Brief Summary
The video ranks all 24 Pokémon movies from worst to best, offering detailed reviews and plot summaries for each. The ranking is based on originality, character development, emotional impact, and overall enjoyment. The video celebrates the franchise while also pointing out flaws and inconsistencies in certain films.
- "Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution" is ranked last due to its lack of originality as a CGI remake.
- "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew" is ranked first due to its compelling story, emotional depth, and well-developed characters.
Introduction
The video introduces a ranking of all 24 Pokémon movies, from worst to best, based on a personal viewing marathon. The ranking aims to provide a comprehensive overview of each film, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses while acknowledging the inherent enjoyment found in the Pokémon franchise. The video promises spoilers and a lengthy discussion.
Number 24: Pokémon Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution
"Pokémon Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution," a CGI remake of the first movie, is ranked last due to its lack of originality. The film retells the story of Mewtwo's creation, escape, and vengeance against humanity, with Ash, Misty, and Brock caught in the middle. The climax involves a battle between Mew and Mewtwo, with Ash's sacrifice leading to Mewtwo's change of heart. While the animation style is sometimes enjoyable, the human character designs are off-putting, particularly the eyes. Despite some extended battle sequences and fixed errors, the movie offers nothing new and feels unnecessary.
Number 23: Pokémon 3 The Movie – Spell of the Unown
"Pokémon 3 The Movie – Spell of the Unown" is about Professor Spencer Hale, who disappears into the Unown dimension while researching the legendary Pokémon. His daughter, Molly, unintentionally summons a group of Unown that create illusions, including an Entei who acts as her father. The illusion grows, covering the town, and Entei kidnaps Ash's mother because Molly wants a mom. Ash, Misty, and Brock enter the illusion to save her. Molly eventually stops the illusion, and Professor Hale and Molly's mom return. The movie is considered the worst original Pokémon movie due to its boring plot and confusing details.
Number 22: Pokémon Jirachi Wish Maker
"Pokémon Jirachi Wish Maker" follows Ash, Brock, May, and Max as they head to the Millennium Festival. Max hears voices from a rock and discovers Jirachi, who can grant wishes when the Millennium Comet appears. An evil butler, who is also a former Team Magma scientist, tries to use Jirachi to summon Groudon. The butler eventually creates a tentacle monster version of Groudon, but has a change of heart. Ash, Jirachi, and the butler work together to defeat Groudon, and Jirachi turns back into a rock when the comet disappears. The movie's biggest flaw is focusing on Max, and it could have been better if it centered around Max wishing to ride the Furret Coaster.
Number 21: Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom and Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram
The reviewer expresses frustration with watching "Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom" and "Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram" back-to-back, as they are essentially the same movie. The only redeeming quality is Victini's adorableness, but the lack of a Furret Coaster is a major disappointment.
Number 20: Pokémon The Movie 2000
"Pokémon The Movie 2000" revolves around a collector trying to capture the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, disrupting the balance of nature. The prophecy states that the "warder's great guardian" (Lugia) will arise to stop the fighting, but only with the help of a chosen one (Ash Ketchum). Ash, with the help of Team Rocket, saves the world. While the movie has quotable lines and gives Team Rocket something to do, it is ultimately dull.
Number 19: Pokémon Giratina and the Sky Warrior
"Pokémon Giratina and the Sky Warrior" is a direct sequel to "The Rise of Darkrai," where Dialga and Palkia's battle angers Giratina. Ash, Brock, and Dawn try to reunite Shaymin with its kind while a villain named Zero tries to take over the world. The Reverse World is an interesting setting, but Shaymin's character is annoying, making the movie just "sort of fine."
Number 18: Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice
"Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice" is a short movie that feels like a long episode. Ash and his companions have minimal involvement, and the movie focuses on the battle between Kyurem and Keldeo, a trainee Sword of Justice. Kyurem is a captivating antagonist, and Keldeo shows growth during the film. The movie is enjoyable because it features a protagonist to root for against a seemingly unbeatable antagonist.
Number 17: Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
"Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction" is about Diancie, who needs to create a new heart diamond for her home, the Diamond Domain. She seeks Xerneas to gain the ability to create permanent diamonds. Along the way, she is pursued by multiple villains and saved by Ash and his friends. Diancie meets Xerneas, but the villains interrupt, disturbing Yveltal, who begins to destroy the forest. Diancie mega evolves and creates a heart diamond, but only Xerneas can calm Yveltal. Pikachu is turned to stone but is revived by Xerneas. Diancie returns to the Diamond Domain and creates a new heart diamond. The touching moment between Ash and Pikachu elevates the movie.
Number 16: Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel
"Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel" features Volcanion, who is initially mistrustful of humans but acts as a protector to mistreated Pokémon. Ash, Serena, Clement, and Bonnie arrive and eventually earn Volcanion's trust. The movie is a solid entry, helped by the presence of Helioptile.
Number 15: Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
"Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened" is set in New Tork City and centers around Ash, Iris, and Cilan's visit to Pokémon Hills, a nature reserve. They encounter a lost Genesect searching for its home. The Genesect and its crew take over the reserve, seeking the transplanted Patalotus, which reminds them of their original home from 300 million years ago. The movie ends with Ash and friends helping the Genesect find a new home where Patalotus still grows naturally. The reviewer also mentions finding a bizarre vandalism on the movie's Wikipedia page, referencing a character named "Squiddly Diddly."
Number 14: Pokémon the Rise of Darkrai
"Pokémon the Rise of Darkrai" takes place in Alamos Town, where Dialga and Palkia's clash causes strange events. Darkrai is blamed by Baron Alberto, who harasses Alice. Palkia transports the town to a different dimension, and Darkrai attempts to stop both Dialga and Palkia, sacrificing itself to save everyone. Darkrai's shadow reappears, suggesting it is still alive. The reviewer finds the miraculous revival detracts from the ending, as the Pokémon films often use this trope.
Number 13: Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
"Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" is about Hoopa, who can summon legendary Pokémon through its rings. A possessed object causes a shadow of Hoopa to manifest as Hoopa's unbound form, leading to chaos. Hoopa summons Latias, Latios, and a shiny Rayquaza, while the shadow brings forth primal Kyogre and Groudon, Kyurem, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina, who all battle. The group seals the shadow back inside the bottle, and Hoopa calms the evil spirit. Ash tries to stop space and time from crumbling with a Thunderbolt. Hoopa helps everyone escape and understands its confinement. The reviewer enjoys the chaos and Ash's attempt to stop space and time with a Thunderbolt.
Number 12: Pokémon Zoroark: Master of Illusions
"Pokémon Zoroark: Master of Illusions" features Kodai, a pure evil antagonist, and solid characters like Zara and Zoroark. The movie has a well-paced plot. Kodai is considered one of the best Pokémon movie villains.
Number 11: Pokémon Secrets of the Jungle
"Pokémon Secrets of the Jungle" begins with a Zarude forced to raise a human child, Koko, who believes he is also a Zarude. After an argument, Koko runs away and is rescued by Ash. Koko learns he is human and that his parents died in a car accident. Dr. Zed, the villain, tries to exploit the healing spring in the Zarude's home. During the battle, Dada (the Zarude) is killed but revived by Koko. Zed is defeated, and Koko decides to go on a journey. The movie is a mix of "The Jungle Book," "Tarzan," "Avatar," and "Drive Angry." Koko's relationships with Dada and Ash are great, but Dr. Zed is a lackluster villain.
Number 10: Pokémon Destiny Deoxys
"Pokémon Destiny Deoxys" begins with a traumatized young boy named Tory after a meteorite causes a Pokémon stampede. Years later, Ash and friends arrive in Larousse City, where they meet Tory, who is now afraid of Pokémon. Tory bonds with Plusle and Minun and overcomes his fear. Deoxys arrives in the city to rescue its friend, who is contained in the meteorite. Everyone works together to reunite the Deoxys, and Tory saves Minun. The reviewer focuses on Tory's story arc and the adorable Plusle and Minun.
Number 9: Pokémon Arceus and the Jewel of Life
"Pokémon Arceus and the Jewel of Life" is the final film in the original Gen 4 trilogy. Arceus, the original one, was forced to protect the world from meteorites, losing its life plates. Damos retrieves the life plates for Arceus, who creates the Jewel of Life to turn Machina Town into a paradise. When Arceus returns for the jewel, Damos refuses, leading Arceus to vow revenge. Sheena reveals that Arceus's awakening caused Dialga and Palkia to collide. Sheena attempts to return the jewel, but it is a fake, angering Arceus. Dialga sends Ash, Brock, Dawn, and Sheena back in time to fix things. They learn that Damos wanted to return the jewel, but Marcus rose up against him. Marcus attacks Arceus, planning to kill it. Ash, Brock, and Dawn escape prison and fight to wrestle the jewel from Marcus. Ash ends up with it, and Arceus reabsorbs the jewel. Arceus calms upon seeing the altered version of history.
Number 8: Pokémon Detective Pikachu
The reviewer re-watched "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" and enjoyed it more the second time. The reviewer appreciates the world and the details, despite the unimpressive plot. Ryan Reynolds does a good job voicing Detective Pikachu. Some Pokémon designs are fantastic, while others are horrifying. Justice Smith and Catherine Newton have cheesy dialogue but perform well. The movie has a fun setting, great set pieces, and a solid cast.
Number 7: Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
"Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!" is a reimagining of the original series where Ash receives the Rainbow Wing when he first sees Ho-Oh. Instead of traveling with Misty and Brock, he travels with Verity and Sorrel. A trainer named Cross abandons Charmander. Sorrel tells the story of how his Luxray died saving him. Ash has a nightmare of a world without Pokémon. Ash makes it to Mount Tensei, where Cross steals the Rainbow Wing. Marshadow shows up and has the wild Pokémon attack everyone. Ash asks Pikachu to get inside his Poké Ball. Pikachu gets back into his ball just in time as Ash is hit by all of the attacks, but his determination to be with Pikachu brings him back from the dead. Ash uses a new Rainbow Wing to summon Ho-Oh. The movie is a much-needed shot in the arm for the series.
Number 6: Pokémon Forever - Celebi: The Voice of the Forest
"Pokémon Forever - Celebi: The Voice of the Forest" begins with a young boy named Sam being warned to be careful as he enters a forest. Sam finds a Celebi being chased by a Pokémon hunter and rescues it. Celebi travels forward in time, taking Sam with it. Years later, Ash, Misty, and Brock enter the same forest and come across Sam. They take him back to a nearby village. They find the injured Celebi and lead it to the Lake of Life, healing it. The Iron Masked Marauder captures Celebi in a Dark Ball, making it evil. Ash and Sam snap Celebi back to reality, breaking the power of the Dark Ball. Other Celebi show up and heal the wilted Celebi. Celebi returns Sam to his time. Ash is comforted by Professor Oak, who reveals that he knew the boy's name.
Number 5: Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
"Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea" is about the bond between May and Manaphy. The reviewer does not care about the Pokémon Rangers but finds Manaphy adorable. The villain is hilariously over the top. There are scenes of Ash being heroic.
Number 4: Pokémon The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back
"Pokémon The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back" is about Giovanni funding scientists to create the most powerful Pokémon, while Dr. Fuji wants to clone his deceased daughter. The reviewer finds the mistakes funny and enjoys the missing poster for Nurse Joy. The reviewer also points out that Minnesota is officially canon in the world of Pokémon. The reviewer also notes that Vaporeon is clearly just playing with its mirror image.
Number 3: Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias
"Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias" tells the story of Latios and Latias, who live secretly in the city of Altomare. Their father, a Latios, gave his life to protect the city. Ash saves Latias, who is disguised as a human, from Team Rocket members. Annie and Oakley steal the Soul Dew and capture Latios. Ash and Latias save the day, but their evil deeds end up draining Altomare of water. Latios and Latias stop the tidal wave, but Latios loses his life. Latios's death is permanent, making it more impactful.
Number 2: Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
"Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us" takes place during the annual Wind Festival in Fula City. The movie features five main characters: Torren, Risa, Margo, Harriet, and Callahan. Risa is in Fula City to catch an Eevee for her brother. Callahan is at the Wind Festival with his sister and niece, Kelly. Torren lives in Fula City and is preparing for a research presentation. Harriet is trying to avoid all of the Pokémon at the festival. Margo sees her father off and heads into the forest. The festival opens with a Pokémon Catch Race, which Callahan wins with Torren's help. Risa enlists Ash to help her find an Eevee. Team Rocket steals a capsule of Effect Spore that Torren was working on. The winds die down, and everyone learns that the Eternal Flame has been stolen by Margo, who wants to put an end to the Wind Festival. The mayor confesses that the city's government invented a story about the forest being cursed. Ash rallies the whole group, and they each figure out what they can do to help. The group works together and succeeds in getting the Lumberry solution dispersed, preventing the Effect Spore from doing any damage. The entire city bands together to help put out the fire. Zeroara learns to trust Ash, and Risa places the Eternal Flame just in time to summon Lugia. The reviewer believes that the movie has the best cast of human characters and satisfying arcs.
Number 1: Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
"Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew" begins in the distant past, where Lucario uses its aura powers to locate two armies about to go to war. Queen Rin discusses the impending war with Sir Aaron. Sir Aaron throws his staff down, capturing Lucario inside. Centuries later, Ash, Brock, May, and Max arrive at Cameron Palace for their annual celebration of Sir Aaron. Ash wins the battle tournament. Lucario is released from the staff. Mew transforms into a Pidgeot and flies away with Pikachu and Meowth. Ash and Lucario argue about whether or not people and Pokémon can be friends. They reach the spot where Sir Aaron betrayed Lucario, and the Time Flower shows everyone what happened. They push on towards the Tree of Beginning, where the Regis are its protectors. Orange goo starts swallowing up some of the humans. Ash and Pikachu make their way back together. The Tree is still fighting what it perceives to be parasites and swallows Ash. Mew activates the Tree of Beginning. Lucario spots Sir Aaron's gloves, and a Time Flower reveals the truth: Sir Aaron locked up Lucario and used his aura to power the Tree, giving his life. Lucario shoves Ash out of the way so he won't be destroyed like Sir Aaron. The Tree of Beginning is saved, and Mew is full of energy once more. Lucario collapses to the ground and activates another Time Flower, which shows Sir Aaron's final message to Lucario. Lucario fades away. The painting of Sir Aaron in the palace has been altered, with Lucario now standing alongside him.
Conclusion
The reviewer had a great time watching all of the movies and is pleased to see the direction things are going with the last few non-remake entries being some of the best. The reviewer hopes to see more of that going forward. The films took a noticeable dip in the 5th and 6th generations, but it's good as he were getting back towards the best.
