There is an increasing number of multi-billion dollar franchises, but Pokémon remains an international success that's been able to dominate whatever medium it tackles. There have been careful changes made to the Pokémon series over the years, and its strong foundation that never wavers has inspired dozens of stories and off-shoots.
The Pokémon anime is one of the franchise's most valuable pillars, and it's kept its audiences engaged for more than two decades. Pokémon is a franchise that's suitable for all ages, yet the anime series certainly skews younger. Despite this, there's a strong case to be made for why Pokémon is a better series to watch as an adult.
9 The Episodic Nature Isn't As Frustrating
The Pokémon anime has been running for more than 25 years, which has understandably resulted in the franchise accumulating more than 1000 episodes and there's still no end in sight. There's an ongoing narrative that occasionally ramps up in Pokémon, but by and large, the series adopts an episodic formula that's more about celebrating specific creatures than story development.
This balance can be more frustrating for the younger crowd who don't know when the crucial story arc episodes come into play. It's also easier to take a step back and appreciate the standalone nature of episodic installments, especially after multiple decades of this approach. There's more of an appreciation for creative storytelling.
8 Ash's Mistakes Are Easier To Tolerate
Pokémon has experienced many changes since its inception, but one constant that's been present through each of its anime is that Ash is the central protagonist. Ash's characterization exists in a nebulous place where his past accomplishments aren't erased, but he often has selective memory over what he's learned and retained throughout his countless adventures.
It's very easy for younger audiences to grow frustrated with Ash when he ignores the basic rules of the series, like how to effectively use different Pokémon types against each other. A child may not forgive Ash for repeating the same mistakes, whereas an adult viewer understands that growth takes time.
7 The Differences Between The Games & The Anime Are Simpler To Reconcile
The Pokémon anime has acquired a legendary reputation that's on par with the video games. Plenty of Pokémon fans have no experience with the video games and have only watched the anime. However, those that indulge in both mediums are aware of the differences that exist between them.
Children tend to be impressionable, and it's not hard to imagine someone wanting to recreate the same combos or battle strategies they saw in the anime series. The Pokémon anime definitely sensationalizes aspects of Pokémon battles. An adult understands that it's only natural for an anime to make changes and concessions when it comes to adapting particular video game mechanics.
6 The Visuals & Art Style Are Easier To Appreciate
There is a myriad of factors that result in an anime series' popularity, but a lot of the time there's a level of superficiality involved when it comes to younger audiences. A young demographic is likely to appreciate the broader aspects of the Pokémon anime, such as the characters, Pokémon, and the sense of adventure that pushes the story forward.
Pokémon isn't an anime that pushes visual boundaries in the same way as series from Studio TRIGGER or MAPPA, but some battles still feature impressive visuals. The finer artistic elements that define Pokémon projects are likely to register more with adults who are sophisticated enough to notice these visual shifts.
5 There's A Greater Ability To Get In Front Of Battle Strategies
When push comes to shove, Pokémon is a series that plays by its own rules. Important principles govern the basics of Pokémon battle, but the characters and their Pokémon can accomplish impossible things when the storytelling calls for it.
There are so many Pokémon battles in the series that it's common for audiences to develop their own strategies for how they'd win encounters. It's satisfying to be correct or even develop a strategy that's better than Ash's, but it's a downer to be continually proven wrong. An adult audience has a better grasp on the tricks that are up Pokémon's sleeve.
4 It's Easier To Appreciate Callbacks
The Pokémon anime has accrued hundreds of hours of content across its prolific run. A younger crowd has the luxury of casually watching episodes and still being able to follow the story even if they don't see every episode. Additionally, there are multiple Pokémon anime that make up the grander franchise, each of which basically restarts the story as Ash explores a new region.
These anime begin new adventures, but they still contain callbacks to Ash's former Pokémon, companions, and milestones. A casual young viewer may miss these connections or fail to understand their value, whereas they're satisfying Easter Eggs for dedicated older viewers.
3 Team Rocket's Humanity Comes Forward
Obstacles and enemies are always right around the corner in Pokémon, but Ash becomes the unexpected target of Team Rocket right from the start of his adventure. Team Rocket aren't always a distraction to Ash, but their obsession with his Pikachu has led to hundreds of ambushes.
Team Rocket are resigned to eternal defeat and their messy losses are a strong source of comedy for younger audiences. There's a humorous quality to Team Rocket's bumbling nature, but there's also a real pathos that surrounds their pessimism. An adult can better empathize with Team Rocket's depressing lots in life than a child who's supposed to view them as rote villains.
2 It's Easier To Be Tapped Into All Pokémon Media
A juggernaut franchise like Pokémon becomes a double-edged sword for completionists who want to experience every corner of Pokémon canon. A child can casually watch the Pokémon anime and be fully content without the knowledge that there are also video games, manga, and tons of spin-off material that are out there.
An adult is going to not only be more informed, but have a greater capacity to seek out each Pokémon anime, movie, and obscure video game. There's a level of satisfaction in knowing everything there is about a certain franchise and with Pokémon, it's quite challenging for a kid to accomplish that on their own.
1 Ash's Development & Accomplishments Work Better
Ash's perpetual state of adolescence makes him an anime protagonist who's easy for young audiences to appreciate. Young viewers can connect with Ash's young age and inexperienced nature, but it's the older crowd who are likely to better connect with the Pokémon Trainer's achievements.
Ash's wins may seem too few and far between for young people who are used to seeing their heroes always succeed. An adult understands that victory is never a guarantee and can be an inconsistent process. The restraint and pacing over Ash's accomplishments are better suited for adults.