As of today, there are 25 theatrical Pokémon movies released in Japan. While the number varies slightly depending on international releases and special presentations, this represents the core canon of cinematic adventures within the Pokémon universe.
The Cinematic Pokémon Universe: A Journey Through 25 Films
From the humble beginnings of Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back to the latest adventures, the Pokémon movies have become a cornerstone of the franchise, captivating audiences with their blend of action, heartwarming stories, and, of course, a whole lot of Pokémon battles. The films not only expand upon the narrative world introduced in the video games and anime series but also provide unique and self-contained stories, often exploring deeper themes and showcasing Pokémon in new and exciting ways.
The enduring popularity of the Pokémon movies speaks to the power of the franchise and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages. They offer a communal experience, a chance to see favorite characters and creatures brought to life on a grand scale, and a reminder of the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself – all core values that resonate deeply with the Pokémon fanbase.
A Chronological List of Pokémon Movies
For clarity, here’s a list of all 25 theatrical Pokémon movies released in Japan:
- Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One (1999)
- Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown (2000)
- Pokémon 4Ever – Celebi: Voice of the Forest (2001)
- Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias (2002)
- Pokémon: Jirachi – Wish Maker (2003)
- Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)
- Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
- Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
- Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
- Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
- Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
- Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
- Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom (2011) – Released as two separate films but often counted as one event.
- Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
- Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
- Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
- Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)
- Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
- Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017) – A retelling of Ash’s origin story.
- Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution (2019) – A CGI remake of the first movie.
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
- Pokémon the Movie: Koko (2020) – Different titles for the same movie, Secrets of the Jungle. Release date differences due to global circumstances.
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2021) – International release after initial Japanese release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Movies
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the Pokémon movies, answered to provide a deeper understanding and address common curiosities.
H3 What was the first Pokémon movie ever released?
The first Pokémon movie was Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999. It’s considered a landmark film in the franchise and remains a favorite among many fans due to its exploration of themes like identity, purpose, and the value of life.
H3 Are all the Pokémon movies considered canon?
This is a complex question with no definitive answer from the Pokémon Company. Generally, the movies are considered soft canon. They often contradict established storylines from the main anime series, but they also introduce elements that are later incorporated into the broader Pokémon universe. Each movie largely exists as a standalone adventure.
H3 Which Pokémon movie is considered the best by fans?
This is subjective, but Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back and Pokémon 2000: The Power of One frequently top “best of” lists. Mewtwo Strikes Back is praised for its compelling story and emotional depth, while The Power of One is celebrated for its epic scale and stunning visuals. Recent movies have also garnered praise for their animation quality and unique storylines.
H3 Do the Pokémon movies follow the same storyline as the anime series?
No, the Pokémon movies generally tell self-contained stories that are separate from the main anime series storyline. While they feature familiar characters like Ash, Pikachu, and his companions, the events and characters they encounter are usually unique to the film. This allows for more creative freedom and exploration of different themes.
H3 Are the Pokémon movies connected to the Pokémon video games?
The Pokémon movies often draw inspiration from the video games, featuring Pokémon and regions that are prominent in the game series. However, they don’t directly adapt specific game storylines. Instead, they use the games as a source of inspiration for their narratives and world-building.
H3 Are there any Pokémon movies that are remakes of previous films?
Yes, Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution (2019) is a CGI remake of the first Pokémon movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back. It retells the same story with updated animation and visual effects.
H3 How often are new Pokémon movies released?
New Pokémon movies are typically released annually in Japan, usually during the summer. However, the international release schedule can vary depending on distribution agreements and other factors.
H3 Where can I watch Pokémon movies legally online?
Availability varies by region, but many Pokémon movies can be found on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, as well as for purchase or rental on platforms like Google Play Movies and Apple TV. Checking local streaming services is the best way to confirm availability.
H3 Are there any plans for future Pokémon movies?
While official announcements are often kept under wraps, given the franchise’s enduring popularity, it’s safe to assume that more Pokémon movies are on the horizon. Keep an eye on official Pokémon channels and news outlets for updates.
H3 What is the highest-grossing Pokémon movie of all time?
Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back is generally considered the highest-grossing Pokémon movie worldwide, although figures can vary depending on how they are adjusted for inflation and currency exchange rates.
H3 Are there any Pokémon movies that focus on specific legendary Pokémon?
Yes, many Pokémon movies prominently feature legendary Pokémon. Examples include Pokémon 2000: The Power of One (Lugia), Pokémon: Jirachi – Wish Maker (Jirachi), Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (Mew), Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (Darkrai), and many others. The legendary Pokémon often play a central role in the film’s plot and themes.
H3 Do the Pokémon movies include any short films before the main feature?
Yes, for many years, Pokémon movies were traditionally preceded by a short animated film featuring Pikachu and other Pokémon. These shorts are often lighthearted and comedic, providing a fun and engaging warm-up before the main feature. They are a beloved part of the Pokémon movie experience for many fans.