The Pokémon franchise has captivated audiences for over two decades with its thrilling adventures, emotional storytelling, and iconic battles. Since the release of Pokémon: The First Movie in 1998, the series has expanded into a vast cinematic universe, with over 20 animated films. Below, we explore the top 10 most famous and influential Pokémon movies worldwide, ranked based on popularity, box office success, and cultural impact.
1. Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters: Mewtwo no Gyakushū
Box Office: $172 million
This groundbreaking film introduced the legendary Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon seeking revenge against humanity. The movie’s themes of identity, cloning, and the ethics of science made it a global phenomenon. The climactic battle between Mewtwo and Mew remains one of the most iconic moments in Pokémon history.
Why It’s Famous:
- First-ever Pokémon theatrical release.
- Emotional storyline (Ash’s “death” scene shocked fans).
- Introduced the concept of legendary Pokémon battles.
2. Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters: Mirus no Gyakushū
Box Office: $133 million
This film follows Ash as he tries to prevent Lawrence III, a greedy collector, from disrupting the balance of nature by capturing the legendary Lugia and the three elemental birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres). The movie’s environmental message and epic battles made it a fan favorite.
Why It’s Famous:
- Introduced Lugia, one of the most beloved Legendary Pokémon.
- Featured a high-stakes, world-ending conflict.
- The soundtrack (“The Power of One”) remains iconic.
3. Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown (2000)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters: Kesshō Tō no Teiō Entei
Box Office: $68 million
This film explores psychic Pokémon and alternate realities, centering on Unown, mysterious glyph-like creatures that warp reality. A young girl, Molly, uses their power to create a dream world with Entei as her father. Ash and friends must rescue her before reality collapses.
Why It’s Famous:
- Darker, psychological storyline.
- First major focus on Entei, a fan-favorite Legendary.
- Unique animation style during Unown’s reality-warping scenes.
4. Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation: Mew to Hadō no Yūsha Lucario
Box Office: $37 million
Considered one of the best-written Pokémon movies, this film follows Lucario, an Aura Pokémon once loyal to a medieval knight. When Ash and friends uncover Lucario’s past, they embark on a journey to the Tree of Beginning, facing betrayal, sacrifice, and the mythical Mew.
Why It’s Famous:
- Deep lore involving Aura and ancient Pokémon history.
- Emotional ending (Lucario’s sacrifice).
- Mew’s playful yet powerful role.
5. Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation: Rekku no Houmonsha Deoxys
Box Office: $42 million
This sci-fi adventure introduces Deoxys, an alien Pokémon that crashes to Earth, causing panic. Ash and friends must stop a battle between Deoxys and Rayquaza, the sky guardian. The film explores fear of the unknown and coexistence.
Why It’s Famous:
- First major appearance of Rayquaza, a fan-favorite Dragon-type.
- High-tech city setting (unlike most rural Pokémon films).
- Themes of alien life and misunderstanding.
6. Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl: Arceus Chōkoku no Jikū e
Box Office: $50 million
This time-travel epic features Arceus, the “God of Pokémon,” seeking revenge after being betrayed in the past. Ash and friends must correct history to prevent destruction. The film is notable for its mythological depth and high stakes.
Why It’s Famous:
- Introduces Arceus, the creator of the Pokémon universe.
- Complex time-travel plot.
- One of the most cinematically ambitious Pokémon films.
7. Pokémon: Zoroark – Master of Illusions (2010)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl: Phantom Ruler Zoroark
Box Office: $71 million
This film centers on Zoroark, a shapeshifting Pokémon framed for crimes it didn’t commit. Ash and friends uncover a conspiracy involving Celebi and time manipulation. The movie’s noir-style mystery makes it unique.
Why It’s Famous:
- Features Zoroark, a popular Dark-type from Gen V.
- Celebi’s return with a major role.
- Intriguing whodunit plot.
8. Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl: Dialga vs. Palkia vs. Darkrai
Box Office: $49 million
This film showcases a cosmic battle between Dialga (Time) and Palkia (Space), with Darkrai caught in the middle. The town of Alamos faces destruction, and Ash must stop the clash.
Why It’s Famous:
- First major appearance of Darkrai, a fan-favorite Mythical Pokémon.
- Spectacular dimensional warping visuals.
- One of the most action-packed Pokémon films.
9. Pokémon: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
Japanese Title: Gekijōban Pocket Monsters XY&Z: Volcanion to Karakuri no Magearna
Box Office: $37 million
This steampunk-inspired film introduces Volcanion, a mistrustful Legendary, and Magearna, a mechanical Pokémon. The duo must stop a corrupt kingdom from exploiting Magearna’s power.
Why It’s Famous:
- Unique steampunk aesthetic.
- Magearna’s emotional backstory.
- Strong anti-war themes.
10. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
Japanese Title: Meitantei Pikachu
Box Office: $433 million
The only live-action Pokémon film stars Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu, solving a mystery in Ryme City. Unlike traditional Pokémon movies, this blends noir detective storytelling with CGI Pokémon.
Why It’s Famous:
- First-ever live-action Pokémon movie.
- Ryan Reynolds’ humorous performance.
- Groundbreaking CGI Pokémon integration.
