There is hardly a millennial or teen alike who has never heard of Pokemon. For many, it's more than just an anime. It's something they grew up with. Those who have experienced the thrill of discussing the latest episode of Pokemon the next day at school or showing off their rare Pokemon cards without a doubt had a wonderful childhood.

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Over the years, new Pokemon have come and gone. Yet, there are a few that have made an impact on people's hearts. These Pokemon are considered the most popular and best in the series. Therefore, this ranking takes into consideration all characteristics like screen time, powers, popularity, and strengths. So get ready for a bumpy ride. You may find your favorite too.

Updated September 27, 2021 by Adriano Valente: The Pokemon anime differs from the game in various ways, with the animated world establishing its own identity over years. The Pokemon featured in the show, movies, and shorts are typically similar to their game counterparts. But just as with anything else to do with the anime, there are some notable differences. Certain Pokemon have stood out in the anime either due to their raw power or unique skillets. There’s definitely some overlap with the games in which of the nearly 900 Pokemon stand as the best of the group. These are some more Pokemon that are among the best out there, according to the anime.

15 Zekrom

As a member of the Tao Trio, Zekrom stands as one of Unova’s strongest Pokemon. The Gen 5 legendary can make almost any battle an easy win in the games, standing as an imposing figure to all who face it.

In the anime, Zekrom lives up to its legendary status. The Dragon/Electric-type once struck Pikachu with lightning so powerful that it took away its electric abilities. Pikachu eventually recovered its powers once it was zapped by another of Zekrom’s bolts.

14 Giratina

Giratina is one of the most imposing Pokemon created, with its uncanny design perfectly complementing its terrifying abilities. It’s only natural that it would establish itself as one of the anime’s stronger Pokemon.

In both its Altered and Origin Forme, Giratina possesses great power, which makes it a difficult opponent for any Pokemon to deal with. In Pokemon Generations, Giratina was able to free Dialga and Palkia from the Red Chain, showing just how strong and reliable it is.

13 Lugia

Pokemon Lugia

Lugia was initially created for the second Pokemon movie and served as one of the game mascots for the second generation. It has since established itself as a force to be reckoned with in both the game and animated worlds.

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Lugia has shown a variety of amazing abilities and powers throughout its various anime appearances. While not as prevalent as it once was, Lugia still stands out as one of the strongest Pokemon the anime has ever featured.

12 Arceus

Pokemon Mythical Stats Ranked Arceus

Be it in the games or in the anime, Arceus stands tall as one of the strongest Pokemon ever. This mythical Pokemon stands out for having created the Sinnoh and Ransei regions and could have very well played a part in crafting the Pokemon universe itself.

Arceus’ anime counterpart seems to be just as powerful as the one from the games. In its debut film, Ash and company must face off against the god-like Pokemon when it threatens to destroy the world. There aren’t many Pokemon out there that can be considered that kind of a threat.

11 Alakazam

Alakazam has always been a reliable Pokemon in the games and the same can be said for its anime counterparts. The Psychic-type has been a steady presence since it was first introduced in the first generation.

Plenty of Alakazam have been featured in the main series over the years. The one constant with each has been their versatility in battle. While it might not be the flashiest Pokemon, fans of the anime can always expect an Alakazam to leave its mark on a given episode.

10 Squishy

In reality, Squishy is a Zygarde core, meaning it becomes a Zygarde in its complete form. Squishy was held captive at Lysandre Lab. Luckily, with the help of Mairin's Chespin, it managed to escape and come across Ash and his team. Bonnie finds it in her bag and names it "Squishy." Because of all the bad experiences with humans, Squishy was hesitant to trust the team but its view changed for good after spending some time with them.

In Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, it transforms into its complete form to go up against Alva– the corrupted counselor who desires the throne of Azoth Kingdom.

9 Mega Rayquaza

Mega Rayquaza makes a blasting entry in Mega Evolution Special II when it shows the true nature of its power. It defeats Steven's Mega Metagross and Alain's Mega Charizard without breaking a sweat. Then in its worn-out state, it went against legendary Pokemon– Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon– at the same time: still not using its full strength. After that, it removed their capability to go primal.

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For a Rayquaza to evolve into Mega Rayquaza, it must learn the technique Dragon Ascent. Mega Rayquaza is among the most powerful Pokemon in the anime. It's a Mega evolution of a Legendary Pokemon that is also a dragon.

8 Hoopa Unbound

Hoopa Unbound is distinguishable for his creative design. It does not even look like a Pokemon, more like a final boss from a game. As the name suggests, its power is unbound. Therefore, it's theorized that Hoopa can overpower several legendary Pokemon at a time. The huge Pokemon is 21'04, 3 times the height of an average man.

In Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, Hoopa turns into Hoopa Unbound and things begin to take a serious turn. It was able to take on Mega Rayquaza & Mega Latias single-handedly, disrupting their combined attack at the same time.

7 Eevee

This little furry Pokemon can evolve into eight different forms and each one is equally cute. Eevee appeared for the first time in We Know Where You're Going, Eevee!, when Ash and his classmates find it at Melemele Island. They discover that Eevee knows the move Double-Edge. When Lana's Popplio manages to make a bond with Eevee, Lana decides to capture it with a dive ball.

A Pokemon this adorable cannot be given a generic name. Lana names her Eevee "Sandy." It makes another appearance in the anime and defeats Ash's Pikachu as well. This cutie can fight.

6 Squirtle

Squirtle pokemon

Those who have watched the anime even once know about Squirtle. Many have fallen in love with it. Blastoise is an evolution of Wartortle– which is the next form of Squirtle. It can go toe to toe against the most powerful Pokemon. The giant water guns at its back are not to be taken lightly and they can even punch holes through steel.

Squirtle is also popular among those who are not fans of the series. This firefighter Pokemon was a huge help for Ash throughout the series. It went back with its gang in the wild to help them out.

5 Charizard

Charizard has a huge cult following. Its display of power in the Battle Frontier and Orange League place Charizard in a league of its own. Charizard's design, moves, and fighting style just blow everyone away. Alain's Charizard can even Mega evolve into Mega Charizard.

Now for the real question, Alain's Charizard vs Ash's Charizard: who would win? Both of them have done some impressive feats and won many fights against powerful opponents. Alain's Mega Charizard was able to defeat 10 mega evolved Pokemon in one sitting. Alain's Charizard is clearly the winner because it has more battle experience, greater brute strength, and a wider move-set. Ash's Charizard doesn't stand a chance against it.

4 Bulbasaur

The Grass Type Pokemon Bulbasaur has been a loyal friend of Ash. It can live for days on sunlight– without food and water. Bulbasaur is mistaken for a toad or frog. In reality, it's a dragon with a seed on its back. Its true importance in the team is its adorable design, and if it evolves into Venusaur, that cuteness would be replaced with raw power.

Bulbasaurs also make an appearance in Detective Pikachu. In the jungle, they realize that Pikachu is injured and lead him to Mewtwo. Always caring about others.

3 Mewtwo

Mewtwo is one of the strongest Pokemon in the anime. It's a Pokemon artificially engineered by using the DNA of Mew– a Pokemon created by Arceus. The Mewtwo from The First Movie is easily able to stop an attack from Gyarados. And it was not even in its Mega form at the time.

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Mewtwo has the potential to bridge a gap between humans and Pokemon. It's able to converse with humans telepathically. Mewtwo also appeared as an all-powerful Pokemon in Detective Pikachu.

2 Ash's Greninja

Ash-Greninja

Greninja, as the name suggests, is a water-type Pokemon with ninja-like features. It is highly skilled in combat, agility, and strength. In the Pokemon XY series, Greninja was able to evolve into Ash's Greninja– a more powerful version– by using its bond with Ash. Ash had a good run with Greninja but he let it free in the wild with Squishy and Z-2 to protect Kalos from the evil roots of Team Flare.

Greninja also appeared in Detective Pikachu working for Clifford Enterprises. They get blown away by Lucy's Psyduck while trying to approach Harry Goodman and Tim.

1 Pikachu

This little electrifying yellow Pokemon is the face of Pokemon franchise. There may be stronger Pokemon (even among Ash's mains,) Pikachu's importance has never declined. It has always been there for Ash. This years-long friendship began when Ash received his first Pokemon from Professors Oak's Laboratory.

Pikachu, at first, was rebellious about being with Ash. Not going into his Pokéball and zapping him all the time. By the end, Ash saved Pikachu from an attack of Spearow which created a bond of friendship that is still going strong today.

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