Top 10 Iconic Pokemon Moments

We’d seen Pikachu take a loss before, but somehow his defeat at the hands of Lt. Surge’s Raichu was just devastating. It seemed that Ash would have no chance at getting the gym badge unless he evolved Pikachu with the thunderstone - something Pikachu just wasn’t comfortable with. But there’s a reason why Ash and Pikachu are the heroes of this story, they have courage and perseverance. They were able to figure out that, by evolving Raichu too soon, he missed out on some moves only a Pikachu could learn. Utilizing his agility technique, Pikachu was able to easily take down his seemingly far stronger foe in their rematch!

Apparently, Paul skipped the day at Trainer School where they explained how powerful a regional champ really is. On reputation alone, this fight’s over before either call their first Pokemon, and nothing Paul does changes that. In fact, not even type coverage and his bench of reserve ‘mons can stop it from becoming the most one-sided battle in the entire series. Admittedly, there’s some worthwhile gratification in seeing the prideful Paul get wrecked by just one Pokemon. The fact it comes in the form of Paul’s long-overdue comeuppance just makes it all the better. At least he can take solace that it’s a mercifully quick defeat.

As kids we all tuned into the show to watch Ash collect as many Pokemon as he could. We never expected him to leave some behind too though. Being the first Pokemon Ash caught himself, he had a strong bond with Butterfree - but during their trip to Saffron City he had no choice but to say goodbye. It was the season of love for Butterfree, who just happened to find his perfect partner in the adorable pink butterfree. When it was time for the two to fly off into the sunset we’re given a series of flashbacks to all of their times together before this parting.
It’s an emotional farewell that still makes us tear up to this day.

This isn’t the first time Ash proved himself in a regional league, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. But, more than any other tournament, it really felt like he deserved to win this one. Ash’s journey across Kalos pushed him to new heights both as a person and a trainer. Just to prove it, he even unlocked a powerful new form called Ash-Greninja. With that on his side, his first crack at a league’s Grand Finals featured some of the best action the series had seen till then. Unfortunately, this bout is better remembered for Ash’s eventual loss than anything else. But, that doesn't take away from everything he accomplished to even get there.

After a thousand episodes of continued disappointment, most fans had accepted the fact that this perennial ten-year old would never achieve his goal. At least, not any time soon. So, it put the entire internet into a frenzied uproar when Ash finally won a Pokemon League. It came after a hype but rather understated tournament, though the outcome alone is enough to make it practically iconic. Given the tense rivalry between Ash and Gladion, having their final match close with a duel of Lycanroc forms just feels right. No matter how he did it, the fact that Ash won at all marked a welcome sign that “Pokemon” was officially growing up.

Mewtwo was brought into his world as nothing more than a tool for power. He came to resent humanity and questioned why Pokemon would live in harmony with them. He wouldn’t find that answer until the climactic moment of his clash with Mew when Ash valiantly jumped in between their attacks sacrificing his own life. This act of selflessness and the emotions of all the Pokemon around him was a wake up call for the feared creature. The fighting ceased, and Mewtwo gave us what may just be one of the greatest lines in anime history!

It took a little while, but Ash finally got his trademark fire type to ignite on the battlefield. Against the fiery Cinnabar gym leader, Blaine, Charizard decided to stop using “rest.” Instead, he spat a flamethrower and flapped those wings all the way to a shiny new gym badge. That blazing showdown with Magmar is as hot as it comes, and not just because it’s in an actual volcano. However, the real novelty of this fight is finally seeing Ash earn Charizard’s respect. Even though it didn’t last, this glimpse of what the pair could accomplish summed up the best parts of Pokemon training with one red-hot duel.

For over twenty five years, Ash had dreamed of becoming a Pokemon Master. And now, by defeating Leon, he’s actually done it. This is more than an iconic “Pokemon” moment, it’s arguably the franchise’s most important episode yet. Not just for its unprecedented effect on the series, but also for its jaw-droppingly epic final fight. It’s got nostalgic callbacks, it’s got fantastic animation, and it’s got gorgeous music. But, more than all of that, it succeeds because it’s the culmination of everything the show has been building to since Pikachu’s first thundershock. There’s no denying it now, Ash really is the best like no one ever was.

From the very start, Ash’s priority has always been to become a Pokemon master. But, surely, knocking Oak’s Grandson down a peg or two was definitely high on the to-do list. As a result, their fated confrontation at the Silver Conference felt like the culmination of the entire series to that point. Fittingly, it has all the emotional heft and intense showdowns to do the climactic battle justice. Whether it’s Tauros finally getting the spotlight, Snorlax’s insane rampage, or Charizard’s iconic seismic toss, it’s clear this is “Pokemon” at its best. After all, nothing sums up the idea of getting stronger better than finally overcoming an age-old rival.

Usually, oversleeping doesn’t turn out this well. After all, instead of Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur, his tardiness meant he was left with a certain electric mouse as his partner. It wasn’t either of their first choice, and it didn’t take long before the wrong kind of sparks started to fly. But, after a few Spearow pecked away their reservations, the two became the very heart and soul of the whole franchise. That shot of the two looking at the now clear sky as Ho-Oh soars past will forever be ingrained in our memories. We knew that we were truly watching something special.

Which Pokemon moment lives in your head forever? Let us know in those comments below