All Pokémon Movies:How many Pokémon movies have been released so far?
Q: How many Pokémon movies have been released so far?
A: As of 2025, there have been 23 official Pokémon movies released in Japan, starting with Pokémon: The First Movie in 1998 and continuing through Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle in 2020. The films are typically released annually in Japanese theaters, with international releases following months later. While the main series focused on Ash Ketchum and his friends, recent movies like I Choose You!, The Power of Us, and Secrets of the Jungle serve as standalone stories or reboots, not strictly tied to the anime's continuity. Additionally, there are several TV specials and short films, but the 23 theatrical features are what fans generally count as the main Pokémon movie canon.
Q: Which Pokémon movie is considered the best by fans?
A: Fan opinions vary, but Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) is often cited as the most iconic and emotionally resonant. Its darker tone, existential themes, and the memorable scene of Pikachu crying resonated with a generation. Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown (2000) also ranks high for its emotional story about a young girl and Entei. Among newer entries, I Choose You! (2017) and The Power of Us (2018) are praised for strong character development and nostalgic callbacks. Meanwhile, Pokémon Heroes (2002) and Jirachi: Wish Maker (2003) have cult followings. Ultimately, 'best' depends on whether you prefer classic adventure, emotional depth, or modern animation and storytelling.
Q: Are all Pokémon movies connected to the main anime storyline?
A: Not all Pokémon movies are directly connected to the main anime's continuity. The first 19 films, from Mewtwo Strikes Back through I Choose You!, were generally set within the same timeline as the ongoing TV series, though their events rarely affect later episodes. However, starting with I Choose You! (2017), the movies shifted to an alternate continuity, rebooting Ash's origins and featuring different companions like Verity and Sorrel. The Power of Us and Secrets of the Jungle continue this standalone approach. Additionally, movies like Detective Pikachu (2019) are live-action and completely separate. So while early films are loosely tied to the anime, recent ones and live-action adaptations exist in their own universes, making the movie canon diverse.
Q: What is the highest-grossing Pokémon movie of all time?
A: The highest-grossing Pokémon movie worldwide is Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, which earned approximately $163 million globally during its original theatrical run. Adjusted for inflation, that figure would be even higher today. It was a cultural phenomenon in 1998–1999, especially in North America, where it topped the box office. Among later films, Pokémon 2000 – The Movie and Pokémon 3: The Movie also performed well, but none surpassed the first movie's global haul. In Japan, the highest-grossing is often cited as Pokémon: The First Movie as well, with revenues exceeding ¥7 billion. More recent movies have generally earned less due to changing market conditions and streaming releases, but the first film remains the undisputed box office champion of the franchise.
Words of experience
Common scenarios of "All Pokémon Movies"
【Host】 Welcome, everyone, to our Pokémon Movie Marathon discussion! I'm your host, Alex, and with me is lifelong Pokémon fan and film critic, Jamie. Today we're going through all the Pokémon movies, from the very first one to the latest. Jamie, are you ready?
【Jamie】 Absolutely, Alex! I've been watching these since I was a kid. The first movie, 'Mewtwo Strikes Back,' hit theaters in 1998 in Japan and 1999 internationally. It was a phenomenon. I still remember the emotional impact of Ash turning to stone.
【Host】 That scene is iconic. But let's start from the beginning. What made the first movie so special beyond the nostalgia?
【Jamie】 It tackled deeper themes like cloning and identity. Mewtwo's existential crisis was surprisingly mature for a kids' film. Plus, the animation was a step up from the TV series, and the soundtrack—with 'Brother My Brother' by Blessid Union of Souls—still gives me chills.
【Host】 True. Then came 'The Power of One' in 2000, featuring Lugia. Many fans consider it the best. Do you agree?
【Jamie】 It's definitely a fan favorite. The stakes were global—the world was flooding, and Ash had to collect the three treasures. Lugia's song, 'The Power of One' by Donna Summer, was epic. But I think 'Spell of the Unown' (2000) is underrated. It explored a child's grief and the dangers of wish fulfillment.
【Host】 'Spell of the Unown' had that eerie, dreamlike quality. And then we got 'Celebi: Voice of the Forest' in 2001, which introduced time travel and the Iron-Masked Marauder.
【Jamie】 Yes, and it was the first movie to feature a shiny Pokémon—the pink Celebi. The bond between Sammy and Celebi was touching. But let's not forget 'Pokémon Heroes' in 2002, with Latias and Latios. That one had a bittersweet ending.
【Host】 'Heroes' was the last one to get a wide theatrical release in the West until 'I Choose You!' in 2017. After that, most went straight to DVD. Did the quality dip?
【Jamie】 Not necessarily, but the formula became more predictable. 'Jirachi: Wish Maker' (2003) was sweet, but 'Destiny Deoxys' (2004) felt like a standard action flick. However, 'Lucario and the Mystery of Mew' (2005) is a masterpiece. It delved into Lucario's backstory and Ash's connection to aura.
【Host】 I love 'Lucario.' The emotional sacrifice at the end always gets me. Then we had 'Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea' (2006), which introduced Manaphy and the Ranger concept.
【Jamie】 That one was fun, but the Ranger series didn't really take off in the movies. 'The Rise of Darkrai' (2007) kicked off a trilogy with Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. The animation was stunning, especially the spatial distortions.
【Host】 The trilogy continued with 'Giratina and the Sky Warrior' (2008) and 'Arceus and the Jewel of Life' (2009). Did it stick the landing?
【Jamie】 'Arceus' was ambitious, but the time travel paradoxes were messy. Still, seeing Arceus as the creator was awe-inspiring. Then came 'Zoroark: Master of Illusions' (2010), which had a great twist with the illusionary Pokémon.
【Host】 After that, the movies shifted to the Black & White series: 'Victini and Zekrom/Reshiram' (2011), 'Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice' (2012), and 'Genesect and the Legend Awakened' (2013). Were these forgettable?
【Jamie】 Mostly, yes. The two Victini versions were a gimmick, and Genesect felt like a rehash of Mewtwo's story. But 'Kyurem' had some cool knight-themed Pokémon. Then the XY series gave us 'Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction' (2014), 'Hoopa and the Clash of Ages' (2015), and 'Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel' (2016).
【Host】 'Hoopa' was a wild ride with all those legendary Pokémon. But 'Volcanion' felt like a step down. Then came the reboot: 'I Choose You!' (2017), which retold Ash's origin.
【Jamie】 That was a bold move. It divided fans—some loved the new take, others missed Brock and Misty. But the ending with Marshadow was intriguing. Then 'The Power of Us' (2018) focused on multiple characters, which was refreshing.
【Host】 And 'Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution' (2019) was a CGI remake of the first movie. Was it necessary?
【Jamie】 Not really. It was a shot-for-shot remake with 3D animation that lost the charm of the original. But it was a nostalgia cash-grab that worked for some. Then 'Secrets of the Jungle' (2020) focused on Koko and the jungle, which was a nice change of pace.
【Host】 We can't forget the most recent ones: 'Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle' was 2020, and then there was 'Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles' (2022), which was a miniseries, not a movie. But the latest film is 'Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle'? Wait, I'm mixing up.
【Jamie】 Actually, after 'Secrets of the Jungle,' there hasn't been a new theatrical Pokémon movie. The franchise shifted focus to the anime series 'Pokémon Horizons.' So as of now, that's the last movie. But there are rumors of a new one.
【Host】 So we've covered 23 movies. Which one is your all-time favorite?
【Jamie】 It's a tie between 'The Power of One' and 'Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.' Both have great stories, music, and emotional depth. But if I had to pick, 'Lucario' because of its mature themes and beautiful animation.
【Host】 Great choice. And your least favorite?
【Jamie】 Probably 'Genesect and the Legend Awakened.' It felt like a rehash and the new Mewtwo was just not as compelling. But even the worst Pokémon movies have some charm.
【Host】 Well said. Thanks for joining us, Jamie. That's all for today's marathon. Until next time, keep on catching 'em all!
