30 years after it first appeared on the scene, the Pokemon franchise is showing no signs of slowing down. Starting with Pokemon Red and Green, which were simultaneously released in Japan for the Game Boy in 1996, the series immediately gained traction both domestically and abroad, with the beloved anime series starring Ash Ketchum and friends first airing in 1997. It didn’t take long for a feature-length film to follow, and it was at the height of Pokemania in the West that Pokemon: The First Movie made its theatrical debut. Those who attended in person remember not only the hype, but a bonus: special promo cards stamped with the movie’s title. (Yours truly snagged a Dragonite back in the day.)
Since Pokemon: The First Movie became a cultural phenomenon, the franchise’s film train has yet to fully hit the brakes, with 23 animated movies and a very memorable live-action Pokemon film released to date. Since 1998, a Pokemon movie was released every single year until 2020, with those premiering in the 2000s still some of the most beloved by fans. While some didn’t do well at the box office or faced negative reviews upon release, the power of nostalgia and hindsight has seen many movies released during the decade seeing far better reviews decades later.
Pokemon: The 10 Highest Grossing Pokemon Movies Of All-Time, Ranked
The Pokemon movies have been popular for many years, but these ten sailed about all the rest.
Pokemon 4Ever
The Gen 2 Psychic/Grass Pokemon Celebi is front and center in Pokemon 4Ever, released in 2001 in Japan and 2002 in the US. The film follows Sammy, a young Pokemon trainer from the Johto region who is warned about the “Voice of the Forest.” This turns out to be Celebi, who is capable of time travel. When Sammy protects Celebi from a Pokemon Hunter, the Pokemon uses its mythical powers to travel forward in time, taking Sammy 40 years into the future. Here, Celebi is still in danger, as Team Rocket would love nothing more than to enslave the creature. When Ash, Misty, and Brock arrive on the scene, they’re eager to help.
While Celebi remains a fan favorite Pokemon, this wasn’t enough to carry the film for many viewers and critics. Currently, Pokemon 4Ever boasts an abysmal 16% on Rotten Tomatoes, with most complaints directed towards its writing and commercialization. Many who saw it upon release felt that it was more of a commercial than anything else, and that sentiment doesn’t seem to have faded with age.
Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
Released in 2006, Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea was the final film of Pokemon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and was directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, known for his work on the franchise as a whole, as well as other anime classics like Slayers Return, Ushio and Tora, and Wedding Peach. The movie follows Ash, May, Max, and Brock as they assist a Pokemon Ranger, Jack Walker, who is attempting to deliver the Mythical Water-type Pokemon Manaphy to an undersea palace while evading dangerous mercenaries.
While Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea has been applauded by many fans of the series for its unique setting, memorable villain, and the emotional connection between May and Manaphy, it has also earned criticism in the two decades following its release. Notably, the film heavily utilized early 3D animation that doesn’t hold up in 2026, and its pacing left certain chunks of the movie feeling aimless and bland.
Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
Those deep in the Pokemon fandom during the Diamond and Pearl era will remember 2009’s Arceus and the Jewel of Life. A direct sequel to Giratina & the Sky Warrior (which appears later on this list), the film focused on Arceus, a Pokemon believed by many to have created entire worlds. After awakening from a long slumber, Arceus seeks justice against the humans who refused to return its life-giving jewel. Ash, Dawn, and Brock are sent back in time by Dialga, along with Sheena, a descendant of the man mistakenly believed to have betrayed Arceus, to put an end to the Pokemon’s hatred.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is at Risk of Losing Legends: Arceus’ Best Feature
With Pokemon Legends: Z-A set in present-day Lumiose City, a key mechanic first introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus is at risk of being scrapped.
For many viewers, Arceus and the Jewel of Life felt too safe and largely forgettable, failing to lean into the more unique aspects of its story. On the other hand, its higher-quality animation and the grandiose lore it introduces continue to captivate some fans to this day, as Arcaus and the extradimensional Pokemon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina are some of the most beloved and over-the-top creatures in the franchise as a whole.
Pokemon: Jirachi, Wish Maker
Every thousand years, the Millennium Comet appears in the sky, promising to grant the wishes of those below. Ash and his friends are eager to attend the Millennium Festival to commemorate this special event, especially when they’re able to attend a magic show by the Great Butler himself. The man has, in his possession, a cocoon, inside of which is the Steel/Psychic Mythical Pokemon Jirachi, who only awakens when the comet appears. Unfortunately, the Great Butler has his own nefarious plans for the Pokemon, as he is eager to revive the Legendary Groudon.
Jirachi’s appearance in the 2003 film makes Pokemon: Jirachi, Wish Maker popular for the many fans who adore the star-shaped creature, with its emotional storytelling and the wholesome connection between Max and Jirachi prompting many to look back at its release fondly. For others, the subpar voice acting and limited character development held the film back from being one of the greats.
Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
Released in 2005, Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew tells the story of Sir Aaron, an Aura Knight who sacrificed himself to save the people of Camaron Palace hundreds of years ago. Each year, locals honor his heroic deeds with a festival, though Ash is less interested in that and more interested in a local Pokemon competition. However, the budding Pokemon Master is asked to take on the ceremonial role of Aura Guardian during the festivities, leading to his sudden meeting with Lucario, a Pokemon known for distrusting humankind.
With its fittingly theatrical premise and epic storytelling, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew is one of the better-reviewed Pokemon films of the 2000s, with many simply enjoying Lucario as a character. Its fantasy setting and interesting backstory make it more enjoyable for both adults and children alike, and its action sequences and comedy have held up years after it made its debut. Curiously, the movie was Japan’s second highest-grossing domestic film for 2005, behind only Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle.
Pokemon: Giratina & the Sky Warrior
Released in 2008, Pokemon: Giratina & the Sky Warrior tells the story of a researcher named Zero, who seeks to sacrifice and absorb the strange interdimensional abilities of the Pokemon Giratina. The massive Ghost/Dragon Legendary Pokemon first came onto the scene in 2007’s Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai, and Zero’s ultimate dream is to become the ruler of Giratina’s world. In the midst of this drama, Ash, Dawn, and Brock accompany a Shaymin to reunite it with one of its friends, though the creature is being followed by Giratina, leading to plenty of action.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
Pokemon: Giratina & the Sky Warrior was met with mostly positive reviews from critics upon its release. While detractors point out that many of the Pokemon films share a very similar structure, critics applauded this entry for its more polished animation and darker plot, which made it easier for older viewers to enjoy the film as well. Its greater depth has made Giratina & the Sky Warrior one of the most loved entries in the ever-growing list of Pokemon films.
Pokemon 3: The Movie
One day, the mysterious Unown caused Molly Hale’s father to mysteriously vanish. Despite this terrible occurrence, the strange Pokemon also begins to transform the world around Molly into a magical fantasy land, where she lives in a crystal palace and calls the Legendary Entei her father. Life is tough without a mom, however, so the girl decides to claim Ash Ketchum’s mother as her own. Ash must venture into the strange land to recover her, along with Misty and Brock, but convincing Molly to leave won’t be so easy.
Initially, the response to Pokemon 3: The Movie was muted in the West, with many critics stating that it only appealed to fans of the franchise as a whole. However, audiences felt differently, with many applauding its more complex storyline when compared to the first two films, along with its improved visuals, musical score, and emotional pull. Young viewers could easily relate to Ash’s plight in the film, as he fights to rescue the person who means the most to him.
Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai
Though the Pokemon series began simply—with Ash’s desire to travel the land to become a Pokemon Master—things eventually became far more complex and unbelievable. In 2007’s The Rise of Darkrai, Ash and his companions pass through Alamos Town, home of the Time-Space Tower. Unfortunately, the people and Pokemon of the town are having a rough time, as nightmares continue to plague them night after night. Many blame this on Darkrai, but this is far from the truth, as the Dark-type Pokemon is actually trying to shield the town from Dialga and Palkia, who are fighting in the space between dimensions.
Guess the anime from the emojis.
Guess the anime from the emojis.
Easy (120s)Medium (90s)Hard (60s)
The first Pokemon film to be entirely animated with digital ink and paint, The Rise of Darkrai saw positive reactions from audiences at release, with its story both simple enough for children to understand and deep enough to appeal to older viewers. Its vivid imagery and meaningful messages of teamwork and understanding have helped it remain relevant years later, and its structure is more varied than past movies in the franchise.
Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys
Ash, May, Brock, and Max travel to LaRousse City, a high-tech area perfect for a Pokemon battle or two. On the way to its renowned Battle Tower, the group is amazed to see robots patrolling the streets, though Ash is a tad disappointed to find that his first opponent is a cowardly boy named Tory who is afraid of all Pokemon. Things only get more dangerous and bizarre when Deoxys appears and takes control of the city, shutting down its machines and holding all humans captive. The Legendary Dragon/Flying-type Pokemon Rayquaza isn’t happy about this and is eager to remove this intruder from its territory, all while Ash and friends are caught in the middle.
Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys is one film that has seen improved reception in the years since its release, though whether that’s due to pure nostalgia or other factors depends on the individual. Given the popularity of Rayquaza as a whole, its epic battle with Deoxys at the beginning of the film was sure to earn it some new fans. Tory’s character arc is also relatable and moving, and watching the movie in 2026 feels like you’ve traveled back to a simpler time.
Pokemon Heroes
Pokemon Heroes may be the biggest underdog story on this list, as fan reception to it has only become more positive in the years since its 2002 release. The film is set in Alto Mare, inspired by Venice, Italy, and it follows Ash, Misty, and Brock as they face off against Annie and Oakley, two mysterious spies who seek to use the Guardian Pokemon Latias and Latios to power a dangerous superweapon. While early reviews were negative, a 2017 fan poll to determine fans’ favorite movies in the franchise, released by The Pokemon Company, saw Pokemon Heroes take the first place spot.
You’re Going to Have to Wait Longer Than Expected for the Gen 10 Pokemon Games
Game Freak has finally pulled back the curtain on Pokemon Winds and Waves, the official Gen 10 games, but it’s further away than expected.
While its animation was hit or miss and its plot was somewhat disjointed at times, the setting of Alto Mare and the inclusion of Latias and Latios have caused the film to have more staying power. Recently, the soaring popularity of the Pokemon TCG has also seen more fans proclaiming their love for the two Dragon/Psychic-type Pokemon, and returning to give the film another chance. It never hurts to plan a rewatch.
Pokémon
- Release Date
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1997 – 2023
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
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Shigeru Omachi, Koji Ogawa, Fumihiro Ueno, Hideki Hiroshima, Maki Kodaira, Makoto Ooga, Ayumi Moriyama, Keitaro Motonaga, Shigeru Ueda, Fumihiro Yoshimura, Minoru Ohara, Yoshitaka Makino, Kiyoshi Egami, Makoto Sokuza, Bjarne Heuser, Naoki Murata, Kenichi Nishida, Tomoe Makino, Masahiko Watanabe, Hiroaki Takagi, Tazumi Mukaiyama, Ryohei Horiuchi, Yoshihiro Oda, Hiromichi Matano
- Writers
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Junki Takegami, Atsuhiro Tomioka, Hideki Sonoda, Yukiyoshi Ôhashi, Yuka Miyata, Takeshi Shudo, Shouji Yonemura, Shinzo Fujita, Michihiro Tsuchiya, Deko Akao, Reiko Yoshida, Aya Matsui, Junichi Fujisaku
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Rica Matsumoto
Satoshi (voice)
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Ikue Otani
Pikachu (voice)
