Welcome to the World of Pokémon!
For almost 30 years, the Pokémon anime has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming an iconic part of one of the biggest entertainment franchises ever. Perhaps you’ve heard of it, seen a glimpse, or played the games, and now you’re wondering how to dive into the animated series. With countless episodes, movies, and spin-offs, knowing where to start can be a real challenge. That’s exactly where this guide comes in!
This article will lead you through every major section of the Pokémon TV series, starting from the beloved early adventures of Ash and Pikachu, all the way to the exciting new stories featuring a fresh cast of characters. While many anime fans prefer to start from the very beginning, the Pokémon series is remarkably accessible, allowing you to jump in at various points and quickly get up to speed. For clarity, this guide will use the English names for seasons and focus on episodes available in the US.
The Complete Pokémon Watch Order
Original Series (Ash’s Kanto & Johto Adventures)
- Pokémon: Indigo League (Episodes 1 – 80)
- Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 81 – 116)
- Pokémon: The Johto Journeys (Episodes 117 – 157)
- Pokémon: Johto League Champions (Episodes 158 – 209)
- Pokémon: Master Quest (Episodes 210 – 273)
Advanced Generation (Hoenn & Kanto Battle Frontier)
- Pokémon Advanced (Episodes 274 – 313)
- Pokémon: Advanced Challenge (Episodes 314 – 365)
- Pokémon: Advanced Battle (Episodes 366 – 417)
- Pokémon: Battle Frontier (Episodes 418 – 464)
Diamond & Pearl (Sinnoh Region)
- Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (Episodes 465 – 515)
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension (Episodes 516 – 567)
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Galactic Battles (Episodes 568 – 619)
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors (Episodes 620 – 653)
Black & White (Unova Region)
- Pokémon: Black & White (Episodes 654 – 701)
- Pokémon Black & White: Rival Destinies (Episodes 702 – 750)
- Pokémon Black & White: Adventures in Unova and Beyond (Episodes 751 – 795)
XY Series (Kalos Region)
- Pokémon XY (Episodes 796 – 843)
- Pokémon XY: Kalos Quest (Episodes 844 – 888)
- Pokémon XYZ (Episodes 889 – 935)
Sun & Moon (Alola Region)
- Pokémon: Sun & Moon (Episodes 936 – 978)
- Pokémon Sun & Moon: Ultra Adventures (Episodes 979 – 1026)
- Pokémon Sun & Moon: Ultra Legends (Episodes 1027 – 1080)
Journeys Series (World Tour)
- Pokémon Journeys (Episodes 1081 – 1128)
- Pokémon Master Journeys (Episodes 1129 – 1170)
- Pokémon Ultimate Journeys (Episodes 1171 – 1223)
Horizons Series (New Protagonists)
- Pokémon Horizons (Episodes 1224 – 1268)
- Pokémon Horizons: The Search for Laqua (Episodes 1269 – ongoing)
Detailed Season Breakdowns
Pokémon: Indigo League (Episodes 1 – 80)
Relive the magic where it all began! In this inaugural season, 10-year-old Ash Ketchum kicks off his Pokémon journey from Pallet Town. He quickly befriends Brock, Misty, and his steadfast partner, Pikachu. But collecting eight Gym Badges to challenge the Pokémon League proves challenging, especially with Team Rocket constantly scheming to swipe Pikachu and any other rare Pokémon they encounter.
Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 81 – 116)
Ash, Misty, and their new companion, Tracy Sketchit, venture to the anime-exclusive Orange Islands. Here, Ash aims to gather a new set of badges and compete in the Orange League. This tropical adventure, while relatively lighthearted, culminates in Ash’s first League win. The thrilling final battle between Pikachu and Dragonite is an absolute must-see!
Pokémon: The Johto Journeys (Episodes 117 – 157)
A fresh theme song heralds Ash’s journey into the Johto region, rejoined by his old pal Brock. Ash carries some of his trusted Pokémon, but one of the most heartwarming aspects is his bond with new ‘partner’ Pokémon like Totodile, Cyndaquil, and Chikorita, making for delightful new dynamics.
Pokémon: Johto League Champions (Episodes 158 – 209)
As the name suggests, Ash continues his quest to collect badges across Johto. Unlike Kanto, where some gym leaders were a bit too generous, Johto demands a long and arduous trek. This extended journey, however, makes his victories all the more satisfying and exciting, despite the gargantuan episode count.
Pokémon: Master Quest (Episodes 210 – 273)
This season is all about thrilling conclusions and emotional goodbyes. Ash finally faces his long-standing rival, Gary Oak, for a monumental last battle at the Silver Conference. He also encounters a trainer with a mysterious Pokémon from an entirely new region. Prepare for tears as classic Pokémon teams bid farewell. Don’t miss the epic payoff!
Pokémon Advanced (Episodes 274 – 313)
Ash, reunited with Brock and joined by new friends May and Max, heads to the vibrant Hoenn region. This season, much like the Game Boy Advance titles it’s based on, marks a refreshing restart for our hero from Pallet Town. While Ash doesn’t collect every ‘partner’ Pokémon here, his journey is filled with new discoveries.
Pokémon: Advanced Challenge (Episodes 314 – 365)
The stakes are higher as Ash diligently collects badges and May strives for ribbons to enter the Hoenn Grand Festival and become a Top Coordinator. This section beautifully develops its central characters beyond just accompanying Ash, giving them distinct goals that add depth to this lengthy arc.
Pokémon: Advanced Battle (Episodes 366 – 417)
This sprawling season sees Ash reach the Hoenn League and May achieve her Grand Festival goals, eventually leading them back to Kanto. But it’s no peaceful homecoming. Ash soon learns of new challenges awaiting him, and in true fashion, he sets off once more to test his mettle and luck.
Pokémon: Battle Frontier (Episodes 418 – 464)
It’s time for Ash to conquer Kanto’s Battle Frontier, engaging formidable Frontier Brains in a series of unique challenges to earn Frontier Symbols. Will he emerge victorious? And what will happen in the climactic Pokémon battle contest between Ash and May? This marks the thrilling conclusion of the Advanced Generation.
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (Episodes 465 – 515)
A new journey begins in the Sinnoh Region as Dawn replaces May and Max. Dawn also aspires to be a Top Coordinator, but her unique approach makes her a fascinating addition to Ash’s group. This season significantly elevates the focus on the villainous Team Galactic and introduces a fantastic rival for Ash in Paul, laying the groundwork for a fan-favorite arc.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension (Episodes 516 – 567)
Get ready for more intense battles, encounters with Legendary Pokémon, and rich character development, not just for the main heroes but for Ash and Dawn’s Pokémon teams too! All of this unfolds as Team Galactic’s sinister plot intensifies. Battle Dimension delivers non-stop thrills for Pokémon viewers.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Galactic Battles (Episodes 568 – 619)
The epic climax arrives! Cyrus, the cunning leader of Team Galactic, has gathered everything he needs to create a new world. It’s up to Ash, Pikachu, and all their allies in Sinnoh to stop him. This arc delivers a scale of conflict and battle never before seen in the Pokémon anime!
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors (Episodes 620 – 653)
After the dramatic events with Team Galactic, Ash can finally dedicate himself to the Sinnoh League, while Dawn competes in the Sinnoh Grand Festival. Both Brock and Dawn (and us, the viewers!) witness Ash’s ultimate showdown with his rival, Paul. Can Ash redeem himself after a brutal earlier loss in this climactic six-on-six, full team battle?
Pokémon: Black & White (Episodes 654 – 701)
Welcome to Unova! Joined by new trainers Iris and Cilan, Ash embarks on yet another quest for regional badges. Team Rocket returns to menace our heroes, but this time, Jessie and James seem far more serious and determined to finally catch Pikachu.
Pokémon Black & White: Rival Destinies (Episodes 702 – 750)
Ash hasn’t had a full roster of ‘partner’ Pokémon since his Johto days, and this fresh lineup injects a new spark into his often-instinctive battle style. Ash’s unwavering determination is on full display as battles against Team Rocket heat up and he continues to earn more badges.
Pokémon Black & White: Adventures in Unova and Beyond (Episodes 751 – 795)
The Unova League is just the beginning of this colossal season. Afterward, Ash and his friends must confront the long-awaited schemes of Team Plasma and the Legendary Pokémon chaos they unleash, before embarking on even more exciting adventures together.
Pokémon XY (Episodes 796 – 843)
Has Ash Ketchum grown taller? With a refreshed art style, enhanced battle prowess, and a new set of companions—including Gym Leader Clemont, Bonnie, and Ash’s childhood friend Serena—Pokémon XY feels like a complete revitalization. This is the perfect season for fans who love to see Ash at his most competent and battle-ready. Our hero from Pallet Town has clearly picked up a few new tricks!
Pokémon XY: Kalos Quest (Episodes 844 – 888)
The high-octane adventure continues as Ash pursues more badges and Serena works to establish herself as a Pokémon Performer. What Pokémon XY: Kalos Quest might lack in elaborate frills, it more than compensates for with sheer bingability. You’ll likely breeze through this exciting season in no time.
Pokémon XYZ (Episodes 889 – 935)
Prepare for an action-packed season! What happens when Ash reaches the final round of a League battle? Discover the incredible powers of his Ash-Greninja form. Uncover Team Flare’s devastating plans for Lumiose City. And does Ash Ketchum finally get a kiss? There’s an incredible amount packed into these unforgettable episodes!
Pokémon: Sun & Moon (Episodes 936 – 978)
There’s far more to the Alola region than just fun in the sun! Ash enrolls in Pokémon school, where he learns about the fabled Z-Moves and encounters a new variety of Alolan Pokémon. This season also introduces his largest supporting cast ever. With Island Trials to complete, it truly embodies the spirit of ‘the more, the merrier!’
Pokémon Sun & Moon: Ultra Adventures (Episodes 979 – 1026)
More Island Trials! More Pokémon catches! More Legendary Pokémon encounters! And what exactly are the mysterious Ultra Beasts? Combined with gorgeous animation that beautifully renders the simpler designs of Pokémon Sun & Moon, this season is a delight for both dedicated Pokémon fans and anyone who appreciates high-quality anime visuals.
Pokémon Sun & Moon: Ultra Legends (Episodes 1027 – 1080)
For a brief period, Ash Ketchum was constantly in the headlines, and that media frenzy began here with his historic Alola League Victory. But this arc isn’t just about triumphs. Some of the best Team Rocket adventures in years conclude here, and you might be genuinely surprised by how emotional the farewells become.
Pokémon Journeys (Episodes 1081 – 1128)
Alongside his new friend Goh, and often joined by Chloe (daughter of a renowned Pokémon researcher), the final leg of Ash’s incredible journey truly begins here. There are no traditional badges to win or deadly villainous teams to defeat. Instead, Ash embarks on a global tour, striving to earn a coveted spot in the World Coronation Tournament, a competition designed to crown the world’s greatest trainer!
Pokémon Master Journeys (Episodes 1129 – 1170)
Fossil Pokémon? Legendaries? Alternate universe versions of classic characters? The Pokémon Journeys saga gains incredible momentum in this season. Ash faces his toughest battles yet as he edges closer to the World Coronation Tournament, while Goh becomes fascinated by the possibilities of ‘Project Mew.’ The adventures are non-stop!
Pokémon Ultimate Journeys (Episodes 1171 – 1223)
Ash’s entire life has culminated in this moment, and the iconic theme song lyrics, “I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was…” finally come to fruition. Can he achieve his lifelong dream? If you’ve been following his journey, you likely know the answer. Pokémon Ultimate Journeys provides a fitting and emotional climax to Ash’s long-running adventures, and before he sets off again, he enjoys heartwarming reunions with Brock and Misty. It’s a fantastic watch for both newcomers and nostalgic fans alike.
Pokémon Horizons (Episodes 1224 – 1268)
Bid farewell to Ash and say hello to new trainers Liko and Roy! Alongside the adventurous Rising Volt Tacklers, they embark on a journey of training and exploration across the Pokémon world, with a particular focus on the vibrant new Paldea region. If the previous adventures felt like a bit too much Ash Ketchum for one viewer, Pokémon Horizons is an excellent entry point to kick off your Pokémon anime experience.
Pokémon Horizons: The Search for Laqua (Episodes 1269 – ongoing)
While attending Naranja Academy to delve into the Terastal transformations in Paldea, Liko and Roy are thrust into their next series of adventures. It turns out that this school involves just as much battling and confronting Gym Leaders as it does classroom learning. After their studies, the two trainers must once again explore Paldea, bringing them ever closer to descending into the mysterious Area Zero.
The Pokémon Movies
Beyond the main series, a captivating collection of Pokémon movies expands the universe. While many can be enjoyed independently, some offer deeper context or emotional beats if watched alongside their corresponding anime eras. Here’s a list:
- Pokémon: The First Movie (also known as Pokémon: The First Movie—Mewtwo Strikes Back)
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000 (also known as Pokémon: The Movie 2000—The Power of One)
- Pokémon 3: The Movie (Pokémon 3: The Movie—Spell of the Unown)
- Pokémon 4Ever (also known as Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi—Voice of the Forest)
- Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias
- Jirachi Wishmaker
- Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys
- Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
- Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
- Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai
- Pokémon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior
- Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
- Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions
- Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram
- Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom
- Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice
- Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
- Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
- Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
- Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel
- Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
- Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
- Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle