Water-Type Pokémon has been a main staple in the franchise ever since the Kanto region with Squirtle. Fans love these Pokémon not only because they are powerful but also because a lot of them are mesmerizingly cute. Fans seem to become even more enthralled with Water-type starters because players can bond with them from the beginning of their Pokémon journey.
This list will rank every Water-type starter in the series thus far by how cute it is and how nice it acts. From Froakie to Sobble, here is every Water-type starter ranked by cuteness!
8 Squirtle
Squirtle isn't ugly by any means; however, it earns a low spot on this list because it just isn't as cute as most of the other Water-type starters in the Pokémon franchise. It makes sense that this Pokémon wouldn't be quite as cute as some of the others because the developers didn't yet know how to design the Pokémon in a way that would appeal to everyone, and therefore they went with cool designs instead of cute ones.
A turtle Pokémon was bound to not be the cutest animal to base a Pokémon off of because of its hulking shell and slow movement. However, even with that said, Squirtle is an adorable little Water-type Pokémon, and every fan knows it to be one of the iconic starters in the franchise ever!
7 Froakie
This frog hops all over the place, and its cuteness can shine through its sometimes weird exterior. Although this Pokémon is very cute, it also acts somewhat bizarre sometimes, which is no surprise since it is technically also a ninja.
Fans quickly fell in love with Froakie and especially its final evolution, Greninja, because of its awesome power and large move set. Even though Froakie doesn't earn the top spot on this list, it's still a major contender in the battle for the cutest Water-type starter ever.
6 Totodile
Totodile is a cute crocodile, and fans didn't know that a crocodile could be so adorable before they gazed at this Pokémon. Its large teeth end up being more adorable than frightening, and that adds to how cute this creature is in both appearance and general atmosphere unfortunately because crocodiles aren't as cute as some of the other animal-themes on this list it earns one of the lower spots.
The final evolution of Totodile is somewhat basic, and a lot of fans regard it as one of their least favorites in terms of design. Regardless of this Pokémon's evolutions, it's a cute creature, and every Pokémon fan can see why!
5 Popplio
Popplio was very divisive within the Pokémon fan base because some players loved it, and some didn't especially like its unique design. Regardless of what fans may have thought of this Pokémon, its gimmick is extremely infatuating as a little seal that can balance a ball on its nose.
Hopefully, fans get to see this creature make some more cameos in the future because Popplio would be perfect to come back with Lana for a future episode in the anime. Popplio may not have been the best Water-type starter ever, but it still earns a fair spot on this list as a mesmerizing Pokémon!
4 Sobble
Sobble is very cute because it is always crying and requires the nurture of its trainer, similar to a child. Many fans of Pokémon Sword and Shield love this little creature, and it's no surprise because it has one of the most unique themes of any starter Pokémon ever.
Sobble will no doubt be featured more in the anime in the future, and perhaps Ash will even catch one for himself, which would be an adorable thing to see. This little crybaby just can't help being a cutie pie!
3 Oshawott
Oshawott resembles a teddy bear of sorts but of the Water-typing. It is usually regarded as the best starter of generation 5 because of its cute design and tremendously powerful evolution.
Oshawott could easily have been the Pokémon franchise mascot if it had been introduced in generation 1 because it appeals to every kind of Pokémon fan, Being cute but also very strong. Ash has one of these adorable Water-type starters in the anime, and every fan adores its appearances.
2 Piplup
Piplup quickly became a favorite fan Pokémon when it was introduced in generation 4 because the female main character of the Diamond and Pearl series, Dawn, had a Piplup as her partner Pokémon. Dawn traveled with it throughout the series, and it quickly gained fame for its blue cheeks and cute personality. Empoleon, its evolution, is also very powerful and has a dual Water/Steel-Typing, which adds to its fan-favorite attributes.
It would be great to see Dawn come back with her Piplup in the future because fans can't get enough of this adorable creature and its unique relationship with her. This penguin is mesmerizing!
1 Mudkip
Mudkip was secured as the ultimate Water-type starter Pokémon early on in the Advanced Generation series. Fans quickly learned that although this creature could be quite mischievous, it also has a good heart and loves its trainer with the utmost passion.
It doesn't hurt Mudkip that its final evolution, Swampert, is one of the most powerful Pokémon to ever be introduced into the franchise, especially of the starter variety. With such an adorable face and an overpowered evolution, what's not to love about this cutie?