Top 10 Most Popular Pokémon of All Time

Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 most popular Pokemon. For this list, we’ll be going over the Pocket Monsters that have proven the most consistently popular in the multimedia franchise.
If you think there’s a Pokemon whose status we’ve overlooked, please catch us in the comments!

While it may be imitating another popular Pokemon, Mimikyu has achieved a following all its own! This Ghost/Fairy type’s desperate attempts to be loved led it to disguise itself as Pikachu. Yet its spooky, cute design and relatable efforts to stand out have garnered it fans. In addition, its unique type combo and ability to take a free hit before its “disguise” breaks has made it a frequent feature in “Pokémon’s” competitive scene. It may be raggedy, but it’s not difficult to see why so many people love Mimikyu and its delightful creepiness.

Bulbasaur has had a long road to becoming the star it is today. When the first generation of games was released, it was often the least popular starter Pokémon, likely due to not featuring one of its evolutions on the box art (at least outside of Japan). But being the odd one out has given Bulbasaur its own charm – people love an underdog, after all! Plus, this Grass type’s simple, yet iconic design has helped win it legions of fans. The bulb on its back may not be blooming, but it has certainly bloomed into one of the series’ most treasured creatures.

First appearing in the Ruby and Sapphire games, Gardevoir is a wholly elegant humanoid with great fashion sense. Its beautiful design and feminine appearance have earned it some of the most fan art of any Pokémon. It’s certainly loved in many different circles, that’s for sure! Regardless of its undeniable aesthetic appeal, Gardevoir is a powerhouse, with a great Psychic/Fairy typing, excellent Special stats, and the ability to Mega evolve. Its strength and persistent popularity have proved that it’s more than just a pretty face.

The final evolution of the first Ghost types in the franchise, Gengar helped define the typing for many fans. Its Ghost/Poison dual typing has kept it relevant and powerful, as has its exceptional special attack and speed. The fact that it has gotten cool new forms like a Mega evolution and Gigantamax as time has gone on haven’t hurt its image either. Its straightforward design is very memorable too, featuring a ghoulish, mischievous grin that’s simultaneously endearing and terrifying. Creepy, cool, and almost cute, Gengar is a ghost with the most.

As well-loved as Mew is, its “sequel” is even better. A clone of Mew, Mewtwo is a monstrously powerful Psychic type, whose status in the “Pokémon” franchise is quite literally legendary. Even decades after its creation, Mewtwo remains one of the strongest Pokémon. It's dark and tragic backstory have also given it a depth and mystique most other Pokémon don’t have. Plus, its cool appearance makes its prominent battles across games, movies, and anime captivating to watch or participate in. Mewtwo has featured prominently in both the series and its related media, not only because fans love it, but also because they respect it.

A fluffy, brown, long-eared dog-like Pokemon, Eevee’s main selling point for many is its ability to evolve into so many different Pokemon, eight and counting.! However, as popular as some of its evolutions are, Eevee is even more revered. There are a lot of adorable Pokemon out there, but Eevee is easily one of the cutest. In addition to being as cuddly as any real world pet, Eevee’s potential for growth makes it kind of the embodiment of one of “Pokémon’s” biggest selling points – the ability for your Pokémon to become anything. Its popularity has even led it to become the mascot of one side entry in the series, something few Pokémon can claim.

Resembling a black and blue, bipedal dog, Lucario’s popularity has skyrocketed over the years to the point where it almost overshadows that of a certain electric mouse. An unusual Fighting/Steel type, Lucario is a strong combatant, with great attack stats and the ability to Mega Evolve. But along with its abilities in battle, Lucario has a powerful “aura” of its own, with its frequent prominence in the games, as well as the anime lending it a devoted following. Basically, Lucario delivers a kind of effortless cool factor that’s almost unmatched in the franchise.

Turns out frogs and ninjas go hand in hand. Greninja is a Water and Dark type, although its special ability allows it to take on the type of any move it uses. This, along with its intense speed and attack power has made it popular among competitive players. Taking the centre stage during the anime’s second renaissance, leading the charge to some truly jaw-droppingly animated fight-fests. Whichever aspect you love, Greninja has probably managed to sneak onto your favorites list at some point. Can’t beat that Water Shuriken.

For many who started with Gen 1, Charizard was the first Pokemon they ever saw. This Fire- type, draconic mascot has drawn fans in since the very beginning and never let go. Its striking design is just spectacular, earning a major role in the anime and other media has helped it maintain its status as a Pokémon all-star. Its popularity has earned it not one, but two Mega Evolutions! Charizard often makes or tops many fans’ favorites lists, and it isn’t hard to see why. There’s just one Pokemon that eclipses it though.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Who Doesn’t Love a Big Fire Doggo?

Something About This Fiery Kickboxer Bird Just Works

The OG Water Starter is Still Adorable

What? Ya’ll don’t like Dunsparce? It’s totally the best! Everyone thinks-…ha! No, we’re kidding.

Naturally. It’s the mascot of the whole Pokémon franchise, for crying out loud! It’s the star of the anime. It’s had video games and movies built around it. Even people who are barely aware of “Pokémon” love Pikachu. This thunder rodent has been the face of “Pokémon” for decades and while its popularity may ebb and flow, it will always remain at the forefront of the franchise. We’d be positively “shocked” if something managed to overtake it. “Pokémon” simply wouldn’t be the same without Pikachu.