Unveiling the Ultimate Ranking of the Top 10 Pokémon Anime Series

The Pokémon anime has undergone significant changes over the years, with different storylines and genres explored. As Ash Ketchum's Pokémon journey comes to a close, now is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the series and rank the best Pokémon seasons. Throughout its 25-year history, certain seasons and miniseries have resonated with fans more than others. Narrowing down the top ten was a challenging endeavor, but the following list represents the ones that have truly made a lasting impact on viewers.

10 Pokémon Evolutions (2021)

Pokémon Evolutions serves as a spiritual successor to Pokémon Generations, bringing to life specific scenes and concepts directly from the video games. With a total of eight episodes, each dedicated to one of the Pokémon regions, this series offers a unique perspective on the franchise. For example, in the episode titled "The Champion," the focus is on Sword and Shield's Leon, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of his character and amplifying significant moments in the story. The series stands out not only for its beautiful animation but also for its innovative storytelling method, making it one of the best Pokémon series to date.

9 Twilight Wings (2020)

Pokémon Twilight Wings is a must-watch anime for fans of the Pokémon Sword & Shield games. With a total of eight episodes, the first seven episodes serve as a prequel to the events that unfold in the Sword & Shield games. The final episode takes place after the main story and offers a glimpse into Leon's life after stepping down as the champion. These episodes provide a deeper understanding of the Galar region's narrative and shed light on the multifaceted personalities of characters such as Leon, Chairman Rose, and Oleana. Despite its relatively short duration, Pokémon Twilight Wings stands as one of the most exceptional Pokémon series to date.

8 Pokémon: XY (2013-2016)

Pokémon XY attracted a wave of returning fans to the anime series, despite some Pokémon enthusiasts not being enamored with the Pokémon X & Y video games. Its action-packed episodes and captivating storylines quickly earned it a spot among the top Pokémon series. The tone of the show underwent a retooling, becoming more focused on action and adopting a more traditional shonen anime style. With each series, Ash typically encounters a new formidable rival, and in XY, one of his new rivals was Alain, a beloved trainer known for his exceptional skills. Alain possessed a Charizard that could mega evolve, making him one of the strongest Pokémon trainers in the anime. His presence had a significant impact on the series, and he was the only original anime character, besides Ash, to later participate in the Masters Eight Tournament.

7 Advanced Generation (2002-2006)

Pokémon: Advanced Generation marked a significant progression in the Pokémon series. The introduction of the Hoenn region brought about a major shift in the main cast, bidding farewell to Misty and welcoming May and Max. This installment proved to be pivotal in Ash's character development, as he shed his arrogance and transformed into a more humble Pokémon trainer. Notably, the battles Ash faced, such as his rematch against Brandon at the Battle Pyramid, left a lasting impression. The valuable lessons he learned in this series seamlessly carried over to the next, contributing to its reputation as one of the best Pokémon series.

6 Journeys (2019-2022)

In Pokémon Journeys, the Masters Eight Tournament created a thrilling event in the anime franchise. Champions from different regions competed fiercely to win the title of Monarch, attracting even those who solely played the video games. The tournament showcased several prominent characters from the games and further solidified Ash's status as the World Champion. With its groundbreaking approach that deviated from the traditional gym formula, Journeys undoubtedly stands as one of the finest Pokémon series. Additionally, this series allowed Ash to travel the world, encounter numerous Legendary Pokémon, and assemble one of his most formidable teams to date, providing a refreshing and exhilarating experience.

5 Hisuian Snow (2022)

Hisuian Snow, a sensational three-episode miniseries, immerses viewers in the captivating Hisui region of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. With its vibrant animation and captivating storyline, this anime series stands out as one of the finest Pokémon creations. As it delves into the rich lore and narrative, it enhances the familiar world of Pokémon, including the legendary Alpha Pokémon.

This miniseries brilliantly portrays the ongoing struggle between Pokémon and humans, highlighting the challenges they face in coexisting. This theme is also beautifully depicted in the game itself. Moreover, Hisuian Snow offers fans a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring animated forms of the remarkable Hisuian Pokémon from Legends: Arceus. Even with its concise duration, this miniseries undeniably merits recognition as one of the greatest Pokémon animated adventures.

4 The Original Series (1997-2002)

It is challenging to surpass the original Pokémon series that initiated the phenomenon. Referred to as "The Original Series," it encompasses all the seasons set in the Kanto and Johto regions. Witnessing the Indigo League and encountering Pokémon for the first time is a unique experience that still resonates as one of the finest Pokémon series to date. Whether a fan is new to the franchise or not, the Indigo League serves as a perfect entry point. It effectively introduces the enchanting world of Pokémon, showcases numerous iconic characters and Pokémon like Ash's Charizard, and exemplifies the profound passion and dedication invested in this beloved franchise.

3 Diamond & Pearl (2006-2010)

The Pokémon Diamond & Pearl era is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Ash's series, offering captivating battles that showcase intricate tactics and strategies. The storyline is masterfully crafted, incorporating foreshadowing and meticulous details that culminate in defining moments later in the series. Notably, Ash's Pokémon, such as Chimchar, play a more significant role in the narrative, particularly in relation to its former trainer and Ash's rival, Paul. Additionally, even Brock receives much-deserved attention before bidding farewell, solidifying Diamond & Pearl as the ultimate Pokémon series to date.

2 Pokémon Generations (2016)

Pokémon Generations, an 18-episode miniseries, brings to life significant moments from the Pokémon video game series. This special project, created in celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, pays tribute to the games that serve as the foundation of the Pokémon world. The stunning animation surpasses even the quality of the official Pokémon films, making it a must-watch for fans of the games and the wider franchise. Prepare to be captivated as iconic Pokémon rivals like Blue, N, and Barry come to life in one of the most remarkable Pokémon series ever created.

1 Pokémon Origins (2013)

Pokémon Origins is the long-awaited anime series that fans have been yearning for, encompassing the pivotal events of the original Kanto video games. This captivating four-episode anime not only takes nostalgic video game enthusiasts on a delightful trip down memory lane but also delivers exhilarating battles and remarkable character development for Red and Blue. While the anime ingeniously showcases iconic moments from the original video games, it also introduces fresh concepts such as the beloved Mega Evolution. One unforgettable instance is when Red's Charizard undergoes its first-ever mega evolution during an intense showdown against Mewtwo. It comes as no surprise that numerous fans consider Pokémon Origins to be one of the finest Pokémon anime projects to date, and indulging in this series will instantly elucidate why.

These top ten Pokémon anime series are not only worth mentioning, but also cater to a wide range of preferences. Even individuals who are not particularly fond of Ash Ketchum can discover something enjoyable on this list. Moreover, several of these miniseries are specifically crafted to captivate fans of the Pokémon games. Therefore, anyone who has an affection for Pokémon should make it a point to explore these exceptional anime series that they may not be acquainted with.