Brief Summary
This video ranks all 23 Pokémon films, offering a blend of raw emotions, grilling, and personal enjoyment-based commentary. The ranking spans from the universally panned to the surprisingly enjoyable, with a focus on nostalgia, impact, and unique elements that make each film stand out (or not).
- The ranking includes live-action film "Detective Pikachu".
- The author shares personal anecdotes and memories associated with watching these films.
- The author appreciates films that dare to branch out and tell actual stories.
Intro
The author introduces a ranking of all 23 Pokémon films, promising a fun, emotion-driven, and honest assessment without getting bogged down in excessive analysis. The author expresses his intention to focus more on the films he enjoys.
Detective Pikachu
The author acknowledges the first live-action Pokémon film, "Detective Pikachu," as a decent effort in video game adaptations. While not amazing, it avoided disaster, with Pokémon looking true to form and some standout scenes, particularly those involving Mr. Mime and Ditto. Despite its merits, there's no strong desire to revisit it.
Mewtwo Returns
"Mewtwo Returns" is placed at the bottom of the ranking due to its poor quality. The author expresses disappointment, especially considering the initial hype around Mewtwo. The film is criticized for making previous installments look better by comparison and is considered a "dumpster fire" that isn't worth revisiting. The author also mentions the surprising fact that the rights to the original Mewtwo design were owned by the film's writer's estate.
Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
The author finds "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" laughable due to its blatant commercial nature for the Hoenn remakes. Despite the brand synergy, it didn't significantly impact the box office. The author points out two memorable moments: Wobbuffet sending back a Shadow Ball at Giratina and Reggie Gigas making sad computer noises.
X and Y series
The X and Y movies are described as an obligation, with the author falling into a routine of watching them without much engagement. The addition of a dub score is mentioned, but overall, these films don't stand out. The author expresses being close to abandoning the movies during this period.
The rest Zechrom films
The author expresses indifference towards the Victini films, noting they left no impact, good or bad. The author considers them worse than "Genesect and the Legend Awakened" because at least that film elicited a reaction. The author also criticizes the Black and White films for attempting to split the same story into two movies, which only works for the games. The only thing the author remembers is Iris's hair shading, which made her look like a tiger.
Diamond and Pearl movies
The Diamond and Pearl movies after "Darkrai" are criticized for going through the motions. "Sky Warrior" is considered harmless but didn't leave a lasting impression. The pronunciation of "Gracidea" made the author crave Mexican food. The author finds the trilogy concept cool but poorly executed, with the time and space trio's conflict being underwhelming.
Zoroark: Master of Illusions
The author almost missed "Zoroark: Master of Illusions" due to a lack of advertising. Despite Zoroa and Zoroark being Gen 5 poster boys, their portrayal in the film was disappointing. The author found Zoroa annoying and Zorarch's screaming grating.
Celebi: Voice of the Forest
"Celebi: Voice of the Forest" is noted as the first Pokémon movie without Takeshi Shudo as the writer, and his absence is felt. The author finds the film middling, with some interesting ideas like a young Professor Oak and the Dark Balls, but overall, it's unremarkable. The masked marauder villain is considered weak, and much of the movie is spent on a nature walk. The audio commentary with the dub cast is recommended for those with the OG DVD.
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
The author notes that "Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea" is the longest Pokémon movie and feels its length isn't justified. The film gives a lot of attention to the Pokémon Ranger spin-off. May and Manaphy are considered cute, but the villain is a stinker with an inconsistent pirate accent. Kyogre's appearance feels forced.
Destiny Deoxys
The author had high expectations for "Destiny Deoxys" but found the story lacking. Despite good visuals and battles, the film never grabbed the author. The author's positive feelings might be influenced by the Paradise song and the World of Pokémon intro.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
After years of disappointment, the author found "I Choose You!" enjoyable and worth remembering. It's compared to Dragon Ball's "Path to Power," retelling the beginning with some liberties. The emotional scenes, including a Pokémon freezing to death, were impactful. The film earned the author's respect and renewed hope for the future.
Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
The author enjoyed "Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution," a remake of the first movie in 3D, but notes that reactions were mixed, mainly due to the absence of Veronica Taylor as Ash's voice. The author dismisses complaints about consistency and nostalgia. While not perfect, it's considered a cool experiment with great animation and series vets reprising old roles.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
"The Power of Us" is considered a decent film but a step down from previous installments. The author notes the downgrade from a diverse cast to two characters with a language barrier. However, it goes to places other films didn't, such as coordinated human murder.
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai
"The Rise of Darkrai" is a favorite of the author, regardless of sentimental value. It has solid pacing, a cool backstory for Alamos Town, and a good arc for Darkrai. The side characters are decent, and the music, including the Oración song, is excellent. The author also liked the "We Will Be Heroes" dub opening.
Pokémon Heroes
The author has fond memories of renting "Pokémon Heroes" and loves the setting. The film features the first legit Pokémon death in the series. The dub has a blue tint that the author finds cool. Despite knowing the changes made in the dub, the author still enjoys it.
Jirachi: Wish Maker
The author has always enjoyed "Jirachi: Wish Maker," loving the roadside carnival setting, Butler and Diane's relationship, and the film's progression into a road movie and then a monster movie. The author praises the act-against-God monster, which is cooler than Groudon. The end theme, "Make a Wish," is considered the best.
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
The author considers "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew" a close second on the rewatch scale and for years saw it as the last truly great Pokémon film. The author cared more about the characters other than Ash and Co., particularly Lucario, who has a good arc. The film features the second anime death, parallels between Lucario and Sir Aaron, and the debut of the concept of aura. The Reggies' sound design is also praised.
Pokémon: The First Movie
Despite others' opinions, the author likes "Pokémon: The First Movie." The author appreciates the blend of real stakes, fun, and adventure, wrapped in a cheese-filled dub package and a soundtrack of artists. The author enjoys watching it with others.
Pokémon The Movie 2000
"Pokémon The Movie 2000" feels like a summer movie to the author, with a tropical island setting and outdoor festivals. The film has big stakes, with the whole world in on the action. The legendary birds' inability to deal with each other is hilarious, and Lugia gets no respect.
Pokémon The Movie
Going from world-ending stakes to a story about parent and child, the first movie still feels like the grandest scale the films took by that point. The author loves how everyone gets involved, including Brock, Misty, Ash's mom, and Tracy. The full battle in the opening and Charizard's appearance are highlights.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us - Best Film
"Power of Us" is considered the best Pokémon film ever. The author appreciates that it branches out and tells an actual story, with people from all walks of life coming together and Pokémon happening to be there. The author praises the film's willingness to double down on Pokémon deaths, particularly Snubble's. Despite other films having nostalgia on their side, "Power of Us" comes out on top every time.
Outro
The author thanks viewers for watching and encourages them to like, share, subscribe, and check out the social media pages and Patreon page. A special shout-out is given to Lars Nisswan for his support. The author asks viewers to share their favorite and least favorite Pokémon movies in the comments.
