The Digimon franchise often finds itself at the butt of many jokes, unfairly labeled as a cheap, uninspired Pokémon rip-off. However, those who have actually spent some time with the games and anime would beg to differ, as Bandai's popular series has plenty of heart and unique ideas, which help distinguish it from the pack.
As such, we'd like to give the series its proper due and highlight some of the awesome creature designs that are unlike anything else out there. Without further ado, join us as we take a look back at some of the finest Digital Monsters to grace the series.
Which Digimon are your favorite? There are an awful lot of creatures to choose from!
Top Digimon of All Time
7. Myotismon
There are villains and then there's Myotismon. This dude is bad to the bone; evil through and through. This demonic Digimon is hell-bent on destroying the Digidestined and their companions. Worse yet, he's got his sights set on the real world, which he wishes to shroud in darkness. rn rnI can't say I've been scared by many cartoon villains, but seeing Myotismon sends a chill up my spine to this very day. Admittedly, some of that likely has to do with his horrifying costume and purple lipstick....
1. Omnimon
What happens when you fuse the awesomeness of Wargreymon and Metalgarurumon? The greatest Digimon of all time, that's what! Omnimon is hands-down the greatest and most powerful Digital Monster to ever grace the series, combining the power of both Tai and Matt's loyal companions. rn rnEquipped with the Grey Sword in one hand and the Brave Omega Shield in the other, Omnimon is a serious force to be reckoned with. If you've ever seen Digimon: The Movie , you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't, what's the matter with you?! Go watch it right now!
5. Piedmon
Part demon, part magician... and pure evil, Piedmon is undoubtedly one of the most memorable Digimon villains of all time. He's one of the Dark Masters that Tai and his pals must defeat, and boy is he a formidable one. rn rnThe character's mysterious origins and odd design only add to his creepiness. It's no wonder Tai and his pals had a lot of journeying to do and experience to gain before facing off against this unforgettable demonic wizard... magician... thing.
3. Terriermon
If you've watched Digimon: The Movie , you should have totally seen this one coming. After all, Terriermon is pretty much unmatched in the cute department. With those big floppy ears and a smile that would melt a heart of ice, this bunny-esque dog Digimon is truly one of a kind. rn rnLet's also not forget that this cute little dude evolves into a gun-toting tough guy that would give Final Fantasy VII 's Barrett a run for his money.
6. Veemon
Courage and optimism is basically Veemon in a nutshell. This little blue dinosaur is always a source of positivity, even in the face of some dark and dangerous situations where no hope can seemingly be found. Yep, Veemon is a consistent source of light who serves as a fantastic leader to the rest of his digital pals in the show's second proper adventure. rn rnHe's also the partner of Davis, whose overly-dramatic personality totally balances him out. They make a great duo.
2. Wizardmon
This one really doesn't need any explanation. Wizardmon is just great. Period. Just look at his character design! That hat is one of a kind, and the dude's endearing personality makes him one of the series' most unforgettable cast members, despite the fact that his time in the anime is criminally short. rn rnDespite being tied up with the forces of evil, Wizardmon has a heart of gold, and he proves that by sacrificing so much of himself to help Gatomon and the Digidestined save the world.
4. Wormmon
Conflicted, cute, and loyal are the three words that best sum up Ken's bug-like companion. Wormmon starts off as the sidekick to one of the show's most evil emperors, but it doesn't take long for both he and his partner to see the light and become a force for justice. rn rnWormmon is a complex and deep character, with a conflicted past and incredible backstory. Compared to the relatively shallow personalities of most Pokémon, Wormmon speaks to the unparalleled depth of Bandai's monster-minded franchise.
10. Angemon
T.K.'s Patamon may seem like a helpless little flying ball with eyes, but when he evolves into Angemon, he's a serious force to be recoked with. While many of the other Digidestined's monsters transform into giant wolves, dinosaurs, or birds, T.K.'s partner sets himself apart by transforming into a wise and powerful angel. rn rnIn many ways, Angemon is the Captain America to the Digidestined's Avengers. He's a constant source of wisdom and justice, and for that reason deserves a spot on this list.
9. Gatomon
This green-gloved cat Digimon may start off as a servant to one of the series' big bads, but Gatomon ultimately sees the light and becomes a partner to one of the Digidestined children. The journey she goes on and the transformation of her character is quite a sight to behold. Seeing her stand up to the super intimidating Myotismon is quite epic. rn rnLet's also not forget that she evolves into the glorious Angewoman, Angemon's better half. Just like Angemon, she's a powerful force for justice.
8. Wargreymon
Agumon is basically the Pikachu of the Digimon franchise, and Wargreymon is the fully evolved form of Tai's cutesy orange dino. So yeah, if Ash actually bucked up and gave Pikachu a Thunderstone and then equipped his new Raichu with some sick armor and pumped him full of steroids, you'd have a worthy Pokémon comparison. rn rnWargreymon is iconic in every sense of the word. If you like dinosaurs covered in metal plating, this ferocious Digimon has basically everything you could ever want.
17. Tentomon
Unlike his more emotional and naive friends, Izzy is a calculated boy genius through and through. He travels the digital world with his laptop at all times, as well as his trusty companion, Tentomon. Like Izzy, Tentomon is a smart little bugger, who serves as a grounded source of reason, which the group of Digidestined most certainly need. Plus, he's got one of the greatest attacks in series' history... Electro Shocker!!!
11. Agumon
Make no mistake about it, Agumon is basically the Pikachu of the Digimon franchise. He's the companion to the series' main character and he's a happy go-lucky personality who is also super powerful when his pals are in danger. Plus, he a dinosaur. How can you not love a friendly orange dino?
12. Bukamon
Bukamon is extremely underrated and doesn't nearly get enough screen time in the television series. Partner to the super conscientious Joe, Bukamon serves as a fun-loving foil who balances out the doctor-in-training and all of his OCD tendencies. He's also super cute and evolves into a ferocious water-dwelling beast.
14. Koromon
While he may not look like much, this pink sphere with long floppy ears is far from being a cheap Kirby knock-off. For one, Koromon is the early form of Agumon, who evolves into Greymon, who evolves into Metalgreymon, who evolves into... Yeah, you get it. Tai's cute little companion packs a lot of potential, and his little baby form is no slouch either.
13. Leomon
This heroic force of justice should not be overlooked. Sure, Leomon may have not made the best first impression thanks to the evil powers of the Black Gears, but once the Digidestined help him see the light, Leomon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic powers for good in the entire series. He's like that intimidating big brother that you're happy to have on your side.
18. Lilymon
The Champion form of Mimi's Digimon may just be a giant cactus with punching gloves, but when it evolves into its ultimate form, it becomes the beautiful plant princess that perfectly suits the personality of her human counterpart. Lilymon is so much more than just a pretty pink face, though, as the digital plant creature also packs quite the leafy green punch.
15. Patamon
TK's two-toned orange companion Patamon definitely earns points for adorability, thanks to those big googly eyes and giant ears that double as wings. He's also incredibly kind, soft, and sensitive—the kind of partner that TK most definitely needs... and one that, frankly, anyone would be lucky to have. Let's also not forget he evolves into Angemon... who appears a bit later in this list. I rest my case.
16. Skullgreymon
What happens when you force your Digimon to evolve through unconventional means? A recipe for disaster, that's for sure! Skullgreymon is the product of Tai's impatience as he pushes his little buddy Agumon to evolve before he's ready. Suddenly, his best bud becomes his worst enemy. Take this as a warning, kids. Don't push your friends beyond their limits.
23. Gargomon
Have you seen the Digimon Movie? If you answered "Yes" then it should be no surprise to you that Gargomon made our list. If you answered "No" then I suggest you go get yourself a copy of the movie and watch it right now, if only to see this gun-toting rabbit in action. He's the evolved form of Terriermon, who is awesome in his own right, and basically serves as the Digimon equivalent of Final Fantasy VII 's Barrett. Need I say more?
22. Puppetmon
What happens when you take Pinocchio, digitize him, and then make him really, really evil? Puppetmon, one of the big bad Dark Masters that the Digidestined kids must defeat in the epic long-running anime. His ability to manipulate others is quite scary (for a kid's show) and his shrill voice will send chills down your spine. He's definitely one of the series' most memorable characters.
24. Angewomon
The evolved form of Gatomon is basically the polar opposite of Devimon. She's beautiful, angelic, and pure light—basically the embodiment of all that is good in the digital world. Her Celestial Arrow can pierce through any darkness, making her one of the most valuable members of the core cast of digital heroes.
25. Devimon
This evil Digimon is one of the first major adversaries of the Digidestined and does a great job at making life difficult for a merry band of heroic children. He's bad to the very core. As his name implies, Devimon is devilish in every way imaginable. There is literally nothing redeeming about this character. As such, his inevitable demise is all the more satisfying. Plus, he's super fun to root against.
21. Digmon
The drill Digimon and companion to Cody is the epitome of cool. After receiving the Digi-Egg of Knowledge, Armadillomon transforms from a cute little armadillo into a drill-covered tough guy who's all sorts of awesome. By using Gold Rush, Digmon sends a barrage of drills spinning at his foes. Seriously, don't mess with this guy.
20. Etemon
Oh boy, where do I even begin? Etemon is one of the strangest, most annoying Digimon ever conceived, and yet he manages to be strangely compelling at the very same time. You'll never find him without a microphone or his trusty guitar as he travels the digital landscape stirring up trouble. For better or worse, he leaves a lasting impression, and for that very reason, deserves a bit of recognition.
19. Flamedramon
When the cute and cuddly Veemon is given the Digi-Egg of Courage, he transforms into Flamedramon, a far more intimidating monster who's covered in stylish red and yellow armor. With attacks like Flame Fist and Flame Shield, this Champion level blue dino is a fierce companion who gets his human buddy Davis out of many sticky situations.