Pokémon is one of the most beloved franchises of all time, known for its anime, movies, card games, video games, manga, and more. For many 1990s kids, the series is a nostalgic childhood memory as it takes the viewers into a fantasy world full of unique creatures known as Pokémon. Based on the 1996 video game, the renowned animation studio OLM released an anime series a year later, following Ash Ketchum, who embarks on a journey to become the greatest Pokémon master ever. The anime has released several seasons, spin-offs, and even films over the decades, and it’s impossible to keep up with everything.
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Every part of the story takes fans on a completely new adventure regardless of whether it’s a film or a season. The anime has released 23 movies over the years, and it’s not surprising that many of them were forgotten when the franchise kept returning with new releases. Among the incredible movies, these three are still as enjoyable as they were several years ago.
3) Pokémon 3 the Movie: Spell of the Unown
Premiered in 2000, this anime film was released when the franchise was at the peak of its popularity. Thanks to the localization of the series and the exciting new releases, Pokémon became known among major parts of the world, paving the way for the franchise’s future. The movie introduces Molly Hale, a young girl whose father disappeared while searching for the mysterious letter-shaped Pokémon called the Unown. While hoping to see her father again, she unknowingly awakens the legendary Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Ash and Pikachu, accompanied by Mitsy and Brook, arrive at Greenfield only to learn that the place has been crystallized. The story continues as the group gets to the bottom of the mystery, which is tied to the legendary Pokémon. Instead of the group fighting a generic antagonistic group, the film instead focuses on grief and loss. The film also features the return of Ash’s Charizard, one of the most beloved Pokémons in the entire franchise.
2) Pokémon: The Rise Of Darkrai
Another incredible film that’s rarely talked about these days is The Rise of Darkrai, which premiered in 2007. Darkrai, who was first introduced in the film, has one of the coolest designs in the franchise, not to mention that it also features other legendary Pokémons as well. With layers of mysteries and high stakes, the movie takes a sci-fi twist thanks to the legendary Pokémons.
The story takes place in the Almos Town known for its beautiful structures and landscape. Within the town lies the centuries-old structure known as the Space-Time Towers that carries a massive secret within it. While journeying across the region, Ash, Pikachu, Brook, and Dawn arrive at the town and get entangled in a bizarre situation where the entire town was vaporized between dimensions.
1) Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
Released in 2005, this underrated film introduces Lucario, a special kind of Pokémon that uses Aura control for sensing, tracking, attacking, defending, and even telepathy, among many other abilities. Lucario is also one of the rare Pokémons that can understand human speech, but it communicates through telepathy using its control over Aura, instead of speaking out loud like humans. The film introduces the concept of Aura, which later developed into a crucial plot point for its future works.
The story takes place in Cameron Palace, where an annual tournament is held to honor an ancient hero, Sir Aaron, the True Guardian of Aura. After winning the latest tournament, Ash is allowed to wield the Staff that belonged to Sir Aaron, from which Lucario emerged. Meanwhile, Pikachu also gets kidnapped by a mysterious Pokémon named Mew. Ash must do everything in his power to get his partner back, even if it means convincing Lucario in any way possible.
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