Over 30 years of bringing joy to audiences worldwide, the Pokémon franchise has released a massive catalog of shows, video games, toys, and other products that have helped this amazing series become the giant of entertainment it is today. While not as popular as the mainline anime, Pokémon has also produced a long list of movies that help expand and explore the world inhabited by Ash and his charming companions.
Each film has something special to offer, from the introduction of powerful new Pokémon to stories that will stay with audiences even long after the movie is finished. Lamentably, not all of them are equally iconic, nor are they of the same quality. Some movies remain cherished classics that fans still talk about even today, while others are best to leave in the past.
25
Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution Was an Unnecessary Remake
When the Sinister Team Rocket attempts to clone the elusive Mew, the resulting creature is a monster with devastating psychic powers known as Mewtwo. After escaping from his makers, this creature will look for the reason why he was created, leading to a massive battle between humans and Pokémon.
Arguably the weakest and most bizarre cinematographic decision taken by the Pokémon franchise, Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution is nothing more than an unnecessary remake of the series’ first movie. Besides an awkward and unsettling 3D animation, this version of the story offers nothing noteworthy, with many fans preferring to completely ignore its existence.
24
Genesect and the Legend Awakened Failed to Live Up to the Hype
Team Plasma’s experiments have resulted in the creation of four powerful and dangerous monsters, the Genesects. Taken from their time and left alone to wander the Earth, these creatures have taken over an entire city, and it is up to Ash and Mewtwo to defeat them.
Genesect and the Legend Awakened is a movie full of plot holes, rehashed ideas, and a more than predictable story that disappointed almost the entire fandom. While there are some awesome battle scenes, these do not help the overall product, which was quickly disregarded by fans for being a major letdown.
23
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon Suffered Greatly From Voice Acting Choices
Ash and Professor Oak are invited by the kind Dr. Yung to test his new technology, which will soon allow him to generate invincible Mirage Pokémon. While the trial is going on, a mysterious masked man breaks into the lab to kidnap both professors, leaving Ash and his friends as the only ones who can stop the rampaging artificial Pokémon and save the day.
One of two TV-only movies the franchise has ever released, The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon was hyped as a once-in-a-lifetime event, as it was supposed to be a celebration of the franchise’s 10th anniversary. The result was a far too lengthy adventure that offered nothing new and had abyssal voice acting that made the experience even worse.
22
Almost Nothing About Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction Is Worth It
When her underground kingdom of Carbink begins to lose its source of energy, the Mythical Pokémon Diance is forced to seek the help of Xerneas, the embodiment of life. During her journey, she comes across a group of thieves who wish to kidnap her and use her powers to create infinite diamonds. Things only get worse when Yveltal, a Pokémon who brings death, is released.
Although an interesting concept, Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction failed at delivering a memorable story, mostly due to its mediocre characters. The main villains are far from threatening; Yveltal is depicted as a mindless monster instead of a guardian of nature, and most of the conflicts get resolved without the heroes even participating.
21
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages’ Issues Hide Behind Mountains of Fan Service
Hoopa is a friendly and charming Mythical Pokémon who befriends Ash and his companions, fascinating them with its power to create portals that can lead anywhere. Unfortunately, this peaceful meeting is ruined when the creature’s dark side is released: Hoopa Unbound. This leads to a battle between several Legendaries, which threatens to destroy the world.
Widely considered a movie totally driven by fan service, Hoopa and the Clash of Ages has some of the best and most anticipated battles in the franchise. Lamentably, that is all that can be said for the film, as its plot is almost non-existent, as most of the runtime focuses on the titular Mythical battling the most powerful Legendary Pokémon in history.
20
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel Is Middle of the Road
The Mythical monster known as Volcanion hated and avoided mankind, at least until an unfortunate accident ends up with him and Ash Ketchum forming a strange bond. Accompanied by his new friend, the guardian of the Nebel Plateau must travel into the heart of the Azoth Kingdom to rescue the intriguing Magearna from those trying to use its power to gain immortality.
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel is far better than most other modern films in the franchise, having an actually captivating plot and a handful of memorable scenes. Still, this entry suffers from lackluster execution, as it is greatly hindered by predictable plot twists, mediocre villains, and a finale that leaves much to be desired.
19
I Choose You! Was an Intriguing Experiment That Could Have Been Handled Better
On the day he is supposed to begin his journey as a Pokémon trainer, Ash oversleeps, resulting in all the initial creatures being given to other children. The only one left for him to pick is an unruly Pikachu, who seems determined to ruin the boy’s dreams. Armed with nothing but a rebel partner and his dreams, Ash sets out on a quest to become the best there ever was.
Serving as a movie reboot for the entire franchise, I Choose You! remakes the beginning of Ash’s journey in a completely different universe. The story is heavily altered, working as an entry point for younger fans who were not able to follow the show from its roots. While it is an enjoyable film, I Choose You! suffers from having a slow pace, a bizarre finale, and voice acting that does not fit the characters.
18
Mewtwo Returns Did Not Live Up to its Predecessor
Months after its plan to conquer the world falls apart, Mewtwo and his cloned Pokémon seek to start a peaceful life in the isolated Mount Quena. Everything seems to go well until Giovanni and his Team Rocket grunts launch an attack with hopes of recapturing their rogue experiment. Mewtwo is forced to ask Ash and his friends for help to protect its home and the friends he made.
The first-ever Pokémon TV-only movie, Mewtwo Returns was first released as a two-part episode, following a much more complex formula than other entries in the anime. Despite it being an appropriate first attempt at a shorter movie, the film was nowhere near as memorable as its predecessor, relying heavily on nostalgia as a selling factor.
17
Many Interesting Decisions Were Made For Black/White – Victini and Zekrom/Reshiram
Once upon a time, a civilization known as the People of the Vale reigned over a vast region which was ravaged by a devastating civil war. Damon, one of their descendants, seeks to utilize the power of Victini, a creature said to bring victory to anyone who owns it, and bring his kingdom back. Ash and his friends are caught in the middle of this plan, forced to save the small Mythical and calm Dragon Legendaries that have awakened.
By far one of the most innovative movies in the franchise, as two versions with major differences were released at the same time, this film managed to impress fans. Victini’s adventure, while not spectacular, is by no means bad, thanks to a decent plot and one of the most compelling villains in the series.
16
Secrets of the Jungle Brought Back the Joy of Pokémon Movies
Ever since he was a baby, Koko has been raised as a part of a tribe of Zarude, the Mythical guardians of the Great Tree. Fate led him to encounter Ash, who helps the boy discover the truth about his human nature, threatening his place among the pack. Worst of all, a corrupt company is trying to destroy his home, and only he and his friends can save the ancestral jungle.
An endearing and joyful movie that deviated from the established formula to play around novel concepts, Secrets of the Jungle is one of the best modern Pokémon movies there is. Although not perfect by any means, the film is quite enjoyable in the best of ways.
