THE BEST POKMON ANIME SERIES, RANKED

The Pokémon anime has captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide with its iconic landscapes, from the familiar Kanto region to the progressive themes explored in Unova. The legendary protagonist Ash Ketchum and his beloved partner Pikachu have become symbols of the series, embarking on separate quests in each series as they journey closer to realizing Ash's dream of becoming a Pokémon master.

What truly sets the Pokémon anime apart is its remarkable adaptability. Much like the Pokémon themselves, the series has evolved alongside its fanbase, seamlessly blending classic elements from the Pokémon games with innovative animation techniques. This ability to grow and change with its audience has allowed the anime to maintain its widespread appeal across multiple generations.

Johto: Nostalgic Adventures With Lots Of Filler

The Johto series encompasses Pokémon: The Johto Journeys, Pokémon: Johto League Champions, and Pokémon: Master Quest. Continuing Ash's journey after Kanto, the series introduces fans to the mythical Pokémon Lugia and Ho-Oh, along with fan-favorite Ash roster members, companions Cyndaquil and Totodile. Johto maintains the nostalgic charm of Ash's original pursuit of becoming a Pokémon Master, but does a decent job of simultaneously expanding Pokémon lore.

While standout gym battles, exciting movie entries, and other mystical additions to the canon standout as highlights among the Johto catalog, it does get weighed down with filler fare. With that said, Ash's growth as a Pokémon trainer is evident and the rapid expansion of the Pokémon world was effective at further immersing the equally exponentially growing fandom.

Pokmon Sun and Moon: Embracing Innovation in Alola

Sun and Moon reimagines the Pokémon anime from top-to-bottom. Structurally, gym battles get the boot in favor of Island Challenges, and the animation style and overall aesthetic get a makeover, too. The changes aren't totally apropos of nothing. Not only does the Alola region setting boast image-altering Pokémon varietals for the first time in the canon, but also Sun and Moon arrived at a time wherein the anime was fledgling and in need of a refresh.

Eventually, that refresh would culminate with the entirely distinct Pokenon Horizons. Horizons' rise isn't a direct response to the quality of Sun and Moon, though. Set against a backdrop of tropical islands, the series offers plenty of engaging newness for fans. Elements like Ash attending a Pokémon School — long overdue for the child-aged hero — and the new dynamics of Island Challenges test both Ash and the audience's mettle, seeing how well they can contend with the unfamiliar. The answer? Just fine.

Pokemon Generations: Unova's Bold New Horizons and Social Commentary

Pokémon: Black & White takes Ash and fans to the Unova region, where both embark on a journey with new companions and Pokémon in tow. Humanoid buddies Iris and Cilan and pocket monster pals Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott enter the spotlight with aplomb, accompanying Ash amid conflict with Team Plasma's plans to liberate Pokémon from human control. The dichotomy is interesting, bringing about a long-clamored element to the Pokémon canon — the morality of its use of monsters.

The thematic depth, addressing issues of ethics and morality within the Pokémon world make Black & White and the cinematic adventures in Unova inherently standout. As the world grows and questions its context, so too does Ash, who also undergoes significant growth, not only as a Trainer but also as a leader and protector of Pokémon. His battles against skilled opponents and encounters with legendary Pokémon like Reshiram and Zekrom highlight his determination and, fittingly, evolution.

Pokmon Horizons: Exploring The World Without Ash

Pokémon Horizons is a pivotal series in the franchise, deviating from the formula — and Ash Ketchum — in favor of heralding a bold new era of exploration and innovation to the ongoing anime. Set against the backdrop of the Galar region — but not anchored to it — Horizons captivates with stunning animation and dynamic mechanic introductions that revolutionize Pokémon storytelling. Beyond its visual splendor, Horizons offers deeper, almost Studio Ghibli-style magic.

Departing from the well-trodden path of Gym badges and Pokémon Leagues, the series ventures into uncharted thematic territory, exploring deeper family-centric character development and wider relationships between Pokémon and all people, not just trainers. Its ability to strike the delicate balance between nostalgic elements and groundbreaking innovations that redefine the series' narrative scope, secures this as a quality entry into the Pokémon anime expanse, even so early in its run.

Battle Frontier: Revisiting Kanto, The Same But Different

Battle Frontier sees Ash returning to Kanto to challenge new villains with the help of fresh-faced companions. The series highlights Ash's strategic prowess and introduces new tournaments and battle styles. As exciting a showcase of Ash's trademark determination as ever, Fronteir sees the aspirational master face formidable opponents, earning a whirlwind education in advanced battle mechanics.

Generally speaking, the Battle Frontier saga is celebrated by fans for its spread of screen time wealth to companions old and new in Brock and May, respectably. Throughout Battle Frontier, Ash pushes his limits as a Trainer, which, in turn, inspires his friends to do the same. Notably, too, is Battle Fronteir's implementation of innovative gameplay elements from its sibling video game series, a novel innovation for the time, still employed to enrich the Pokémon anime experience to this day.

Diamond & Pearl: Shining Bright in Sinnoh's Mysteries

The Diamond & Pearl series transports Ash and his companions Dawn and Brock to the Sinnoh region, where they embark on a journey filled with new Pokémon discoveries and legendary encounters. Sinnoh introduces fans to Pokémon evolutions like Eevee's multiple forms, now both commonplace and fan-favored. Distinct, too, is the region's rich mythos, its Legendary Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia erring on more god-like and religious in nature than in previous legendaries.

Ash’s journey through Sinnoh is marked by encounters that transcend mere Pokémon battles. As he navigates the challenges of the Sinnoh League and confronts Team Galactic’s ambitions, he delves deeper into the region’s rich history and the mystical bonds that connect Pokémon and their trainers. The series explores destiny, natural balance, and the ethical responsibilities of Pokémon Trainers in more specific and earnest ways than ever before, satisfying a large sect of the audience who had long desired such thematic exploration.

Pokemon: Indigo League: The Classic Beginning of a Legendary Journey

Kanto remains iconic as the inaugural region adventured in the Pokémon anime, seeing Ash embark on his original journey to become a Pokémon Master alongside his — eventually — loyal Pikachu. Pokémon: Indigo League introduces timeless characters like Misty and Brock, Jesse and James of Team Rocket, and so much more. As Ash collects Gym badges, faces off against evildoers, and competes in the Pokémon League, the tapestry that is the Pokémon universe unravels.

On a rewatch, Kanto's nostalgic appeal, memorable battles against Gym Leaders, and Ash's pursuit of greatness still resonate with fans of all ages, solidifying its status as a foundational series in not only Pokémon but all fiction. Whether his initial overcoming of obstacles or the forging of his bond with Pikachu, so much Indigo League did become a symbol of Pokémon forevermore and still inspires generations of fans worldwide.

XY(Z): Innovating with Mega Evolution in Kalos

Pokémon: XY and Pokémon: XY&Z, set in the visually stunning Kalos region, surprised and delighted its way into becoming the best Pokémon series of all time. After years of efforts more middling than not, XY and XYZ defied expectations by introducing powerhouse compatriots in Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie, all of whom sit atop all-time lists of fan-favorite side characters. Aided by elevated animation technologies, XY(Z) is celebrated for its high-quality battles, compelling narratives, and inspired new additions to human and Pokémon roster members.

As Ash faces off against Team Flare's nefarious plans and evolves alongside his Pokémon partners and new friends, he also uncovers the mysteries of Mega Evolution, keeping the anime in conversation with the game and Ash focused on battle strategy. XY(Z)'s blend of action-packed adventure and emotional depth resonates deeply with fans, making it a standout series in the Pokémon anime canon. It celebrates Kalos' beauty and mystery while pushing the boundaries of what a Pokémon Trainer can achieve, solidifying its place as the top Pokémon anime series.

2024-06-26T06:58:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd