Pokemon: 5 Best-Written Arcs, Ranked

The original Pokémon anime is divided into story arcs – essentially different seasons with their own storylines and character growth. A good example is Ash’s journey through the Orange Islands, which forms a complete story arc where he and his friends face new challenges and battles. Within these larger arcs, individual characters and their Pokémon also go through their own personal developments and stories.

Just like everyone has a favorite Pokémon, people also have a favorite season of the Pokémon TV show. Some prefer newer seasons, like Pokémon the Series: XYZ, because of the great animation and exciting storylines. Others enjoy the classic feel of the early seasons, such as Pokémon: Indigo League, where the series first started.

Ash Met New Friends and Rekindled Old Friendships in the Orange Islands

Charizard Was Able To Become a True Part of the Team Again

Most seasons of the Pokémon anime follow storylines from the video games, but Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands was a unique, original story. Even though it wasn’t based on any specific game, these episodes set in the Orange Islands became very popular with fans. The only connection to the games was the GS Ball, which remained a mystery. However, this arc did cause a temporary change in the group, as Brock left to help Professor Ivy, whom he had fallen in love with.

Ash and Misty are continuing their journey, now traveling with Tracey Sketchit, a Pokémon enthusiast and Bug-type Pokémon expert, while Brock is away. Along the way, they encounter incredible Pokémon, including rare finds on Pinkan Island and the legendary Crystal Onix. Ash sets his sights on competing in the Orange League, and even reconnects with his Charizard, rebuilding their friendship after a period of difficulty.

Sinnoh League Victors Was the End of Infernape’s Arc

The Fire/Fighting-Type Battled Against His Former Trainer

It’s a sad trend in the original Pokémon anime that many Fire-type starter Pokémon have difficult backstories. For example, Charizard was abandoned by its Trainer in harsh conditions, and Incineroar lost its beloved caretaker to old age. Ash’s Infernape also experienced hardship – its first Trainer, Paul, was very strict and demanding when it was a Chimchar. The little Pokémon felt insecure after Paul left it with Ash, seemingly because it wasn’t strong enough, but with Ash’s care, it eventually grew into Monferno and then the powerful Infernape.

Throughout Ash’s journey in the Sinnoh region, Paul was his biggest competitor, often highlighting Ash’s mistakes. Their rivalry culminated at the Lily of the Valley Conference, where they battled one final time. The decisive moment came when Ash’s Infernape faced off against Paul’s Electivire, determined to show Paul it had improved. Infernape ultimately won, providing a rewarding conclusion to a meaningful storyline.

Ash Partakes in Many Amazing Battles in the Battle Frontier Storyline

A Journey Through Hoenn and Kanto

When Pokémon: Battle Frontier began, Ash and his companions had already explored much of the Hoenn region. Still, plenty of challenges remained, and new opponents were waiting. Ash and Brock even returned to Kanto briefly, letting May meet new people and Pokémon, like a Squirtle and Bulbasaur she could add to her team. But back in Hoenn, Ash set his sights on the Battle Frontier, a special arena where he’d face off against powerful trainers called Frontier Brains, each with their own unique battle style.

The Pokémon: Battle Frontier series was a fantastic journey for Ash, his friends, and their Pokémon. We saw significant growth, like Ash’s Grovyle evolving into Sceptile and May’s original Pokémon, Combusken, becoming the mighty Blaziken. Ash faced tough challenges battling Brandon, a skilled trainer with several Legendary Pokémon. A memorable moment was Pikachu’s victory over the powerful Ice-type Legendary, Regice, despite being at a disadvantage.

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Pokemon the Series: XYZ Was One of the Most Extraordinary Seasons

The Rise of Team Flare, Zygarde and Ash-Greninja

Fans still love Ash’s journey through the Kalos region because it felt more grown-up than earlier seasons of Pokémon. This was particularly noticeable in the final season, Pokémon the Series: XYZ. After some intense specials focused on Mega Evolution, the villain Lysandre revealed his plan to take over – and even destroy – all of Kalos. Ash, his friends, and even Team Rocket teamed up to fight Team Flare and save the region, leading to a dramatic and action-packed ending that featured the powerful Legendary Pokémon Zygarde.

Ash and his Greninja, now stronger than ever, need to learn how to manage their special connection, called the Bond Phenomenon. This unique ability allows Greninja to briefly become Ash-Greninja, powered by their close friendship. Together, they’re able to fight against Lysandre and Team Flare when things look bleak. Eventually, Greninja chooses to stay in the Kalos region to protect it, leading to a touching goodbye as Ash finishes his adventures there.

Ash and Pikachu’s Journey Began in Pokemon: Indigo League

Ash Learns About What It Means To Be a Trainer

I still think the very first season, Pokémon: Indigo League, is the absolute best! It’s where everything started – we got to see Ash and Pikachu’s incredible bond really begin, and it set the stage for their whole journey. Honestly, that season had so many memorable moments, like when Ash caught his first Pokémon and then the whole story with Butterfree. Seeing Butterfree grow strong and eventually fly off on its own was just… wow, still gets me right in the feels! It’s one of those anime moments I’ll never forget.

Pokémon: Indigo League not only kicked off Charizard’s storyline – which would continue to develop later – but also featured touching, self-contained stories within individual episodes. One memorable moment showed Ash considering whether his Pokémon, Pikachu, would be better off living freely in the wild. However, the main reason fans still love Pokémon: Indigo League is its unique charm and how it established so much of the Pokémon world, including the introduction of Team Rocket and the beginning of Ash’s first group of friends. There’s a special sweetness to this season that sets it apart, even from other early seasons, making it particularly cherished by viewers.

2026-02-17 17:35