Pokémon Movies in Order 2026: Complete Watch Order for All Generations

Pokémon has been around for a long time, and if you’re just now getting into the movies, you’ll quickly realize that having a “Let’s watch them all!” attitude isn’t going to cut it.

Between long-running anime canon, alternate timelines, reboots, and standalone experiments, Pokémon’s movie universe has quietly become complex.

Your savior is this simple guide that lists all Pokémon movies in order for 2026 viewers. It’s designed to help you watch smarter, not longer.

Pokémon Movies Watch Order: The Master List

Let’s take a short pause to check out the master list before you jump right into the timelines. This list is all you need if you’re looking for a complete spoiler-free experience.

Order	Movie Name	Director(s)	Release Year	IMDb Rating
1	Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back	Kunihiko Yuyama	1998	6.3
2	Pokémon the Movie 2000	Kunihiko Yuyama	1999	6.1
3	Pokémon 3 the Movie: Spell of the Unown	Kunihiko Yuyama	2000	5.9
4	Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest	Jim Malone, Kunihiko Yuyama	2001	5.8
5	Pokémon Heroes	Jim Malone, Kunihiko Yuyama	2002	6.1
6	Pokémon: Jirachi – Wish Maker	Eric Stuart, Kunihiko Yuyama	2003	5.7
7	Pokémon the Movie: Destiny Deoxys	Kunihiko Yuyama	2004	6.1
8	Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew	Kunihiko Yuyama	2005	6.8
9	Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea	Kunihiko Yuyama	2006	5.9
10	Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai	Kunihiko Yuyama	2007	6.4
11	Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior	Kunihiko Yuyama	2008	6.1
12	Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life	Kunihiko Yuyama	2009	6.3
13	Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions	Kunihiko Yuyama	2010	6.1
14	Pokémon the Movie: White – Victini and Zekrom	Kunihiko Yuyama	2011	5.7
15	Pokémon the Movie: Black – Victini and Reshiram	Kunihiko Yuyama	2011	5.6
16	Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice	Kunihiko Yuyama	2012	5.5
17	Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened	Kunihiko Yuyama	2013	5.5
18	Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction	Kunihiko Yuyama	2014	5.5
19	Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages	Kunihiko Yuyama	2015	5.9
20	Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel	Kunihiko Yuyama	2016	5.9
21	Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!	Kunihiko Yuyama	2017	6.3
22	Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us	Tetsuo Yajima	2018	6.3
23	Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle	Tetsuo Yajima	2020	6.4
24	Pokémon: Detective Pikachu	Rob Letterman	2019	6.5
25	Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution	Motonori Sakakibara, Kunihiko Yuyama	2019	5.7
26	Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles	Kunihiko Yuyama	2022	5.4

Core Animated Pokémon Movies in Order (Main Timeline)

1. Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back

A movie poster for Pokémon: The First Movie, featuring a large, powerful-looking Mewtwo on the left and a small, pink Mew on the right, with the title "Mewtwo vs. Mew" at the top and release details at the bottom.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	96 minutes
Release Year	1998
IMDb Rating	6.3

Being the first Pokémon movie, you’d think the storytelling would take it a bit easy. But no. The film set an unexpectedly mature tone by questioning cloning, identity, and what it truly means to be “real.”

2. Pokémon the Movie 2000

A movie poster for 'Pokémon The Movie 2000' featuring the legendary Pokémon Lugia flying above the Earth, flanked by Articuno and Moltres, with the main character Ash Ketchum and other Pokémon below.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	99 minutes
Release Year	1999
IMDb Rating	6.1

On the surface, you’ve got a classic legendary Pokémon adventure. And before you know it, the movie hits you with ideas of ecological balance and that even ordinary people can prevent disaster.

3. Pokémon 3 the Movie: Spell of the Unown

A movie poster for "Pokémon 3 The Movie: Spell of the Unown" featuring large images of the Pokémon Entei and Charizard, with Ash Ketchum riding Charizard. The title text "Pokémon 3 The Movie April 6" is prominent, along with several smaller Unown characters at the bottom.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	93 minutes
Release Year	2000
IMDb Rating	5.9

Step right into the emotional fantasy genre with this movie. It explores how loneliness and imagination can literally reshape reality.

Consider this one of the strangest and most psychologically interesting Pokémon movies ever made.

4. Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest

A movie poster for "Pokémon 4Ever". The image features Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and the legendary Pokémon Celebi and Suicune in a forest setting. Ash is airborne above Celebi, reaching out with a Poké Ball, as Suicune runs on water nearby. Text on the poster reads "Pokémon 4Ever", "Best friends. Better heroes.", and mentions the rare and legendary Pokémon Celebi and Suicune.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Jim Malone, Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	75 minutes
Release Year	2001
IMDb Rating	5.8

Question destiny and legacy while also grappling with the concept of time travel. The movie does a great job at using Celebi to connect the natural world, ancient forests, and human responsibility across generations.

5. Pokémon Heroes

The poster for Pokémon Heroes: The Movie features the main characters in the fictional canal city of Alto Mare. In the foreground, the Pokémon trainer Ash Ketchum is shown on a water-based vehicle, holding a glowing blue orb (the Soul Dew). His companion Pikachu is perched on his shoulder. Flanking them are the legendary Pokémon Latios (blue) and Latias (red), flying low over the water. The background shows the cityscape with canals, reminiscent of Venice, Italy. The title 'Pokémon Heroes The Movie' is displayed at the top.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Jim Malone, Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	71 minutes
Release Year	2002
IMDb Rating	6.1

The first thing that’ll strike you while watching the movie is the location setting. It’s probably one of the most visually distinct ones of all the movies.

When it comes to the story, it’s the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and espionage.

6. Pokémon: Jirachi – Wish Maker

DVD cover for the movie Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker, featuring characters Ash Ketchum, May, Brock, Max, Jirachi, Groudon, and Kyogre.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Eric Stuart, Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	81 minutes
Release Year	2003
IMDb Rating	5.7

Take a break from large-scale threats as this movie asks one simple question: What happens when a wish comes true, and what does it cost? This is one of the franchise’s more reflective movies, so be patient. The outcome is worth it.

7. Pokémon the Movie: Destiny Deoxys

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	98 minutes
Release Year	2004
IMDb Rating	6.1

Not even Pokémon can escape science fiction. You’re pushed into unfamiliarity with alien Pokémon and artificial cities (with Ash, of course), and you’ll find yourself cheering our protagonist on as his leadership skills are put to the test.

8. Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew

Description: The DVD cover for the 2-disc collector's edition of the movie Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. Visual Details: The image features the Pokémon Lucario prominently in the center, glowing with a blue aura sphere. Human characters, including Ash Ketchum, are visible to the right, dressed in themed attire. Other Pokémon like Pikachu, Mew, Bonsly, and a green armored Pokémon (likely Regice or similar) are also present. The background shows a large mountain and crystalline structures. Text: The title "Pokémon Lucario And The Mystery Of Mew" is displayed in large text at the bottom, with "2-DISC COLLECTOR'S EDITION!" at the top. Context: The film is the eighth in the Pokémon series, focusing on the legend of an Aura Guardian named Sir Aaron and the mystery surrounding the mythical Pokémon Mew.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	103 minutes
Release Year	2005
IMDb Rating	6.8

Is this the best Pokémon movie? Many would agree. This movie does a fantastic job of mirroring Lucario’s story with Ash’s values.

Add to that the fact that it explores loyalty, sacrifice, and ancient conflict. Now that’s a deadly combo!

9. Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea

The image is the movie poster for the film Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea. Description: The poster features several main characters from the Pokémon anime series and the film. In the foreground, the main protagonist, Ash Ketchum, and the Pokémon Ranger Jack Walker, are prominently displayed. A small, blue mythical Pokémon named Manaphy is floating in the center, surrounded by a blue aura. Other characters, including May, Max, Brock, and Pikachu, are also visible. The background depicts an underwater scene with a large, ancient-looking structure, which is the Temple of the Sea. A large, shadowy hand is reaching down from the top right, and a pirate character is visible in the top left. The title "Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea" is displayed in large text at the bottom of the image.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	105 minutes
Release Year	2006
IMDb Rating	5.9

This movie gives Lara Croft from start to finish. It takes you out of the familiar setting of gyms and leagues and dives into true exploration.

10. Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai

A DVD cover for the animated film Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai. The image features several characters from the film in a town setting, with large, legendary Pokémon Palkia and Dialga on the right and left sides, respectively, appearing to battle. The dark-colored Pokémon Darkrai is positioned near the top center. In the foreground, the main human characters, including Ash Ketchum, Dawn, and Brock, are visible with their various Pokémon companions. Text on the cover includes the title "POKÉMON The Rise of Darkrai" and the tagline "Somewhere Between Time & Space... A Legend is Born.".

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	90 minutes
Release Year	2007
IMDb Rating	6.4

Youll notice the darker tone shift immediately. Here, dreams become weapons, and legendary Pokémon actually feel dangerous. Consider this movie Pokémon’s most ambitious lore arc.

11. Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior

movie poster for Pokémon: Giratina & the Sky Warrior. The image displays the two main Pokémon featured in the film. Giratina: A large, grey, ghost-dragon Pokémon with gold accents and red stripes, shown prominently in its Origin Forme. Shaymin: A small, white, hedgehog-like Pokémon with a pink flower on its back, shown in its Land Forme. The title of the movie, "Pokémon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior," is displayed in large text at the bottom of the poster.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	100 minutes
Release Year	2008
IMDb Rating	6.1

Get your notebooks ready because you’ll need them to keep track of all the alternate dimensions and reversed physics. Moreover, the moral ambiguity makes it one of the most conceptually bold Pokémon films.

12. Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life

A movie poster for Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life. The central figure is the legendary Pokémon Arceus, glowing brightly with a golden aura. Other main characters and Pokémon are visible around it, including Ash Ketchum, Dawn, Brock, Pikachu, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. The movie title "Pokémon Arceus and the Jewel of Life" is prominently displayed at the bottom center of the image.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	95 minutes
Release Year	2009
IMDb Rating	6.3

This movie recontextualizes Pokémon mythology by introducing divine power, betrayal, and time paradoxes. But if you’re here for battles only, then you’ll be disappointed.

13. Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions

The image displays the cover for the manga adaptation of the movie Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions. The artwork features several main characters: Zoroark: A large, dark-type Pokémon with red and grey fur, prominent at the top of the image. Zorua: A smaller, blue and red fox-like Pokémon, located to the left. Ash Ketchum: The main human protagonist, wearing his signature hat and vest, appearing excited or surprised. Pikachu: Ash's constant companion, a yellow electric-type Pokémon, sitting on Ash's shoulder or arm. The background shows a city setting with vibrant blue and pink lighting. Text on the cover includes the title "Pokémon Zoroark: Master of Illusions" and credits for the "Story and Art by Momota Inoue".

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	96 minutes
Release Year	2010
IMDb Rating	6.1

This movie cleverly plays with the themes of misinformation and fear, which is something that feels more relevant in the present times. When illusion and truth collide, you can’t help but wonder how things might have played out in the real world.

14-15. Pokémon the Movie: White – Victini and Zekrom / Pokémon the Movie: Black – Victini and Reshiram

A DVD cover for a 2-movie pack featuring "Pokémon the Movie: Black - Victini and Reshiram" and "Pokémon the Movie: White - Victini and Zekrom", showing Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, Victini, Reshiram, and Zekrom, with the tagline "A Hero Must Choose: The Power of Ideals or the Courage of Truth?".

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	97 minutes / 88 minutes
Release Year	2011
IMDb Rating	5.7 / 5.6

These twin movies experiment with choice and perspective. While they’re almost identical, the subtle differences highlight how legends, truth, and ideology shift depending on who tells the story.

16. Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice

Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice" movie poster featuring Keldeo, Kyurem, Ash Ketchum, and Pikachu. Detailed description: The image is the cover art for the movie Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice. It prominently features the blue, horse-like mythical Pokémon, Keldeo, in the foreground. Behind Keldeo is the large, grey, dragon-like legendary Pokémon, Kyurem, appearing aggressive. To the bottom left, the human character Ash Ketchum is visible, running forward, and to the bottom right is his companion Pikachu. The title of the movie is displayed at the top and center of the image.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	72 minutes
Release Year	2012
IMDb Rating	5.5

Legendary stories are not something new with Pokémon. But what is new is how intimate the story becomes since it focuses on mentorship, justice, and what happens when ideals are challenged by brute force.

17. Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

The movie poster for Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened. The image features the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo (in its Mega Mewtwo Y form) on the left and a red Genesect on the right, flying above a city skyline. In the lower center, the characters Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are visible. The title of the movie is prominently displayed at the top center with the text "Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened". The tagline "Beyond the Limits, Where Myth Meets Legend..." is at the bottom.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	96 minutes
Release Year	2013
IMDb Rating	5.5

When genetically modified Pokémon invade a human city, modernity clashes with nature. This movie offers a surprisingly sharp commentary on technology’s role in Pokémon’s future.

18. Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction

Cover art for the manga adaptation of Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction. The image features the main human character, Ash Ketchum, and his Pikachu in the center. They are surrounded by several Pokémon from the movie. Left: The large, dark, bird-like legendary Pokémon Yveltal, known as the embodiment of destruction. Right: The large, vibrant blue and yellow deer-like legendary Pokémon Xerneas, known as the life Pokémon. Next to Ash: The mythical pink and white gem Pokémon Diancie, the princess of the Diamond Domain, who is on a mission to save her home. The cover also includes text detailing the title, story and art credits.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	76 minutes
Release Year	2014
IMDb Rating	5.5

Royal responsibility and personal growth take center stage. While this movie is a bit lighter in tone, it quietly explores leadership under pressure.

19. Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages

The image is a promotional poster for the 18th Pokémon movie. Central Figure: The mythical Pokémon Hoopa (in its confined form) is featured prominently in the center, surrounded by a swirling vortex of energy and rings. Background Pokémon: Numerous legendary and mythical Pokémon are depicted in the background, including Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Kyurem, Arceus, and Groudon/Kyogre variants, engaged in a large-scale clash. Human Characters: Ash Ketchum and his friends, including Pikachu, are shown in the foreground. Title: The title "Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" is displayed at the top center of the poster.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	79 minutes
Release Year	2015
IMDb Rating	5.9

If you’re looking for Pokémon spectacle at its peak, then this movie is the one. Legendary Pokémon from across generations collide, turning the movie into a celebration of franchise history.

20. Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel

okémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel". The poster features: The movie title prominently displayed at the top center. The main character, Ash Ketchum, and his Pikachu in the foreground. The Mythical Pokémon Volcanion, an orange and red steam Pokémon, forming a large ring structure in the center. The Artificial Pokémon Magearna, a white and pink mechanical Pokémon, floating above Volcanion. Various other characters and Pokémon surrounding the main figures against a backdrop of a mechanical city under a blue sky.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	90 minutes
Release Year	2016
IMDb Rating	5.9

Steam, gears, and ideology define this steampunk-inspired entry. It questions humanity’s relationship with Pokémon power in a more industrialized world.

Alternate Timeline Pokémon Movies in Order

These films aren’t part of the original timeline. They reset Ash’s journey and focus more on emotion, community, and myth.

21. Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!

A movie poster for Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, featuring the characters Ash Ketchum and Pikachu looking up at the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh in a vibrant orange and yellow sunset sky.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	98 minutes
Release Year	2017
IMDb Rating	6.3

What if Ash’s journey started differently? This reimagined origin story is a nostalgic watch for long-time Pokémon fans.

22. Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us

An illustration of the movie poster for "Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us". The image features a bright blue sky with many clouds over a large, dense city on the coast. In the foreground, several main characters and Pokémon are walking together, including Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. The movie title is prominently displayed at the top center with colorful, flowing ribbons.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Tetsuo Yajima
Runtime	100 minutes
Release Year	2018
IMDb Rating	6.3

Instead of one hero, this movie follows many ordinary people. It’s about trust, cooperation, and how small acts of courage add up.

23. Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle

A movie poster for Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle. The image shows Ash Ketchum, his Pikachu, a young boy named Koko, and a large mythical Pokémon named Zarude (Dada Zarude) sitting in a vibrant jungle setting with a waterfall and a sunset in the background.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Tetsuo Yajima
Runtime	99 minutes
Release Year	2020
IMDb Rating	6.4

When there is found family in the tropes list, you know you’re in for an emotionally charged film. It also explores the time-tested debate on nature vs civilization.

Live-Action Pokémon Movie

24. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu

A movie poster for Pokémon Detective Pikachu, featuring actors Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith. The poster depicts a large, illuminated sign with the movie's title towering over a futuristic, neon-lit Ryme City skyline at dusk. In the foreground, the character Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) stands on a rooftop next to a small Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) wearing a detective hat. The text "ONLY IN THEATERS MAY 10" is visible at the bottom.

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Rob Letterman
Runtime	104 minutes
Release Year	2019
IMDb Rating	6.5

This movie was the talk of the town when it came out, mostly because it dared to mix live-action realism with something as beloved as Pokémon. People were sceptical, but the movie proved that Pokémon can exist outside animation while still honoring its spirit.

Special Film-Length Pokémon Projects

25. Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Motonori Sakakibara, Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	98 minutes
Release Year	2019
IMDb Rating	5.7

This CGI film revisits Pokémon’s most important story with modern visuals. So, you get a fresh lens on familiar themes.

26. Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles

A promotional movie poster for Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles. Image Description: Background: The background is a swirling, cosmic blue and purple sky. Main Subject (Top): The mythical Pokémon Arceus is featured prominently at the top, depicted in its white and gold form. Characters and Pokémon (Bottom): Below Arceus, several characters and Pokémon are shown: The main human protagonists, Ash Ketchum and Goh, are visible. Pikachu is in the center. Other Pokémon pictured include Lucario, Cinderace, Rowlet, and Oshawott. Text: The poster includes Korean text that translates to "The myth is not over yet!" and "Arceus, who is called a god". It also lists various TV services and a VOD release date of July 21 (Thursday).

Save

Detail	Information
Director	Kunihiko Yuyama
Runtime	64 minutes
Release Year	2022
IMDb Rating	5.4

This four-part special was released as a Netflix special. It almost feels like a bridge between anime arcs and movie storytelling, rewarding fans who enjoy lore-heavy narratives.

How to Watch Pokémon Movies the Right Way in 2026

Want to experience Pokémon movies the right way? Well, if you’re looking for continuity, then stick to the core timeline. For emotional storytelling, you’ve got the alternate timelines. The live-action film is a good watch if you’re open to experimentation, and the special projects are perfect if you’re looking for expanded lore.

No matter where you start, this watch order ensures every Pokémon movie adds something meaningful to your journey

Dishari Sarkar

Writer. Dreamer. Journalist (maybe?). Anime lover (definitely). I turn curiosity into stories and everyday life into a narrative worth reading.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them-at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe in and find useful.