The best anime series about Pokemon

The Pokemon anime is one of the most iconic series of the 90s. From the clumsy days when Ash learned what it means to be a true Pokemon Master to the years after his departure from the show, Pokemon constantly have creative stories to tell. Anime also serves as a way to expand the regions players explore in the games, with new details about cultures, learning customs, and events.

From Pokémon competitions to gym competitions, there's always something new to watch in anime. So which series had the most to offer, and which gave fans of the game amazing new content?

12

Generations of Pokemon

Adaptation of key moments from the games

Pokemon Generations adapts key moments from the games and also contains small nods to some of the fan-favorite Pokemon from each generation. Have you ever wanted to see the blue beat the elite four before the red showed up?

How about a final battle between Gym Leaders Unova vs Team Plasma? This anime is short, each episode is only a few minutes long, but it showcases the gaming world so well that you want more.

11

Poketoon: Cartoon Pokemon

Friendly and cozy animation for children

Poketoon is a short anthology series. However, it manages to capture new perspectives of the Pokemon world. How hard is it to catch its first Pokemon, and how long will Magikarp be willing to wait for its human friend?

All the shorts are beautifully animated. Although it is not a full-fledged series with hundreds of episodes, it is enjoyable to watch: some episodes make you want to continue watching the future adventures of the main character.

10

Twilight wings

Exploring the Galar region

While the Galar region never had a full anime to explore the region or its customs, Wings of Twilight gave fans a more detailed look at the Pokemon and trainers that live there.

From Vulu escaping to watching Nessa's inner struggle as a professional trainer, Wings of Twilight is a wonderful anime that makes the Galar region richer than the games. It even provides some post-game backstories showing where the characters go after the events of Sword and Shield.

9

Chronicles of Pokemon

Ash's companions also have lives

Pokemon Chronicles is an underrated segment of Pokemon anime. This is a short series, the focus is not on Ash, but on the companions he left behind. Brock finally returns home and has to deal with the renovation of his gym.

Meanwhile, Misty must overcome her fear of Gyarados. It's the kind of series that keeps Ash's companions going on their own little adventures, and something you'd like to see more of with the coming seasons. It also gives the Gold and Silver characters a mini-series in Pokemon Chronicles.

8

Pokemon Advanced Generation

Pokemon contests and new opponents

Pokemon Advanced Generation is the first series in which Ash takes on the role of Mei's mentor. However, Mei is also the first Pokégirl to set a goal beyond becoming a Pokémon Master. She even had her competitors.

Pokemon competitions have opened the door to many different attack combinations, both in terms of beauty and strategy, making the world of Pokemon training more challenging.

7

Pokemon Origins

Adaptation of the original games

Pokemon Origins is an anime that does not star Ash Ketchum. Instead, it's a retelling of Pokemon Red and Blue. Even though it skims through most of the plot to get to key points in the games, it's a breath of fresh air for anyone who's ever wanted a true adaptation.

For the first time, players can see iconic moments like Cubone's ghost mother, how Pokemon gyms grow their team depending on the challenger, and Mewtwo's capture in Cerulean Cave.

6

Pokemon Concierge

Stop Motion Pokemon Stories

Stop motion is one of the most creative types of animation. Pokemon Concierge uses it to bring the franchise to life like never before. In this short series, Haru wants to be a Pokémon Concierge who works at a hotel, so she finally takes the lead.

However, she lacks self-confidence and needs the support of her colleagues and Pokémon partner. It's cozy, it's fun, and it gives some love to the other yellow Pokemon for a change; Psidak.

5

Pokemon journeys

The end of Ash's journey

Pokemon Journeys is the culmination of all of Ash Ketchum's adventures. Old faces return here and you can really see how much of an impact Ash has made along the way.

This anime tends to move away from the Galar region, quickly launching most of what would normally be its own arc. However, many stories come to a conclusion as Ash finally becomes the World Champion.

4

Pokemon Horizons

Pokemon is getting a new main character

Pokemon Horizons is a new take on anime. It's hard to stand tall without Ash Ketchum, but Lyko gives us a nice change of pace. With new mysteries to uncover and a journey across the sky.

Unlike the Ash series, there's often a larger narrative that doesn't revolve around gyms or tournaments. It could be figuring out the purpose of a mysterious pendant or figuring out what's inside Roy's special Pokeball.

3

Pokemon X and Y

A close win and Pokemon performances

Pokemon X and Y is where Ash locks in as a Pokemon trainer. He spends most of the episode training to come up with a smart strategy for his gym battles and almost takes home the win. This is the strongest Ash.

Serena's story is also well written as she tries to establish herself in the world of Pokemon performances. These performances also lead to stunning visuals that make you wish you could attend the show in real life.

2

Pokemon sun and moon

Ash's vacation after losing in Colossus

Pokemon Sun and Moon changed the status quo. The animation became more expressive, had more of a slice-of-life format with Ash at school, and had a purpose other than collecting gymnastics badges.

This series also has most of the secondary characters and enough episodes to flesh them all out. So after Ash finally wins his first ever league, saying goodbye to Alola seems more bittersweet than ever.

1

Pokemon Indigo League

Ash's journey begins

The Indigo League is the first ever Pokemon season, but it's not all about nostalgia. This is a series where Ash is at the very beginning level of a Pokemon trainer and thus gets into a lot of 90s anime antics.

There's a certain charm to the fact that Ash is not only fresh on the scene, but also has a sassy Pikachu. Ash is also hotter in this series than any other.