The 10 Best Companions from the Pokémon Anime

The 10 Best Companions from the Pokémon Anime

A nostalgic look back at the most memorable companions who have supported Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master.

Introduction

Pok\u00e9mon is an iconic anime series that has introduced equally iconic characters to the world. As the protagonist, Ash Ketchum travels throughout the different regions, he is joined by many characters who support him on his journey. While some companions only join him for a short time, others remain for multiple seasons of the anime.

Ash Ketchum becoming the champion and number one Pokémon trainer.

Ash Ketchum becoming the champion and number one Pokémon trainer.

The concept of Pok\u00e9mon first originated in 1996 as a pair of role-playing games for the Game Boy but quickly expanded to include manga, trading cards, and anime, since becoming a fixture of popular culture. The anime's story follows a boy named Ash Ketchum as he encounters many friends and foes on his quest to become a Pok\u00e9mon Master. With the series ending after more than two decades, it's often nostalgic to remember Ash's most memorable companions.

Goh Has a Good Relationship With Ash Despite His Flaws

Goh is the last companion from the main series and is considered a controversial character by many fans. Part of this stems from the way he is depicted as a prodigy, who, despite his lack of training, is seen as being superior to Ash despite the latter being more experienced as a trainer. Regardless of Goh's character, however, he has a good friendship with Ash, and they share many similarities that bring them closer. He admires his friend and learns from him on several occasions, but the story quickly sets him up as a deuteragonist whose adventures exist separately from Ash. This is different from other companions who, despite having their own goals, are seen more as supporting characters.

A boy in a red hat with a mouse on his shoulder smiles next to a girl with a pink hat.

A boy in a red hat with a mouse on his shoulder smiles next to a girl with a pink hat.

In the Pokemon Journeys: The Series, Goh and Ash embark on exciting adventures while facing their own challenges. Despite the initial controversy, Goh's character development and his dynamic with Ash make him a significant companion in the Pokemon anime series.

Lana, Lillie, Kiawe, Clemont, Serena, May, Dawn, Misty, and Brock: A Nostalgic Look Back

As the Pokemon series progressed through different regions, Ash encountered a diverse group of companions who each brought their unique charm and dynamics to the story. From Lana's calm energy to Lillie's journey to overcome her fear of Pokemon, and from Kiawe's role as both a rival and a friend to Clemont's quirky yet memorable presence, the companions have left a lasting impression on the fans.

A blue-haired girl kneels down to smile at a boy in a red hat.

A blue-haired girl kneels down to smile at a boy in a red hat.

Serena's close friendship with Ash and her personal growth, May's journey from being a novice trainer to a confident and skilled competitor, and Dawn's strong bond with Ash that resembled that of siblings, all added depth and emotional resonance to the series. Misty, the first companion to join Ash, and Brock, the longest-running companion, contributed significantly to Ash's growth as a Pokemon trainer and left an indelible mark on the series.

A boy with red and black hair and a boy with a red hat look into the distance.

A boy with red and black hair and a boy with a red hat look into the distance.

Each companion brought their own story, aspirations, and growth, enriching the Pokemon anime series with their presence and impact on Ash's journey. Their friendships with Ash, their individual character arcs, and the memories they created make them an integral part of the Pokemon legacy.

A girl with fluffy hair and a hat smiles at a boy in a red hat.

A girl with fluffy hair and a hat smiles at a boy in a red hat.