Pokemon has been around for over two decades now, capturing the imagination of people across generations. From video games to anime shows, the franchise has a massive following all over the world. Here are the top 20 most popular Pokemon in the world:
Pikachu
Pikachu is one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokemon in the franchise. It’s an electric-type Pokemon that first appeared in the original Pokemon Red and Green games. Pikachu is known for its adorable appearance, with its round cheeks and big ears. In the Pokemon anime, Pikachu is the partner of main character Ash Ketchum, and together they have gone on many adventures and battles. Pikachu is also the main character in the popular spin-off game, Pokemon Yellow. In battle, Pikachu’s electric attacks are incredibly powerful and can take down opponents quickly.
Charizard
Charizard is a popular fire and flying-type Pokemon that first appeared in the original Pokemon Red and Green games. It’s evolved from Charmander, one of the three starter Pokemon in those games. Charizard is known for its dragon-like appearance, with wings and a fierce expression. In the anime, Charizard is also a partner of Ash Ketchum, and has become one of his most powerful Pokemon over the years. In battle, Charizard’s fire attacks are devastatingly powerful and its flying type makes it a valuable asset in the air.
Mewtwo
Mewtwo is one of the most powerful Pokemon in the franchise. It is a psychic-type Pokemon that was artificially created in a lab by scientists. Mewtwo first appeared in the movie “Pokemon: The First Movie” and has since become an iconic and popular Pokemon. Mewtwo is known for its unique appearance, with purple skin and a powerful psychic ability. In battle, Mewtwo’s psychic attacks are extremely powerful and can easily take down opponents.
Gyarados
Gyarados is a water and flying-type Pokemon that originally appeared in the original Pokemon Red and Green games. It’s evolved from Magikarp, a weak and seemingly useless Pokemon that can only use a weak move called Splash. However, once Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, it becomes one of the most powerful Pokemon in the game. Gyarados is known for its fierce appearance, with sharp teeth and a powerful body. In battle, Gyarados’ water and flying-type moves are extremely effective and can easily defeat opponents.
Eevee
Eevee is a unique Pokemon in that it has the ability to evolve into different forms depending on certain conditions. Eevee first appeared in the original Pokemon Red and Green games and has since become a fan favorite. Its adorable appearance, with fluffy fur and big ears, has made it one of the most popular Pokemon in the franchise. Eevee can evolve into various types of Pokemon, including fire, water, electric, and more. Its evolutionary forms, such as Flareon, Vaporeon, and Jolteon, are all popular among fans and can be very powerful in battle.
Lucario
Lucario is a Fighting/Steel-type Pokémon that was first introduced in Generation IV. This Pokémon is known for its ability to sense and manipulate aura, a type of energy that surrounds all living things. Lucario is also famous for its exceptional fighting skills. Lucario has a humanoid appearance, with blue fur, black paws, and a black mask-like marking around its eyes. It has a long, tufted tail and sharp spikes on its forearms.
In the Pokémon games, Lucario has a high Attack stat and is often used as a physical sweeper. It also has access to powerful Steel-type moves like Close Combat and Aura Sphere. In the anime, Lucario was featured prominently in the movie “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.” The character of Sir Aaron, a legendary Aura Guardian who wielded a powerful Lucario, played a central role in the story.
Dragonite
Dragonite is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon that was first introduced in Generation I. Despite its fearsome appearance, this Pokémon is known for its friendly and helpful nature. Dragonite has a round, chubby body and bright orange skin. It has large wings, a long tail, and two antennae on its head.
In the games, Dragonite has a balanced stat distribution, with high Attack and Special Attack. It also has a diverse movepool, including powerful moves like Outrage and Dragon Dance. Dragonite is often used as a versatile sweeper or tank. In the anime, Dragonite was featured as a member of Ash’s team in the Orange Islands arc. It was also prominently featured in the movie “The Power of One,” where it helped the protagonist Ash save the world from a catastrophic disaster.
Snorlax
Snorlax is a Normal-type Pokémon that was first introduced in Generation I. This Pokémon is famous for its massive size and insatiable appetite. Snorlax has a rounded, blue and white body and a very sleepy expression. It is often depicted sleeping in the middle of roads or other inconvenient locations.
In the games, Snorlax has an incredibly high HP stat and is often used as a bulky tank. It also has access to powerful moves like Body Slam and Earthquake. In the anime, Snorlax was featured as one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon, often using its immense size and strength to its advantage.
Gengar
Gengar is a Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon that was first introduced in Generation I. This Pokémon is known for its mischievous nature and shadowy appearance. Gengar has a dark purple body and a menacing grin. It has large, pointed ears and green eyes with red pupils.
In the games, Gengar has a high Speed stat and is often used as a physical sweeper. It also has access to a range of Ghost-type moves like Shadow Ball and Destiny Bond. In the anime, Gengar was a featured Pokémon in the episode “The Tower of Terror,” where it haunted an old mansion and battled Ash’s Pikachu in a climactic showdown.
Blastoise
Blastoise is a Water-type Pokémon that was first introduced in Generation I. This Pokémon is famous for its massive cannons on its back, which it uses to shoot powerful water attacks. Blastoise has a blue and yellow body and a pair of stubby arms. Its signature feature is its powerful hydro cannons, which can be used to blast opponents or propel Blastoise through the water.
In the games, Blastoise has a high Defense stat and is often used as a bulky tank. It also has access to powerful Water-type moves like Hydro Pump and Aqua Tail. In the anime, Blastoise was featured as one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon and was often used in battles against his rivals.
Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur is a dual-type Grass/Poison Pokémon that was introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games. It is the first Pokémon in the National Pokédex and is number 001. Bulbasaur is known for its ability to absorb sunlight through its bulb and convert it into energy for growth. This ability is reflected in its name, which is a combination of “bulb” and “dinosaur.”
Professor Oak
Although not a Pokemon itself, Professor Oak’s wise and caring nature has made him a fan favorite among the Pokemon community.
He is also the first character that the player meets in the original Pokémon game series. Professor Oak provides players with their first Pokémon for their journey and educates them on the basics of Pokémon.
Arcanine
Arcanine is a Fire-type Pokémon that was introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games. It is known as the “Legendary Pokémon” because it is rumored to be capable of running faster than the speed of sound. Arcanine is often described as a loyal and dignified Pokémon, and is considered a powerful ally by trainers. It is also notable for its appearance, which resembles that of a mythical creature known as the qilin.
Empoleon
Empoleon is a dual-type Water/Steel Pokémon that was introduced in the fourth generation of Pokémon games. It is known for its impressive physical prowess, as well as its ability to control water and ice. Empoleon’s appearance is often described as regal and elegant, and its overall design draws inspiration from penguins and suits of armor. Empoleon is also notable for being a starter Pokémon in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
Zapdos
Zapdos is an Electric/Flying-type Pokémon that was introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games. It is one of the three Legendary Birds, which also includes Articuno and Moltres. Zapdos is known for its ability to generate and control electricity, and its design is heavily influenced by thunderbolts and lightning. Zapdos is also notable for being one of the few Pokémon that can learn the powerful move Thunder, which has a high chance of causing paralysis to opponents.
Ditto (Metamon)
Ditto, also known as Metamon in Japan, is a Normal-type Pokémon first introduced in Generation I. As its name suggests, Ditto has the unique ability to transform into other Pokémon, copying their appearance, moves, and stats.
In battle, Ditto is a very versatile and unpredictable Pokémon. It can transform into any other Pokémon on the field, allowing it to take on the opponent’s strengths and become a powerful threat. However, Ditto’s frailty and lack of resistances mean that it must be used carefully in battle.
Ditto is a very rare Pokémon in the wild, and is usually found by breeding with another Ditto or a compatible Pokémon. As a breeding Pokémon, Ditto is highly sought after for its ability to breed with almost any other Pokémon, allowing trainers to obtain offspring with different moves, abilities and stats.
Mew
Mew is a Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon first introduced in Generation I. It is known for its incredible versatility and ability to learn almost any move in the game, making it a highly sought-after Pokémon for competitive battles.
In the game’s storyline, Mew is often shrouded in mystery and is said to possess the DNA of every single Pokémon in existence. This has led many to speculate that Mew is the “ancestor” of all Pokémon.
Due to its rarity and versatile moveset, Mew is considered one of the most valuable Pokémon in existence. It is often obtained through special events or by trading with other players.
Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff, also known as Purin in Japan, is a Normal/Fairy-type Pokémon first introduced in Generation I. It is known for its round, fluffy appearance and its ability to put others to sleep with its soothing singing voice. In the anime, Jigglypuff has become a recurring character, often appearing to sing its signature song before drawing on the faces of those who fall asleep.
In battle, Jigglypuff is a decent Pokémon with a good balance of offensive and defensive skills. Its Fairy typing gives it an advantage over Dragon-type Pokémon, while its high Special Attack allows it to deal solid damage with its Fairy and Normal-type moves.
Salamence
Salamence is a dual-type Dragon/Flying Pokémon first introduced in Generation III. It is known for its aggressive and fierce appearance, as well as its impressive speed and power.
In battle, Salamence is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to its high Attack and Special Attack stats, as well as its access to a range of powerful moves such as Dragon Dance, Outrage and Draco Meteor. Its primary weaknesses are Ice and Rock-type moves, so it must be used carefully against Pokémon that possess these types of moves.
Lapras
Lapras is a dual-type Water/Ice Pokémon first introduced in Generation I. It is known for its friendly and gentle nature, as well as its ability to swim through freezing cold waters with ease.
In battle, Lapras is a solid choice for Water-type teams thanks to its high Special Defense and access to a range of Water and Ice-type moves. It can also learn the move Thunderbolt, giving it an advantage over Flying-type Pokémon.
Lapras is a rare encounter in the wild, and can be obtained through fishing in certain areas of the game or by hatching a Lapras egg. Its gentle nature and usefulness in battle make it a popular choice among trainers.
