The Pokémon film franchise has spanned well over 20 years, with an impressive 23 installments, not including the live-action movie, Detective Pikachu. The films are designed to expand upon the already complex and diverse world of Pokémon, even occasionally introducing new characters.
Many of the movies in the franchise are faithful adaptions of their ample source material and are welcome additions to the Pokémon universe as a whole. However, considering the high volume of entries in the series, critics and fans agree that some are undeniably more memorable than others. Some of these movies may surprise even the most dedicated Pokémon fans.
10 Destiny Deoxys (Rekkuu no Houmonsha Deoxys) 6.99
Destiny Deoxys takes place during the seventh season of the Pokémon: Advanced Challenge series. It's the seventh film in the movie franchise, released soon after Latios and Latias in 2004.
The plot follows a mysterious meteorite that crashes on Earth, revealing a green and purple egg. The purple egg becomes an alien Pokémon, Deoxys, who tries to escape with the green egg. The Pokémon is eventually destroyed by Rayquaza, a sky guardian above Earth. Once recovered, Deoxys begins a search for the green egg.
9 Arceus and the Jewel of Life (Arceus Choukoku no Jikuu e) 7.02
Arceus and the Jewel of Life is the direct sequel to Giratina & The Sky Warrior, which was released the year prior in 2008. The film is the twelfth installment in the movie franchise and introduces the mythical Pokémon, Arceus.
Arceus is said to have lived thousands of years ago, even being able to create worlds. To help a village, the Pokémon fuses its plates to form the Jewel of Life. However, Arceus is betrayed and forced into a dormant slumber, with the single thought of judging humanity upon his return.
8 I Choose You! (Kimi ni Kimeta!) 7.09
In 2017, the Pokémon franchise celebrated its 20th anniversary with its twentieth film, I Choose You!. The movie is loosely based on the TV series' pilot episode of the same name released back in 1997.
The movie begins in the same vein as the TV episode, following Ash as he wakes up late, missing out on Oak's starter Pokémon. Ash is introduced to Pikachu, who is initially reluctant to tag along. The movie begins to stray from the TV episode's plot when Ash encounters the legendary Pokémon, Entei.
7 Spell of the Unown: Entei (Kesshoutou no Teiou Entei) 7.10/10
The third film in the movie franchise, Spell of the Unown is a particularly notable entry, as it was the last film written by the late Takeshi Shudo, who was the former head writer of the series. He was also the writer responsible for creating Team Rocket's memorable motto.
The plot revolves around Molly Hale, whose father mysteriously vanishes. She soon encounters an Unown, a psychic type Pokémon who can magically change the world around Molly. Unfortunately, Molly eventually claims Ash's mom, Delia, as her surrogate mother, forced to live in her fabricated palace.
6 Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias (Mizu no Miyako no Mamorigami Latias to Latios) 7.19
Latios and Latias is the final film entry in the original series and is the fifth Pokémon movie overall. The film was released in 2003 and included a Pikachu Short, "Camp Pikachu."
Latios and Latias takes place in Alto Mare, where Ash and friends compete in an annual water chariot tournament, Tour De Alto Mare. Meanwhile, several Team Rocket members devise a plot to obtain a jewel known as the Soul Dew, which would allow them to control a dangerous weapon, the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare.
5 The Power of Us (Minna no Monogatari) 7.20
The Power of Us was released in 2018 as part of the Pokémon Alternate Timeline series. The twenty-first movie in the film franchise, The Power of Us even had a theatrical release in the United States.
The movie takes place in Fula City, where the annual Wind Festival is being held. This entry is unique in the Pokémon film franchise, as the story focuses on several different characters, with the Japanese title of the film literally translating to "Everyone's Story."
4 The Rise of Darkrai (Dialga vs. Palkia vs. Darkrai) 7.27
The Rise of Darkrai is the tenth Pokémon movie installment and was also released as the first entry of a three-part film trilogy. The events take place during the animated Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl series from 2006.
The plot follows Ash and friends who travel to a town called Alamos, high on a mountain. While there, they learn that nightmares are plaguing both humans and Pokémon. A resident Pokémon, Darkrai, is blamed for the nightmares, but the real cause is unknown. Eventually, two Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia, emerge from an alternate universe to cause havoc.
3 Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (Mew to Hadou no Yuusha Lucario) 7.31
The eighth installment in the film franchise, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, introduced not one but two fan-favorite Pokémon. The movie first premiered at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2006 and takes place during the Pokémon: Advanced Battle TV series. Interestingly, it was also nominated for "Best Anime Feature" at the American Anime Awards.
After a Pokémon tournament, Pikachu and Meowth are captured by the mysterious Mew. In the process, Ash unintentionally releases Lucario, who has been trapped for over 1,000 years. The pair eventually team up in the search for Pikachu.
2 Pokémon The Movie 2000: The Power of One (Maboroshi no Pokémon Lugia Bakutan) 7.37
Following the financial success of the first Pokémon film, the franchise released The Power of One to the United States in 2000. The movie takes place during the TV series Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands, specifically, the second season.
The premise follows the three legendary Pokémon, Moltres, Zapados, and Articuno. A Pokémon collector, Lawrence III, sets out to capture the three legendary birds to capture Lugia. He soon discovers, however, that his actions are causing the world to fall out of balance.
1 Mewtwo Strikes Back (Mewtwo no Gyakushuu) 7.63
The Pokémon franchise released its first feature film at the height of its popularity in 1998, titled Mewtwo Strikes Back. In addition, to being a fan favorite, the first installment had notable box office success in the United States.
The film's plot focuses on the mysterious Mewtwo, first introduced in Pokémon Red & Blue. Mewtwo, a clone of Mew, is viewed by the scientists responsible for his creation as merely an experiment. Upon discovering this, Mewtwo is understandably enraged and soon seeks revenge on his creators.