One of the biggest franchises in modern pop culture history is Pokémon. From the video games to the series and classic trading card game that inspired both, fans have grown up with Pokémon in so many different genres. Over the last couple of decades, it’s become an iconic staple in many people’s lives, spanning multiple generations now.
For many of us, Pokémon encompassed our entire childhood, inviting us to experience a world where everyday people unite with mysterious creatures capable of unleashing unique powers. We can all admit that — at least once in our lives — we’ve wished Pokémon were real. Along with the animated series that airs in nearly 170 countries worldwide, there are also Pokémon films to enjoy.
With over 1,000 episodes in the animated series, it can be confusing to figure out where you’re supposed to start the movies. With that said, here’s a comprehensive guide to follow, if you’re looking to watch each of the 23 movies in order.
The chronological order to watch the series of Pokemon movies
Who would have thought that Pokémon: The First Movie spawned the franchise’s very own version of the MCU, creating a legacy of films that span 20 years? The latest Pokémon movie was released in 2020, in Japan, and in 2021 in North America, and other continents.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about 2019’s live-action Detective Pikachu, either. But since it doesn’t share continuity with the rest of the Pokémon universe and acts as a standalone/spin-off movie, we decided to leave it out.
- Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back; Watch after Ep. 67, ‘The Pi-Kahuna’ (Indigo League)
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000; Watch after Ep. 105, ‘Charizard Chills’ (Orange Islands)
- Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unknown; Watch after Ep. 155, ‘The Forest Grumps’ (Johto Journeys)
- Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest; Watch after Ep. 205, ‘The Kecleon Kaper’ (Johto League Champions)
- Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias; Watch after Ep. 255, ‘Just Add Water’ (Master Quest)
- Jirachi – Wish Maker; Watch after Ep. 308, ‘Win, Lose, or Draw’ (Advanced)
- Destiny Deoxys; Watch after Ep. 358, ‘Sky High Gym Battle’ (Advanced Challenge)
- Lucario and the Mystery of Mew; Watch after Ep. 406, ‘A Real Cleffa Hanger’ (Advanced Battle)
- Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea; Watch after Ep. 455, ‘Aipom and Circumstance’ (Battle Frontier)
- The Rise of Darkrai; Watch after Ep. 503, ‘Steamboat Willies’ (Diamond and Pearl)
- Giratina & the Sky Warrior; Watch after Ep. 549, ‘Arriving in Style’ (Battle Dimension)
- Arceus and the Jewel of Life; Watch after Ep. 597, ‘Beating the Bustle and Hustle’ (Galactic Battles)
- Zoroark – Master of Illusions; Watch after Ep. 640, ‘For the Love of Meowth’ (Sinnoh League Victors)
- Black – Victini and Reshiram / White – Victini and Zekrom; Watch after Ep. 690, ‘A Fishing Connoisseur in a Fishy Competition’ (Black & White)
- Kyurem Vs. the Sword of Justice; Watch after Ep. 750, ‘Unova’s Survival Crisis’ (Rival Destinies)
- Genesect and the Legend Awakened; Watch after Ep. 786, ‘Capacia Island UFO’ (Adventures in Unova and Beyond)
- Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction; Watch after Ep. 832, ‘Forging Forest Friendships!’ (XY)
- Hoopa and the Clash of Ages; Watch after Ep. 875, ‘Rotom’s Wish!’ (Kalos Quest)
- Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel; Watch after Ep. 917, ‘A Real Icebreaker!’ (XYZ)
- Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution; Can be watched as a stand-in for the original or a standalone remake
- I Choose You!, The Power of Us, and Secrets of the Jungle; These movies take place in an alternate continuum, so you may watch them at any time.
Are there any more Pokemon movies on the horizon?
Concerning the future of the PCU (Pokémon Cinematic Universe), there have been talks of Detective Pikachu 2 tossed around, which could be worth holding out hope for. There has also been the recent confirmation that Pokémon: Concierge, a stop-motion animated series, will be premiering sometime in December 2023 on Netflix.
That’s the latest gossip on the grapevine in the Pokémon world, but rest assured, the franchise won’t go too long without another feature.
Here’s how you can watch the Pokemon movies
Some of the Pokémon movies are currently available for purchase on streaming platforms like Apple TV. However, if you run into any location-based restrictions trying to watch through any of your platforms, you might want to consider using a VPN (or Virtual Private Network).
VPNs allow you to alter your viewing location to another country and access more shows & movies across your preferred streaming platforms. The easiest way to get a VPN is by signing up for a paid VPN service, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Even better, both options offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Lastly, you could also purchase the Blu-ray collection of the first three Pokémon movies from Walmart.
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