Table of Contents
The Pokémon franchise has captivated audiences worldwide since its inception in the late 1990s. With numerous series, movies, and spin-offs, newcomers may find it overwhelming to determine where to start. This article provides a practical viewing order to help you navigate through the Pokémon universe.
Understanding the Pokémon Franchise
Pokémon began as a video game series and quickly expanded into an animated television series, movies, trading card games, and various spin-offs. The franchise’s timeline can be confusing due to its non-linear storytelling and multiple series running concurrently.
Core Series Overview
The main series of Pokémon consists of several seasons, each corresponding to different regions and generations of Pokémon. Here’s a breakdown of the core series:
- Pokémon: Indigo League – The original series that introduces Ash Ketchum and his journey to become a Pokémon Master.
- Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands – A mini-series that follows Ash as he explores the Orange Archipelago.
- Pokémon: Johto Journeys – Ash travels to the Johto region, capturing new Pokémon and competing in the Johto League.
- Pokémon: Advanced – Set in the Hoenn region, this series introduces new characters and Pokémon.
- Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl – Ash’s adventures in the Sinnoh region, with new rivals and challenges.
- Pokémon: Black & White – A new beginning in the Unova region with different story arcs.
- Pokémon: XY – Ash travels to the Kalos region, encountering new friends and Pokémon.
- Pokémon: Sun & Moon – Set in the Alola region, focusing on school life and new Pokémon.
- Pokémon Journeys – A more recent series that spans multiple regions, featuring various Pokémon from all generations.
Movies and Their Placement
In addition to the series, the Pokémon franchise has released numerous movies. While some movies are directly tied to specific series, others are standalone or reimaginings. Here’s a suggested viewing order for the movies:
- Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back – Set after the Indigo League series.
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One – Following the events of the Indigo League.
- Pokémon: The Movie 3 – Spell of the Unown – Also set after the original series.
- Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew – A standalone movie featuring Ash and his friends.
- Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai – Set in the Diamond and Pearl series timeline.
- Pokémon: Genesect and the Legend Awakened – Related to the Pokémon X and Y series.
- Pokémon: The Movie: I Choose You! – A retelling of Ash’s journey, set in a new continuity.
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution – A CGI remake of the first movie.
- Pokémon: Secrets of the Jungle – A more recent addition to the movie lineup.
Spin-offs and Specials
Aside from the main series and movies, Pokémon has several spin-offs and special episodes worth watching. These often provide additional lore or fun adventures:
- Pokémon Chronicles – A series of episodes focusing on characters other than Ash.
- Pokémon Origins – A mini-series that follows the story of the original games.
- Pokémon Generations – Short episodes that explore various aspects of the Pokémon world.
- Pokémon Twilight Wings – A web series that expands on the Galar region.
Recommended Viewing Order
To make it easier for newcomers, here’s a recommended viewing order that combines the series, movies, and spin-offs:
- Pokémon: Indigo League
- Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back
- Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000 – The Power of One
- Pokémon: Johto Journeys
- Pokémon: The Movie 3 – Spell of the Unown
- Pokémon: Advanced
- Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
- Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl
- Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai
- Pokémon: Black & White
- Pokémon: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
- Pokémon: XY
- Pokémon: I Choose You!
- Pokémon: Sun & Moon
- Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution
- Pokémon Journeys
- Pokémon: Secrets of the Jungle
- Pokémon Chronicles
- Pokémon Origins
- Pokémon Generations
- Pokémon Twilight Wings
Conclusion
With so much content available, diving into the Pokémon universe can be daunting. By following this practical viewing order, both new and returning fans can enjoy the rich stories and adventures that Pokémon has to offer. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, there’s something for everyone in the world of Pokémon.