Pokémon hit the world like wildfire, spreading across most of our continents (not Antarctica). Pokémon is watched by millions of viewers and is one of the most popular anime of all time. Trying to ask what started Pokémon's popularity would be like asking which came first the chicken or the egg?
Some would argue that Pokémon's popularity came after the release of the Pokémon Adventures manga. Their widely famous trading cards and Game Boy video games have also been contributing factors. Without a doubt, the Pokémon anime has played a significant part in Pokémon's prominence. You've already seen the episodes, and now, it is time to see which were the best. This is the 10 best Pokémon episodes, ranked.
10 "Attack Of The Prehistoric Pokémon"
Finding a Pokémon egg and the introduction of prehistoric Pokémon? It's no wonder why "Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon" is considered to be one of the best Pokémon episodes. At Grampa Canyon, there is a majestic view of the valley, but all is not ordinary here. Paleontologists are on the scene trying to uncover ancient Pokémon fossils.
Ash and friends soon find out that not all ancient Pokémon at Grandpa Canyon are extinct. "Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon" contains Pokémon like Kabuto, Aerodactyl, and Charmeleon.
9 "Charizard Chills"
The episode's name is descriptive of its events since Charizard seems to chill on its aloofness. "Charizard Chills" was the first time we saw Charizard become obedient. In this episode, Charizard used the technique "Rage" after being overcome with anger by Team Rocket.
Ash's Pokémon, Charizard, drastically changed since its heydays as a Charmander. To see Charizard once again become loyal to Ash was groundbreaking, even if we had to wait till late in the second season to see it change its attitude.
8 "Kalos, Where Dreams And Adventures Begin!"
The first episode of the 17th season kicked off what is arguably one of the best seasons of Pokémon. Sixteen seasons later, Team Rocket is still trying to steal Pikachu from Ash to please their boss. Pokémon is a unique show that rarely seems to disappoint. The formula for each episode is mostly the same. Team Rocket intervenes, there is a Pokémon battle, and Team Rocket always blasts off again.
This episode set in the Kalos region introduces characters like Clemont and Bonnie and reveals a new Pokémon mystery.
7 "Charmander: The Stray Pokémon"
The episode titled "Charmander: The Stray Pokémon" is one of the most gripping and emotional episodes of the series. A trainer abandoned his Pokémon in a rainstorm, leaving it for serious injury and maybe worse. Charmander's loyalty made him wait at the rock, but his trainer was a jerk, so he never returned.
This episode informed viewers about the great lengths Pokémon will go to please their trainers. Thankfully, Ash and friends were there to bring Charmander to the Pokémon Center.
6 "Showdown In Pewter City"
As the first episode in the series that contained a gym battle, it was quite exciting to see Ash combat a gym trainer for the first time. Fighting the colossal Pokémon Onyx gave viewers an impression of what Pokémon could look like. In this case, Gym Trainer Brock's most powerful Pokémon was the largest one.
This may have confused some viewers since size usually doesn't correlate with a Pokémon's power. Still, for containing the first gym battle, "Showdown In Pewter City" stands out.
5 "Electric Shock Showdown"
"Electric Shock Showdown" contains one of the most epic battles in the history of Pokémon. Although the odds were stacked against Pikachu (and he lost the first match), Pikachu was somehow able to beat his evolutionary superior, Raichu. At one point in the episode, Ash was planning to evolve Pikachu with a Thunderstone; Pikachu bats it away with his tail.
From this episode, we get a sense of the Ash and Pikachu's relationship. We know that Ash's Pikachu is not a normal Pikachu. Pikachu is okay with being a Pikachu even though it could gain more power as an evolved Raichu.
4 "Can't Beat The Heat"
In the episode "Can't Beat The Heat," we see Blastoise versus Charizard, which to many was the most anticipated battle in Pokémon. Since Charizard is not very effective against Blastoise, who is super effective against Charizard, it would seem like it was a one-sided battle.
The anime strays from the Pokémon games in this case and gives viewers a close fight for dramatic effect. Not only are the stakes high, but they are even higher since Ash is facing Gary in a Johto league battle! This is one episode you can't miss.
3 "Securing The Future!"
For containing two of the most recent Pokémon legendaries from Pokémon Sun and Moon, "Securing The Future" is considered to be one of the best Pokémon episodes of all time. It contains Solgaleo and Lunala, and the plot of the episode was intriguing. Set in the Alolan region, which is based on Hawaii, there is much at stake in this episode.
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The Alolan people band together to save their humble region. Because it relates to the Pokémon games, this episode is a must-see for avid Pokémon fans.
2 "Pokémon, I Choose You!"
As the first episode in the Pokémon series, there are many reasons to appreciate its entirety. "Pokémon, I Choose You" is about a young boy from Pallet Town, named Ash Ketchum. If a child wants to become a trainer when they turn 10, they can get their first Pokémon and start their journey.
Ash Ketchum knew he wanted to be a trainer since he was a little boy. It was an easy decision for him to become a trainer. The first episode is one of the most exciting because it introduced viewers to the world of Pokémon.
1 "Island Of The Giant Pokémon"
Ash, friends, and Team Rocket wash ashore on an uncharted Pokémon Island after being attacked by a group of Gyarados. The fact that so many rare Pokémon made their debut in this episode makes it significant. Pokémon such as Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Zapdos, and Moltres debut in this explosive episode of Pokémon.
"Island of the Giant Pokémon" is the most memorable and exciting episode of Pokémon. Visiting this island for the first time, Ash and friends were shocked to see the enormous size of its Pokémon inhabitants. Later, we find out that they are not real Pokémon and are robots created by Team Rocket!