If you’ve been a longtime fan of the Pokémon series but haven’t made your way to the movies, well, you know what we’re going to say. You’ve got to catch ’em all (though there are a few that you could skip if you really wanted). But if you’re set on watching all 23, you’ll want to do it in the best order. Here’s the best Pokémon Movie watch order.
What’s the best order to watch the Pokémon movies as of 2025?
Though there are technically 23 mainline animated Pokémon movies, there are also several short Pikachu movies, a few TV specials, and one live-action Pokémon film (Detective Pikachu, 2019). For clarity, we didn’t include those here. This list sticks to the primary animated Pokémon films, plus the three most recent films (I Choose You, The Power of Us, and Secrets of the Jungle), which all take place in an alternate timeline or are retellings of the originals.
The best watch order for the Pokémon movies is release order:
- Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)
- Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei (2000)
- Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest (2001)
- Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias (2002)
- Jirachi—Wish Maker (2003)
- Destiny Deoxys (2004)
- Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
- Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
- The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
- Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
- Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
- Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
- Black—Victini and Reshiram / White—Victini and Zekrom (2011)
- Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
- Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
- Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
- Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)
- Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
- Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
- Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
- Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution (2019)
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
The Pokémon movie with the longest-lasting legacy was released almost three decades ago. Pokémon: The First Movie begins with scientists creating an experimental Mewtwo, a clone of the legendary Pokémon Mew. He quickly realizes he was engineered as a tool for humans and rebels against his creators. Seeking revenge, Mewtwo lures some of the world’s greatest Pokémon Trainers, including Ash, Misty, Brock, and their Pokémon, to his island fortress under the guise of a tournament.
Aside from the plot, this movie is also remembered for its very ’90s soundtrack, packed with some of the era’s biggest pop names like Britney Spears and NSYNC. Smart move on American marketing, that.
Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)
Though earning less than The First Movie, The Power of One takes the cake as the best Pokémon movie, thanks to a story that feels more cohesive than the first in the lineup. This time, Ash, Misty, and Tracey face off against a collector named Lawrence III, who is trying to capture the three Legendary Birds — Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno — to awaken the guardian of the sea, Lugia. Doing so throws nature out of balance, bringing on a climate catastrophe. As part of an ancient prophecy, Ash steps into the role of the “Chosen One” and sets out to gather three elemental orbs to restore harmony and prevent global disaster.
As a side note, Pokémon has always been one of those glorious capitalist inventions — no eyerolls, please, because you know you had to buy the cards to play. And at the time, buying and trading cards was a craze, a phenomenon. In that way, this movie also does a little meta-theatrical check on the greediness of collecting. Did that go over the heads of the audience? Probably.
Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown: Entei (2000)
Fun fact: Pokémon 3 was the first Pokémon movie to premiere in IMAX theaters. One of our favorite Pokémon movies, the story kicks off in a small town where researcher Professor Spencer Hale disappears after studying the Pokémon Unown, leaving behind his young daughter, Molly, whose mother is also missing. The mysterious Unown taps into Molly’s grief and starts granting her wishes, which begins reshaping reality around her. Things take an even stranger turn when Entei, acting as Molly’s protector, kidnaps Ash’s mom to play the role of Molly’s missing family, forcing Ash, Misty, and Brock into one wildly distorted rescue mission.
Although this film isn’t often ranked as one of the best Pokémon movies by rating sites like IMDB or Reddit, it’s generally considered one of the more meaningful movies among the fan base due to its exploration of themes of grief and loss.
Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest (2001)
This one kicks off with some time-traveling loop-de-loops, starting 40 years ago when a young trainer named Sammy must protect the Mythical, time-traveling Pokémon Celebi from an evil trainer called the Iron Mask Marauder, who wants to use Dark Balls to corrupt Pokémon for his own gain. Sammy gets caught in a time portal and is sent forward, where he meets Ash and his friends. Together, they must team up to stop Marauder from carrying out his plan.
Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias (2002)
In the city of Alto Mare, a water city protected by the dragon siblings Latios and Latias, Ash, Misty, and Brock get caught up in a treasure hunt against a pair of thieves, Annie and Oakley. Though baffoonish, this pair is very determined and is after a powerful crystal that could be turned into a superweapon. Ash and his friends must rely on their Pokémon and quick thinking to prevent the crystal from falling into the wrong hands.
Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker (2003)
Moving right along to number six on our Pokémonkemon movie lineup, Jirachi, Wish Maker is one of the less well-reviewed Pokémon movies. The movie follows Ash, May, Max, and Brock as they head to the crater where the Millennium Celebration is held. Every thousand years, a comet passes by, awakening the wish-granting Pokémon Jirachi. Jirachi quickly becomes the target of an evil scientist from Team Magma, who plans to exploit Jirachi’s powers to resurrect the Legendary Pokémon Groudon.
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)
Ash and friends find their way to a fully automated city, where they meet Tory, the son of a scientist. Because of an accident involving Pokémon, Tory is afraid of them — a theme not usually seen in Pokémon movies. There are plenty of stories of Pokémon fearing humans (and rightly so!), but here the roles are reversed. Ash takes it upon himself to show how amazing Pokémon can be, but then a mysterious Space Pokémon, Deoxys, arrives on Earth with a strange mission to round up humans. Ash and friends must once again prevent a global disaster, all while battling a team of rogue Pokémon that complicates things.
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
While we know every Pokémon movie has a soft spot in fans’ hearts, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew is actually the one that pulls the best reviews overall.
The movie kicks off with a flashback to the hero Sir Aaron and his loyal partner Lucario, a pretty awesome Aura Pokémon, who sacrificed themselves long ago during a great war to protect the kingdom of Rota. Centuries later, Ash, Pikachu, and friends arrive at a festival honoring Sir Aaron. But things take a wild turn when Lucario is mysteriously released from the staff where he’d been sealed away for centuries. At the same time, Pikachu is whisked away by a mischievous Mew, setting Ash and Lucario on a journey to bring him back.
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
Finishing the advanced era in Pokémon and tied directly to the Pokémon Ranger spinoff series, Ranger and the Temple of the Sea sends Ash, May, Max, and Brock on an ocean adventure. Along with a Pokémon Ranger named Jack Walker, these friends set out to protect the Mythical Pokémon Manaphy from a dangerous pirate named Phantom.
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
Ash, Dawn, and Brock arrive in Alamos Town for a Pokémon contest. But a prophecy left by the city’s architect warns of a coming clash between the two Legendary Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia, who control space and time. When strange phenomena begin to shake the city, the townspeople blame the shadowy Pokémon Darkrai, believing it’s behind the chaos.
The Rise of Darkrai marked the franchise’s first real foray into horror, albeit somewhat. The movie leans into eerie mystery, unsettling dream sequences, darker colors, and some surprisingly spooky rip-in-time-fabric animation.
Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
The gang learns about a rift between Giratina and Shaymin that, like many conflicts, started because of a misunderstanding. Not sure how anyone could stay mad at Shaymin, who is maybe the cutest Pokémon in existence. Have you seen that thing? But aside from their looks, these two Pokémon have particularly impressive skills, and Giratina begins to show off their talents. In this case, the talent is the ability to create parallel dimensions and travel through them at will. This draws the attention of the movie’s antagonist, a villain named Zero, who plans to use this nifty power for his own insidious deeds. If you’re figuring out the general formula for these movies yet, good job! And yes, Ash and crew step in to stop things before they get truly out of hand.
Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
This movie gives us the equivalent of Pokémon gods, or at the very least, a powerful creator, which is pretty great for anyone interested in Pokémon mythology. The story centers on the godlike Pokémon Arceus, who created a jewel to restore the land of his friend Damos, who kept the stone. After being betrayed, Arceus swore revenge and has now returned to judge humanity.
Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
One of the most terrifying Pokémon in the lineup, whose power lies in its brilliant ability to shapeshift, Zoroark makes the perfect subject for a feature-length film. In this one, its power is at risk of being used by a creepy media mogul who plans to exploit Zoroark for his evil schemes. Said schemes include capturing the mythical, time-traveling Pokémon Celebi to see the future, with zero concern for the consequences, which include serious ecological repercussions. But what greedy super-capitalist is concerned about destroying the world’s natural resources when there’s money on the line? Of course, this proves harder than expected, thanks to Zoroark’s deceptive transformations. How do you catch ’em all if you don’t even know who or what you’re trying to catch?
Pokémon the Movie: Black – Victini and Reshiram / White – Victini and Zekrom (2011)
The same story from different perspectives, this dual-version movie features a slightly different version depending on who you follow. Both versions are virtually the same, though the Black version features Victini and Reshiram, while the White version features Victini and Zekrom. This was the first film released in the Black and White era of the Pokémon anime and was directly tied to the video game release. As for the plot, Ash and friends are in the Unova region, trying to stop a power-hungry ruler, Damian, from using the Legendary Pokémon to dominate the region.
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
Still in the Unova region, Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice starts with the Pokémon Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion, who are training Keldeo to join them as part of the group known as the Swords of Justice. Before Keldeo can officially become a member, they must face Kyurem, a powerful Dragon-type Pokémon capable of wielding the powers of Reshiram and Zekrom. Though the Swords of Justice don’t believe Keldeo is ready, he sets out to prove them wrong, which leads to a battle gone awry that leaves the Swords of Justice frozen. The film follows Keldeo, with help from Ash and other trainers, as they race to save their friends.
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
Ash and friends arrive in a city where a group of Genesect, high-tech Pokémon enhanced by humans, begin causing chaos after being awakened after centuries of sleep. The Genesect targets a park that closely resembles Central Park in a city that closely resembles Manhattan. This attack on the park full of peaceful Pokémon leads to a confrontation with Mewtwo, who has returned to defend the city. There’s a “can’t we all just get along?” tone to this film that is, overall, pretty boring.
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
Another cute, but dull entry in the Pokémon movie franchise, Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction tells the story of Diancie, a rare Pokémon princess with the power to create diamonds. More importantly, the Heart Diamond, which powers her underground kingdom, is failing. Diancie goes on a quest to find Xerneas, a Pokémon that controls life energy. Hoping Xerneas can teach her how to create a new diamond to save the city, Diancie sets off, but gets very distracted by everything above ground. And of course, if people find out you can make diamonds, they’ll want to use you for that. Cue: “Prepare for trouble… and make it double!” Team Rocket has a mischievous plan of its own.
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)
Ash and friends encounter the mischievous Hoopa, a Pokémon with the power to summon Legendary Pokémon from across time and space. Naturally, Hoopa’s summoning triggers plenty of chaos, leading to a showdown that keeps the movie interesting. With help from some allies, Ash and his friends must team up with Hoopa to stop the destruction. The plot may be pretty sparse, but this movie is a treat for fans, bringing together some of the greatest titans in Pokémon lore and pitting them against each other in a true clash of and for the ages. Title approved.
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
The Industrial Revolution and the invention of the steam engine did a number on our ecological health, but they certainly pushed our modern era forward rapidly. If you remember any of that from middle school history class, you’ll appreciate Volcanion, a steam-powered Legendary Pokémon. But this Pokémon, along with our crew of trainers, is on a mission to stop a rogue engineer from exploiting Pokémon for a massive industrial scheme — one that would also wreak havoc on the environment.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
A young Ash Ketchum has just reached the age when he can officially become a Pokémon Trainer. But on the day he’s supposed to make it to Professor Oak’s lab to choose his first Pokémon, Ash’s alarm clock doesn’t go off, and he’s late. By the time he arrives, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle have already been claimed by other trainers. Fortunately, there’s a little Pokémon named Pikachu, who has a feisty temperament and refuses to stay in a Poké Ball. After this exceptionally adorable meet-cute, Ash and Pikachu set off on adventures together in this heartwarming origin story that gives us the backstory of their iconic bond.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us follows Ash and friends as they visit Fura City, a town that was once barren until the Legendary Pokémon Lugia gifted them the power of the wind. In celebration of this act, and with the remembrance of a fiery tragedy that took place fifty years before, the town holds a yearly Wind Festival. When a mysterious event threatens the city, the Legendary Pokémon Zeraora appears, causing panic among the townspeople. Ash teams up with a group of local trainers and residents to prevent another disaster.
Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution (2019)
Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is a nearly shot-for-shot, CGI retelling of the very first Pokémon movie. While it’s a visually impressive tribute, though the animation style is a little jarring, many fans feel it doesn’t quite capture the charm of the original. As for the plot, it’s largely the same: the genetically engineered Pokémon Mewtwo takes matters into his own hands after being created and manipulated by humans. Ash and the gang are, as they were before, caught in the middle.
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
The most recent entry in the Pokémon franchise is a little like Pokémon meets The Jungle Book in Secrets of the Jungle, which tells the story of Koko, a human boy raised by Pokémon deep in the wild. Growing up thinking he’s a Pokémon himself, Koko is in for a surprise when he leaves the forest, and he learns the truth about his human origins. Alongside learning about his identity and the overwhelming information in the human world, Koko also learns of a plot that threatens his home and the Pokémon he loves.
