There is hardly a millennial or teen alike who has never heard ofPokemon. For many, it’s more than just an anime. It’s something they grew up with. Those who have experienced the thrill of discussing the latest episode ofPokemonthe next day at school or showing off theirrare Pokemon cardswithout a doubt had a wonderful childhood.
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Over the years, new Pokemon have come and gone. Yet, there are a few that have made an impact on people’s hearts. These Pokemon are considered the most popular and best in the series. Therefore, this ranking takes into consideration all characteristics like screen time, powers, popularity, and strengths. So get ready for a bumpy ride. You may find your favorite too.
Updated July 25, 2025 by Adriano Valente:ThePokemonanimediffers from the gamein various ways, with the animated world establishing its own identity over years. The Pokemon featured in the show, movies, and shorts are typically similar to their game counterparts. But just as with anything else to do with the anime, there are some notable differences. Certain Pokemon have stood out in the anime either due to their raw power or unique skillets. There’s definitely some overlap with the games in which of the nearly 900 Pokemon stand as the best of the group. These are some more Pokemon that are among the best out there, according to the anime.
15Zekrom
As a member of the Tao Trio, Zekrom stands as one of Unova’s strongest Pokemon. The Gen 5 legendary can make almost any battle an easy win in the games, standing as an imposing figure to all who face it.
In the anime, Zekrom lives up to its legendary status. The Dragon/Electric-type once struck Pikachu with lightning so powerful that it took away its electric abilities. Pikachu eventually recovered its powers once it was zapped by another of Zekrom’s bolts.
14Giratina
Giratina is one of the most imposing Pokemon created, with its uncanny design perfectly complementingits terrifying abilities. It’s only natural that it would establish itself as one of the anime’s stronger Pokemon.
In both its Altered and Origin Forme, Giratina possesses great power, which makes it a difficult opponent for any Pokemon to deal with. In Pokemon Generations, Giratina was able to free Dialga and Palkia from the Red Chain, showing just how strong and reliable it is.
13Lugia
Lugia was initially created for the second Pokemon movie and served as one of the game mascots for the second generation. It has since established itself as a force to be reckoned with in both the game and animated worlds.
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Lugia has shown a variety of amazing abilities and powers throughout its various anime appearances. While not as prevalent as it once was, Lugia still stands out as one of the strongest Pokemon the anime has ever featured.
12Arceus
Be it in the games or in the anime, Arceus stands tall as one of the strongest Pokemon ever. This mythical Pokemon stands out for having created the Sinnoh and Ransei regions and could have very well played a part in crafting the Pokemon universe itself.
Arceus’ anime counterpart seems to be just as powerful as the one from the games. In its debut film, Ash and company must face off against the god-like Pokemon when it threatens to destroy the world. There aren’t many Pokemon out there that can be considered that kind of a threat.
11Alakazam
Alakazam has always been a reliable Pokemon in the games and the same can be said for its anime counterparts. The Psychic-type has beena steady presencesince it was first introduced in the first generation.
Plenty of Alakazam have been featured in the main series over the years. The one constant with each has been their versatility in battle. While it might not be the flashiest Pokemon, fans of the anime can always expect an Alakazam to leave its mark on a given episode.
10Squishy
In reality, Squishy is a Zygarde core, meaning it becomes a Zygarde in its complete form. Squishy was held captive at Lysandre Lab. Luckily, with the help of Mairin’s Chespin, it managed to escape and come across Ash and his team. Bonnie finds it in her bag and names it “Squishy.” Because of all the bad experiences with humans, Squishy was hesitant to trust the team but its view changed for good after spending some time with them.
InVolcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, it transforms into its complete form to go up against Alva– the corrupted counselor who desires the throne of Azoth Kingdom.
9Mega Rayquaza
Mega Rayquaza makes a blasting entry inMega Evolution Special IIwhen it shows the true nature of its power. It defeats Steven’s Mega Metagross and Alain’s Mega Charizard without breaking a sweat. Then in its worn-out state, it went against legendary Pokemon– Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon– at the same time: still not using its full strength. After that, it removed their capability to go primal.
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For a Rayquaza to evolve into Mega Rayquaza, it must learn the technique Dragon Ascent. Mega Rayquaza is among themost powerful Pokemon in the anime. It’s a Mega evolution of a Legendary Pokemon that is also a dragon.
8Hoopa Unbound
Hoopa Unbound is distinguishable for his creative design. It does not even look like a Pokemon, more like a final boss from a game. As the name suggests, its power is unbound. Therefore, it’s theorized that Hoopa can overpower several legendary Pokemon at a time. The huge Pokemon is 21'04, 3 times the height of an average man.
InHoopa and the Clash of Ages,Hoopa turns into Hoopa Unbound and things begin to take a serious turn. It was able to take on Mega Rayquaza & Mega Latias single-handedly, disrupting their combined attack at the same time.
7Eevee
This little furry Pokemon can evolve into eight different forms and each one is equally cute. Eevee appeared for the first time inWe Know Where You’re Going, Eevee!, when Ash and his classmates find it at Melemele Island. They discover that Eevee knows the move Double-Edge. When Lana’s Popplio manages to make a bond with Eevee, Lana decides to capture it with a dive ball.
A Pokemon this adorable cannot be given a generic name.Lana names herEevee “Sandy.” It makes another appearance in the anime and defeats Ash’s Pikachu as well. This cutie can fight.
6Squirtle
Those who have watched the anime even once know about Squirtle. Many have fallen in love with it. Blastoise is an evolution of Wartortle– which is the next form of Squirtle. It can go toe to toe against the most powerful Pokemon. The giant water guns at its back are not to be taken lightly and they can even punch holes through steel.
Squirtle is also popular among those who are not fans of the series. This firefighter Pokemon was a huge help for Ash throughout the series. It went back with its gang in the wild to help them out.
