Discovering The Pokémon Movies In Order: Your Ultimate Watch Guide

Dr. Myriam Rutherford III 26 Jul 2025

Have you ever wondered about the best way to watch all the Pokémon movies? Maybe you’re a long-time fan looking to revisit Ash Ketchum's grand adventures, or perhaps you're just starting your journey and want to experience every major story. Getting the Pokémon movies in order can seem a bit tricky, with so many releases spanning decades of animation. It's almost like trying to catch every single Pokémon out there!

Understanding the proper sequence of these cinematic tales really helps you appreciate the ongoing narrative and character growth. Each film often connects to a specific point in Ash’s main TV series journey, introducing legendary Pokémon or new regions that were relevant at the time. So, watching them in the right flow, you know, makes a lot of sense for the story.

This guide will help you sort through the entire collection, from the earliest theatrical releases to the most recent animated features. We'll lay out the best viewing path, making sure you don't miss a single exciting moment or important plot detail. You will get to see, for example, how Ash meets different powerful creatures and faces incredible challenges throughout his quest to become a Pokémon Master, all in their proper place.

The Original Series Films: Kanto and Johto Adventures
Advanced Generation Films: Hoenn and Battle Frontier Sagas
Diamond and Pearl Films: Sinnoh Region Chronicles
Black & White Films: Unova Region Escapades
XY Films: Kalos Region Adventures
Sun & Moon and Alternate Timeline Films: New Beginnings
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Movies
What order should I watch Pokémon movies in?
Do Pokémon movies follow the anime?
How many Pokémon movies are there?
Starting Your Pokémon Movie Marathon

The Original Series Films: Kanto and Johto Adventures

The first set of Pokémon movies really captured the hearts of a generation. These films often featured powerful legendary Pokémon and explored themes of friendship, courage, and the bond between trainers and their partners. They typically came out around the time Ash was traveling through Kanto and Johto, so their stories, you know, sort of fit into that period.

Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

This film, quite frankly, started it all. It introduces Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon, who questions its purpose and identity. Ash and his friends find themselves caught in a conflict that challenges what it means to be alive, and it is a very intense story for a kids' movie, really.

Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One (1999)

In this second movie, Ash gets involved in a big prophecy concerning the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, and the mythical Pokémon Lugia. The balance of the world is at stake, so Ash has to gather some special treasures to calm things down. It's a rather epic tale of destiny.

Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown (2000)

This movie centers on a young girl named Molly Hale whose father disappears, leaving her alone with the mysterious Unown. Her wishes, powered by the Unown, transform her home into a crystal palace and bring Entei to life. Ash and his friends must try to help her, and it is, you know, a very emotional journey.

Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest (2001)

Ash and his friends travel to a forest where they meet Sam, a boy from the past who has traveled through time with the mythical Pokémon Celebi. They must protect Celebi from a hunter who wants to capture it. It's a rather touching story about nature and time, too.

Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias (2002)

Set in the beautiful water city of Alto Mare, this film features the legendary Pokémon Latios and Latias, who protect a powerful jewel called the Soul Dew. Two thieves try to steal the jewel, so Ash and his friends must help the city's guardians. It's a very visually stunning movie, really.

Advanced Generation Films: Hoenn and Battle Frontier Sagas

As Ash journeyed through the Hoenn region and then the Battle Frontier, the movies continued to expand the Pokémon universe. These films often introduced new legendary Pokémon from the current video game generation, giving fans a first look at their abilities and stories. They were, you know, pretty exciting for fans.

Pokémon: Jirachi: Wish Maker (2003)

This movie features the mythical Pokémon Jirachi, which awakens for only seven days every thousand years. Max, Brock's younger brother, befriends Jirachi, but a magician tries to use its power for his own gain. It's a rather sweet story about wishes and friendship.

Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)

In this film, the alien Pokémon Deoxys returns to Earth after a previous battle with Rayquaza. It searches for its friend, but its presence causes chaos in a high-tech city. Ash and his friends get caught in the middle of this intense conflict, and it's a very action-packed movie.

Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)

Ash encounters a special Pokémon named Lucario, who was sealed away centuries ago. Lucario helps Ash search for Pikachu, who has been taken by Mew. This film explores the concept of Aura and the history of the Pokémon world, and it is, you know, quite a deep story.

Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)

This movie introduces the mythical Pokémon Manaphy and a Pokémon Ranger named Jack Walker. Ash and his friends help protect Manaphy and guide it to an underwater temple to fulfill its destiny. It's a rather adventurous tale set in a unique location.

Diamond and Pearl Films: Sinnoh Region Chronicles

The Diamond and Pearl era brought Ash to the Sinnoh region, where he met new companions and faced some of the most powerful legendary Pokémon yet. The movies from this period often formed a loose trilogy, exploring the lore of Sinnoh's creation trio. They were, you know, very grand in scope.

Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)

Ash and his friends arrive in Alamos Town, where they encounter the mythical Pokémon Darkrai, which is blamed for strange occurrences and nightmares. A conflict between Dialga and Palkia also threatens to destroy the town. It's a very suspenseful and somewhat dramatic film.

Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)

Following the events of the previous film, Giratina is angry at Dialga for disturbing its world. Ash and his friends meet Shaymin, a mythical Pokémon, and get pulled into the conflict between Giratina and Dialga. It's a rather exciting continuation of the Sinnoh legend, too.

Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)

This movie concludes the Sinnoh legendary Pokémon trilogy. Ash and his friends travel back in time to prevent Arceus, the creator Pokémon, from destroying the world after it was betrayed by a human. It's a very significant film for the lore, you know, and a powerful story.

Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)

Ash and his friends encounter the Illusion Fox Pokémon Zoroark, who is searching for its child, Zorua. They uncover a plot by a media mogul who wants to capture Zoroark for his own purposes. It's a rather clever story with a lot of twists and turns.

Black & White Films: Unova Region Escapades

The Black & White series took Ash to the Unova region, introducing a whole new set of Pokémon and characters. The movies from this period often explored themes of ideals versus truth and featured powerful legendary Pokémon from Unova. They were, you know, pretty distinct.

Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom (2011)

These are two versions of the same movie, each featuring a different legendary Pokémon. Ash and his friends arrive in Eindoak Town, where they meet the mythical Pokémon Victini. They get involved in a plot to restore the town's prosperity, which involves either Reshiram or Zekrom. It's a very unique dual release, really.

Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)

Ash and his friends encounter Keldeo, a mythical Pokémon and one of the "Swords of Justice," who seeks to battle the powerful Kyurem. They must help Keldeo face its fears and protect it from Kyurem's pursuit. It's a rather thrilling adventure with a focus on courage.

Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)

Set in a bustling city, this film features a group of Genesect, ancient Pokémon revived by Team Plasma, who are trying to find their home. Mewtwo, a very powerful Pokémon, tries to help them, leading to a big conflict. It's a very action-packed story with a lot of heart.

XY Films: Kalos Region Adventures

The XY series brought Ash to the Kalos region, where he discovered Mega Evolution and faced new challenges. The movies during this time continued to showcase powerful mythical and legendary Pokémon, often with strong environmental or emotional themes. They were, you know, quite visually appealing.

Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)

Ash and his friends meet Diancie, a mythical Pokémon that creates diamonds, but its power is fading. They must help Diancie find the legendary Pokémon Xerneas to restore its strength and save its kingdom from the destructive Yveltal. It's a rather magical and adventurous film.

Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)

This movie features the mischievous mythical Pokémon Hoopa, who can summon anything through its rings. Its power accidentally brings legendary Pokémon from other dimensions into the city, causing a big commotion. Ash and his friends must help control the chaos, and it's a very fun and chaotic story.

Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)

Ash literally falls into a conflict involving the mythical Pokémon Volcanion, who despises humans. They must work together to rescue a young girl and stop a corrupt minister from using a powerful invention. It's a rather exciting and heartwarming story about trust.

Sun & Moon and Alternate Timeline Films: New Beginnings

Starting with "I Choose You!", the Pokémon movies took a different path, creating an alternate continuity that reimagines Ash's journey. These films are separate from the main anime series timeline but offer fresh perspectives on classic stories and new adventures. They are, you know, a bit different but still very much Pokémon.

Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)

This film celebrates the 20th anniversary of the anime by retelling Ash and Pikachu's first adventures, but with some significant changes and new characters. It focuses on their bond and their quest to find the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh. It's a very nostalgic and emotional journey, really.

Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)

Set in the Fula City, where people live in harmony with the wind, this movie introduces a new cast of characters who come together during a festival. When the wind stops, they must work together with the mythical Pokémon Zeraora to save the city. It's a rather uplifting story about community.

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution (2019)

This is a CGI remake of the very first Pokémon movie, "Mewtwo Strikes Back." It retells the original story with updated animation, bringing the classic tale to a new generation of viewers. It's a very faithful recreation, too, just with a new look.

Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)

Ash and Pikachu venture into the Forest of Okoya, a wild place protected by the mythical Pokémon Zarude. They discover a human boy raised by Zarude, and together they must protect the jungle from a greedy corporation. It's a rather charming story about family and nature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Movies

People often have questions about how these films fit together, and that is, you know, completely fair given how many there are. Here are some common things folks ask.

What order should I watch Pokémon movies in?

The best way to watch the Pokémon movies is typically in their release order, as listed above. This way, you follow the general progression of the anime series, even if the movies themselves are mostly standalone. For the alternate timeline films starting with "I Choose You!", those can be watched in their own release order as a separate continuity. You can learn more about Pokémon on our site.

Do Pokémon movies follow the anime?

Most Pokémon movies are generally considered to be outside the main anime continuity, or at least exist in a sort of "pocket" timeline. They often feature Ash and his friends, but the events of the movies rarely have a lasting impact on the TV series. The movies typically introduce legendary or mythical Pokémon that are relevant to the current anime season. However, the films starting with "I Choose You!" are explicitly part of an alternate timeline, so they do not follow the main anime at all. You can check out this page for more info.

How many Pokémon movies are there?

As of late 2023, there are over 20 animated Pokémon movies. This count includes the original series, Advanced Generation, Diamond & Pearl, Black & White, XY, and the newer alternate timeline films. There is, of course, a live-action film, "Detective Pikachu," but that is a separate thing entirely. For the official source of Pokémon news and information on the Pokémon Trading Card Game, apps, video games, animation, and the Pokédex, you can visit pokemon.com.

Starting Your Pokémon Movie Marathon

Getting into the Pokémon movies in order is a fun way to experience the broader world of Pokémon beyond the TV series. Each film offers a unique story, often with a focus on legendary or mythical Pokémon that you might not see as much in the regular episodes. So, whether you are looking to relive some childhood memories or discover these cinematic adventures for the first time, this guide should help you get started. It's a rather exciting journey, you know, to see Ash and Pikachu face so many different challenges.

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