What is the best Pokemon animated movie?

Since 1998 the Pokémon franchise has released a steady stream of animated films — from tearjerking originals like Mewtwo Strikes Back to emotionally rich modern adventures featuring legendary Pokémon. Each movie captures a unique corner of the world-beloved franchise. Which is your favorite?

Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

The First Movie introduced Mewtwo's tragic origin story to an entire generation, ending with a tearjerker moment that remains one of the most emotionally resonant scenes in anime history.

1/12

The Power of One (1999)

Pokémon The Movie 2000 expanded the franchise lore by weaving together three legendary birds and Lugia in an epic adventure with an unexpectedly moving finale.

2/12

Pokemon Heroes (2002)

The Venice-set adventure featuring Latios and Latias won a 2017 official fan poll as the franchise's all-time favorite movie, praised for its emotional depth and stunning water city visuals.

3/12

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

Widely considered the most emotionally powerful Pokemon film, featuring Lucario's tragic backstory and a heartbreaking sacrifice that left audiences in tears.

4/12

Spell of the Unown (2000)

Pokémon 3 stands out for its genuinely dark psychological premise involving grief, illusion, and the destructive power of a child's unfulfilled wishes.

5/12

The Rise of Darkrai (2007)

A cinematic gem about a misunderstood legendary Pokemon protecting a town from cosmic-level destruction, praised as one of the most mature and visually stunning entries.

6/12

Celebi: Voice of the Forest (2001)

Pokémon 4Ever pairs Ash with a time-traveling forest guardian in a bittersweet environmental adventure that became a touchstone for millennial fans.

7/12

I Choose You! (2017)

A reimagining of Ash and Pikachu's origin story for the modern era, offering longtime fans a nostalgic yet fresh retelling of the classic anime beginnings.

8/12

Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)

The grand conclusion to the Sinnoh legendary trilogy featuring the God of all Pokemon, delivering the highest-stakes plot in the franchise up to that point.

9/12

Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)

A mystery-thriller that showcased the then-new Unova generation, with Zoroark's fierce maternal bond providing an emotionally gripping backbone to the adventure.

10/12

Destiny Deoxys (2004)

A fast-paced space-origin story featuring the alien legendary Deoxys and a futuristic city setting that gave the franchise one of its most visually dynamic backdrops.

11/12

Secrets of the Jungle (2020)

A fresh take on the jungle-orphan story with Koko and Zarude that resonated strongly with pandemic-era audiences seeking heartfelt family entertainment.

12/12