Ash’s journey in Pokémon first began in 1997, and almost three decades later, it finally came to a well-deserved conclusion. For every kid from that generation, it has been an unforgettable journey. And now, even new fans who are drawn to the franchise’s widespread appeal may want to give the series a try.
However, getting started can seem overwhelming, with over 25 seasons, more than 20 movies, and plenty of other extra content. But rest assured, we’ve got your back. While the entire series is certainly massive, the watch order is actually quite simple. So, if you want to learn everything about it, including the chronological and release orders of every Pokémon season, where to watch, and more, keep reading.
| ANIME TITLE | Pokémon |
| ORIGINAL CREATOR | Satoshi Tajiri |
| IMDb RATING (as of July 30, 2026) | Pokémon (1997-2023): 7.6/10 Pokémon Horizons (2023-ongoing): 7.5/10 |
What’s the Best Order to Watch the Pokémon Anime & Movies?
While watching only the Pokémon anime series is pretty straightforward, as all you have to do is follow the release order, the inclusion of the movies makes things a little more complicated. After all, the movies are essentially canon episodes that fit in between the seasons. So, below we’ve listed every Pokémon season in the best watch order, along with the correct point to watch each movie.
- Pokémon: Indigo League (Episodes 1-52)
- Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 1-11)
- Pokémon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (Movie)
- Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 12-49)
- Pokémon: The Movie 2000 (Movie)
- Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 50-60)
- Pokémon: The Johto Journeys (Episodes 1-39)
- Pokémon The Movie 3: Spell of the Unown (Movie)
- Pokémon: The Johto Journeys (Episodes 40-41)
- Pokémon: Johto League Champions (Episodes 1-48)
- Pokémon 4Ever (Movie)
- Pokémon: Johto League Champions (Episodes 49-52)
- Pokémon: Master Quest (Episodes 1-46)
- Pokémon Heroes (Movie)
- Pokémon: Master Quest (Episodes 47-64)
- Pokémon: Advanced (Episodes 1-34)
- Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker (Movie)
- Pokémon: Advanced (Episodes 35-40)
- Pokémon: Advanced Challenge (Episodes 1-45)
- Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (Movie)
- Pokémon: Advanced Challenge (Episodes 46-52)
- Pokémon: Advanced Battle (Episodes 1-41)
- Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (Movie)
- Pokémon: Advanced Battle (Episodes 42-52)
- Pokémon: Battle Frontier (Episodes 1-38)
- Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (Movie)
- Pokémon: Battle Frontier (Episodes 39-47)
- Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (Episodes 1-39)
- Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (Movie)
- Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (Episodes 40-51)
- Pokémon: DP Battle Dimension (Episodes 1-34)
- Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (Movie)
- Pokémon: DP Battle Dimension (Episodes 35-52)
- Pokémon: DP Galactic Battles (Episodes 1-30)
- Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (Movie)
- Pokémon: DP Galactic Battles (Episodes 31-52)
- Pokémon: DP Sinnoh League Victors (Episodes 1-27)
- Pokémon: Zoroark — Master of Illusions (Movie)
- Pokémon: DP Sinnoh League Victors (Episodes 28-34)
- Pokémon: Black & White (Episodes 1-37)
- Pokémon the Movie: White — Victini and Zekrom or Pokémon the Movie: Black — Victini and Reshiram (Movie)
- Pokémon: Black & White (Episodes 38-48)
- Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies (Episodes 1-33)
- Pokémon: Kyurem vs the Sword of Justice (Movie)
- Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies (Episodes 34-49)
- Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond (Episodes 1-25)
- Pokémon: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (Movie)
- Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond (Episodes 26-45)
- Pokémon the Series: XY (Episodes 1-37)
- Pokémon: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (Movie)
- Pokémon the Series: XY (Episodes 38-48)
- Pokémon the Series: XY Kalos Quest (Episodes 1-32)
- Pokémon: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (Movie)
- Pokémon the Series: XY Kalos Quest (Episodes 33-45)
- Pokémon the Series: XYZ (Episodes 1-34)
- Pokémon: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (Movie)
- Pokémon the Series: XYZ (Episodes 35-48)
- Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon (Episodes 1-43)
- Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon — Ultra Adventures (Episodes 1-48)
- Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon — Ultra Legends (Episodes 1-54)
- Pokémon Journeys: The Series (Episodes 1-48)
- Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series (Episodes 1-42)
- Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series (Episodes 1-54)
- Pokémon Horizons: The Series (Episodes 1-45)
- Pokémon Horizons: Season 2 — The Search for Laqua (Episodes 1-44)
- Pokémon Horizons Season 3 — Rising Hope (Episodes 1-ongoing)
NOTE: Some guides list Season 1 as having 80 episodes, even though it originally aired with 82 episodes in Japan. However, our watch order guide here follows the episode grouping used by most US streaming platforms, which move a few Indigo League episodes into the Adventures in the Orange Islands season.
A Chronological Listing of Every Pokémon Anime Series
The anime follows a specific sequence of events, so if you want to experience the story as it unfolds, the list below represents the chronological watch order. Since the movies are essentially part of their respective seasons, they aren’t listed separately in this chronological order. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
1. Pokémon: Indigo League (episodes 1-52)
What could be a better gift for a 10-year-old than receiving your very first Pokémon and setting out on an adventure to become the next Pokémon Master? But Ash Ketchum’s journey begins a little differently from that of his peers. Instead of receiving one of the beginner-friendly Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander, he is given Pikachu by Professor Oak. But this unlikely duo is ultimately what leads them to the pinnacle of success.
2. Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (episodes 1-60)
Ash’s journey continues in the Orange Islands next. There, he and his friends face several major challenges, especially what was shown in Pokémon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. But they epically overcome them. Although his Kanto journey has come to an end, Ash still has more Gym Badges to collect in other regions. However, the trio of Ash, Misty, and Brock is reduced to just Ash and Misty, as Brock decides to stay behind with Professor Ivy.
3. Pokémon: The Johto Journeys (episodes 1-41)
Ash successfully overcomes what seemed like his biggest challenge yet by taking on the Orange Crew and their leader, Drake. But upon returning, Ash and Misty reunite with Brock and continue their journey through the Johto region. It’s also fun to see him add Totodile and Chikorita to his team. The Pokémon The Movie 3: Spell of the Unown is also recommended to watch during this season.
4. Pokémon: Johto League Champions (episodes 1-52)
The Johto region still had many more mysteries to unveil. With familiar faces like Todd, Duplica, and Suzie making a reappearance, Ash participates in the Johto League Champions tournament, the biggest tournament he had entered up to that point. So, it’s bound to be an exciting watch for viewers as well. Also, we have the movie Pokémon 4Ever. Although the season doesn’t end in Ash’s favor, Johto League Champions is still regarded as one of the strongest seasons in the Pokémon anime.
5. Pokémon: Master Quest (episodes 1-64)
After the Johto League, Ash and the gang decide to head to Olivine City. However, since the Gym there is temporarily closed, our heroes instead take part in the Whirl Cup Competition. As it is a Water-type Pokémon tournament, Misty also throws her hat into the ring. Meanwhile, you are also advised to watch the Pokémon Heroes movie after episode 46 of Pokémon: Master Quest.
6. Pokémon: Advanced (episodes 1-40)
Ash then heads to the Hoenn region, where he is set to meet a new friend to accompany him on his adventure. Along with Brock, May, a new Trainer just beginning her Pokémon journey, joins Ash’s team. May is also accompanied by her little brother, Max. The group then even gets involved in the movie Pokémon: Jirachi, Wish Maker. But none of that distracts Ash from his goal, as he goes on to earn three more Gym Badges in the Hoenn region.
7. Pokémon: Advanced Challenge (episodes 1-52)
Ash’s journey through the Hoenn region is far from over and continues into the next season. This time, he and his friends find themselves caught in the rivalry between Team Magma and Team Aqua as both organizations try to seize control of a Legendary Pokémon. Things get even more serious in Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys movie. After the main crisis is resolved, Ash continues earning more Gym Badges and May, Contest Ribbons. Ash also adds new Pokémon, such as Bulbasaur, to his growing team.
8. Pokémon: Advanced Battle (episodes 1-52)
After finally earning his last two Gym Badges, Ash qualifies for the Hoenn League Championships. And of course, it turns out to be another fantastic tournament arc. Whenever a Pokémon League tournament takes place, the series becomes several times more exciting. After the grand events of the tournament wrap up, Ash returns to the Kanto region to reunite with his other Pokémon and friends. But before long, he’s presented with a brand-new adventure: the Battle Frontier.
9. Pokémon: Battle Frontier (episodes 1-47)
The best thing about Battle Frontier is that we get to see even more Legendary Pokémon. In fact, who would’ve thought the Kanto region would be one of the places brimming with so many of them? You are also advised to watch the Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea movie during this season. The Frontier Brains also prove to be much tougher opponents for Ash. This season even features the Kanto Grand Festival, which provides a refreshing break from all the rising stakes and high-octane battles.
10. Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl (episodes 1-51)
Once again, Ash follows Gary’s trail and arrives in the Sinnoh region. There, he and Brock meet another novice Pokémon Coordinator, Dawn, who is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Before long, she joins Ash on his journey for the next stretch of the adventure. This arc also introduces more Legendary Pokémon, including Dialga and Palkia, especially in the movie The Rise of Darkrai. After the crisis is resolved, the Diamond & Pearl arc continues.
11. Pokémon: DP Battle Dimension (episodes 1-52)
Battle Dimension raises the stakes even further. The season follows Ash and Dawn as they try to make their way to the Wallace Cup, but a series of setbacks slows their progress. Amidst it all, the canon movie introduces Giratina, another Legendary Pokémon capable of creating parallel dimensions, in the movie Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior. They also face several other major crises, including stopping Pokémon Hunter J and dealing with the growing threat of Team Galactic.
12. Pokémon: DP Galactic Battles (episodes 1-52)
Team Galactic becomes a real nuisance to the story, as the mysterious villain group turns into a constant threat for Ash and his friends. Later, the strongest of all, the Legendary Pokémon Arceus, makes its first appearance in Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life, one of the biggest highlights of this story arc. After that, Ash continues dealing with his rival Paul, and their rivalry reaches its most intense point yet.
13. Pokémon: DP Sinnoh League Victors (episodes 1-34)
With Team Galactic finally out of the way, Ash can focus on securing a place in the Sinnoh League. At the same time, we see Dawn giving it her all to earn her final Contest Ribbon, while Brock continues supporting them both. The Sinnoh League tournament goes on to become one of the biggest highlights of the entire Diamond & Pearl series. Also, there’s the Zoroark – Master of Illusions movie to catch. But with this season, it all comes to an end, and new adventures await Ash.
14. Pokémon: Black & White (episodes 1-48)
The moment Ash sets foot in the Unova region alongside his mother, we immediately understand that his journey to become a Pokémon Master has just become a lot tougher. There are so many new Pokémon in this region, and while Ash still has Pikachu by his side, he’ll also need to catch many Pokémon native to Unova if he hopes to defeat its Gym Leaders. And so, his quest to catch more Pokémon resumes. After all, he gotta catch ’em all!
15. Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies (episodes 1-49)
Ash makes new friends and continues his adventure in the Unova region. But amidst it all, he must also protect an island from the clashing forces of three powerful and mysterious Legendary Pokémon. The movie, Kyurem vs the Sword of Justice, also becomes a mega hit. As a result, the 15th season becomes yet another of the series’ best, and one of its most nail-biting as well. Ash must also face the ultimate challenge: battling Alder, the Champion of Unova. But it won’t be an easy journey.
16. Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond (Ep 1-45)
Ash reaches the final stage of his adventure in the Unova region alongside his new allies, Iris and Cilan. Once again, they have an imminent Team Rocket crisis to deal with, but there’s something even more important ahead. With all eight Gym Badges collected, Ash can finally take part in the Unova League. As expected, familiar faces return for the tournament, along with many new and formidable opponents. Dragonite also becomes a major Pokémon in the final stretch of this season.
17. Pokémon the Series: XY (episodes 1-48)
The story is still far from over. Ash then arrives in the Kalos region, where he meets another group of new allies: the genius inventor Clemont, his little sister Bonnie, and Serena, a Trainer on her very first journey. But, as expected of Ash, no sooner does he arrive than he challenges the Gym Leader of Lumiose City. Of course, he doesn’t get very far on his first attempt. Meanwhile, a new Pokémon mystery begins to unfold in the movie Pokémon: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.
18. Pokémon the Series: XY Kalos Quest (episodes 1-45)
Ash continues collecting Gym Badges, and once again, he needs all eight to enter the Kalos League. During his journey through this new region, he encounters many new Pokémon and catches a few of them as well. The Mythical Pokémon Hoopa is introduced in this arc in the Pokémon: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages movie, along with the return of Legendary Pokémon such as Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina.
19. Pokémon the Series: XYZ (episodes 1-48)
The plot thickens in the Kalos region as Ash, Pikachu, and their friends explore its deepest mysteries. Therefore, the Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel movie remains a highlight of this season. The Legendary Pokémon Zygarde becomes the center of attention in this arc. The research into Pokémon Mega Evolution is also taken a step further. This season ushers in an entirely new era for Pokémon and Pokémon Trainers, while Ash is still yet to become a Pokémon Master.
20. Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon (episodes 1-43)
Ash and Pikachu’s summer vacation in the tropical Alola region quickly turns into a brand-new adventure. While attending the Pokémon School, Ash meets new friends, discovers new Pokémon, and learns from Professor Kukui and the other island experts. But with Team Rocket causing trouble and the chaotic Team Skull lurking around, Alola has plenty of challenges waiting for him.
21. Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon — Ultra Adventures (episodes 1-48)
The story reaches its climax at this point, with the stakes higher than ever. During this stretch of the journey, Ash comes across a mysterious cloud-like Pokémon named Nebby, confronts the Aether Foundation, and battles the entity Necrozma to save Alola’s light. Plus, there’s a lot more to look forward to in this arc. Mega Evolution also starts becoming a more regular part of the series.
22. Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon — Ultra Legends (episodes 1-54)
After completing three of the four Grand Trials, Ash and his classmates acquire new Z-Crystals, make new Pokémon friends, and learn how to Mantine Surf. With new rivals like Hau becoming Ash’s next challenge, his quest to become a Pokémon Master becomes even tougher, but also comes closer to becoming a reality. The 22nd season serves as the end of the Sun & Moon arc, after which new adventures await Ash for one final stretch.
23. Pokémon Journeys: The Series (episodes 1-48)
To become a Pokémon Master, the next and final step in Ash’s journey is, apparently, to become a Pokémon researcher first under Professor Cerise at the Cerise Laboratory. There, he meets his new ally, Goh, and together they continue uncovering more mysteries about the world of Pokémon.
24. Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series (episodes 1-42)
With Goh aiming to catch one of every Pokémon, something many of us thought Ash would do at the beginning of the series, the anime truly brings its “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!” slogan to life. Meanwhile, Ash slowly climbs the ranks of the World Coronation Series, while Goh adds more Pokémon to his Pokédex in his quest to catch Mew. Then, they meet a mysterious Eevee that changes everything.
25. Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series (episodes 1-54)
In Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, Ash finally becomes the world’s top Trainer. But why not a Pokémon Master? The true meaning of being a Pokémon Master is later explored in the special miniseries Aim to Be a Pokémon Master. But this is certainly a grand conclusion of one of the grandest storylines in the world. After decades of adventures, both in the anime and in real life, Ash’s journey finally comes to an end in this series. Truly a moment worth commemorating.
26. Pokémon Horizons: The Series
Following the conclusion of Ash’s journey, the Pokémon anime returns with a new series, this time focusing on completely new protagonists and new Pokémon to explore. This time, the story follows Liko, a shy and curious girl from the Paldea region, and Roy, an adventurous boy from Kanto. As of now, there are three seasons of Pokémon Horizons, which are:
- Pokémon Horizons: The Series
- Pokémon Horizons: Season 2 – The Search for Laqua
- Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 – Rising Hope
It also takes on a refreshing, mystery-driven plot, which is quite different from what we saw throughout Ash’s journey. Ash’s story was all about collecting Gym Badges and becoming a Pokémon Master, whereas Pokémon Horizons focuses on Liko’s mysterious pendant and Roy’s ancient Poké Ball. That fresh direction makes for a thrilling watch and helps strengthen the franchise’s longevity.
The Full Pokémon Anime Series in Release Order
Although the chronological order is largely the same as the release order, the table below lists the exact release dates for each Pokémon season, making it easier for you to see what was released and when. So, let’s take a look at them all.
| TITLE | RELEASE DATE |
| 1. Pokémon: Indigo League | April 1, 1997 |
| 2. Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands | January 28, 1999 |
| 3. Pokémon: The Johto Journeys | October 14, 1999 |
| 4. Pokémon: Johto League Champions | August 3, 2000 |
| 5. Pokémon: Master Quest | August 9, 2001 |
| 6. Pokémon: Advanced | November 21, 2002 |
| 7. Pokémon: Advanced Challenge | September 4, 2003 |
| 8. Pokémon: Advanced Battle | September 9, 2004 |
| 9. Pokémon: Battle Frontier | October 6, 2005 |
| 10. Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl | September 28, 2006 |
| 11. Pokémon: DP Battle Dimension | November 8, 2007 |
| 12. Pokémon: DP Galactic Battles | December 4, 2008 |
| 13. Pokémon: DP Sinnoh League Victors | January 7, 2010 |
| 14. Pokémon: Black & White | September 23, 2010 |
| 15. Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies | September 22, 2011 |
| 16. Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond | October 11, 2012 |
| 17. Pokémon the Series: XY | October 17, 2013 |
| 18. Pokémon the Series: XY Kalos Quest | November 13, 2014 |
| 19. Pokémon the Series: XYZ | October 29, 2015 |
| 20. Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon | November 17, 2016 |
| 21. Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon — Ultra Adventures | October 5, 2017 |
| 22. Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon — Ultra Legends | October 21, 2018 |
| 23. Pokémon Journeys: The Series | November 17, 2019 |
| 24. Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series | December 11, 2020 |
| 25. Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series | December 17, 2021 |
| 26. Pokémon Horizons: The Series | April 14, 2023 |
| 27. Pokémon Horizons: Season 2 — The Search for Laqua | April 12, 2024 |
| 28. Pokémon Horizons Season 3 — Rising Hope | April 11, 2025 |
Are There Filler Episodes in the Pokémon Anime?
The Pokémon anime does have a large number of filler episodes. However, these aren’t traditional fillers meant to bridge the gap between manga adaptations. Instead, most feature standalone stories of their own. Because of this, we don’t recommend skipping them. While they may not contain major plot developments, they do a great job of expanding the characters and their relationships.
That said, Pokémon also has three alternate universe movies. Although they follow Ash as the protagonist, they take place in a separate timeline and are not connected to the main anime continuity. Even so, they’re well worth watching and are available on Netflix. Here are the three movies in release order:
- Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
- Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
- Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
Every Extra Pokémon Content and Spin-offs
Even outside the main storyline, there are a few miniseries and standalone episodes that follow Ash’s journey but don’t fit into any particular season. They aren’t essential viewing, so we wouldn’t say you have to watch them, but they’re worth checking out if you have the time. Here they are:
- Mewtwo Returns
- Pokémon Chronicles
- The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon
- Mega Evolution Special
- The Arceus Chronicles
You can also explore the many Pokémon spin-off series. Unlike the main anime, these stories don’t follow Ash or the protagonists from Pokémon Horizons. Instead, they offer a deeper look into the Pokémon world by focusing on other characters and their stories. Here are the Pokémon spin-off series:
- Pokémon Generations
- Pokémon: Twilight Wings
- Pokémon: Evolutions
- Pokémon: Hisuian Snow
- Pokétoon
- Pokémon Origins
- Pokémon Concierge
- Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Where to Watch the Entire Pokémon Anime Series?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single legal streaming platform to watch all 28 seasons of the Pokémon anime along with every movie. Instead, the series is spread across multiple streaming services. While some platforms offer select seasons for free, most require a paid subscription. Sounds like a real headache, right?
To make things easier, here we’ve put together a list of every streaming platform that currently hosts specific seasons of the Pokémon anime series:
- YouTube (free): Indigo League, Orange Islands, Johto Journeys, Master Quest, Advanced, and Advanced Challenge
- Netflix: Indigo League, XY, Journeys, Master Journeys, Ultimate Journeys, and all 3 seasons of Pokémon Horizons: The Series
- Hoopla (free): Advanced, Advanced Challenge, Advanced Battle, Battle Frontier, Diamond and Pearl, DP Battle Dimension, DP Galactic Battles, and DP Sinnoh League Victors
- Prime Video: Indigo League (called The Beginning), Johto Journeys, Johto League Champions (called Gold & Silver Season 4), Master Quest (called Gold & Silver Season 5), Diamond & Pearl, Black & White, Journeys, and Master Journeys
- Hulu: Sun & Moon and Sun & Moon — Ultra Adventures
- Roku: Diamond and Pearl, DP Battle Dimension, DP Galactic Battles, and DP Sinnoh League Victors, XY, XY Kalos Quest, XYZ, Sun & Moon, Sun & Moon — Ultra Adventures, Sun & Moon — Ultra Legends
- Pluto TV: DP Battle Dimension, DP Galactic Battles, and DP Sinnoh League Victors
- Tubi: Black & White, BW Rival Destinies, BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond, XY, XY Kalos Quest, XYZ
NOTE: Since licensing agreements can change over time, the availability of each Pokémon season on each streaming platform may also change. As a result, some seasons may be added to or removed from these services in the future.
That covers everything you need to know if you’re planning to get into the Pokémon anime. Honestly, there’s no age limit to enjoying this franchise, as it remains the highest-grossing media franchise to come out till date. Anyway, if you do end up following this guide, let us know in the comments how helpful you found it.
