Kanto is a timeless classic of a region because of all the nostalgia it brings back to Gen One fans. There were just about 150 original Pokemon to catch in Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow and, for the time, that was quite the selection.
Many Pokemon trainers of the original region could barely decide on how to fill out their team, and for a good reason. Kanto has many powerful Pokemon, and this list will guide you on which creatures make for an intimidating Kanto team. From an icy bird to a napping monster, here are some of the strongest Pokemon found in the Kanto region!
Updated December 8th, 2021 by Michael Caruso: Since Kanto was the first region introduced in the Pokemon franchise, it also introduced many of the most popular Pokemon that still have the spotlight today, such as Pikachu and Charizard. Popular Pokemon isn't the only thing Kanto is famous for; it's also a region with incredibly powerful Pokemon. There are many more creatures you should know about if you're building a team in the Kanto region.
20 Moltres
Moltres is the first Fire-type legendary in the Pokemon franchise, which has made it incredibly popular thanks to its impressive abilities and unique design. Many trainers choose a Fire-type Pokemon at the beginning of their journey, which then makes them want to add the Fire-type bird of Legends to their team.
Moltres is also a powerful option if you choose Bulbasaur or Squirtle, since you may need a Fire-type Pokemon on your team to counter Grass-types, Ice-types, Steel-types, and Bug-types.
19 Gengar
The reason that Gengar is one of the strongest Pokemon in Kanto is because it was originally the only Ghost-type creature in the franchise, along with its evolutionary line. Gengar also doubles as a Poison-type Pokemon, so its moveset is very unique.
You can't go wrong adding a Gengar to your party; however, you need to trade Haunter to evolve it into a Gengar, which is a difficult roadblock for many fans, especially in the first few generations.
18 Tentacruel
Like Gengar, Tentacruel is a dual Poison-type. Tentacruel is also a Water-type, so it's a useful dual-type Pokemon to have in your party if you need to counter Grass-types, Fairy-types, Fire-types, Rock-types, or Ground-types.
Since Tentacruel can potentially be effective against so many types, it's one of the best Water-type Pokemon to have on your team in the Kanto region.
17 Lapras
Water-types and Ice-types are a common mixture in the Pokemon world, but no other creature with this dual-type is as well-known as Lapras. Lapras is a powerful Pokemon with no evolution, and it loosely resembles the Loch Ness Monster.
There are many Water-types that also have the Ice-type in the Kanto region; however, Lapras is a great Pokemon because its design and moveset stand out from the crowd. Lapras' lack of an evolution is also a notable advantage since you can use it at full strength as soon as you add it to your team.
16 Jolteon
Although there are a few Electric-types in Kanto, none other than Jolteon can claim to evolve from the beloved Eevee. Eevee offers you the chance to evolve it into a plethora of species, and Jolteon is the Electric-type variant in its evolutionary line.
Since Jolteon has a high speed stat, it can move quicker than most of the Pokemon in Kanto. This means that you have an immediate advantage during battles while commanding Jolteon, which allows for many unique strategies. If you like Electric-type Pokemon or speedy creatures, then Jolteon is a perfect fit for your party.
15 Flareon
Flareon is the Fire-Type evolution of Eevee. It's an extremely powerful Pokemon that defeats its opponents using fiery attacks. Its color scheme is orange with tan fur. Its ears are large and pointy, and its tail is very bushy.
Flareon is one of Eevee's most powerful evolutions because of its strong Fire-typing and expansive moveset. There aren't many Kanto Pokemon that manage to be as cute as Flareon while also being incredibly strong, which is why it deserves a spot on this list as one of Kanto's strongest creatures.
14 Machamp
Similar to Golem, Machamp seems to be the clear-cut winner in a contest of physical power. While pumping iron won't work to impress every Pokemon you encounter, there is a chance it will intimidate them. With four arms to use, that does seem to be Machamp's M.O.
A fun fact: Machamp has the same base Attack stats as Flareon. It just goes to show you that appearances aren't everything.
13 Snorlax
Every Pokemon fan knows this sleepy giant. This Pokemon has stood in trainers' paths since the very beginning of the Pokemon franchise. It's a blue and white Pokemon with a look that somewhat resembles a giant bear.
Snorlax is a fan-favorite Pokemon because of its gimmick of blocking the path. This behemoth is also incredibly powerful because of its tremendous strength and abnormally high HP stat. Any trainer that catches one of these will find a powerful Pokemon ally, as long as it's not taking a nap.
12 Articuno
Articuno is one of the three legendary birds of Kanto. It's a dual Ice/Flying-type and, because of its strong typing, it has a very unique moveset that many Pokemon can't compete with. Its appearance consists of a blue bird with large wings and three spikes emerging from its head.
Many Pokemon trainers have attempted to catch Articuno; however, most have failed because of its tremendous power, and it's no surprise because of its rare dual typing. Any Pokemon trainer that attempts to catch this flying icicle better come prepared with a few Fire-types.
11 Gyarados
In most areas, Gyarados covers all bases. It doesn't overcompensate in one category or prove to be lacking in another. It also has quite a large move pool to pick from, making it formidable and unpredictable at the same time.
It goes without saying that Gyarados is one of the most popular Gen One Pokemon of all time. Though it may be easy to come by nowadays, that doesn't diminish its attractiveness as a powerful Pokemon to train.
10 Dragonite
Dragonite is one of the first Dragon-Type Pokemon ever introduced in the franchise. It's a giant orange dragon with small wings, and it definitely puts them to good use during battles with strong trainers.
Dragonite's pre-evolutions don't look very similar to its design; however, they're both also powerful Pokemon, just like the main dragon itself. Any Pokemon trainer that's looking for a Dragon or Flying-Type will want to consider adding Dragonite to their party. There aren't many Kanto Pokemon that can beat down on this dragon which is why it deserves a spot on this list. Plus, it's really cool looking.
9 Venusaur
Venusaur is the Grass-Type starter in the Kanto region. It's a favorite of many fans because of the fact that it's a starter, and it was one of the first Grass-Types in the franchise. It's a green Pokemon with a large flower protruding from its back.
Venusaur is not a Pokemon that a trainer will want to mess with. Its strong dual Grass/Poison-typing is a powerful combination, and it has a large move set of many different types of attacks at its disposal. Every trainer wants to add a Venosaur to their team, and if they pick Bulbasaur as their starter Pokemon, it'll be an easy task.
8 Alakazam
Alakazam is one of the Strongest Psychic-types in the Pokemon franchise. It's known for the two spoons it grips tightly in its hands and its powerful psychic abilities. Many Pokemon can't rival this one because it can use its powers to outsmart its foe.
Alakazam is one of Kanto's strongest Pokemon because of its high stats and Psychic-typing. Any trainer that wants an intelligent Pokemon with wits about it can look no further; Alakazam is here to fill your party's void with its psychic powers.
7 Exeggutor
Exeggutor might look a little clumsy, but it's quite the opposite. The three-headed goliath induces you to sleep and throws everything it can at you. It's a very popular pick amongst Gen 1 trainers.
It's pretty atypical to see a Grass/Psychic-type (even stranger with its Alolan form). Exeggutor is also a Special Attack champion with the likes of Gengar and Alakazam.
6 Blastoise
Blastoise is the Water-Type starter in the Kanto region. It's one of the most powerful Water-Types in the Gen One region because of its strong moveset and the ability for growth. Blastoise is a blue turtle that stands upright, and it has two cannons attached to its shell.
This Pokemon is loved but also feared by every type of trainer because of its powerful attacks and ability to shoot extremely chaotic blasts of water that inflict serious damage to all of its enemies. Watch out, Goldeen; Blastoise is the new ruler of the sea.
5 Zapdos
Zapdos is one of the three legendary birds, and it has a dual Electric/Flying-type. Zapdos is unique because of its legendary status, and it will blow any Water-Type out of the water.
Most Electric-Type Pokemon don't have a particularly interesting dual typing, especially the Pokemon from Gen One, which is just another reason why Zapdos deserves a spot on this list. Legendaries are usually very strong, but this Flying-type takes the cake for being one of the most powerful legendaries ever to exist in the Pokemon world and also one of the most powerful Pokemon birds.
4 Golem
Golem, the Ground-Type pillar of strength, tends to be a vengeful ally against the opposing trainer's team. Its hard exterior provides it with some excellent defense, and the use of a well-timed Explosion attack could mean the difference between winning and losing.
While it does have its fair share of counters and weaknesses, it doesn't go down without a fight. No stones unturned. You can bet on Golem to finish the job.
3 Rhydon
Like spotting a rhino in the grasslands, Rhydon is not something you'd want to run into unguarded. The similarities to Golem are pretty easy to notice but not without some key differences: access to Ice and Electric attacks, higher base HP, and it doesn't have to rely on exploding for a heavy hit.
It's definitely advisable to put some distance between you and the other end of its horn. There isn't a lot of time to make a decision in a battle, but Rhydon is always quick on its feet.
2 Charizard
Charizard is the Fire-Type starter in Kanto, and its most powerful feature is its ability to take flight while also capable of creating strong blasts of fire to scorch over its opponent's head. Many trainers looking for a powerful Pokemon will not be disappointed with their Charizard's battle performance.
Every Kanto Fire-type trainer needs to add a Charizard to their team asap, or they will certainly be weaker than their opponents. Grass-type Pokemon should be wary of Charizard because of its double trouble for them with its dual Fire/Flying-Type. Sorry, Venosaur, but you're about to lose.
1 Mewtwo
Mewtwo is a Pokemon with incredible strength. There are few Pokemon in the entire franchise that can rival Mewtwo in power, and this is for good reason. This legendary Psychic-type is a clone of the Pokemon Mew, and although it looks somewhat different, it's obvious once seeing and battling it that they are quite alike.
You need to be careful if you intend to battle or catch Mewtwo because it's not a force to be taken lightly. This legendary clone deserves the spot at the top of this list for being one of the strongest Pokemon in Kanto, and possibly one of the strongest of all time.