It has been a quarter of a century since Pokémon first arrived on the global stage. Calling these beloved creatures successful is an understatement. By 2021 Pokémon ranked as the highest-grossing media franchise in history, surpassing franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars and Marvel.
What began as a video game for Nintendo’s Game Boy has become a multimedia juggernaut: a long-running anime series, a trading card game played on playgrounds worldwide, an enormous toy industry, themed food products and even Pokémon-branded aircraft. In 2019 Pokémon also reached Hollywood with the live-action Detective Pikachu, but the franchise’s anime films have been appearing in cinemas since 1998, with a steady annual release schedule for many years.
These feature-length anime films vary widely in quality. They rarely aim to be arthouse cinema, and while they do not always match the consistent standards of studios such as Studio Ghibli, they continue to draw fans. After more than two dozen movies, the simple appeal of Ash Ketchum and his loyal Pikachu remains enduring.
In this edition of Ranked, The Film Magazine evaluates 23 feature-length Pokémon anime movies. Each entry is judged on quality, significance, contribution to lore, public perception and critical reception to produce a definitive ranking: Pokémon Anime Movies Ranked.
24. Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened ranks last on this list, yet it isn’t without merit. The animation stands out in places, and the slow-motion scenes featuring Mewtwo will please long-time fans. Beyond that, however, the film feels inconsequential. Its plot leans heavily on clichés and never fully explores the ethical questions of engineered life. The narrative frequently returns to repetitive battles between Mewtwo and Genesect without developing the characters or stakes.
One missed opportunity was failing to use the Mewtwo from the 1998 film. Bringing back that established, emotionally resonant version of Mewtwo could have added depth and weight to the story; instead the movie ends up feeling lifeless compared with the best entries in the franchise.
23. Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
The final film featuring the Hoenn-era cast is the longest Pokémon movie, and its length is evident. Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea is slowed by a generic story that often feels like a promotional tie-in for the Pokémon Ranger video game. Legendary Pokémon are used in a shallow, poster-driven way; for example Kyogre appears briefly during the climax without any meaningful impact on the narrative.
Visually, the 3D work here feels like a step back from the previous Lucario entry. There are small highlights—May’s friendship with Manaphy and Ash’s heroic moments—but these are not enough to rescue a movie that too often feels bloated and tedious.
22. Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution (2019)
In 2019 Pokémon revisited its first film with a full CGI remake. Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution boasts impressive visuals and small modern touches—Ash’s hair receives more texture, environments are richly detailed—but the script remains largely unchanged. The result is a polished but unnecessary retelling that highlights the franchise’s reluctance to evolve narratively. The CGI occasionally crosses into the uncanny valley, and without a meaningful update to the story, this remake is primarily for completionists.
21. Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages is noisy, fast-paced and overloaded with legendary Pokémon. It rarely stops to breathe, which makes it entertaining in a surface-level, action-packed way, but it lacks substance. Hoopa itself—an entity that bends space through rings—provides intriguing concepts, especially its “unbound” form that behaves godlike in the film’s opening. Yet the film’s loose structure, constant fights and cavalier use of legendary creatures reduce their mystique and make the spectacle feel hollow.
20. Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles (2022)
The Arceus Chronicles is a 63-minute tie-in special connected to the Legends: Arceus game. Set during the Journeys arc, Ash and Goh visit Sinnoh as Team Galactic attempts to summon Arceus to open an interdimensional portal. While the special touches on Sinnoh lore and includes returning characters like Brock and Dawn, it suffers from feeling like an edited compilation of episodic material rather than a cohesive movie. The pacing is choppy and the animation budget appears reduced. It’s of interest to dedicated Sinnoh fans but less satisfying as a standalone theatrical experience.
19. Black: Victini and Reshiram / White: Victini and Zekrom (2011)
The paired Black and White films are essentially the same movie released with alternate legendary Pokémon. That gimmick doesn’t add much—viewing both doesn’t enrich the experience. The plot recycles familiar elements: an ancient power, a villain seeking a rare Pokémon, and titanic legendary battles. Damon, one of the antagonists, offers some intrigue, and the opening street-battle sequences stand out, but overall these entries are middling and largely skippable.
18. Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
This quieter Black and White sequel focuses on Keldeo’s coming-of-age challenge against the powerful Kyurem. The animation presents strong, visceral battles and the voice performances are noteworthy. However, the film is geared toward very young viewers, often spelling out motivations and removing nuance. The smaller scope makes Ash and friends feel unnecessary to the central story, reducing the movie to an extended episode rather than a fully realized feature.
17. Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction marks an improvement after several underwhelming Black and White films. Diancie, a Pokémon who can create diamonds, offers enjoyable chemistry with the cast and anchors several memorable scenes, including a playful three-way hunt by treasure seekers. That said, the antagonist Yveltal arrives too late to register as a convincing threat, making the final stakes feel underdeveloped. The movie primarily serves to showcase the Kalos region rather than to break new narrative ground.
16. Pokémon The Movie 2000 (1999)
As the follow-up to the landmark first film, Pokémon The Movie 2000 doesn’t quite reach the same heights but still delivers standout moments. The film’s pacing is inconsistent, and the villain Lawrence III remains forgettable, yet Lugia—the movie’s central legendary Pokémon—is majestic and memorable. The film also showcases Team Rocket at their comedic best, offering some of the franchise’s funniest moments. Overall, it’s a mixed but enjoyable entry anchored by an iconic legendary creature.
15. Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
The middle chapter of the Sinnoh trilogy sits squarely in the franchise’s middle tier. Giratina and the Sky Warrior benefits from its connection to Rise of Darkrai, and the distortion world is a visually intriguing setting. Shaymin provides levity, while Giratina’s domain offers striking, otherworldly imagery. However, familiar tropes and a predictable villain keep the film from rising higher. The debut of Regigigas feels shoehorned and fails to elevate the narrative.
14. The Power of Us (2018)
The Power of Us is the second film in the franchise’s rebooted continuity and offers a fresh story with new characters. The film’s main strength is its warm, community-driven heart—particularly the subplot of a father trying to impress his daughter. However, the cast is crowded, which dilutes emotional investment. As a light, wholesome watch it succeeds, though continuity choices (like Ash having only Pikachu) may puzzle long-time fans. This entry works best as a comforting, family-friendly film.
13. I Choose You! (2017)
I Choose You! revisits Ash’s earliest days and reframes his first meeting with Pikachu in an alternate continuity. The film delivers beautiful animation and well-staged battles, and many new characters are serviceable and sometimes likable. The principal flaw is squandered potential: the alternate timeline could have embraced bolder changes but instead relies heavily on familiar beats. As an entry point for new viewers it works well; for veteran fans, repeated iconic scenes may feel unnecessarily reverential.
12. Jirachi – Wish Maker (2003)
Wish Maker opens with an evocative festival sequence that sets a mystical tone, then turns into a road-trip adventure to find Jirachi’s home. Jirachi itself is underused, often asleep or framed as a cute repeating gag. The film controversially centers Max as the protagonist, a decision that alienated some fans and reduced the narrative focus on other beloved characters. Still, Wish Maker shines when showcasing popular Hoenn Pokémon like Absol and Flygon, and the villain Butler offers clear motivations that drive the plot.
11. Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel is the strongest X and Y-era film. Volcanion is a compelling lead: a protector figure driven by a meaningful cause, and his interactions with Magearna provide genuine emotional weight. The film handles darker themes—abuse and trauma—more directly than many entries in the franchise, and Team Rocket have surprisingly active, heartfelt roles. The siege on a floating castle delivers spectacular action, making this film a love letter to fans. Its human cast remains a weak point, and some franchise mechanics (like Mega Evolution) feel overused, but overall it’s an engaging and ambitious entry.
10. Destiny Deoxys (2004)
Destiny Deoxys opens with a spectacular battle between Rayquaza and the alien Deoxys, delivering rare kaiju-style spectacle. The film leans into sci-fi, featuring the high-tech LaRousse City and an extraterrestrial threat. After a thunderous first act, the film loses momentum; repeated chases and forgettable side characters lessen the impact. Still, its emphasis on combat and a villain with real menace make it an enjoyable, action-forward installment.
9. Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020/21)
The third film in the rebooted series is the strongest so far. Secrets of the Jungle tells an original, emotionally resonant story reminiscent of classic family adventure films. Ash and Pikachu meet Koko, a feral boy raised by Zarude, and their relationship with Dada Zarude anchors the film. The movie balances character work with ecological themes as Dr. Zed threatens the jungle, but the core strength is the intimate relationship between surrogate father and child.
Visually the film is vibrant: the jungle feels alive, color and movement create wonder, and battle choreography is powerful. While Dr. Zed is a fairly conventional antagonist and Ash remains too reliant on Pikachu, the reboot’s decision to introduce wholly new stories with high stakes pays off, making Secrets of the Jungle an admirable success.
8. Pokémon 4Ever (2001)
Pokémon 4Ever introduces time travel to the franchise with the debut of Celebi. The film follows Sam, a young trainer displaced into the present by Celebi’s time jump, and his friendship with Ash forms the emotional heart of the movie. While the villain is underwhelming and the 3D effects in the final act can look awkward, the film’s quieter, magical moments—like a mass Metapod evolution—remain memorable. The climactic reveal remains one of the most surprising twists in the anime’s history and helps secure this film a high position.
7. Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
Zoroark: Master of Illusions stands out for an unusually effective villain—Grings Kodai—whose media manipulation plots feel eerily contemporary. The title Pokémon’s illusion powers create clever sequences and allow the animation team to flex creatively. Zorua’s backstory is also sympathetic. The film errs on the side of explicit explanation at times, but it remains one of the stronger, smarter entries in the franchise.
6. The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Released at the peak of Pokémania, Mewtwo Strikes Back became the highest-grossing anime film in the United States for many years. The story brings Ash and the gang to New Island to meet the “greatest trainer,” only to reveal that trainer is Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon grappling with identity and hatred toward humankind. Mewtwo is a compelling antagonist—emotionally complex and philosophically charged—and his performance anchors the film. This debut theatrical outing for the anime established a surprisingly mature tone and remains a cornerstone of the franchise.
5. Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
Arceus and the Jewel of Life dives into time travel and franchise lore as Arceus seeks retribution for an ancient betrayal. Sent back to an era when Pokémon were seen as mystical beings, the heroes must repair the past. Though time-travel logic has holes, the film’s consistently engaging story and exploration of ancient Pokémon culture make it a satisfying, lore-rich entry and a strong conclusion to the Sinnoh trilogy.
4. Heroes (2002)
Set in the beautiful, Venice-inspired Alto Mare, Heroes benefits from a striking setting and a memorable opening song that establishes tone and urgency. Latios and Latias are treated as true characters rather than speaking plot devices, and their quiet mystery is handled well. The movie balances adventure and mature emotional beats, making it a standout example of how to integrate legendary Pokémon meaningfully into a story.
3. Pokémon 3 The Movie: Spell of the Unown (2000)
Spell of the Unown takes a more intimate approach than earlier blockbusters. Centering on Molly, a five-year-old dealing with the apparent loss of her father, the film explores grief and wishful fantasy through the reality-warping Unown and the created guardian Entei. The emotional core—Molly’s coping, Entei’s gradual understanding, and Delia Ketchum’s inclusion—gives the movie genuine pathos. Its dreamlike visuals and focused stakes mark it as an early example of Pokémon’s potential for heartfelt storytelling.
2. Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
Lucario and the Mystery of Mew exceeded expectations by delivering a rich, mature story. Opening with a poignant flashback to an ancient era, it introduces armored Pokémon at war and a tragic Lucario who carries the weight of betrayal. Lucario’s depth rivals Mewtwo’s, and his friendship with Ash—who is separated from Pikachu for much of the film—becomes the emotional centerpiece. Given time to breathe, the narrative develops organically, balancing epic lore, heartfelt moments and satisfying action.
1. The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
Ten films in, The Rise of Darkrai perfected the franchise formula. Set in the bell-towered Alamos Town, the story frames a misunderstanding: townspeople blame Darkrai for nightmares that are actually caused by a battle between the space and time–controlling legendaries Palkia and Dialga. Darkrai is portrayed as a tragic, misunderstood hero—much like Lucario—and the film makes the Pokémon as emotionally significant as the human characters. Strong supporting humans, a balanced blend of drama and comedy, and an evocative soundtrack give the film rare cohesion and emotional weight. Its well-crafted characters and thrilling set pieces make it the most complete Pokémon movie to date.
Updated to include The Arceus Chronicles 15th Nov 2022. Originally published 26th Aug 2021.
Which Pokémon movie is your favorite? Do you agree with this ranking or would you choose a different number one? Share your thoughts in the comments.