Every 2010s Pokemon Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

The popular world of Pokémon keeps growing with new areas, TV episodes, and games. For a long time, Pokémon released movies every year. The first one, Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, came out in 1998, and they continued making a new movie each year until 2020, giving fans a lot of great films.

Many fan-favorite Pokémon movies, including installments like Pokémon 3, The Rise of Darkrai, and Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, were released before 2010. Although the animation quality improved in the 2010s, that decade also saw some of the lowest-rated Pokémon films. However, a few standout movies from the 2010s were better than most films from that era, and even surpassed some of the older, classic Pokémon movies.

10. Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution

This recent reimagining of the classic original aimed to breathe new life into a beloved story. It immediately stands out visually from previous installments thanks to its animation style. Unlike earlier films that largely relied on traditional hand-drawn animation with some 3D, this version is entirely 3D animated. While the change in style wasn’t inherently negative, the animation quality remained strong.

However, because the movie was a remake of a beloved story, its failure to resonate with fans felt particularly odd. The new art style didn’t evoke the same nostalgic feelings, and without any added content, there wasn’t much reason for fans to choose the remake over the highly-regarded original.

9. Pokemon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice

As a huge Pokémon fan, I was really hoping the 15th movie would hit all the right notes – you know, friendship, pushing yourself, and discovering who you are. Honestly, it just didn’t quite land for me. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t feel very convincing. The real star, though, was Keldeo! He totally stole the show, and Ash and Pikachu felt more like they were there to support his story. I especially loved the glimpses into Keldeo’s training – those flashbacks were really touching and helped me connect with him as a Pokémon.

The movie’s main problem is its weak villain. Kyurem is set up as the antagonist, but he doesn’t really seem evil, making it hard to see him as a true villain. Keldeo only needs to beat him to join the Swords of Justice. While the movie has some exciting chases and shows Keldeo’s determination, it doesn’t offer much beyond that.

8. Pokemon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages

Hoopa and the Clash of Ages tried to do a lot by featuring many Legendary Pokémon in one film. It begins well, establishing Hoopa’s history and letting viewers connect with its charming relationship with Mary and Baraz. The idea of Hoopa’s uncontrolled power creating a villain is also strong. However, the way so many famous Pokémon are suddenly brought into the story feels forced and disappointing.

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As a huge Pokémon fan, I was honestly a little disappointed by how casually legendary Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Lugia were brought into the story. Seeing them battle each other because of simple mind control just didn’t feel impactful enough. I really think if they’d spent more time building up the conflict and raising the stakes, this movie could have been something truly special – potentially one of the best in the whole series!

7. Pokemon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction

The movie begins with Diancie embarking on a quest to create a new Heart Diamond. Realizing she doesn’t have enough power on her own, she sets out to find the legendary Pokémon Xerneas. It’s a heartwarming story about growing up, featuring several smaller challenges and culminating in a showdown with the powerful Yveltal. While it doesn’t have large-scale battles, the film effectively delivers its message through Diancie’s personal journey and development.

Cocoon of Destruction isn’t overly complicated, and the best part of the movie is definitely Diancie. It’s fun to watch her learn about humans, interact with Ash and his friends, and work to fulfill her important purpose.

6. Pokemon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel

Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel explores the different ways humans and Pokémon interact. It highlights how some people, like Alva, have mistreated Pokémon, causing Volcanion to distrust humans. In contrast, the film also shows how strong bonds between humans and Pokémon, like those shared with Ash, can create compassionate beings such as Magearna.

This story follows the traditional battle between good and evil. One villain’s actions threaten many Pokémon, but they manage to overcome the danger by working as a team. The film also features a sweet and touching connection between the characters Volcanion and Magearna.

5. Pokemon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

With ‘Genesect and the Legend Awakened,’ Mewtwo returned to the big screen, but many fans were unhappy with how the character had changed, particularly Mewtwo’s new voice. Despite this, the movie told a compelling story. It featured a group of revived Genesect struggling to adapt to a strange, new world. Mewtwo attempts to assist them, but the Genesect leader is unwilling to trust anyone.

The film highlights the surprising similarities between Genesect and Mewtwo, ultimately delivering a message about the power of friendship and acceptance. It echoes themes from the original Mewtwo Strikes Back, reminding viewers of those important values. Additionally, the bond Ash forms with Genesect makes the Pokémon relatable and sympathetic.

4. Pokemon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions

Creating a movie after the beloved Sinnoh trilogy was a tough challenge. While it didn’t quite reach the same heights, it was still a very enjoyable film. The story focused on the touching relationship between Zoroark and Zorua, adding genuine emotional depth. The villain, Kodai, was already compelling as a cruel manipulator, but learning about his secret connection to Celebi and the power of Futuresight made his plot even more interesting.

The finale was amazing. It looked like Ash and his friends wouldn’t be able to stop Kodai, but in a surprising turn of events, Zoroark outsmarted him. Zoroark created an illusion that made Kodai think he’d captured the Time Ripple, which tricked him completely. This clever deception ultimately caused Kodai’s plans to fail.

3. Pokemon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom

We’ll be ranking Black and White together since they have identical plots.

Black and White focuses on clashing beliefs. Damon aims to rebuild the Kingdom of Vale, convinced he’s doing what’s best. However, Ash and his friends want to protect Victini and prove Damon’s plan is flawed. Eventually, Damon recognizes his mistake, and they all join forces to overcome a growing threat.

These two movies are a fun and engaging story that frequently finds connections between different ideas and situations. They explore similarities in beliefs, the choices characters make, and the decisions they face. The contrast between Victini’s sad history and its cheerful personality creates a touching bond with Ash that viewers adore. Filled with exciting battles and dramatic rescues involving Reshiram and Victini, these films are widely considered the best of their time.

2. Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You!

To celebrate its 20th film, the Pokémon franchise revisited the very beginning of Ash’s adventure, retelling the story of the first episode in ‘I Choose You!’. While some fans might miss Brock and May, who were replaced by new characters, this change supports the movie’s goal of presenting a fresh take on the classic story. The film explores surprisingly emotional themes, like Ash imagining a world without Pokémon, which helps him appreciate his companions even more. The backstory of the character Sorrel is also quite moving, highlighting the strong bond between people and Pokémon.

Replacing Gary with Paul (Cross) works well because it’s believable for Paul to become an antagonist, something that wouldn’t fit Gary’s established character. The movie culminates in exciting battles and a powerfully sad ending. Overall, it’s an enjoyable take on what could have happened to Ash’s adventure.

1. Pokemon the Movie: The Power of Us

“The Power of Us” is possibly the strongest Pokémon movie to date. It focuses on five new characters, each with a personal history of hardship or loss. Their stories become intertwined, and with assistance from Ash and his friends, they learn to face their challenges and grow.

What makes ‘The Power of Us’ unique is its focus on everyday people and their lives, rather than the usual action and conflict. A great example is Risa, who was a dedicated athlete before an injury and the fear it caused made her stop running. Through her bond with Eevee, she found her confidence again and played a crucial role in the movie’s finale.

2026-03-28 14:36