You’re Not A True Pokemon Fan Unless You’ve Seen These 10/10 Episodes

Since it first aired in the nineties, the original Pokémon anime has been a consistent and popular part of the Pokémon world. The series began with Pokémon: Indigo League and centers on the journey of Ash Ketchum, a young trainer hoping to become a Pokémon Master, and his companion, the lovable Pikachu.

While many fans prefer the first season, the later seasons also have some fantastic episodes. Some of the newest installments are even considered the best of the entire show. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or new to the series, there are several episodes – both old and new – that every Pokémon fan should experience.

“Island of the Giant Pokémon” — Pokemon: Indigo League

The Pokémon Heroes “Speak” for the First Time

Most Pokémon don’t talk like humans do. While a few, like Mewtwo and the Team Rocket Meowth, can speak, most Pokémon communicate through their actions and body language – and viewers pick up on this as they watch the show. In the Pokémon: Indigo League episode “Island of the Giant Pokémon”, Ash gets separated from his Pokémon on a large island. During this, the show focuses on the Pokémon themselves, giving us a rare look at how they communicate without a human present.

Even though the Pokémon still speak their own language, subtitles have been added so viewers can understand them. Later in the episode, Ash’s Pokémon meet Team Rocket’s Pokémon, and they all decide to travel together, much to Meowth’s frustration. “Island of the Giant Pokémon” is a fun episode thanks to its exciting adventure and interesting way of telling the story. It also highlights an important idea: Pokémon aren’t naturally bad – they only do wrong things when their Trainers tell them to.

“Pikachu’s Goodbye” — Pokemon: Indigo League

Pikachu Meets a Horde of Other Mouse Pokémon

It’s later revealed that Pikachu lost his parents when he was a Pichu. This meant he didn’t grow up with other Pikachu, and only met them for the first time during an episode in Pokémon: Indigo League. By this point, Pikachu and Ash had become close friends and a strong battling team. However, after Pikachu makes friends with a group of other Pikachu, Ash starts to question whether Pikachu would be better off living with others of his own species instead of with him.

Ash initially tries to leave Pikachu with a group of other Pokémon, running off crying before anyone can stop him. But when he pauses, he’s surprised to see Pikachu has followed him, happily wanting to stay by his side. They share a heartwarming embrace and continue their adventure across Kanto together. This storyline is one of the most touching in the series, perfectly showing just how devoted Pikachu is to Ash, despite their rocky start.

“Charizard Chills” — Pokemon: Adventures in the Orange Islands

Ash Nurses the Flame Pokémon Back to Health

Image via OLM

As Charmander evolved into Charmeleon and then Charizard, it became surprisingly rebellious and aggressive towards Ash. This Fire-type Pokémon would often ignore Ash’s commands, even intentionally burning him, and it distanced itself from its former Pokémon friends. Because of this, Ash rarely used Charizard in battles; it would only fight when it wanted to, otherwise preferring to sit out. During the Orange Islands, Ash relied on Charizard to battle Tad’s strong Poliwrath, as it was his most powerful Pokémon after Pikachu had just been defeated.

Charizard disobeyed Ash and was struck by Poliwrath’s powerful Ice Beam, freezing him completely except for his tail. While he eventually thawed out, Charizard became ill and couldn’t get warm, and his usual fiery tail was noticeably dimmer. As Ash nursed him back to health, Charizard remembered their time together, starting when he was just a Charmander, and decided to change his ways. Once recovered, Charizard showed Ash that he wanted to be a reliable teammate and, more importantly, a friend again.

“Bye Bye Butterfree” — Pokemon: Indigo League

Ash’s Butterfree Falls in Love With Another Bug/Flying-type

After getting Pikachu, Ash immediately starts trying to build his Pokémon team. The first Pokémon he catches is Caterpie, a common Bug-type found in the Kanto forests. Caterpie quickly shows himself to be a sweet and dependable Pokémon. Even though Misty wasn’t thrilled with him at first because he was a Bug-type, Caterpie becomes close friends with Pikachu, and they even share their hopes of becoming stronger together under the stars.

Like many Bug Pokémon, Caterpie evolved rapidly, first into a Metapod and then a beautiful Butterfree. During mating season, this Butterfree fell in love with a pink female of its kind. He proved his bravery by rescuing her, and others, from capture, after which he expressed a desire to travel with her. Though it was difficult for Ash, he released Butterfree so the two could be together, and the episode showed their touching goodbye, accompanied by sad music.

“Battling a Thaw in Relations!” — Pokemon: DP Sinnoh League Victors

Ash and Infernape Face off Against Paul for the Last Time

Oh my gosh, Chimchar’s story really gets to me! Before he joined Ash, he was with a Trainer named Paul, and things weren’t easy. Paul was super focused on winning, and honestly, he wasn’t very warm or friendly with his Pokémon. If a Pokémon didn’t meet his incredibly high expectations, he’d just…release it. It was heartbreaking to see Chimchar go through that. That’s why when Ash invited him to join the team, he was absolutely amazed! He’d never seen Pokémon living together so happily and supporting each other like that. It was such a sweet and important moment!

Ash’s kind training helped Chimchar evolve into the strong Pokémon Monferno, and eventually Infernape, a Fire and Fighting type. Infernape’s biggest test came at the Lily of the Valley Conference, where he battled his previous Trainer, Paul, and his team. In a climactic fight, Infernape defeated Paul’s powerful Electivire, ending their long rivalry. This victory marked a happy conclusion for Infernape, a Pokémon who was once dismissed as being too weak.

“Forming a More Perfect Union!” — Pokemon the Series: XYZ

Everyone Comes Together To Defeat Team Flare

Image via OLM

In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, players meet Lysandre, a former friend of Professor Sycamore. While he first seems like a generous and caring person, it’s later discovered that he’s been searching for a powerful weapon to drastically reduce the world’s population, believing this would create a better life for those who remain. The anime series also shows Lysandre researching Mega Evolution, and he recruits Alain to help. However, Alain soon realizes he’s just being used as a tool in Lysandre’s plans and is horrified by the truth.

Pokémon Trainers from across the globe, including notable figures like Steven Stone and even Team Rocket, rush to stop Lysandre and Team Flare from destroying the Kalos region. At the same time, Bonnie’s friend, Squishy—a Zygarde Core—escapes Lysandre and, with help from other Zygarde cells, transforms into Zygarde’s powerful Complete Forme. Following Bonnie’s guidance, Squishy attacks Lysandre with a powerful move, seemingly defeating him. While Kalos is saved, Team Flare’s actions leave a lasting impact on the region.

“Partners in Time!” — Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: The Series

The Greatest Battle of Ash’s Career

Ever since Ash Ketchum started his Pokémon journey in Pallet Town, he’s been determined to become a Pokémon Master. Over the years, he’s battled many trainers, collected numerous Gym Badges, and even won the title of Champion in Alola. But his biggest challenge comes in the Masters Eight Tournament, where he faces off against trainers from all over the world. The tournament includes strong champions like Steven Stone from Hoenn and Cynthia from Sinnoh.

In the final moments of the Masters Eight Tournament, Pikachu stood as Ash’s last Pokémon against Leon’s incredibly powerful Gigantamax Charizard. The battle was a fierce and exciting clash, and at times it looked like Leon would come out on top. But Ash and Pikachu’s unwavering teamwork allowed them to ultimately win the hard-fought battle. This victory earned Ash the title of Masters Eight Tournament champion, a defining moment in his journey to become a Pokémon Master.

“Pokemon – I Choose You!” — Pokémon: Indigo League

Professor Oak Introduces Ash to Pikachu

Once the initial anime series concluded, many viewers revisited the beginning, reflecting on how much Ash and Pikachu had grown since they first met. Their meeting was a matter of luck – Ash overslept and missed his appointment to choose a starter Pokémon from Professor Oak. If that hadn’t happened, he might have ended up traveling with a different Pokémon altogether. Instead, fate brought him together with a stubborn Pikachu, an Electric-type who wasn’t afraid to give his new Trainer a jolt.

Ash was frustrated that Pikachu wouldn’t cooperate, so he tried to catch a different Pokémon. This accidentally provoked a large group of Spearow, and both Ash and Pikachu were hurt in the encounter. Even though they were arguing, Ash bravely protected Pikachu from the attacking Spearow. This act of kindness inspired Pikachu to use a powerful Thunderbolt, scaring the Spearow away. With the clouds parting and a rainbow appearing, Ash and Pikachu finally understood each other. This moment marked the beginning of a strong, lasting friendship that became a central theme throughout the original Pokémon series.

2026-02-18 16:36