Throughout the anime, Ash has slowly explored every region of the Pokémon world and faced each of its many challenges. Ash typically overcomes these various requirements using notable Pokémon from every region, but one usually stands out among the rest due to its battling ability, like Greninja. For good reason, Ash’s best Pokémon are usually the most popular in their respective seasons.
Since the beginning of the anime, Ash has developed many unlikely friendships with several powerful Pokémon. These Pokémon were often the focal points of their region or slowly become stronger throughout the seasons. While most Pokémon are only used in their respective home areas, Ash is smart enough to bring back the best of the best in future seasons. Most of the time.
8
Heracross Is Ash’s Most Widely Recognized Johto Pokémon
Heracross Is One of Ash’s Most Underrated Pokémon From the Anime
Ash’s Johto team is widely known for their prevalent personalities. This cannot be said for their battling abilities. This is even true for Ash’s most well-recognized Pokémon from the region, Heracross. It has the most impressive battling feats of the Johto Pokémon and even returns for several notable battles in later seasons. Many might consider Bayleef the signature Johto Pokémon, but Ash relies on Heracross in more pivotal moments than his Johto starter. Heracross nearly defeats Tobias’ Darkrai in the Lily of the Valley Conference due to its impressive move set. Sadly, many newer fans would have forgotten this powerful Pokémon due to its lack of recent showings.
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In addition to Heracross’ impressive performance in the Lily of the Valley Conference, it also defeated Gary’s Magmar in the Silver Conference. This is despite what should have been a massively staggering Type Advantage. Heracross even survived a direct Fire Blast attack to defeat his ferocious opponent. Nonetheless, the Pokémon struggles due to its teammate’s lack of feats. Aside from Heracross, Bayleef is Ash’s only competent Johto battler. While they have their moments and compelling personalities, they cannot compare to the iconic Bug-Type.
7
Krookodile From Unova Almost Always Keeps His Cool in Battle
Krookodile Begins Following Ash’s Journey as a Tiny Sandile
Krookodile first appeared in the Pokémon anime as a fiery Sandile with something to prove. Considering the sunglasses, there’s no doubt this Ground and Dark Type Pokémon slightly references Ash’s Squirtle of the Squirtle Squad. Unlike Squirtle, Sandile does not join Ash immediately and even evolves into a Krokorok before officially joining the team. Once he joins the party, he becomes one of Ash’s biggest Unova trump cards. It even evolves into a Krookodile to defeat Iris’ Dragonite in the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup. That being said, Krookodile isn’t used outside the Unova region whatsoever.
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Despite Krookodile’s massive personality, it struggles due to its presence in one of the worst-received seasons of the Pokémon anime. While its interesting glasses quirk is funny, it’s not enough for the Pokémon to stand out against Black and White’s relative obscurity. Many fans were surprised Ash didn’t use Krookodile against Cameron. The duel likely could have tipped in Ash’s favor even with Riolu evolving into Lucario. This is just one of the many complaints the audience has about the disastrous events of the Ventress Conference.
6
Lycanroc Is Responsible For Making Ash the Alolan Champion
Lycanroc Survives The Deadly Battle of Counters in the Championship
Lycanroc first appeared in the anime as a gentle Rockruff, but that would all change with its contentious Dusk evolution. Rockruff gets more aggressive until it evolves. Lycanroc initially has quite the temper and despises getting dirty, nearly costing Ash many battles. Ash and his companion work on overcoming their anger issues together, however. Once Lycanroc learns to harness his impressive rage, he becomes one of Ash’s deadliest teammates. This is especially true once he masters Counter, which Lycanroc eventually uses to make Ash the official first Alolan League Champion.
Ash’s Lycanroc has one of the highest success rates of its Alolan companions. Without Lycanroc, Ash never would’ve qualified for the Master’s Eight Tournament. Unfortunately, it is never used in battle again due to its proximity to the Galar seasons. Given Lycanroc’s general popularity, it’s unsurprising it became one of Ash’s fan-favorite Alolan Pokémon. Moreover, Ash’s Lycanroc is its beloved Dusk Form. If the Alola region somehow came earlier, there’s no doubt Lycanroc would have been a recurring participant in Ash’s other league battles.
5
Dracovish Has The Best Performance Out of Ash’s Galarian Pokémon
Dracovish Is one of Ash’s Strangest but Most Powerful Team Members
Dracovish is one of the most utilized Galarian Pokémon in the games because of its special moves and abilities. This is reflected in the anime when Ash’s Dracovish finally learns to use the attack, Fishious Rend. Due to Dracovish’s boost to biting moves, this oral onslaught becomes even stronger than ever. Considering this combination alone, Dracovish is easily one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon. Dracovish fights several members of Cynthia’s skilled but deadly team. Needless to say, Ash would not be considered a Pokémon Master without the hearty contributions Dracovish made in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
While Dracovish struggles slightly due to its more interesting design, it has developed a dedicated fan base. Dracovish is the perfect example that not every dominant Pokémon is cool-looking. Although it doesn’t always listen to Ash (like in the battle against Cynthia), it usually leads Ash to victory. Dracovish is one of the lucky Pokémon to be included in the Hall of Fame along with their beloved trainer. If Ash ever returns to form a team of his most powerful Pokémon, Dracovish would probably be in it.
4
Sceptile is Easily Ash’s Most Popular Hoenn Pokémon
Sceptile Has One of the Most Developed Personalities of Ash’s Pokémon
When Pokémon fans think of the Hoenn seasons of the anime, it’s hard not to think of Sceptile. Sceptile is Ash’s most powerful Grass-Type Pokémon in the anime. Aside from Rowlett, none of Ash’s other grass Pokémon have nearly the same showings as the cooler-than-cool Forest Pokémon. Although Sceptile spends much of the anime as a Grovyle, he evolves during the Battle Frontier and reappears in the Lily of the Valley Championship Conference. During his return, Sceptile even defeats Tobias’ Legendary Pokémon, Darkrai.
Sceptile even stalemates May’s Blaziken in their final duel despite Blaziken’s clear Type Advantage. While this isn’t Sceptile’s most impressive feat, it demonstrates it learned humility along with Ash. Throughout Hoenn, Ash grows rather arrogant about his battling ability, as exhibited by his rowdy Treeko. Ash and his Treeko manage to get a hold of their attitude and hone their battling strategy. All that said, it could be argued that Sceptile’s pre-evolved form Grovyle is more iconic due to its amount of screen time and important lesson-learning losses.
3
Greninja is One of the Most Popular Pokémon Worldwide
Greninja Even Has a Special Evolution Exclusive to Ash
Greninja develops a bond with Ash so powerful, he receives a special transformation. More important, the special Mega Evolution was later added to the games. Ash-Greninja is one of the rare instances of the video game source material adapting an original concept from the anime. That said, this isn’t a shock given Greninja’s staggering popularity. The Pokémon regularly scores extremely highly in various polls. The anime used this popularity by making him the focal point of Ash’s Kalos team. Aside from Pikachu, Greninja participates in the most Kalos battles by far (aside from Pikachu).
While Greninja does lose to Alain’s Charizard in its advanced state, many fans believe Ash should’ve won. Although his type advantage does go away once Charizard Mega Evolves, this shouldn’t have prevented Greninja from winning the duel. It’s likely the creators weren’t ready to justify Ash winning a Pokémon League just yet. Aside from Greninja’s loss, the battle is entertaining and one of the best modern Pokémon battles. Ash never would’ve made it anywhere in the Kalos League without Greninja, and he remains one of Ash’s most popular Pokémon.
2
Infernape is Overwhelmingly Powerful & One of Sinnoh’s Strongest Pokémon
Infernape’s Victory Against His Former Trainer Is Utterly Iconic
Aside from Charizard and Blaziken, Infernape is the most iconic Fire-Type Pokémon in the series. He might not be the original Fire and Fighting type, but he’s still unique. Infernape also has the saddest backstory of any Pokémon since Charizard was abandoned by its trainer in the original seasons. Unlike Charizard, Infernape gets revenge on the trainer who abandoned it. Infernape defeats Electivire in one of the most entertaining duels of the Lily of the Valley Conference. Unfortunately, Ash and his team’s celebrations are cut short once they face Tobias and his team of Legendary Pokémon.
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Infernape remains one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon and likely doesn’t reappear due to its impressive abilities. While many detractors say Infernape is just a repeat of Blaziken, fans argue they’re are different enough to be equally popular. Although Infernape does incorporate many of its predecessor’s unique traits, Infernape’s personality is unique. Moreover, its victory against Paul is one of the most iconic battles in the Pokémon anime. Infernape goes beyond its limits and overcomes fainting to deliver the final blow against Electivire.
1
Pikachu is Ash’s Kanto Starter & His Faithful Partner Ever Since
Pikachu Is the Only Pokémon That Ash Always Keeps On His Team
There’s no doubt Pikachu is Ash’s most iconic Pokémon. Ever since its introduction in Kanto, Pikachu has followed Ash to every region. Pikachu generally fights the most battles out of Ash’s Pokémon and has earned some of the most impressive wins (and embarrassing losses) in the entire anime. Even at their lowest, Ash knows without a doubt that he can rely on Pikachu. As his faithful partner, Ash knows that if any of his Pokémon can secure victory, it’s his iconic Pikachu.
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Together, they defeat Leon and his fearsome Charizard to become the undisputed Pokémon Masters. Ash and Pikachu are one of the most iconic duos in anime. Moreover, they’re even widely recognized and referenced in other media. Their friendship has transcended the limits of their anime and become an international phenomenon. Pikachu accompanies Ash from the beginning of his journey to the very emotional but victorious end.
Pokémon
Ash Ketchum, his yellow pet Pikachu, and his human friends explore a world of powerful creatures.
- Release Date
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April 1, 1997
- Seasons
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25
- Studio
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OLM
- Network
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TV Tokyo
, TV Osaka
, TV Aichi
, TVh
, TVQ
, TSC - MyAnimeList Score
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7.40
