Highlights

• Some Pokemon designs are sillier than others, adding whimsy and lightheartedness to the world of Pokemon.
• From object-inspired to oddly humanoid designs, there are plenty of Pokemon that could pass for a joke.
• While not all are intimidating or cool, the charm of Pokemon lies in its variety, embracing both the silly and the serious.

Pokemon is one of the most successful and longstanding Nintendo franchises of all time. With each new generation, a whole new roster of Pokemon are added to the world. With over a thousand overall, a lot of them are cool and original, but it's hard to guarantee there won't be a few oddballs.

While most players will just focus on the better Pokemon from a generation, there's no denying that some of the pocket monsters don't look quite as good as others. From inanimate object-inspired Pokemon to ones with some seriously strange features, there are a lot of Pokemon that could pass for a joke rather than an actual Pokemon. However, that's part of the charm of Pokemon. The franchise wouldn't be the same if it took itself too seriously, and some of these silly Pokemon are rightly well-loved by players.

Updated February 21, 2024 by Alexandra O'Leary: With over twenty years' worth of Pokemon for players to familiarize themselves with, if there is one thing the franchise isn't short of, it's actual Pokemon. After nine generations and hundreds of creations, it's only natural that some of them might end up a little bit silly, or slightly uninspired. This doesn't mean that they're bad, or worth any less than others, but out of hundreds of Pokemon, it's somewhat comforting to know they aren't all ridiculously cool or intimidating.

Players love these Pokemon because they don't take themselves too seriously, and add a certain whimsy and lightheartedness to the world. With no current news about when the next Pokemon game will be released, and minimal content now being released for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, it's a great time to look back at all the existing pocket monsters and pay tribute to the silliest ones out there.

21 Mimikyu

Creepy Hidden Rag Pokemon

• Generation 7

What Mimikyu actually looks like is something that no one knows. This Pokemon wears a rag that's colored to look like Pikachu and covers its entire body. Anyone familiar with the lore of the Pokemon franchise will know that there's an interesting story that explains Mimikyu's appearance.

Even though there's a good reason for Mimikyu to look like this, it's still a little weird. This Pokemon looks so similar to Pikachu, except just wrong enough that it makes it look pretty creepy and weird. That's fitting because of Mimikyu's Ghost/Fairy origins, but that doesn't make it any less unsettling to look at.

20 Dachsbun

An Adorable Baked Dog

• Generation 9

It's evident that Dachsbun is supposed to be a type of Dachshund, and there's no crime in introducing dog-like Pokemon to the world. The silliness comes from Dachsbun's bread-roll ears and general baked-good vibes. To top it all off, Dachsbun evolves from Fidough - which is clearly an unbaked dough-dog turning into a baked dough-dog.

This is by no means a bad thing. In fact, Dachsbun is incredibly endearing and very, very cute. But it's unavoidably funny how intertwined this doggy is with bread-based things. The Pokedex even says that Dachsbun emits a smell that helps wheat grow, which honestly makes it very useful. Dachsbun is an adorable addition to the Pokemon world and seems like one of the more useful for farmers and bakers alike.

19 Whiscash

Nothing Behind The Eyes

• Generation 3

Although the Pokedex claims Whiscash is an aggressively territorial Pokemon, its design makes it less than intimidating. This third-gen Pokemon isn't the only one that looks very similar to a real sea creature, but that's not what makes it look so silly. It's the simple, single-line smile and hilariously round eyes with tiny pupils that make this Water/Ground-type so funny.

It's safe to say that Whiscash is the definition of "nothing going on behind the eyes." This little creature doesn't appear as if it's ever had a single thought, which means it's more likely to inspire a laugh than any real fear on the battlefield. That's not to say that Whiscash can't deal its fair share of damage, but as far as looks go, its face is not selling scary.

18 Beedrill

A Bit Too On The Nose

• Generation 1

Beedrill is a longstanding staple of classic Pokemon games. Although they may be a fan-favorite, Beedrill is the definition of naming something after exactly what it does. Much like a tin opener opens tins, Beedrill is a bee with drills attached to it - and once it's broken down like that, Beedrill starts to look silly.

Even if the concept is goofy, at least Beedrill's design is pretty threatening. The pointed drills and stinger give intimidation points, but it can't be overlooked that, at its core, the Pokemon is just a bee.

17 Lickitung

Strange Tongue-Heavy Design

• Generation 1

When a lot of people think of strange-looking Pokemon, they think of the later generations of the franchise. While there are some seriously strange Pokemon in the later generations, there are also a lot of weird choices in the first one, too. Lickitung is one of the original 151 Pokemon and is a silly one.

Lickitung was introduced as part of the first generation of the Pokemon franchise. It's a Normal-type Pokemon, and its name pretty much describes what this Pokemon looks like and what makes it so strange. This Pokemon walks on two legs and has a really long tongue that it uses to lick things.

16 Gulpin

A Green Blob

• Generation 3

Gulpin is a small, round Poison-type Pokemon. It's safe to say this little green blob isn't giving much in terms of design. It's no crime for Gulpin to be a cute squishy Pokemon, and it at least makes it more original in concept than some others. But that doesn't quite excuse its inexplicable, amorphous existence.

Its evolution, Swalot, doesn't help much to explain what Gulpin's deal is. The puckered lips and yellow feather don't seem to have an explanation, which makes it so hard to pin down. The main idea of Gulpin is that its stomach takes up most of its body, meaning it's all about the next meal - and it doesn't have many thoughts. All these creative components keep Gulpin from being ridiculous, but it's hard to deny this adorable green blob isn't silly-looking.

15 Exeggcute

Literally Eggs With Eyes

• Generation 1

Exeggcute is another Pokemon that goes to show that not all the weird Pokemon came later in the franchise. Exeggcute is a Grass/Psychic type Pokemon that also has an on-the-nose name. This Pokemon is a collection of half a dozen eggs, some of which have cracks or even a large hole in them, and all have faces.

Exeggcute is a unique kind of Pokemon, but being a bunch of eggs that are just laying on the ground makes them a pretty strange one. The fact that this Pokemon turns into Exeggutor, a palm tree with multiple heads, definitely doesn't help that it's so strange.

14 Sudowoodo

A Rock-Type Tree Pokemon?

• Generation 2

Sudowoodo is a goofy-looking Pokemon. Unfortunately, giving it a name as fun to say as Sudowoodo only further outlines how funny this Pokemon appears, with its log-like body and weird round, green hands - making it look like it's holding maracas of some sort. Goofy doesn't mean bad, though, since Sudowoodo does visually seem very friendly.

Sudowoodo's concept is that it disguises itself as a tree to ambush trainers and generally be a menace. Although it appears to be a Grass type, it's actually Rock - bringing some clarity to its name, which is a take on 'pseudo-wood'. The entire idea of this Pokemon is pretty tongue-in-cheek, so it's no surprise that it comes off a little silly. Unfortunately, that's where Sudowoodo's maverick nature ends, since this Pokemon looks more like it's going to put on a show than do any real damage.

13 Flamigo

Really Just A Flamingo

• Generation 9

It's no secret that Pokemon draw a lot of inspiration from real-life animals. After all, in the Pokemon universe, these creatures are basically the equivalent of animals, both wild and domestic - which is why the human-looking ones are usually the most frightening.

While there's absolutely no shame or issue with Pokemon being based on actual animals, occasionally there's one that is just the same thing. Flamigo is one of those Pokemon, being a literal flamingo but with a knot at the bottom of its neck, which normal flamingos - of course - don't have. This does make the Pokemon look pretty odd, and it stands out against the more creative ones introduced in Scarlet and Violet.

12 Natu

Beady Eyes And Round Features

• Generation 2

Natu is a rotund bird Pokemon that eventually evolves into Xatu. While Natu's design is creative, it's the spherical shape of its body and the block shapes of its wings, feet, eyes, beak, and crest that make this Pokemon so fun to look at. Its beady eyes combined with the simple shapes of its body make it adorably non-threatening.

In that way, this Pokemon's design perfectly matches its nature, since this little bird can't fly with its small wings. It mostly just hops around aimlessly, and is extremely nervous, using its glaring eyes to stare at anything and everything that moves. There's no doubt that the design team perfectly nailed Natu's appearance, but it's still one of the silliest little dudes ambling around the world.

11 Calyrex

Disproportionately Silly

• Generation 8

Calyrex is one of Gen 8's Legendary Pokemon, which is majorly disappointing to a lot of fans since it looks so goofy. As a psychic-type Pokemon, the design makes sense in theory: its huge brain is being held up by the rest of its rabbit-like body. But with its ridiculous-looking skinny legs, this Legendary ends up being laughable.

Despite its Legendary status and in-game depiction as old and merciful, this Pokemon does look like a limp, stuffed rabbit held up by a huge head. It just falls short in every aspect of its design and isn't even cute enough to be loveable. If that's not silly, it's hard to imagine what else is.

10 Jynx

Freakishly Human-Like

• Generation 1

Although most Pokemon look like animals, plants, or bugs, there are a couple of Pokemon that look terrifyingly human. Among them is the Generation 1 Ice/Psychic type Jynx. This Pokemon has a purple face, a large mouth, and blonde hair. It looks fairly similar to a person, and its original design was more shadowy - implying that its real face is hidden in the alcove of its hair.

Among a franchise full of unusual animal-like creatures, it's pretty tough to be the strangest Pokemon, but Jynx is definitely among them. The human-like Pokemon are easily the most disconcerting in the whole franchise and are quick to make players feel uncomfortable in their presence.

9 Dunsparce

Lethargic Bug

• Generation 2

Dunsparce is a Pokemon that was introduced in Generation 2 of the Pokemon franchise. This Pokemon is a Normal-type that looks similar to an insect with its round head and body, stinger on its back, and two wings. This Pokemon may have wings, but it doesn't exactly fly around. Instead, it tends to use them to just slightly float and bury underground alongside Diglett.

The fact that this Pokemon, which doesn't evolve into or from any other Pokemon in the franchise, has those small wings but isn't a Flying-type Pokemon is a little unusual. However, the fact that its eyes are constantly closed, and the coloring on its mouth makes it look like it's frowning, makes it look a little strange and sad at the same time.

8 Dracovish

Goofy Half-And-Half

• Generation 8

Just looking at this Pokemon's wide-spaced eyes, lack of nose, and unhinged jaw is enough to see why it's goofy. It can be acquired in-game by combining a Fossilized Fish and a Fossilized Drake - and boy, does it look like just that: A strange fish slapped on top of a different Pokemon.

At least Dracovish does look very friendly. It looks almost like a large, friendly puppy, which makes this Water/Dragon-type somewhat charming, even if it doesn't look like it's ever had even a single thought. It's silly and a bit freaky, which is some sort of accomplishment for such a bizarre Pokemon.

7 Mr. Mime

Uncanny Humanoid Mime

• Generation 1

Mr. Mime is perhaps the most famous of odd-looking Pokemon, having been around since Generation 1. He's well-known for being Ash's mom's Pokemon who helps around the house - but that doesn't mean any players would want this guy around. There are a lot of urban legends about Mr. Mime that imply he might not even be a Pokemon at all, but they only add to the already uncanny feeling this Pokemon gives.

Mr. Mime looks so much like a human that it's just plain creepy. It has pink balls all over its body and two blue growths like hair coming out of the sides of its head. Also, the concept of creating a mime Pokemon is a strangely specific choice that in and of itself is a bit silly. Is Mr. Mime secretly a human who was somehow cursed with being caught by Pokemon trainers forever? Who knows, but it sure is silly-looking.

6 Honedge

Just A Sentient Weapon

• Generation 6

All players know that Pokemon battle with each other, but the fact that there's a Pokemon that looks like an actual weapon is pretty silly. Honedge was introduced in Generation 6, two whole generations before Pokemon Sword & Shield was even announced - which means there's no excuse for this literal sword.

Pokemon is no stranger to creating sentient object Pokemon - there are tea cups and trash bags - but having one that just looks like a sword is kind of crude. It's bound to happen eventually; the sheer amount of Pokemon makes it hard to make each one unique, but it's certainly one of the more ridiculous designs,

5 Bruxish

Lippy Fish

• Generation 7

Bruxish isn't just another fish Pokemon - it's a fish Pokemon with lips. And why does it have lips? Apparently, to match its hot pink, purple, turquoise, and yellow body. Not only that, but it has visible eyelids and eyelashes, something that real fish certainly don't have.

Now, that's not to say the reason Bruxish is so off-putting is that it doesn't resemble a fish. It's more that its face somehow falls into uncanny valley territory that makes many players uncomfortable. There's also the unnerving expression it always seems to have on its face, like it's judging everyone and is waiting to land the first hit.

4 Klefki

Actually Just Keys

• Generation 6

Klefki is a Steel/Fairy-type Pokemon that is literally a key ring. Although Pokemon do well to justify their appearance, claiming that it feeds off the metal of the keys and sneaks into homes to steal them, it doesn't quite overcome the fact that this Pokemon is just a set of keys.

Once again, the franchise isn't new to creating object-like Pokemon, but it's hard to see how a set of keys would threaten any trainer on the battlefield. As far as design goes, it's kind of cute but is ultimately one of the most unserious Pokemon ever made. Surely most trainers would be shocked to encounter these sentient keys in the tall grass.

3 Vanillish

Ice Cream Cone With A Face

• Generation 5

Vanillish is an Ice-type Pokemon that was introduced in Generation 5. Vanillish is the middle evolution phase between Vanillite and Vanilluxe, and to be honest, its entire evolutionary chain is pretty silly. This unthreatening ice cream cone is likely to just make trainers hungry - which is far from the presence you want it to have.

It's no crime for a Pokemon to just be cute and silly; they don't all need to appear threatening and intimidating. Pikachu and Squirtle, for example, are far from it. But sticking a face on a cone doesn't exactly scream 'useful in battle.' There are all sorts of Pokemon that just sort of represent things one might find in the world, but the demand for a sentient ice cream can't be high.

2 Trubbish

Whimsical Trash Bag

• Generation 5

No matter how silly or strange a Pokemon's design is, it's too far to say that a Pokemon's design is garbage. But what if the Pokemon's design was literally garbage? Trubbish has that covered. Introduced in Generation 5, Trubbish is a Poision-type Pokemon that looks like a garbage bag with a face.

Among all the silly Pokemon that have been introduced throughout the Pokemon franchise, Trubbish, and its evolution, Garbodor, are the strangest ones. Although, its rudimentary eyes and mouth suggest its creator was leaning into the ludicrous notion of its design. In that way, it ends up looking pretty endearing - but there's no way to look past the fact that Trubbish is just rubbish with a "t."