, Ash — alongside Misty and Brock — invade the mansion looking for his mom and trying to stop the mysteries of Molly's Dream World and Entei!
Why it matters: The Unown build a crystal world around a lonely girl, and Ash's mom is taken.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $68 million on a $16 million budget
- Scores
- IMDb 5.9
No. 05 · 2001 · Film · 1h 20m
Pokémon 4Ever
In order to escape a greedy Pokémon hunter, Celebi must use the last of its energy to travel through time to the present day. Celebi brings along Sammy, a boy who had been trying to protect it. Along with Ash, Pikachu, and the rest of the gang, Sammy and Celebi must encounter an enemy far more advanced than the hunter, with the fate of the forest hanging in the balance.
Why it matters: Celebi and a boy from 40 years in the past; time travel in the forest.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Unsho Ishizuka
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $41 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.8
No. 06 · 2002 · Film · 1h 20m
Pokémon Heroes
Ash, Pikachu and the gang try and stop a pair of thieves hiding out in the canals and alleyways of Altomare, the age-old water capital. Joining the adventure are two new legendary Pokémon, a pair of siblings named Latias and Latios, who serve as peacekeepers and protectors of the Soul Dew — a priceless treasure with a mysterious power.
Why it matters: Latios and Latias in a Venice-like city, against two thieves.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayumi Izuka
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $28 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 20%
No. 07 · 2002 · Series · 73h 36m
Pokémon: Advanced Generation
Polishing off the Silver Conference, Ash heads toward his next challenge—the far-off Hoenn region! While he must say goodbye to old friends, he makes the acquaintance of May, a Trainer just starting out on her Pokémon journey. Along with her little brother Max and the ever-reliable Brock, this pack of Pokémon Trainers begin pursuing their dreams—with Ash racking up three Gym Badges, while May changes tack to follow the Contest path of a Pokémon Coordinator.
Why it matters: Ash travels Hoenn with May, Max and Brock, then the Battle Frontier.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 7.6
No. 08 · 2003 · Film · 1h 21m
Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker
Ash, May, Brock, and Max come upon the festival of the Wishing Star of Seven Nights. During their enjoyment, the legendary Pokemon--Jirachi, descends from the heavens and befriends Max. Jirachi, with the power to grant any wish, is sought after by many people wanting to claim its power. One man seeks to use its legendary power to revive an ancient Pokemon known as Groudon, unaware of the dangers hidden within Jirachi's powers
Why it matters: Jirachi wakes for seven days every thousand years; Butler wants its power.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Yuji Ueda, and KAORI
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $34 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.8
No. 09 · 2004 · Film · 1h 38m
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys
Deoxys, a Pokémon from outer space, terrorizes the high-tech city Ash Ketchum and his friends are visiting.
Why it matters: Deoxys and Rayquaza clash over a futuristic city.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and KAORI
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $34 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.1
No. 10 · 2005 · Film · 1h 43m
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
In the legendary past, before Poké Balls were invented, an aura-guiding hero Pokémon named Lucario sensed two groups of armies about to clash, and a threat of a massive war in front of Oldoran Castle in Kanto that would leave no survivors. He transferred this message to his master, the legendary hero Arlon, while he was being attacked by a violent group of Hellgar. During the battle, his sense of sight was lost and he was rendered unable to see. He used the detection of his Aura, and so with the offensive Wave Bomb, he eliminated them. Though by the threat, the queen of Rota, Lady Rin was resolute to die with her civilians, and so Arlon made a choice.
Why it matters: Lucario, sealed in a staff for centuries, searches for Mew and the Tree of Beginning.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $37 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.8
No. 11 · 2006 · Film · 1h 45m
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
On their way through the Battle Frontier, Ash and friends meet up with a Pokémon Ranger who's mission is to deliever the egg of Manaphy to a temple on the ocean's floor. However, a greedy pirate wants the power of Manaphy to himself.
Why it matters: Manaphy hatches and leads Ash to the Sea Temple.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $28 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.9
No. 12 · 2006 · Series · 73h 13m
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl
If Gary Oak is headed for the Sinnoh region, then Ash Ketchum won’t be far behind! Ready to take on the Sinnoh League, Ash brings along Pikachu and meets up with Brock in Sinnoh, where the pair of Trainers are soon joined by a third—Dawn, a novice Pokémon Coordinator determined to follow in the footsteps of her mother. Both Ash and Dawn struggle with their respective paths, but it’s easy for them to make new friends, gaining new Pokémon like Turtwig and Piplup.
Why it matters: Ash travels Sinnoh with Dawn and Brock, against Paul and Team Galactic.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 7.7
No. 13 · 2007 · Film · 1h 35m
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai
Ash and friends (this time accompanied by newcomer Dawn) arrive at an idyllic village on their way to their next Pokemon contest, where chaos will soon erupt with the prophecy of two Pokemon Gods (Dialga and Palkia) and the arrival of a mysterious, seemingly deadly Pokemon named Darkrai, which has the power to distort space and time.
Why it matters: Dialga and Palkia fight in Alamos Town, and Darkrai protects it.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $42 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.4
No. 14 · 2008 · Film · 1h 40m
Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior
When Giratina is discovered to be able to create parallel dimensions, it's up to Ash and his friends to stop a mysterious stranger from using its powers for evil.
Why it matters: Shaymin and Giratina, and a man who wants the Reverse World.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $48 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6
No. 15 · 2009 · Film · 1h 35m
Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
When the creator of the world, Arceus, comes to pass judgement on humanity for the theft of the legendary Jewel of Life, Ash and his friends are sent back in time to possibly reverse the events that led to Arceus' vendetta.
Why it matters: Arceus returns to take revenge on humanity for a betrayal; Ash goes back in time.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $52 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.3
No. 16 · 2010 · Film · 1h 36m
Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions
Ash and his friends must stop a greedy media mogul from using the shape-shifting Zoroark to capture the time-travelling Celebi.
Why it matters: Zoroark is forced to rampage through Crown City under a criminal's control.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Yuji Ueda
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $71 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.1
No. 17 · 2010 · Series · 54h 26m
Pokémon: Black & White
When Ash and his mother accompany Professor Oak to the distant Unova region, Ash discovers Pokémon that he’s never seen before… and that he can’t wait to catch! He may have Pikachu at his side together with new friends Iris and Cilan, but he’ll still need plenty of new Pokémon on his team if he wants to challenge Unova’s expert Gym Leaders. His quest to become a Pokémon Master just got even tougher!
Why it matters: Ash starts over in Unova with Iris and Cilan.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 7.6
No. 18 · 2011 · Film · 1h 37m
Pokémon the Movie: White, Victini and Zekrom
The Kingdom of the People of the Earth once ruled over the land, but now all that remains is the Sword of the Earth. in the city of Eindoak. Satoshi, Iris, and Dent arrive in Eindoak during a harvest festival's Pokémon Tournament and meet the legendary Pokémon Victini who wishes to share its powers of victory to someone. Elsewhere in the city, a descendant of the People of the Earth named Dred Grangil has arrived who seeks to revive the kingdom's power with the Sword of the Earth, bringing them back into power over the land, and Satoshi and his friends must stop him before he destroys the land along with Victini.
Why it matters: Victini is trapped by the barrier of a kingdom's descendant; released as two versions.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Aoi Yuuki
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $29 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.7
No. 19 · 2012 · Film · 1h 12m
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice
Ash and his two friends Iris and Cilan help a Keldeo battle against a powerful Dragon-type Pokémon named Kyurem its his test to become a Sacred Swordsman.
Why it matters: Keldeo challenges Kyurem to save the Swords of Justice.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Aoi Yuuki
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $44 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.5
No. 20 · 2013 · Film · 1h 36m
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
A group of five Genesect have invaded the big city and pose a threat to the supply of electricity, which attracts the attention of the legendary Pokémon Mewtwo. Satoshi, Pikachu and his friends must come to the rescue when the powerful leader, a red Genesect, faces Mewtwo.
Why it matters: An army of Genesect settles in a city and clashes with Mewtwo.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Aoi Yuuki
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $32 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.5
No. 21 · 2013 · Series · 54h 26m
Pokémon: XY
It’s time for Ash and Pikachu to set off on their adventures in the Kalos region! Along the way, they’re joined by some new friends—a genius inventor named Clemont, his little sister Bonnie, and Serena, a Trainer on her first journey. Ash immediately tries to challenge the Gym in Lumiose City, but doesn’t get very far before a robot throws him out! In between Gym battles, Ash and friends will be exploring this unique region, meeting all kinds of new Pokémon, and looking into a fascinating new Pokémon mystery!
Why it matters: Ash travels Kalos with Serena, Clemont and Bonnie; Ash-Greninja and Team Flare.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 8.2
No. 22 · 2014 · Film · 1h 16m
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
In the underground Diamond Domain, where many Carbink live, the Mythical Pokémon Diancie serves as ruler. The Heart Diamond that sustains the land is beginning to fall apart, and Diancie is not yet strong enough to create a new one. While seeking help from the Legendary Pokémon Xerneas, Diancie encounters a group of thieves who want to take control of its diamond-producing power–and who awaken the Legendary Pokémon Yveltal from its cocoon in the process! Can Ash and his friends help Diancie discover its true power, stop Yveltal’s rampage, and save the Diamond Domain?
Why it matters: Diancie looks for Xerneas to save its kingdom; Yveltal wakes.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayuki Makiguchi
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $29 million on a $25 million budget
- Scores
- IMDb 5.5
No. 23 · 2015 · Film · 1h 13m
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
Ash, Pikachu, and their friends come to a desert city by the sea. Here they meet the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa, which has the ability to summon things—including people and Pokémon—through its magic rings. After a scary incident, they learn of a story about a brave hero who stopped the rampage of a terrifying Pokémon long ago. Now, the threat that has been bottled up for years is in danger of breaking loose again.
Why it matters: Hoopa's rings summon legendary Pokémon, and its unbound form runs wild.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayuki Makiguchi
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $22 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.9
No. 24 · 2016 · Film · 1h 37m
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel
Ash meets the Mythical Pokémon Volcanion when it crashes down from the sky, creating a cloud of dust—and a mysterious force binds the two of them together! Volcanion despises humans and tries to get away, but it’s forced to drag Ash along as it continues its rescue mission. They arrive in a city of cogs and gears, where a corrupt official has stolen the ultimate invention: the Artificial Pokémon Magearna, created 500 years ago. He plans to use its mysterious power to take control of this mechanical kingdom! Can Ash and Volcanion work together to rescue Magearna? One of the greatest battles in Pokémon history is about to unfold!
Why it matters: Ash is chained to Volcanion as a kingdom tries to use Magearna.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayuki Makiguchi
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $20 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.9
No. 25 · 2016 · Series · 55h 58m
Pokémon: Sun & Moon
What starts as a summer vacation in the tropical Alola region turns into the next exciting chapter in Ash Ketchum’s quest to become a Pokémon Master! There’s plenty for Ash and Pikachu to explore in this sunny new region, with exciting new Pokémon to discover and interesting people to learn from along the way—including the cool Professor Kukui and the fun-loving Samson Oak. More new faces will help guide Ash’s Alolan adventure, in the form of a group of skilled Trainers—Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles—and a mysterious research assistant called Lillie. Frequent foes Team Rocket have also made the trip to Alola, looking to swipe some high-powered new Pokémon. But they have some heavy competition on the villainy front: the ruffians of Team Skull, who delight in causing chaos and may have more sinister intentions…
Why it matters: Ash goes to school in Alola and finally wins a league.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 7.4
No. 26 · 2017 · Film · 1h 38m · optional
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
Ash Ketchum wakes up late one morning after having broken his alarm clock in his sleep. He eventually makes it to Professor Oak's lab, but is told that the three starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, have already been taken by Trainers who were on time. However, Oak reveals that he has one more Pokémon, an Electric-type named Pikachu. Despite its volatile and feisty personality, as well as its refusal to get inside a Poké Ball, Ash happily takes Pikachu for his journey.
Why it matters: A retelling of Ash's first journey in its own continuity, with new companions.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Director
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $38 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 33%
No. 27 · 2018 · Film · 1h 38m · optional
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
A young athlete whose running days might be behind her, a compulsive liar, a shy researcher, a bitter old woman, and a little girl with a big secret—the only thing they have in common is the annual Wind Festival in Fula City. The festival celebrates the Legendary Pokémon Lugia, who brings the wind that powers this seaside city. When a series of threats endangers not just the festival, but all the people and Pokémon of Fula City, it’ll take more than just Satoshi and Pikachu to save the day! Can everyone put aside their differences and work together—or will it all end in destruction?
Why it matters: A festival town, Zeraora and a wind festival; the same continuity as I Choose You!
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Director
- Tetsuo Yajima
- Box office
- $24 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 71%
No. 28 · 2019 · Film · 1h 45m · optional
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
In a world where people collect pocket-size monsters (Pokémon) to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent monster who seeks to be a detective.
Why it matters: Live action: Tim and a talking Pikachu in detective hat search for Tim's father in Ryme City.
- Starring
- Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, and Kathryn Newton
- Director
- Rob Letterman
- Box office
- $450 million on a $150 million budget
- Scores
- IMDb 6.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 68%
No. 29 · 2019 · Film · 1h 38m · optional
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Evolution
After accepting an invitation from a mysterious trainer, Ash, Misty and Brock meet Mewtwo, an artificially created Pokémon who wants to do battle.
Why it matters: A CGI remake of the first film.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Mayumi Izuka
- Director
- Motonori Sakakibara and Kunihiko Yuyama
- Box office
- $27 million
- Scores
- IMDb 5.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 44%
No. 30 · 2019 · Series · 56h 22m
Pokémon Journeys
Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum has a new plan: see the world! But first, he and his partner Pikachu are headed to the opening of the Cerise Laboratory, a research facility dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of Pokémon in every region. Ash meets Goh, another boy with boundless curiosity about Pokémon, and both are overjoyed when Professor Cerise asks them to become official research fellows. With Ash as determined as ever to become a Pokémon Master, and Goh aiming to catch one of every Pokémon (including the Mythical Mew), our heroes are in for adventure and excitement as they explore the wide world of Pokémon!
Why it matters: Ash and Goh visit every region; Ash becomes World Champion and his journey ends.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Megumi Hayashibara
- Scores
- IMDb 7.1
No. 31 · 2020 · Film · 1h 41m
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
In the Forest of Okoya, Koko is a feral child who has been raised as a Pokémon by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Pokémon even though he can't really use any sort of moves. Ash Ketchum and Pikachu meet Koko and help him protect the Great Tree from the crooked scientist Dr. Zed.
Why it matters: Koko, a boy raised by Zarude in the jungle.
- Starring
- Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, and Moka Kamishiraishi
- Director
- Tetsuo Yajima
- Box office
- $21 million
- Scores
- IMDb 6.4
No. 32 · 2023 · Series · 64h 35m
Pokémon Horizons
Follow Liko and Roy as they unravel the mysteries that surround them and encounter Friede, Captain Pikachu, Amethio, and others during their exciting adventures!
Why it matters: New heroes Liko and Roy after Ash's story ends.
- Starring
- Minori Suzuki, Yuka Terasaki, and Yoshino Aoyama
- Scores
- IMDb 7.4
- Episodes
- 155
Pokémon box office and budgets
The 24 Pokémon films with reported numbers have grossed $1.52 billion worldwide on about $251 million in combined budgets, roughly 3.4 times what they cost. The biggest is Pokémon Detective Pikachu at $450 million, 30% of the franchise's total on its own, followed by Pokémon: The First Movie ($164 million) and Pokémon: The Movie 2000 ($134 million).
Measured against what it cost, the best return belongs to Pokémon: The First Movie, which made 5.5 times its $30 million budget. The weakest was Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction at 1.2 times its $25 million budget. As a rule of thumb, a film needs about two and a half times its budget at the box office to cover marketing and the theaters' cut.
The best and worst rated Pokémon movies
Across 32 rated titles, Pokémon averages 6.4 on IMDb. The top of the list is Pokémon: XY at 8.2, then Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (7.7) and Pokémon: The Original Series (7.6). At the bottom: Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (5.5) and Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (5.5). Money and quality don't line up perfectly: the highest grosser, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, is only the 10th best rated.
- Pokémon: XY8.2
- Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl7.7
- Pokémon: The Original Series7.6
- Pokémon: Advanced Generation7.6
- Pokémon: Black & White7.6
- Pokémon: Sun & Moon7.4
- Pokémon Horizons7.4
- Pokémon Journeys7.1
- Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew6.8
- Pokémon Detective Pikachu6.5 · RT 68%
Who appears in the most Pokémon movies
Ikue Otani leads with 31 appearances as Pikachu and Captain Pikachu, ahead of Megumi Hayashibara (31) and Rica Matsumoto (30). Counted from each title's top-billed cast.
| Actor | Role | Titles | First and latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ikue Otani | Pikachu / Captain Pikachu | 31 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Horizons (2023) |
| Megumi Hayashibara | Musashi / Rabifutto | 31 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Horizons (2023) |
| Rica Matsumoto | Satoshi / Ash | 30 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020) |
| Inuko Inuyama | Nyarth | 29 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020) |
| Shin-ichiro Miki | Galar Kamonegi / Kojiro | 28 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020) |
| Unsho Ishizuka | Narrator / Dr. Okido | 24 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Journeys (2019) |
| Yuji Ueda | Takeshi / Yorunozuku | 23 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Journeys (2019) |
| Mayumi Izuka | Kasumi | 13 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Journeys (2019) |
| KAORI | Haruka | 11 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Journeys (2019) |
| Kei Shindo | Joy / Mory | 8 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Horizons (2023) |
| Yuko Kobayashi | Shigeru Oak | 7 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Journeys (2019) |
| Kenyu Horiuchi | Narrator | 7 | Pokémon: The Original Series (1997) to Pokémon Journeys (2019) |
Pokémon directors and creators
4 filmmakers have directed or created Pokémon; Kunihiko Yuyama has the most, with 21.
- Kunihiko YuyamaPokémon: The First Movie (1998), Pokémon: The Movie 2000 (1999), Pokémon 3: The Movie (2000), Pokémon 4Ever (2001), Pokémon Heroes (2002), Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker (2003), Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004), Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005), Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006), Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007), Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008), Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009), Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010), Pokémon the Movie: White, Victini and Zekrom (2011), Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012), Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013), Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014), Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015), Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016), Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017), and Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Evolution (2019)
- Tetsuo YajimaPokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018) and Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
- Rob LettermanPokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)
- Motonori SakakibaraPokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Evolution (2019)
How long it takes to watch every Pokémon movie
All 32 titles add up to 575 hours: 37 hours of film and 538 hours of series, counting every episode. That is about 288 two-hour evenings, or 58 days of ten-hour binges. The essentials cut it to 568 hours. The longest film is Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea at 1h 45m.
The 4 best rated films: Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, Pokémon: The First Movie, and Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai.
Everything takes about 19 months; the essentials about 19 months.
Track what you've watched on the timeline and it counts the hours left.
Which Pokémon movies can you skip?
4 titles can go without losing the main story. They are side stories, spin-offs or entries the later films ignore. Dropping them saves 7 hours.
- Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!2017 · Film · 1h 38m · optionalA retelling of Ash's first journey in its own continuity, with new companions.
- Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us2018 · Film · 1h 38m · optionalA festival town, Zeraora and a wind festival; the same continuity as I Choose You!
- Pokémon Detective Pikachu2019 · Film · 1h 45m · optionalLive action: Tim and a talking Pikachu in detective hat search for Tim's father in Ryme City.
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Evolution2019 · Film · 1h 38m · optionalA CGI remake of the first film.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Pokémon movies in?
Watch the Pokémon anime in order from the original series (1997), following Ash through Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos and Alola to Pokémon Journeys, where his story ends; Pokémon Horizons (2023) starts over with new heroes. Each film fits after the series era it came out in. I Choose You! (2017) and The Power of Us (2018) are a separate retelling, and Detective Pikachu (2019) is live action and stands alone.
How many Pokémon movies and shows are there?
There are 32 titles in the Pokémon franchise: 24 films and 8 series, released from 1997 to 2023.
How long does it take to watch all the Pokémon movies?
About 575 hours for all 32 titles, counting every episode. The essentials only (28 titles) take about 568 hours.
What is the first Pokémon title in chronological order?
Pokémon: The Original Series, set in Kanto, the Orange Islands and Johto. In release order the first is Pokémon: The Original Series (1997).
Which Pokémon titles can I skip?
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, and Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Evolution. They are spin-offs, side stories or non-canon entries; the main story holds without them.
What is the best Pokémon movie?
By IMDb score, Pokémon: XY (2013) at 8.2, followed by Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl at 7.7.
What is the highest-grossing Pokémon movie?
Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019), with $450 million worldwide. Pokémon films have made $1.52 billion in total.
Who has appeared in the most Pokémon movies?
Ikue Otani, in 31 of them as Pikachu.
What is the longest Pokémon movie?
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, at 1h 45m.
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