Alex "Raoom" Sukhanov Reading our articles about the world of Pokémon, you have surely noticed references to the anime. The TV series + full-length animated movies have been the foundation of the franchise for many years, and many fans became hooked after watching them.
Those who have never rushed to the TV to catch the latest episode will be surprised by the sheer number of episodes released. Time passed, we stopped following Ash's adventures, but the series continued. The hero grew up, and the world he lives in changed. If you were to return to watching it now, you would find over 1,000 episodes! This is where the problem lies.
Image: playground.ru
As with all major franchises, there are numerous plot branches linked to the past or future. Everything has become so mixed up that even a dedicated fan can get confused.
Now, we will help you figure out the order in which to watch the Pokémon anime. Make yourself comfortable, grab something tasty, enjoy the viewing experience!
S01: Indigo League
Image: bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net
The journey begins with Season 1. Ash is still a novice and meets his legendary partner Pikachu for the first time.
1–69.
Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back or the remake Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution. This story tells about the awakening of the legendary character who turns his anger against his creators — humans.
70–82.
S02: Adventures in the Orange Islands
Image: cbr.com
The team wraps up their affairs in Kanto, and Professor Oak sends them to the Orange Islands. Only Ash + Misty embark on this journey, but they will meet a new team member — Tracey Sketchit.
83–106 (1–24).
Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One. Here, Ash, Misty, Tracey must save three legendary creatures from a collector.
107–118 (25–36).
S03: The Johto Journeys
Image: prime video.com
Ash battles the Orange League and its leader, then heads to fight the Johto League. The heroes reunite with Brock, and despite the professor's orders, they stay to battle in the arena. As a reward, the team gains new fighters for their collection.
119–157 (1–39).
Pokémon 3: The Movie: Spell of the Unown. Their rest in Greenfield is short-lived. A curse cuts this city off from the outside world, and the hero team must solve the problem. However, a more serious threat emerges — Ash’s mom is kidnapped by the mythical Entei, and she needs to be rescued immediately.
158–159 (40–41).
S04: Johto League Champions
Image: pokemon.fandom.com
The Johto region is ancient, vast. In their travels, the friends uncover many secrets about legendary Pokémon. The audience can expect adventures, battles in the arena against the region's champions.
160–180 (1–21).
Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns. Thanks to a past encounter with Ash, Mewtwo chooses the side of good, sets out to save the cloned creatures he cares for. However, Giovanni is still determined to possess the power of the legendary monster, and the hero team needs to help the character once again.
181–207 (22–48).
Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi: The Voice of the Forest. The action begins 40 years ago when a young trainer saves Celebi from a poacher. The creature transports the boy to the present, where the trainer meets Ash's team. The character doesn't manage to return the boy to his time, as he is captured by Team Rocket.
208–211 (49–52).
S05: Master Quest
Image: Ensiplay
The friends head to the Whirl Cup competition, where Misty decides to try her hand at battling. During their journey, the team learns a terrible truth — Team Rocket is much larger than they thought. Moreover, Ash faces a battle in the arena against his longtime rival, Gary.
212–258 (1–46).
Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias. The team arrives in the city of Alto Mare, just as the annual water creature race begins. Here, it's every person for themselves, so Ash has to compete against Misty. But that's not the main event! Ash saves a mysterious girl from being pursued. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that the mysterious girl is actually Latias!
259–276 (47–64).
S06: Advanced
Image: ar.inspiredpencil.com
It's time to head to the new Hoenn region! Ash faces the tough farewell with his friends, but fate brings him new companions in the form of the young May and her younger brother Max. Together with his loyal friend Brock, they form a new team. May becomes a battle coordinator.
277–311 (1–35).
Pokémon: Jirachi: Wish Maker. In this world, many significant events occur. One such event is the arrival of The Millennium Comet. Everyone gazes up at the sky to witness this beautiful phenomenon and make a wish. At the festival celebrating this event, Max finds an unexpected friend — Jirachi. However, the cute Pokémon could turn into a monster capable of destroying the entire world!
312–316 (36–40).
S07: Advanced Challenge
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The adventures in the Hoenn region continue. The team gets entangled in the plans of Team Magma + Team Aqua. But that's not all the challenges they face. Ash becomes a more experienced trainer, having to showcase his talent. In this season, he will battle for three more Gym Badges.
317–361 (1–45).
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys. Ash + his team head to Larousse City. This metropolis is known for its technological advancements, but the young trainer is drawn to the legendary Battle Tower. What would have been a wonderful vacation turns into chaos when Deoxys breaks free and takes control of the entire city. All technology is disabled, and the residents are defenseless. The team must find a way to deal with the threat.
368–316 (46–52).
S08: Advanced Battle
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Ash achieves his goal and enters the Hoenn League! However, fierce competition awaits not only him, but also May, who is fighting for the final ribbon against two strong rivals. After the big tournament, they head back to Kanto for a long-awaited reunion with friends. Then, a grand new adventure awaits in the Battle Frontier.
369–410 (1–45).
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. Many heroic deeds have been accomplished in this world. Ash + his friends arrive at a historical site. A hundred years ago, the hero Sir Aaron sacrificed himself to save the Camaron Palace. However, the young trainer is not interested in history; he came here to compete. One way or another, he will have to face echoes of the past to save Pikachu.
411–421 (42–52).
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate! This movie gives us a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of unusual creatures. The story revolves around a boy who fell asleep as a human and woke up as a Squirtle! Now, the child must learn to live in the form of this creature and find a way to return.
S09: Battle Frontier
Image: zerochan.net
Ash + Brock have traveled a long way to return to their home region. However, even for them, Kanto holds many secrets. While May decides to become a fighter again, Ash sets out to explore the Battle Frontier, where he encounters a rival like none he has faced before.
422–426 (1–5).
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon. The story of these amazing creatures is much richer than that of humans. A Pokémon scientist created the Mirage project, which allows for the resurrection of ancient extinct creatures. Ash’s team comes to witness the miracle.
However, the scientist suddenly disappears, and the team discovers a terrifying truth — Mirage can create perfect beings without flaws. This threatens to disrupt the balance.
427–459 (6–38).
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. The people of the water are in danger! Beneath the ocean lies an ancient temple that holds an artifact — the Sea Crown. Even the wise men do not know the power of this item, but they are sure it is in danger. Ash and his friends must help find the crown, protect the treasure.
460–468 (39–47).
S10: Diamond and Pearl
Image: bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net
Ash learns that his main rival, Gary Oak, is heading to the Sinnoh region and rushes to follow him. The heroes face a new competition in the Sinnoh League, but that's not all the surprises. The team gains a new coordinator, Dawn, who has her own goals.
469–507 (1–39).
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai. The path to the competition leads through Alamos Town. The residents and Pokémon are tormented by nightmares. The blame falls on the mysterious creature Darkrai. In response to the accusations, the monster appears and attacks anyone who opposes it. Is this a defense of honor or malice?
508–520 (40–51).
S11: DP Battle Dimension
Image: IMDb.com
The higher the team climbs the career ladder, the harder it is to stay there. Ash handles his opponents well and heads for the next rewards, but his new friend Dawn has already suffered two defeats. They will have to put in all their effort to achieve victories and withstand Team Galactic.
521–542 (1–22).
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness. The second movie in the series also tells us about the lives of beloved creatures. This time, another boy transforms into a Piplup.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – Beyond Time & Darkness. The continuation of Piplup's adventure. Together with friends, he becomes a member of the explorer team "Poképals".
543–554 (23–34).
Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior. Ash and his team find themselves in the mysterious Reverse World, where the mighty Giratina resides. The protector of his world is capable of causing great destruction. The researcher Zero wants to harness the character's power.
555–571 (35–52).
S12: DP Galactic Battles
Image: bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net
Events in the Sinnoh region reach a boiling point. The mysterious villains of Team Galactic become increasingly dangerous, but that is not the only problem. Dawn must solve issues with her protégés, and Ash faces a final battle with Paul that will determine his fate.
572–603 (1–30).
Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life. The final part of the adventures in other dimensions. Ash + his friends helped Giratina protect the Reverse World. Now they must help another legendary creature — Arceus. Long ago, this deity gave part of its power to the people of Michina Town. Afterward, the people betrayed the Pokémon. Now the team must travel to the past, correct this mistake.
604–625 (31–52).
S13: DP Sinnoh League Victors
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Team Galactic is defeated, but Team Rocket still pursues our heroes! After saving the world, Ash can finally focus on training to enter the Sinnoh League. Dawn is also engrossed in training, as winning the final ribbon will open the door to the festival for her.
626–634 (1–9).
Image: Ensiplay
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs: Part 1–2. This story is about a poacher hunter named Ben. While rescuing Latios from the Pinchers, the young ranger gets injured and, along with his Staraptor, falls onto one of the islands in the Oblivia Region, where he meets Pichu.
Ben struggles to gain the trust of the electric creature. The Pinchers have captured most of the Pokémon from the nearby islands, so the ranger, along with his new friend, sets out to find them. The villains escape. After this, the majestic Raikou appears here.
635–646 (10–21).
Pokémon — Zoroark: Master of Illusions. An incredible event is starting in Crown City — the largest creature battle competition! Ash and his friends couldn't miss it, arrive in the city. There, the young trainer meets a new friend — a creature named Zorua.
Legendary Raikou, Entei, Suicune also arrive in the city. It’s a grand event! At some point, the great monsters go berserk and start destroying the city. The heroes must figure out this madness.
647–659 (22–34).
S14: Black & White
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One of the most exciting seasons tells about new adventures of Ash, Iris, Cilan. Accompanying Professor Oak to the South, the young trainer sees Pokémon he has never encountered before! He aims to catch them to strengthen his team for participating in Unova’s league.
660–696 (1–37).
White — Victini and Zekrom. A miracle happens at the competition in Eindoak Town. Ash defeats his rival with the support of the mythical Victini! The ancient creature is closely linked to this place, and it’s not alone. Damon finds another mythical monster, Reshiram, and wants to use its power to restore an ancient kingdom. Ash, along with the legendary Zekrom, must save the town + Victini.
Black — Victini and Reshiram. The battle for Eindoak Town continues. The legendary Pokémon are on the brink of war, and Damon is getting closer to victory. Can the heroes stop the evil? Or is the evil not where it seems?
697–707 (38–48).
S15: BW Rival Destinies
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The journey through the Unova region continues. On their way, the characters meet not only rare creatures but also a formidable opponent — Alder, the Champion Master of Unova, whom Ash will have to battle in the future. Even such a problem takes a backseat to the looming threat over the island in the form of three legendary creatures.
708–756 (1–49).
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice. Ash's team faces another hostile mythical monster — the dragon named Kyurem. The monster feeds on the powers of Reshiram, Zekrom to evolve and destroy the island.
S16 1/2: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond
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Ash has earned 8 Gym badges. This means it’s time to compete in the Unova league! However, the challenge lies not only in the strongest opponents. His friend Iris needs help. She cannot control her Dragonite. A journey to the Village of Dragons might solve the problem.
757–792 (1–36).
Mewtwo: The Prologue to Its Awakening. The incredible power of Mewtwo makes the character a desirable target for poachers. Once again, the hero must hide from the villains. Will the legendary Pokémon be able to find a place to call home?
Genesect and the Legend Awakened. In the heart of a bustling city, in a place teeming with Pokémon, a group of five Genesect has settled. Initially appearing harmless, these mythical creatures quickly become a serious threat: their new nest disrupts the stability of the city's power supply. They attack anyone who dares to approach.
Their presence soon catches the attention of Mewtwo, who understands their pain, as its own fate was altered by humans. However, the leader of the group, Red Genesect, does not trust the guest. Their confrontation quickly escalates into chaos.
793–801 (37–45).
S17: XY
Image: Ensiplay
Ash and Pikachu embark on new adventures in the Kalos region! Along the way, they are joined by the talented inventor Clemont, his little sister Bonnie, Serena — a trainer starting her first journey.
Ash immediately decides to battle at the Lumiose City Gym, but a robot ejects him before he can go too far! Between competitions, Ash + his friends will explore unique corners of the region, meet new Pokémon, and uncover their secrets!
802–822 (1–21).
Pokémon: Mega Evolution Special I. An exciting story about Mega Evolution! A young trainer named Mairin witnesses a battle between Mega-Evolved Charizard, Mega Absol. Impressed by the fight, she decides to meet Charizard's owner — Alain. Together, they embark on a great journey to find the Mega Stone.
Image: pokemon.fandom.com
823–838 (22–38).
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction. In the depths of the Diamond Kingdom, home to numerous Pokémon, the mythical creature Diancie rules. However, the Diamond Heart that sustains life in the kingdom is beginning to crumble. Diancie lacks the power to create a new one. Seeking help, the fairy turns to the legendary Xerneas. Meanwhile, a group of thieves aims to seize the kingdom.
839–849 (39–49).
S18: XY Kalos Quest
Image: Ensiplay
In the quest to obtain the eight Gym badges needed to participate in the Kalos League, Ash + his companions will meet new friends, gain rivals, discover many new creatures!
Serena, along with her partner Fennekin + friend Pancham, will conquer the world of Pokémon Showcase. Clemont will continue inventing, hoping that some of his creations will become hits, and Bonnie will, as always, look for someone to take care of her older brother!
Mega Evolution Special II. Alain + Mairin continue their journey. They team up with the trainer Steven, Alain’s boss Lysandre to explore ancient ruins. There, they find a glowing rock resembling a huge Mega Stone! A group of scientists arrives, but the research is interrupted by Rayquaza, who begins Mega Evolution without a trainer’s command! After a grand battle, the rock disappears.
850–865 (1–16).
Image: tvmaze.com
Mega Evolution Special III. The heroes follow the trail of the missing glowing rock. It turns out to be a powerful energy source now sought by Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre. In ancient times, these creatures fought over the source and nearly destroyed the world.
Alain + Steven send their Mega Pokémon to fight the ancient monsters, but the forces are unequal. It was just a distraction maneuver. The mysterious rock falls into Lysandre's hands. The team follows the scientists to uncover the secret.
866–883 (17–33).
Hoopa — The Mischief Pokémon. A funny story about Hoopa and his friends. Baraz tries to guide his partner’s abilities towards peaceful activities, but the mischievous creature turns every action into mischief.
Image: imdb.com
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages. Hoopa becomes a movie star! Ash and his friends travel to a desert city by the sea, where they meet the mythical wizard. After a sinister incident, they learn the legend of a hero who once stopped a destructive Pokémon.
Now, the threat that has been contained for many years might be unleashed again! Will Ash find the strength to help his new friend overcome the inner darkness? Or will the dangerous secret lead to a clash of legends?
884–894 (34–45).
Mega Evolution Special IV. The investigation of the mysterious rock begins. Meanwhile, Alain accepts a challenge against 10 trainers to become a Mega Evolution master. Unexpectedly, he blames Mairin for interfering with his training. The girl runs away. The situation worsens when her pet contracts an unknown illness due to a failed experiment in the lab.
S19: XYZ
Image: Ensiplay
Team Flare is hatching devious plans for Zygarde. Alain's search for the source of Mega Evolution intertwines with our heroes' adventures. As predicted by Gym Leader Olympia, Ash and his team will work together, reaching new incredible heights!
895–941 (1–47).
The Legend of X, Y, and Z! Professor Sycamore + Alexa explore ancient ruins where they find a stone statue of a woman named Aila and learn an old legend. The records of the Kalos region tell of how her beloved Jan tried to stop the destructive Pokémon Yveltal. When he failed, the land was devastated, Yveltal turned into a cocoon. Aila became stone.
The Strongest Duo! Citron and Dent! Exciting adventures of Clemont, Bonnie, their friends in the subway. The trains go haywire, and Bonnie becomes a prisoner on one of them. Will the team manage to help her? What caused the malfunction?
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel. Ash meets the mythical creature Volcanion. They arrive in the city of cogs and gears, where a corrupt minister has kidnapped the greatest invention — the artificial Pokémon Magearna, created 500 years ago. The minister plans to use the mysterious power to take control of the mechanical kingdom!
S20: Sun & Moon
Image: Ensiplay
Ash travels to the tropical region of Alola! In his adventures, he is joined by a group of experienced trainers and a mysterious scientist named Lillie. His constant rivals, Team Rocket, have also arrived there hoping to capture new powerful creatures. But they face serious competition: the thugs from Team Skull, who love to sow chaos, may have more sinister intentions…
942–984 (1–43).
S21: Sun & Moon — Ultra Adventures
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Ash dreams of the legendary Solgaleo + Lunala and makes them a promise. But upon waking, he can't remember what he promised! Will the strange Pokémon named Nebby help him regain his memory?
Things turn out to be not so simple. Ash + his friends must unite to protect people and their beloved Pokémon from a mysterious force they have never encountered before.
985–1033 (1–48).
S22: Sun & Moon – Ultra Legends
Image: Ensiplay
As Ultra Guardians, the students of the Pokémon School take on an important mission to protect the Wela Volcano. Ash meets a new rival, Hau, whose Dartrix offers quite a challenge to Rowlet. Even Rotom Dex gets its own adventure when the heroes visit the set of its favorite TV show!
1034–1087 (1–54).
S23: Journeys
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Ash has the great honor of becoming a staff member at the new Cerise Laboratory research center. His dream of visiting all regions takes on new meaning, and that's not all the surprises. He meets a rookie trainer named Go, who aims to catch one of every Pokémon species! From this moment, they embark on a new adventure.
1088–1135 (1–48).
S24: Master Journeys
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Ash and Go explore the vast world. The entire season is dedicated to their journey, Pokémon research, arena battles. Go plans to catch Mew, and Chloe finds a new unexpected friend — an Eevee that is different from its kin.
1136–1178 (1–42).
S25: Ultimate Journeys
Image: sportskeeda.com
The Pokémon World Coronation is in full swing. Ash has a lot of training ahead to handle strong opponents. Meanwhile, Go goes on expeditions to join Project Mew and capture the mythical creature. Chloe studies Eevee's evolution to help her new pet.
1178–1232 (1–54).
Horizons: The Series
Image: sportskeeda.com
A brand new chapter in the Pokémon world. Trainer Liko and her first companion Sprigatito start their adventures. Along with another newcomer named Roy, they rejuvenate the franchise. But viewers will also meet heroes from the past, such as Captain Pikachu.
1–45
Currently, Horizon will drive the Pokémon universe forward. The series premiered in 2023. New adventures may await us in the future.
Main image by Ensiplay
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