Best Pokemon movie ever | 7–1
- Best Pokemon movies: 21 – 15
- Best Pokemon movies: 14 – 8
- Best Pokemon movies: 7 – 1
7.Jirachi Wish Maker
It’s fairly dismissive to put Jirachi Wish Maker this high solely because of a tremendous final act but the sixth Pokemon movie’s conclusion not only puts it up with the series’ best, it’s even reminiscent of some of the greatest kanji battles and not-for-kids Disney villains that terrified us a-plenty when were but wee ones.
While the movie introduces Jirachi (and would open the floodgates for a million more movies that exist for the sole purpose of saying hello to a new Pocket Monster), it’s the fake Groudon that steals the show. Its every roar and vicious movement means it can comfortably fit alongside the likes of Mewtwo and Giovanni on the Pokemon Baddies’ Mount Rushmore. For once, you don’t expect Ash and co. to prevail, which makes this one of the more unpredictable and downright scary showings from Hoenn, Kanto, and beyond.
6. Pokemon 4Ever
Featuring one of the coolest legendary Pokemon and time travel, Pokemon 4Ever is one of the more unique films in the series. Along with a new friend named Sam (that actually winds up being quite the familiar face), Ash and company must help Celebi escape from an evil hunter trying to track down the forest guardian. Some of the animation, particularly the 3D effects used in the final battle, hasn’t stood the test of time, but the twist ending make it stand out on its own two feet, despite it being typical timey-wimey fare and, for that alone, it’s one of the best in the series.
5. Pokemon the Movie 2000
Far from the difficult second album many were expecting, Pokemon The Movie 2000 couldn’t quite recapture the magic of the original Pokemon movie, but it comes damn close. Ho-Oh and Lugia’s swirling, seafaring battles are the obvious highlight in terms of action, but there’s some really nice interplay between Ash, Misty, and Brock. The former two even hint at the will-they/won’t-they relationship in teasing fashion.
It may not hold up to your childhood memories, yet this is still deserving of a top five place on our list thanks to its capacity to thrill and entertain throughout a lightning-quick 90 minutes.
4. Pokemon 3 The Movie: Spell of the Unown
The last of the true epics when it comes to Pokemon movies, Spell of the Unown manages to weave together a deeply personal tale about an orphan who just wants to be loved, together with the traditional bombastic legendary-fest you might expect from a big budget Pokemon flick.
Not many battles, across hundreds of episodes and nearly two-dozen movies, match the emotional impact of Pikachu vs. Entei and, for many, this was the gateway into the second generation (and beyond). It manages to pull it off pretty effortlessly, without falling into the overstuffed traps of later movies. For that, it should be applauded.
It also gets bonus points for being bundled with the delightfully goofy short, Pikachu and Pichu.
3. I Choose You!
The 2017 reboot was a great way to reset the long-running series. It had plenty of nostalgia, as it reimagined many story beats from the original anime, but also repurposed them to be more impactful. Watching the abandoned Charmander stubbornly wait for its trainer while it rained was heart-wrenching 20 years ago, but it’ll bring anyone to tears here. There’s also plenty of great additions such as getting to see legendary Pocket Monsters such as Entei and Ho-Oh.
However, for all of the great moments, there are still some issues here. The most baffling point in I Choose You! is when they have Pikachu actually speak English. It’s supposed to be an emotional scene, but instead of enriching the moment it just makes it a laughable one. However, the good far outweigh the bad here and it’s a well-earned trip down memory lane, while still remaining fresh in its own right.
2. Pokemon Heroes: Latios and Latias
Many of the Pokemon movies on this last can rise and fall in people’s estimations (and our own opinions here at GameRevolution) thanks to how each movie’s entire runtime ensnares us. With Pokemon Heroes, however, its emotional final act, which involves a surprisingly dark turn, is magnetic enough to propel it to second spot alone. It really sets it apart from nearly every single Pokemon movie before and since.
If you’ve already watched it, you’ll know the bit I mean. You’re getting a lump in your throat just thinking about it. For those who haven’t: I daren’t spoil it here, but the film takes its time building up a worthy antagonist, so much so that its actions will have you invested a whole lot more than you’d bargained for. Then that moment hits. Even The First Movie struggles to hit such emotional highs.
1. Pokemon The First Movie
Speaking of which, there was only ever going to be one choice for top spot. It’s filled with iconic moments that stayed with you throughout your childhood and well beyond that. It’s the epic opening battle with the reworked main theme. It’s Mewtwo and Mew facing off for the first time. It’s Ash’s death. It’s Pikachu crying. It’s seeing Team Rocket turn good, if only for a brief moment.
In truth, it’s all of those things turned into a whirlwind adventure that doesn’t pad, doesn’t patronize, and doesn’t shy away from tough moments. It’s everything we love about Pokemon and more, and that’s why it’s the best Pokemon movie, now and always.
