Top 100 Pokemon of All Time

Don’t let appearances fool you, this runt is actually a full-on Mythical Pokemon, and quite a rare one at that. Despite being introduced all the way back in the third generation, Jirachi is infamously hard to get your hands on, having only been distributed in a handful of online events. But, it has to be exclusive considering its known for granting wishes. Well, that, and blowing away opponents with its signature move, Doom Desire. The catch is that Jirachi needs to sleep for about a thousand years, give or take, in between each wish. No wonder it’s so hard to obtain.

It may be part normal type, but there’s nothing ordinary about this regional bird. Staraptor single handedly bucked the trend of forgettable, early-route flyers by flapping onto the scene with a design that’s just plain cool. It radiates confidence at every turn, which makes sense considering it’s quite the formidable foe in battle. Both in-game and in the anime. No matter what medium, you do not want to be on the wrong side of Staraptor’s Close Combat. If you’re in need of a strong flying-type to traverse the Sinnoh region, the question isn’t why you’d pick up Staraptor, it’s why not?

You know the saying “don’t poke the bear?” Well, that applies to this Pokemon, too. While it may look nice enough with its pink, fluffy fur, it has the attack stat to Brick Break you into pokeblocks. It’s not called “Bewear” for nothing, after all. To give credit where it’s due, the anime did a lot of heavy lifting for Bewear, making it a hilarious part of Team Rocket’s journey through Alola. At least, when it wasn’t busy thrashing poor Ultra Beast’s into paste. If there’s one thing to take away from Bewear, it’s that cute and threatening are not mutually exclusive.

Hide your valuables, Krookodile’s here, and it’s not playing around. As a dark-type, its thief-inspired design is to be expected. But, combine that with a sand crocodile, and you have a Pokemon that oozes style. Plus, in the anime, Ash’s Krookodile wears freaking sunglasses. What’s not to love? Krookodile’s fresh type combination and conniving personality makes it an instant standout for trainers going through Unova. Or, really, for anyone who wants to demolish the competition with a few Earthquakes. Much like its ability, Moxie, increases its attack with each K.O., Krookodile is a Pokemon that just gets better with age.

Middle-stage evolutions tend to get a bad rap, especially for starter Pokemon. But, that’s where Bayleef comes in. Standing up for awkward teen forms everywhere, this Johto grass type is just the right blend of adorable and aggressive. The best part of its simplistic design is that Bayleef doesn’t look like it needs to evolve again; it already feels complete. Throw in an inspired move pool emphasizing defense, and you have a Pokemon that blooms both in and out of its Pokeball. But, of course, it doesn’t hurt that Ash’s Bayleef in the show is a charming scene-stealer, too.

You won’t be crabby leveling up this pincer Pokemon. Kingler is basically the same as its prior evolution, just edgier, more intimidating, and with a much, much larger claw. It’s not just for show, either; most of its pokedex entries mention that Kingler can crush almost anything unlucky enough to get stuck in its pincers. As if to prove it, Ash’s Kingler absolutely wrecked most fights it took part in - including one in the Indigo League. From its slick look to its crushing power, Kingler is one crabhammer that totally hits the nail on the head.

It took a few generations for Misdreavus to finally get an evolution, but it was definitely worth the wait. Taking some obvious cues from witch attire, Mismagius is one of best looking ghost types around, hands down. To say nothing of its versatility. Whether you’re looking to stun opponents, knock them out, or target a weakness, you can’t go wrong with Mismagius’ wide move pool. Full disclosure, the Pokedex also warns that his ghost type has a nasty habit of casting spells and curses on those around it. But, from a Pokemon that looks like Mismagius, that’s just part of the experience.

Over the years, this Kanto native has gotten both a baby form and a fiery evolution. But, there’s just no topping the original. Actually, “original” is a good way to describe it; Magmar is about as classic as you can get. It’s not over-designed, it’s not redundant to any other Pokemon, and it doesn’t rely on any sort of gimmick to stay viable in combat. No, Magmar is just a good, well-rounded Pokemon in every sense of the word. Magmar’s fiery flamethrower has kept its legacy burning for years now, with no signs of it going out any time soon.

With a Razor Fang item and some ingenuity, the Pokemon Company turned Gligar from a forgotten has-been into one of its heavy hitters. And its name was Gliscor. This long-awaited evolution did everything a good power-up should. It kept the scorpion-adjacent look and the novel ground-flying type combination, but cranked it all up to an eleven. Just like that, the new and heavily improved Gliscor became a hot commodity for anyone trying to fill out their party. Whether you’re looking for something strong, something popular, or something that just looks awesome, Gliscor is up to the challenge.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Zacian is a thing of legends. The entire Galar region is built upon the folklore of it and Zamazenta stopping the Darkest Day, and wouldn’t you know, that’s exactly what happens in “Sword” and “Shield.” Then again, that’s not too surprising considering Zacian literally carries a sword around in its mouth. And boy does it know how to use it. Zacian’s signature move, Behemoth Blade, is powerful enough on its own. But, if the target is Dynamaxed, its damage is doubled. With that kind of firepower, Zacian doesn’t just live up to his reputation, he exceeds it.

At a time when dark-types were a bit harder to come by, Houndoom entered the fray and ensured his species wasn’t lacking. Both in power and design flair. Pair all that with an always-appreciated fire typing, and Houndoom successfully burned up the competition on its way to becoming one of the most beloved Pokemon from the second generation. Leave it a hellhound to bring the heat, right? It’s a shame Houndoom’s usually relegated to late-game encounters, because it’s sick enough to earn a spot on almost anyone’s team. And that’s without even mentioning its Mega Evolution.

While Geodude and Graveler are abundant in regional caves, this walking boulder is a rare breed to this day. But, an evolution this heavy is worth a little extra effort. Golem’s clean aesthetic doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. Its evolutionary line is one of the first you’ll find in the Kanto games. It’s to the point that Golem has effectively become the Rock type of all Rock-types. It wears its title well, too, boasting an indestructible shell that nothing can pierce. Ash has tried. Just like in battle, Golem’s popularity is sturdy.

You can catch a Shinx on one of the very first routes of the Sinnoh region. But, don’t think that means it’s a pushover. Raise that up a bit, and you’ll end up with a Luxray, a Pokemon who probably needs no introduction. The electric type is the definition of a star player - it’s original, cool as hell, and has the stats to back it all up. It’s hardly shocking to hear that Luxray is one of the most popular Pokemon to come out of the Sinnoh region - and given the stiff competition, that’s saying something.

Most players probably recognize Marowak from its stint as a ghost in Pokemon Tower during the events of the Kanto games. Beyond that, though, is a Pokemon with a surprisingly in-depth backstory surrounding its skull mask and bone club. All that lore and story significance adds up to a Pokemon that’s hard to forget. Especially because it comes in two forms. If ground types aren’t your thing, “Pokemon Sun & Moon” brilliantly re-conceptualized Marowak as something of a fire dancer. Blazing pole and all. It doesn’t matter which version you catch; all Marowak are worthwhile as far as we’re concerned.

Whether you catch one or not, Rhydon is an integral part of every trainer’s journey through Kanto. No, it’s not the strongest, or easiest to catch, or even the most interesting. But, it takes the crown based solely on the fact that it was allegedly the first Pokemon ever designed. Because of that, it’s everywhere in the early games. All those monster statues in gyms? They’re actually Rhydon sprites. It’s such a timeless design, it works as both a Pokemon and a gym decoration at the same time. Even if you aim for the horn, there’s nothing that can take down a lineage like that.

They say lightning never strikes the same place twice, and all things considered, neither does Zeraora. Mainly because it doesn’t have to. There’s not many Pokemon out there who can take a Plasma Fist from a Zeraora and keep on trucking. Zeraora’s a lot more than hype and static, though. If its pokedex entries are anything to go by, the electric-type mythical is fast as lightning, strong as a thunderclap, and bound to leave you paralyzed with fear. Whenever you run into a Zeraora, sparks are bound to fly, and not in a good way.

As Misty will tell you firsthand, it takes a lot of love and attention to get all your Psyduck in a row. But, it pays off in spades. With a few headache remedies, Misty’s sidekick went from incompetent dope to a lean, mean, K.O.-ing machine. Psyduck doesn’t pop off often, but when it does, its psychic-attacks will send you to Pokemon Tower and beyond. Then, as if to rub it in, it will immediately go back to nursing its headache right after. It’s a psychic prodigy and a dimwitted darling at the same time; Psyduck truly is the best of both worlds.

Pink, round, and fluffy is a hard combo to beat when you’re talking about cuteness. And that’s just scratching the surface. Jigglypuff’s also got big eyes, and an even bigger personality to go with it. It’s highlighted extraordinarily well in the anime, where the adorable balloon Pokemon showed off its angry side with downright heart-melting results. But, that’s not the only reason its anime debut earned a standing ovation. As it turns out, Jigglypuff has a great singing voice, too. Its lullabies have a near-perfect track record. A word of advice though: don't let it around any permanent markers, okay?

No other Pokemon personifies the best parts of ghost-types quite like Chandelure. From a purely conceptual level, a spirit possessing a chandelier is an incredibly inventive spin on ghoul Pokemon. Especially because it also gave us the very first dual ghost and fire-type. Chandelure takes full advantage of its brilliant theming with an eclectic movepool and some genuinely interesting lore in its Pokedex entries. Oh, and those purple flames? They aren’t just for show. They’ll burn up anything in their path - friends, enemies, and even actual spirits. Yeah, you’re going to want to keep this Pokemon lit and happy.

You can go ahead and throw your fire stones away; Vulpix is so captivating, you won’t ever want to evolve it. The subdued color palette highlights what is, otherwise, a pretty plain design. But, with its fluffy tail, tuft of hair, and stubby legs, Vulpix’s uncomplicated look specializes in all things adorable. In fact, its design is so iconic, Vulpix’s Alolan Form didn’t even try to improve it, instead opting for a mere palette swap. No need to mess with perfection, right? Maybe that’s why the Kanto region doesn’t have many fire-types; they realized that Vulpix is all they need.

Whether they talk or not, every Meowth is on the money - and not just because of the coin on its head. No, it’s the anime that really went the extra mile. The show turned this feline from a below-average in-game encounter into a smart-mouthed fan-favorite. Meowth’s time with Team Rocket gave it one of the most fully-fleshed out personalities of any Pokemon, and that’s reflected in its multiple game appearances. Even if anime isn’t your cup of tea, Meowth’s bevy of regional forms and exclusive evolutions still earn him a spot on any good trainer’s roster. There’s no forgetting who’s the top cat around here.

There’s a lot of water-types in the sea. As such, Lapras isn’t the first Pokemon who can learn Surf, and it’s far from the last. But, Lapras does use it the best, and it’s not even close. Thanks to the convenient shell on its back, this dual-type Pokemon is perfect for crossing bodies of water, both in-game and out. Since Lapras’ slick design is like a cross between a seal and a dragon, you’ll always be riding in style, too. Suffice it to say, if you’re ever looking to Surf across the world, there’s only one Pokemon up for the job.

Famously, the Hoenn Region has a whole lot of oceans. But, you can get the only water-type you need in the first five minutes of the game. Mudkip puts all its competition to shame on aesthetics alone. Everything from its wagging tail to its orange cheeks down to the fin on its head is simply precious. Mudkip also has a habit of playing in the mud, which makes sense considering it evolves into a dual ground type, and a very strong one, at that. Then again, Mudkip doesn’t even need Marshtomp or Swampert to stand out. It’s popular enough all on its own.

Strong as steel and just as hard to obtain, Metagross is one of the primary pseudo-legendaries from Pokemon’s third generation. However, that title is really just a formality. Based on its stats, appearance, and usage, this mon is simply legendary, full stop. The sharp and angular look gives Metagross a certain edge that few other Pokemon possess. And that’s before it starts Meteor Mashing opponents into dust. The verdict is in; Metagross is just something else. Then again, what else would you expect from Steven Stone’s ace? Clearly, you don’t become a Champion’s trump card unless you’re the real deal.

Back when people thought there were only a hundred and fifty Pokemon to catch, Mew turned up and added an extra one to that count. Just like that, trainers went into a frenzy. Mew’s prominent use in the movie and secretive release had fans around the world trying to glitch their games to get their hands on one. Maybe it’s the appealing design, maybe it’s because it can learn almost every move in the game, or maybe it’s just plain nostalgia. Either way, Mew’s popularity hasn’t budged once over the years. By now, there’s no arguing that it’s an iconic part of Pokemon history.

This grassy gecko is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. Especially the “cool” part. Sceptile just looks suave, and after seeing its Leaf Blade attack in action, we understand why. There’s not many grass-types who can match its prowess in battle. Actually, there’s not many Pokemon, period, who can live up to Sceptile’s nonchalant personality. Really, it’s everything you’d ever want from the final stage of a starter: it’s powerful, it exudes attitude, and it feels like the natural endpoint for Treecko’s line. Even if it wasn’t a starter, though, Sceptile is just too cool to pass up.

Legendaries and mythicals step aside, Arceus is the only Pokemon that truly rules above them all. Its legacy speaks for itself. Arceus is often referred to as “The Original One,” implying it was the first ever Pokemon. Since it also created the Sinnoh Region, and possibly the entire Pokemon world as we know it, Arceus’ power leaves little to the imagination. But, if you’re still unconvinced, its signature move literally casts Judgement on anyone silly enough to challenge it to a fight. Clearly, this is Arceus’ world, and everyone else is just living in it.

Based on its stat pool and menacing design, you’d be forgiven for assuming Tyranitar is legendary. It’s not, but it comes about as close as any normal Pokemon can. For one, it looks like it should be stomping through skyscrapers, not fighting in battles. But, that’s also why, in the whole Pokedex, Tyranitar feels one of a kind. And that’s no hyperbole. To date, it’s the only Pokemon to share the rock and dark typing. While it’s no easy feat raising such a titan, anyone who commits to training Tyranitar is bound to get an edgy behemoth like none other.

The Alola region has a lot going for it: sandy beaches, blue waves, Island Kahunas… and also what is probably the most charming starter Pokemon there’s ever been. We know, that’s high praise. But, just look at Rowlet, and try to tell us otherwise. It’s even got a little leaf as a bowtie and everything. Still, Rowlet isn’t all cuddles and poffins. Its dual flying type gives it plenty of utility in a fight. At least, when it’s not dozing off. Maybe that’s just Ash’s, though. Either way, if you’re starting your journey through Alola, there’s really one starter to choose from.

Just when you thought it was safe to fight dragon types, this one came along and gave everyone a new reason to be afraid. Part landshark, part scaly monster, and part pseudo-legendary, Garchomp is all the best parts of dragon types and Pokemon rolled into one. Given its name, it’s no surprise that it has the bite to back it up, too. Cynthia’s Earthquaking Garchomp still scares trainers to this day. The only real way to compete is to bring your own Garchomp. It’s extremely telling when the best answer to defeating a Pokemon is to go out and catch your own.

Compared to other normal-types, and most Pokemon overall, this one is lazy, overweight, and would rather spend its day napping than battling. It takes a Pokeflute and some serious perseverance just to wake it up at all. But, that’s the charm that makes Snorlax, Snorlax. If you put in the work, you’re treated to one of the friendliest mons around. It’s got a smile that could melt an Avalugg, and a Hyper Beam that can get rid of everything else. As Ash knows, Snorlax makes a great dinner date, too. And for lunch. Oh, and breakfast. On second thought, just write it down for every meal.

As if Hoenn didn’t have enough iconic starter Pokemon, Torchic blazed onto the scene with a final evolution that took fans by storm. It’s got style. It’s got power. It’s even got Blaze Kicks. There’s no question about it; Blaziken is simply undefeatable - and not just because it’s part fighting type. Though that definitely helps. In reality, Blaziken could stand out on its kicking prowess alone, let alone the fiery design that ties it all together. Add in some worthwhile appearances in the anime, and Blaziken successfully turned an already-amazing batch of starters into a truly unforgettable lineup.

Pika-who? Appearances can be deceiving, and despite how it seems, this is no cheap Pikachu knockoff. Although, you can’t say Mimikyu didn’t try. It’s actually a lonely Pokemon who dresses as the electric type to lure in unsuspecting strangers. And, maybe, even make a friend. Alongside breaking our hearts, Mimikyu’s backstory gives it just enough character to stand out amongst the thousand other Pokemon out there. To sweeten the deal, it comes with an unusual typing and an exclusive ability, too. All together, there’s no need for Mimikyu to dress up as Pikachu anymore - it’s good enough as is.

There’s nothing to be shell-shocked about here. After all, Squirtle was the very first water type most trainers ever met, and nothing has ever quite matched its reputation. While Pokemon has a slew of legendary starters - including friendly-fire from other water types - it’ll take more than a few generations to knock Squirtle off its perch. It’s simply too cute to overshadow. That begs the question, then, what’s better than a Squirtle? A whole squad of them, that’s what. And best of all - they always roll out in style. As long as the Squirtle Squad’s got something to say about it, this Kanto Starter’s legacy is well-protected.

It’s fitting that the so-called embrace Pokemon got just that reaction from Pokefans. Ever since its debut in the Hoenn region, Gardevoir’s striking look and powerful abilities have kept it topping popularity charts left and right. Trainers just can’t get enough of it, to the point the psychic-type earned major roles in several Pokemon spin offs and other ancillary material. That’s not all. Gardevoir’s profile remained so high that, years after its debut, it got a Mega Evolution and served as a Champion’s ace. Even if it’s occasionally for less than pure reasons, Gardevoir’s ridiculous acclaim is impossible to ignore.

From the very beginning, one grass-type has reigned supreme. And it doesn’t even need to evolve to do it. Ironically, Bulbasaur is the quickest to reach its final stage of all the Kanto starters. But, it’s kind of a moot point, anyways. Sporting a timeless design and lots of personality, Bulbsaur planted roots as an iconic Pokemon all on its own. To many trainer’s, it’s the de-facto grass type; and can you really blame them? Whether you watched the anime or played the games, Bulbasaur proved itself a steadfast companion that all other grass-types are still trying to live up to.

On the tallest floor of the mysterious Sky pillar, there’s a legendary Pokemon that puts almost every other one to shame. Just ask Groudon and Kyogre. Rayquaza is probably the only Pokemon capable of not just quelling a war between land and sea, but restoring the entire Hoenn region back to peace. And that’s when it’s still groggy from a power-nap. With a bit more preparation, Rayquaza can match just about any Pokemon in battle. It’s almost funny that it’s signature move is called Dragon Ascent considering Rayquaza has quickly ascended the ranks into all-timer status, and beyond.

With the body of a ghost and the smile of a fiend, Gengar’s striking look has kept it in people’s nightmares ever since it haunted trainers in the first generation. Back then, it was the only fully-evolved ghost-type at all. But, despite holding the line by itself, Gengar represented its species with pride, strength, and horror, delivering a ghastly Pokemon that’s stood the test of time. Gengar’s shadow balls proved so potent, it ended up defining the entire ghost-type as a whole. These days, there isn’t a single ghoul Pokemon that doesn’t owe something to Gengar and its mischievous grin.

Clone or not, this legendary is unlike anything else the franchise has ever seen. Putting aside its sleek design and incredible psychic powers, it’s hard to compete with the star of the very first Pokemon movie, ever. Don’t go reaching for your Pokeballs, though; Mewtwo’s no mere plot device. Its musings on genetics, consent, and Pokemon autonomy offered an insightful new perspective into the series. The lore behind Mewtwo’s own creation backs it up. While there’s always a thrill in finding a rare legendary deep in a cave, Mewtwo isn’t just an exclusive Pokemon. It’s an important one.

It doesn’t get any cuter than this. Eevee’s fetching appearance is all-but guaranteed to steal your heart, and never give it back. But, of course, the best part is that Eevee is full of potential, capable of evolving into any number of different forms. Like, say, the equally-iconic dark-type, Umbreon. Or, maybe you’re into electric types? How about fire? Water? What about grass, or ice, or psychic… we could go on. No matter what you need, Eevee’s got you covered. That is, if you can part ways with its sweet expression - and trust us, that’s a big if.

There’s popular, there’s the best of the best, and then there’s Greninja. With nothing more than a few Water Shurikens and a whole lot of style, this Kalos starter croaked its way to becoming the next big thing. The shinobi-inspired design is epic enough on its own. But, the anime took it a step further by giving it a whole new form called “Ash-Greninja.” Considering it basically carried the entire Kalos arc on its back, it was well deserved. Actually, you could say the same about most of Greninja’s achievements. You don’t make it into “Super Smash Bros.” for nothing, that’s for sure.

You don’t need to read auras to figure out why this Pokemon is something special. One look will do. From the start, Lucario’s blue and black color palette immediately draws the eye. Then, when it raises its paws, its Aura Sphere does the rest. That’s all fine and dandy, but in reality, what makes Lucario stand out is hard to put into words. Simply put, it exudes a quiet determination that not many other Pokemon have. Combined with a few standout showings in the anime, Lucario quickly became not just a passing fad, but an unshakeable pillar of the franchise in its own right.

Some things never get old. Catching a new partner. Overcoming a tough challenge. Flaming everyone in your path with the pinnacle of fire-types. You know, the simple stuff. By now, Charizard’s lengthy legacy has more than cemented itself. In-game, in the anime, and more. Look at it this way - Charizard is one of the elite few to have not just one, but two completely separate Mega evolutions. If that doesn’t prove its popularity, we don’t know what will. While there’s no bad answers when choosing a Kanto starter, years and years of ardent fan support have made it clear that there is a right one - and it’s Charizard.

Not much of a thundershock, is it? Pikachu is the undisputed mascot of the series. It’s cute, it’s cool, it’s powerful, and above all, it’s the beating heart that makes “Pokemon” so beloved. The entire core of the franchise is built upon Ash and Pikachu, and as a result, even people who’ve never touched the games or anime probably know the name of this electric mouse. There’s just no way to replace something like that. Pikachu is Pokemon, and nothing can or will ever touch its impact. You might even say it’s the very best like no one ever was.

We know it’s hard to pick, but what’s your favorite Pokemon?