Countless fans have been watching the Pokémon anime since its first episode aired back in 1997. Over two decades later, through eight generations of Pokémon introduced over the course of more than 20 seasons, there have many iconic moments that have stuck with fans.
These moments don't necessarily have to be the best in the entire franchise, but they're still memorable for some particular reason. The anime's most unforgettable moments will often be formed around historic accomplishments where Trainers or Pokémon achieve something worth talking about for years to come.
10 Season 2, Episode 4: "Volcanic Panic" Sees Charizard Finally Pulling Its Weight
This episode packs in a ton of action: Ash loses to the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader Blaine, Team Rocket causes the volcano to erupt, Ash and friends help Blaine in damming the volcano, and Ash defeats Blaine in their rematch.
So much happens in the space of one episode, but the visual of Charizard flying up with Magmar and performing a massive Seismic Toss to secure the win for Ash was not only a spectacular visual, but it was also a defining moment for Ash's Charizard, with it finally showing its full potential.
9 Season 22, Episode 16: "Memories In The Mist!" Is An Emotional Masterpiece
As fun and carefree as the Pokémon anime often is, this episode of the Sun & Moon series handles the subject of death tactfully and beautifully in an emotional episode that also advances a particular storyline. While on Poni Island, everyone is shrouded in a mist created by Tapu Fini that allows them to briefly meet and talk with those who have passed on.
Three emotional interactions occur with Ash and Torracat meeting the Stoutland that had died in a previous episode, Mallow getting to talk to her late mother, and Hapu speaking with her late grandfather. Lillie and Gladion don't get to see their presumed-dead father, which ultimately gives them hope that he is still alive somewhere. Not only do these emotional interactions get the screen time they deserve, but Hapu is acknowledged as the new Poni Island Kahuna.
8 Season 19, Episode 38: "Down To The Fiery Finish!" Brings Ash And Alain's Battle To A Close
Ash's journey through Kalos was arguably one of the most exciting of the entire franchise from start to finish. Boasting one of his best ever teams, Ash fought his way to the final against Alain, which he would ultimately lose. This particular episode not only features the end of this dramatic battle but it also transitions seamlessly into the next mini-arc of the series, where the heroes fight with Team Flare.
Ash and Greninja put up a great fight against Alain and his formidable Mega Charizard, but despite making a great spectacle, Ash came up short at the Pokémon League once again.
7 Season 5, Episode 13: "A Promise Is A Promise" Showcases Legendary Pokémon In A New Light
This episode during the Johto adventures is a memorable one for multiple reasons. It focuses on the Legendary Pokémon Lugia both in adult and child form, features other members of Team Rocket efficiently pulling off a diabolical plan, and subsequently the usual Team Rocket trio end up thwarting their own organization.
It's the finale of an action packed three-episode arc and easily cements itself as one of the most memorable episodes of the entire Pokémon franchise. It maintains the perfect level of tension that a rescue attempt should have, with the additional emotional attachment that comes with a parent and child being separated.
6 Season 1, Episode 17: "Island Of The Giant Pokémon" Is Bizarre But Brilliant
After the dramatic twist where Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket sink on a ship in the previous episode, they wash ashore a mystery island, separated into different groups. Each group immediately discovers that giant Pokémon roam on this island. This episode is particularly memorable because it introduces some new species to the anime, albeit in giant form, from Charizard and Kabutops to Zapdos.
The island even turns out to be an attraction park belonging to Team Rocket's boss Giovanni, which is an amusing twist, making it another thing that the Team Rocket trio has ruined for their leader.
5 Season 5, Episode 60: "Can't Beat The Heat!" Sees Ash Finally Get The Better Of Gary Oak
The culmination of Ash's battle with his original rival, Gary Oak, took place in this episode after an intense and closely-fought contest. The final two Pokémon were Ash's Charizard and Gary's Blastoise, with Ash acknowledging how strong Blastoise was due to it being with Gary since the very beginning of his journey.
Charizard manages to surround Blastoise with fire and after Blastoise extinguishes the fire, the battlefield is clouded with steam, impairing everyone's vision somewhat. This gives Charizard the chance to utilize its trademark Seismic Toss to win the bout for Ash over his main rival in a satisfying way.
4 Season 13, Episode 32: "The Semi-Final Frontier!" Pits Ash Against The Formidable Tobias
This episode was set directly after the culmination of Ash and Paul's explosive rivalry, so it had a lot to live up to. While that match was incredible and one of Ash's best in the entire franchise, Ash's match in the next round against the mysterious Tobias was somehow even more memorable.
This is because Tobias had both a Mythical and a Legendary Pokémon at his disposal in Darkrai and Latios. Not only was this the furthest that Ash had ever made it in a Pokémon League tournament, but the fight just had an incredible sense of tension about it. The resulting battle was as brutal as expected and left fans wanting to know what other Pokémon Tobias had with him.
3 Season 1, Episode 11: "Charmander - The Stray Pokémon" Is Both Heartbreaking And Heartwarming
Ash's Kanto team wasn't necessarily his strongest, but it's often considered to be one that resonated with fans the most. The introductions to the three starters — Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Charmander — all told their own stories, giving them sufficient backstories and personalities to make them interesting enough to be on Ash's team.
The episode that introduced Charmander as a Pokémon that had been mistreated and abandoned by its trainer tugged at the heartstrings of fans worldwide, and the happy ending of it recovering and joining Ash's team was truly a wonderful moment.
2 Season 22, Episode 47: "Enter the Champion!" Is When Ash Finally Does It
Sun & Moon will be always be remembered as the generation where Ash finally won the big one: the Pokémon League. This episode has the climax of the final battle of the Manalo Conference between rivals Gladion and Ash, the award ceremony, and the tense cliffhanger of the Ultra Wormhole and Ultra Beasts suddenly arriving.
The final arguably deserved a 6-on-6 battle but this was satisfied with the exhibition match that would take place in a few episodes' time between Ash and Professor Kukui. Ash finally winning a Pokémon League tournament was a long overdue achievement and was celebrated by fans all over.
1 Season 1, Episode 1: "Pokémon — I Choose You!" Is Where It All Began
The first ever episode of the Pokémon anime will always stick in the minds of those whose who have been watching since the very beginning. Seeing Pikachu at its weakest and most unruly stage is bizarre, considering how strong and loyal it is now.
Ash's worst traits from the original series are crystal clear in this episode in the form of arrogance and impatience, but his heart and love for Pokémon is displayed early on for all to see when he puts his body on the line to try and save his new friend Pikachu. Although Ash can be rather unbearable during his Kanto adventures, this episode will always be well remembered. It was truly the beginning of an era.