5 Best Pokémon Movies, Ranked
The Pokémon franchise has released a film almost every year since 1998, totaling a lot of movies. Picking which ones to watch can be challenging with such a large number available. While the quality of Pokémon films varies, some stand out as incredible experiences for anime fans. Critics often overlook essential aspects due to their limited knowledge of Pokémon. Here, we rank the five best Pokémon movies with a basic understanding of Pokémon in mind.
5. Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
"I Choose You!" is the 20th film in the Pokémon series, introducing a new film-exclusive continuity over three films. It retells how Ash and Pikachu began their journey, adapting numerous memorable moments from the original anime beautifully. However, this movie takes a different path, with Ash discovering a Rainbow Wing after encountering Ho-Oh, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
The film celebrates the series' lengthy history and faithfully revisits its origins. For fans who grew up with Pokémon in the early 2000s, this movie immerses them in nostalgic moments. It appeals to new fans as an origin story, making it an excellent introduction to the franchise.
4. Pokémon 3: The Movie - Spell of the Unown: Entei (2000)
"Spell of the Unown" is the third installment in the franchise. When a scientist vanishes, his daughter Molly plays with remnants of his work, accidentally summoning the Unown. The Unown fulfill her wishes, bringing Entei as a father figure and kidnapping Ash's mom due to her connection with the scientist. Ash must now stop the Unown and their deceptive Entei to save his mother.
This movie personalizes Ash's journey more than most others, enhancing its emotional weight. Molly is a relatable character who unwittingly causes chaos. Lacking a conventional "bad guy" also distinguishes this film. Additionally, Charizard makes a surprising return, featuring one of its finest battles.
3. Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
The eighth film, "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew," presents an epic journey through time. In the past, a hero named Sir Aaron and his Lucario halted a great war but faced betrayal, resulting in Lucario’s centuries-long confinement. After Ash accidentally frees Lucario, they join forces when Mew, residing in the mystical Tree of Beginning, captures Pikachu.
Lucario emerged as a popular Pokémon partly due to this film. The character experiences a solid arc accompanied by ancient tales of Pokémon battles, providing a unique glimpse into Pokémon's history.
2. Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias (2002)
The fifth film, "Pokémon Heroes," revolves around the city Alto Mare and a Pokémon race involving Ash, Misty, and Brock. The city's guardians, Latios and Latias, protect an ancient weapon fueled by their essence. Ash grows close to Latias, while Latios remains skeptical of humanity. When villains aim to seize the weapon, Ash risks everything to save the city.
As the last film in the original series, "Pokémon Heroes" delivers exciting action and insightful character development for Legendary Pokémon. It also introduces memorable supporting characters like Bianca, who later returns briefly in the anime.
1. Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Despite nostalgia's influence, "Mewtwo Strikes Back" remains one of the franchise's best films. Ash receives an enigmatic invitation to New Island, purportedly for top trainers. Amid a fierce storm, Ash and his friends are deceived by Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon aiming to clone their Pokémon and build an army.
The film explores profound themes, including the nature of existence. Mewtwo stands out as a complex figure, embodying both sympathy and menace. Although the climax's execution might be cheesy, it resonates as a memorable moment in Pokémon history. These elements secure its legacy as a standout in the Pokémon universe.
Earlier, SSP told about all Harry Potter movies: ranked from worst to best.