# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 10, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-pokemon-animated-movie*

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## Current results (0 votes)

1. **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.
2. **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.
3. **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.
4. **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.
5. **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.
6. **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.
7. **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.
8. **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.
9. **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.
10. **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.
11. **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.
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.

Tags: japanese, fantasy, movies, adventure, animation, children, nintendo, japan