When fans discuss starters from the Pokémon franchise the conversation often revolves around the adorable base forms or the cool final evolutions. Very rarely are the middle evolutions focused on in any real or meaningful way.

They're often seen as the awkward teenagers of the Pokémon world and a stepping stone to the creatures people want. Some of them, however, are pretty cool in their own right. Let's look at and rank the 10 best starter pokémon evolutions from all generations.

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10 Torracat

If we're being honest with ourselves Torracat doesn't hold a candle to either its base form Litten or its final evolution Incineroar. Both of them are best in class in their respective evolutionary starter classes, but that doesn't mean Torracat is chopped liver.

Cats get plenty of love on the internet but in real life, you'll often hear dog owners complain about them non-stop. With Torracat, cat lovers can own a cat pokémon that's the size of a medium-sized dog and keep cat haters far away from your domain.

9 Monferno

Monkey pokémon tend to be a dime a dozen as every generation seemingly includes one or two at the very least. The reason Monferno lands on this least of best middle evolutions is that it pulsates tremendous superhero energy.

Its design makes it look like it's wearing an eye mask that's typically seen worn by crimefighters and vigilantes looking to protect their identity. It also has an armband and collar that pull the look together and make Monferno feel like a sidekick to the #1 superhero in the world of Pokémon.

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8 Dewott

Pokemon: Dewott Ready For Battle

The evolutionary water-type starter line in Pokémon Black & White that goes from Oshawott to Dewott, to finally Samurott has to be one of the oddest in the franchise. There are very slight similarities between them, but they mostly don't look like they're immediately related at all. They look like three siblings each with a different dad.

Dewott is known as the Discipline Pokémon and one look at its serious personality and structured stance tells you all you need to know about this formidable otter pokémon.

7 Pignite

Ash's Pignite from the Pokemon anime

In the world of Pokémon, it seems that fire-type starters are only ever allowed to be fighting dual-typed. Pignite and its line fall right in line with this, but that doesn't mean they tread the same ground entirely.

Though you'd never guess this, professional wrestling and Pokémon have a lot of cross interest among fans so whenever a pokémon exudes that type of energy or design it's a great time. Pignite looks like a pro wrestler wearing a singlet that's ready to fly off the top ropes. What's not to love about this stout little wrestling pig?

6 Marshtomp

An argument can be made that at times Marshtomp looks like a dunce and its eyes can seem a little lifeless. That being said, at the very worst Marshtomp is the guy at the college party doing a keg stand then eating an entire large pepperoni pizza.

They're always up for a good time, but depending on the people around them they're either super entertaining or mildly to greatly annoying. It's hard to strike your own identity when you're sandwiched between a cutie like Mudkip and a powerhouse like Swampert, but Marshtomp pulls it off.

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5 Dartrix

Dartrix's hair swoop and regal bowtie mixed with its very jolly expression make this bird feel super welcoming and friendly. It feels like a smart friend who offers words of encouragement and sage advice simply because they want you to be your best self.

It happens to land in that very rare spot of being cute, but at the same time coming across as a mature and dignified creature. It also is said to be a clean freak that can't stand dirty living spaces so you'll never have to clean up after it which is always a plus.

4 Quilava

There's nothing exceptionally great about Quilava, but it happens to come across as the perfect pet pokémon. Not everyone in the regions found in the Pokémon games are trainers and there are likely several people who just like to have a family pet that keeps them company.

It's relatively the size of a small-to-medium dog breed and looks like the perfect cuddle partner. The great thing is that if Quilava evolves it simply transforms from a lap dog of sorts into a big guard dog that can keep unwanted visitors from entering your property.

3 Raboot

Often in the world of Pokémon the more human-like, a creature is, the likelier it is to come off as off-putting or strange. Raboot breaks the mold in that way as it's evident it's supposed to give off teenage soccer player vibes, but it still feels like a rabbit pokémon.

It even breaks the rule of having skin and fur that looks like human clothing, but once again for some reason it works. Raboot and its evolutionary line are generally considered the best starters in Pokémon Sword & Shield, which isn't hard considered the generation's starters, in general, are pretty divisive.

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2 Crononaw

It's a real shame Feraligatr never received any Mega Evolution love as it happens to be one of the rare starter pokémon where each member of its evolutionary line is a solid design.

It's a very primal pokémon line overall and Croconaw helps showcase that through its very bulbous dinosaur-like head and a torso coloring that's reminiscent of classic caveman attire. Croconaw is like the cool rebellious teenager who's less likely to be the bully of the class, but instead is the lovable class clown that everyone loves.

1 Ivysaur

Often middle evolutions help spark design elements that are fully realized in the final forms, but in Ivysaur's case, it happens to be the best design of its entire line. Bulbasaur is lovable but it does look slightly stumpy overall at times.

Venusaur is an abomination of a pokémon and completely loses the puppy-like essence of Bulbasaur and Ivysaur. Ivysaur strikes the balance of still being adorable while also having a little bit of bite and toughness to its personality. The bulb on its back is just enough flare to help it stand out.

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