Pokémon isn’t just a TV show—it’s a world that has captured hearts for over 25 years. From Ash’s first steps in Kanto to the latest adventures in Paldea, the Pokémon universe has grown into a sprawling saga of TV series, movies, spin-offs, and mini-series. With so many seasons and films, even longtime fans can get lost in the timeline. This guide is here to fix that. Whether you’re a newcomer wanting to start from scratch, or a fan revisiting old favorites, we’ll show you the perfect chronological order to watch Pokémon. Follow Ash, meet Legendary Pokémon, explore every region, and experience every adventure exactly as it was meant to be seen. Let’s catch ’em all—in the right order!
About the Pokémon Series
Pokémon is a vast animated universe that spans multiple generations, regions, and storylines. Each region—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and now Paldea—introduces unique Pokémon species, vibrant cities, and exciting challenges for trainers. Over the years, the franchise has expanded beyond the main TV series to include feature films, spin-offs, and mini-series, each exploring different aspects of the Pokémon world. With dozens of seasons and hundreds of episodes, Pokémon offers adventures for all ages, from thrilling gym battles to encounters with Legendary Pokémon, and even lighthearted side stories in its spin-offs.
📺Pokémon TV Series Chronological Order
With nearly 30 years of adventures, Pokémon’s main TV series spans dozens of seasons across multiple regions. From Ash’s early journey in Kanto to the latest adventures in Paldea, each era introduces new Pokémon, new friends, and exciting story arcs. To make it easier to follow the chronological order, we’ve summarized all the main TV seasons below. This table will help you track Ash’s journey and understand where each season fits in the larger Pokémon universe.
⭐ Starter Recommendation: The "Crash Course"
Before you dive into the 1,200+ episodes of the main series, we strongly recommend watching the 4-episode OVA "Pokémon Origins" (2013).
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Why? It is a 90-minute "foundation" that covers the core logic of Gyms, the Elite Four, and the legend of Mewtwo. It is the most efficient way to understand the franchise’s roots before starting Season 1.
Phase 1: The Ash Ketchum Era (1997–2023)
The story of a boy from Pallet Town who spent 25 years chasing his dream to become a World Champion.
| Era | Season | Title | Region / Arc | Original Air Date | Key Notes & Plot Highlights |
| Original | 1 | Indigo League | Kanto | 1997 – 1999 | The Foundation: Ash gets his Pikachu; features the emotional release of Butterfree and the legendary battle with Mewtwo's shadow at Viridian Gym. |
| 2 | Adventures on the Orange Islands | Orange Is. | 1999 | Tropical Quest: Ash tames his disobedient Charizard and wins the Orange League Trophy. Introduces the "GS Ball" mystery and Tracy Sketchit. | |
| 3 | The Johto Journeys | Johto | 1999 – 2000 | Gen 2 Expansion: Ash enters the Johto region. Features the iconic rivalry between Charizard and Blastoise and the introduction of Johto's starters. | |
| 4 | Johto League Champions | Johto | 2000 – 2001 | Rising Stakes: Ash earns his mid-region badges and faces the legendary Suicune. Focuses on Ash's growth as a more strategic trainer. | |
| 5 | Master Quest | Johto | 2001 – 2002 | The Grand Finale: Ash finally defeats his rival Gary Oak at the Silver Conference. Features the emotional departure of Misty and Brock (temporarily). | |
| Advanced | 6 | Advanced | Hoenn | 2002 – 2003 | New Companions: Ash meets May and Max. Introduces Pokémon Contests and the intense conflict between Team Magma and Team Aqua. |
| 7 | Advanced Challenge | Hoenn | 2003 – 2004 | Evolution Era: Focuses on May’s growth as a Coordinator. Ash faces powerful Gym Leaders like Norman (May’s father) and Flannery. | |
| 8 | Advanced Battle | Hoenn | 2004 – 2005 | Legendary Clash: Ash competes in the Ever Grande Conference. Features the climactic battle between Groudon and Kyogre. | |
| 9 | Battle Frontier | Kanto | 2005 – 2006 | Homeward Bound: Ash returns to Kanto to challenge the Frontier Brains. One of the best seasons for veteran fans, featuring the return of Ash’s older Pokémon. | |
| Diamond & Pearl | 10 | Diamond and Pearl | Sinnoh | 2006 – 2007 | A New Rival: Ash meets Dawn and his most brutal rival, Paul. Introduces the "Physical/Special split" logic into the anime's battle style. |
| 11 | Battle Dimension | Sinnoh | 2007 – 2008 | Darkening Plot: The Team Galactic storyline intensifies. Features the appearance of Legendary Pokémon like Dialga, Palkia, and Regigigas. | |
| 12 | Galactic Battles | Sinnoh | 2008 – 2009 | Peak Conflict: The showdown with Hunter J and Cyrus. Ash’s Chimchar evolves into a powerful Infernape, mastering its "Blaze" ability. | |
| 13 | Sinnoh League Victors | Sinnoh | 2010 | The Masterpiece: Ash’s legendary battle with Paul at the Lily of the Valley Conference. Features the controversial yet epic loss to Tobias and his Darkrai. | |
| Black & White | 14 | Black & White | Unova | 2010 – 2011 | Fresh Start: A soft reboot featuring Iris and Cilan. Ash explores the New York-inspired Unova region and meets Zekrom. |
| 15 | Rival Destinies | Unova | 2011 – 2012 | Tournament Arc: Features the Clubsplosion and the World Tournament Junior Cup. Ash faces the Mythical Pokémon Meloetta and the Therian Formes. | |
| 16 (Pt 1) | Adventures in Unova | Unova | 2013 | The League: Ash competes in the Vertress Conference. Includes the intense battle against Cameron and his Lucario. | |
| 16 (Pt 2) | Unova and Beyond | Decolore Is. | 2013 | The Farewell: Ash journeys through the Decolore Islands to return home. Features the "Episode N" arc and the final battle with Team Plasma. | |
| XY | 17 | XY | Kalos | 2013 – 2014 | Visual Revolution: Mega Evolution is introduced. Ash meets Serena (who has a childhood history with him) and the inventor Clemont. |
| 18 | Kalos Quest | Kalos | 2014 – 2015 | Bond Phenomenon: Ash and his Frogadier (later Greninja) begin to show a unique synchronization. Serena pursues her dream in Pokémon Showcases. | |
| 19 | XYZ | Kalos | 2015 – 2016 | The Fan Favorite: Ash-Greninja is perfected. Features the high-stakes Kalos League and the global-scale crisis involving Team Flare and Zygarde. | |
| Sun & Moon | 20 | Sun & Moon | Alola | 2016 – 2017 | Island Life: A shift to a school setting with Z-Moves. Focuses on regional variants and the "Island Challenge" instead of traditional gyms. |
| 21 | Ultra Adventures | Alola | 2017 – 2018 | Interdimensional: Ash joins the Ultra Guardians to protect Alola from Ultra Beasts. Features the birth of "Poipole" and the arrival of Necrozma. | |
| 22 | Ultra Legends | Alola | 2018 – 2019 | The Crown: Ash becomes the first-ever Alola League Champion. Features the emotional departure of the Alola family and the legendary battle with Tapu Koko. | |
| Journeys | 23 | Pokémon Journeys | All Regions | 2019 – 2020 | World Tour: Ash and new friend Goh travel across all previous regions. Ash enters the World Coronation Series to challenge Leon. |
| 24 | Master Journeys | All Regions | 2020 – 2021 | Climbing the Ranks: Ash battles high-tier rivals like Iris and Volkner. Features the return of fan-favorite companions like Dawn and Gary Oak. | |
| 25 | Ultimate Journeys | All Regions | 2021 – 2023 | The Grand Finale: Ash wins the Masters Eight Tournament to become World Champion. Includes the 11-episode epilogue that serves as Ash’s final goodbye. |
Phase 2: The New Horizon Era (Seasons 26–28+)
A complete reboot featuring new protagonists, Liko and Roy, and a serialized mystery plot.
| Era | Season | Official Title | Region / Arc | Original Air Date | Key Notes & 2026 Latest Updates |
| New Era | 26 | Pokémon Horizons | Paldea | 2023 – 2024 | A New Legacy: Liko and Roy take over as protagonists. Focuses on the mystery of the "Ancient Adventurer" Lucius and the Pendant's secrets. |
| 27 | The Search for Laqua | Paldea / Kitakami | 2024 – 2025 | The Terastal Mystery: The team explores the land of Kitakami (from the DLC). Terapagos’s true power begins to awaken, attracting the villainous Explorers. | |
| 28 | Rising Hope | Paldea / Blueberry | 2026 – Ongoing | 2026 Latest Arc: Features a one-year time skip. Roy’s Fuecoco has evolved into Skeledirge, and the team enters the Blueberry Academy for elite Mega Evolution training. |
Expert Insight: Choosing Your Viewing Path
When navigating the TV series in 2026, viewers have three primary entry points:
The Completionist Path (S1–S25): If you want to witness a rookie boy become a world legend, start at Season 1. For those who find the early seasons too slow, we recommend jumping to Season 17 (XY) or Season 23 (Journeys) for high-stakes modern action.
The Fresh Start (S26–S28): Pokémon Horizons is a complete reboot. You do not need to watch the previous 1,200 episodes of Ash Ketchum to understand the story. It is a mystery-driven serialized drama rather than the old "Gym-of-the-week" format.
The 2026 Evolution: Note that Season 28 (Rising Hope) features a significant "Time Jump." By this point, the new protagonists' Pokémon have reached major evolutions, and the tone shifts toward elite training and high-level strategy.
⚠️ Quick Warning (The Specials): Don’t skip the "Specials." Between S18 and S19, you must watch the Mega Evolution Specials to understand Ash’s rivals. Similarly, before the S25 finale, watch The Arceus Chronicles to bridge the plot.
🎬 Pokémon Movies: Best Watch Order & Insertion Points
Pokémon movies often tie into the TV series but can also feature standalone stories and Legendary Pokémon adventures. Some films are best enjoyed after specific seasons, while others can be watched independently. To help you plan your viewing, we’ve summarized all the main Pokémon movies below, including recommended viewing order relative to the TV series and their highlights. We’ve also added a rating to indicate which films are must-see classics.
Our Rating Legend
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars): Must-Watch. Essential for lore, emotional impact, or high-tier animation.
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⭐⭐⭐—⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3-4 Stars): Great Entertainment. Expands the world and features epic legendary battles.
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⭐⭐ (2 Stars): Optional. Lighter stories best for younger audiences or completionists.
| Year | Title | Rating | Recommended TV Insertion | Detailed Key Features & Highlights |
| 1999 | Mewtwo Strikes Back | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | After S1, Ep 70 | The Cultural Phenomenon. Explores deep themes of cloning, existence, and the "heart." The tears of Pokémon remain the most iconic scene in franchise history. |
| 2000 | The Movie 2000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | After S2 (Orange Islands) | Epic Scale. Features a world-ending prophecy, the legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres), and Ash fulfilling his role as "The Chosen One." |
| 2001 | Pokémon 3: The Movie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | After S3, Ep 155 | Emotional Fantasy. A unique story where the "antagonist" is a lonely girl’s imagination. Visuals involving the Unown and Entei are stunningly surreal. |
| 2002 | Pokémon 4Ever | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S5, Ep 210 | Time-Travel Lore. Features a young Professor Oak. It establishes the "Voice of the Forest" and the lore of Celebi and Suicune. |
| 2003 | Pokémon Heroes | ⭐⭐ | After S5 (End of Johto) | Atmospheric Beauty. Set in a city based on Venice (Alto Mare). Famous for its beautiful soundtrack and the mysterious connection between Ash and Latias. |
| 2004 | Jirachi — Wish Maker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | After S6 (Advanced) | Friendship Focus. Centered on Max’s bond with Jirachi. The "Meta Groudon" climax is one of the darkest and most thrilling moments in the Hoenn era. |
| 2005 | Destiny Deoxys | ⭐⭐ | After S7 | Sci-Fi Action. A high-tech city under siege. It features an intense rivalry between the alien Deoxys and the sky guardian Rayquaza. |
| 2006 | Lucario & Mystery of Mew | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | After S8 | Lore Masterpiece. Explores "Aura" (the Pokémon equivalent of the Force). Lucario’s tragic backstory makes this a fan favorite for narrative depth. |
| 2007 | Pokémon Ranger | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S9 | Mission-Based. Introduces the "Ranger" mechanic. Focuses on May’s maternal bond with the Sea Prince, Manaphy, and an epic Kyogre appearance. |
| 2008 | The Rise of Darkrai | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S10 | Sinnoh Trilogy Part 1. A gothic horror vibe. Features the reality-warping battle between Dialga and Palkia that literally begins to erase the world. |
| 2009 | Giratina & Sky Warrior | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S11 | Sinnoh Trilogy Part 2. Explores the "Reverse World." Directly continues the fallout from the previous movie with Giratina seeking revenge. |
| 2009 | Arceus & Jewel of Life | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S12 | Sinnoh Trilogy Part 3. The epic conclusion involving the Creator God, Arceus. It answers ancient mysteries about the origin of the Sinnoh region. |
| 2011 | Zoroark — Master of Illusions | ⭐⭐ | After S13 | Mind Games. Focuses on Zoroark’s ability to mimic others. Features legendary beasts (Shiny versions) and acts as a bridge to the Gen 5 Unova era. |
| 2011 | White/Black — Victini | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S14 | Dual Perspectives. Two versions of the same movie (Reshiram vs Zekrom). A solid introduction to Unova’s "Truth vs Ideals" philosophy. |
| 2012 | Kyurem vs Sword of Justice | ⭐⭐⭐ | After S15 | Coming of Age. Follows Keldeo’s journey to become a "Sacred Swordsman." Features the terrifying power of Kyurem’s multiple forms. |
| 2013 | Genesect Awakened | ⭐⭐ | After S16 | High-Speed Battle. A group of Genesect tries to build a new home in a city. Features the return of a Mewtwo (Mega Evolution) and intense urban combat. |
| 2014 | Diancie & Cocoon | ⭐⭐ | After S17 | Fairy Tale Vibe. Diancie seeks the help of Xerneas to save her kingdom. A lighter, visually vibrant film featuring the debut of Mega Evolutions in movies. |
| 2015 | Hoopa & Clash of Ages | ⭐⭐ | After S18 | Legendary Spectacle. Less about plot, more about battles. Hoopa summons nearly every past legendary Pokémon for a massive free-for-all brawl. |
| 2016 | Volcanion & Marvel | ⭐⭐ | After S19 | Mechanical Heart. A steampunk-inspired adventure. Explores the bond between a grumpy Volcanion and the artificial Pokémon Magearna. |
| 2017 | I Choose You! | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Alternative Universe | Nostalgic Reboot. A retelling of Ash’s first day with modern animation. Introduces the mythical Marshadow and a beautiful new take on the Ho-Oh legend. |
| 2018 | The Power of Us | ⭐⭐⭐ | Alternative Universe | Ensemble Storytelling. Instead of focusing only on Ash, it follows five different people and how their lives intersect during a festival. Very high production quality. |
| 2020 | Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Standalone Remake | Modern Classic. A full 3D CGI remake of the first movie. It allows a new generation to experience the Mewtwo story with updated visuals. |
| 2021 | Secrets of the Jungle | ⭐⭐⭐ | Alternative Universe | Parental Bonds. A touching story about a boy raised by the Pokémon Zarude (Koko). Focuses on the intersection of human society and nature. |
The Cinematic Continuity: Where Do They Fit?
To avoid confusion while watching the movies in 2026, keep these three narrative shifts in mind:
The TV Side-Quests (Movies 1–19): These films act as high-budget "side adventures" during the TV seasons. While they rarely affect the main plot, they are the primary appearances for Mythical Pokémon. Follow our "Insertion Points" to ensure Ash's power levels match the series.
The Parallel Timeline (AU): Starting in 2017, the films entered an Alternative Universe (AU). Movies 20, 21, and 23 are independent stories that can be watched anytime without fear of spoilers. They are widely regarded as having the best production quality in the franchise.
The Sinnoh Trilogy Exception: Unlike other standalone films, Movies 10, 11, and 12 form a continuous story arc. They are best watched back-to-back to fully grasp the conflict between Time, Space, and Reality.
⚠️ Quick Warning (The Mythical Rule): If you skip the movies, you miss the Mythical Pokémon. Legends like Darkrai, Jirachi, and Celebi almost never appear in the TV show; the movies are the only place to see their true power and stories.
🌀 Spin-Offs & Mini-Series：Fresh Perspectives & High-Tier Animation
Beyond the main journey, the Pokémon world expands through experimental mini-series and web shorts. These are often more mature, following the "Game-Verse" protagonists like Red or showcasing the "Slice-of-Life" side of the world. From the high-octane battles of Pokémon Origins to the cozy, stop-motion relaxation of Pokémon Concierge, these spin-offs are essential for fans who want to see the "Other Side" of the Pokémon world. Many of these (like Twilight Wings) are widely considered to have the best animation in the entire franchise.
The Essential Spin-off Roadmap
| Year | Title |
Key Highlights |
Rating |
Why You Should Watch |
| 2013 | Pokémon Origins | Follows Red from the original games. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The Legend: A mature, game-accurate retelling of the Kanto story. |
| 2014-15 | Mega Evolution Specials | Alain & Charizard X’s path to mastery. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Story Bridge: Mandatory setup for the XYZ (S19) anime finale. |
| 2016 | Pokémon Generations | Hidden truths from Gen 1–6 games. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 18 high-stakes shorts exploring lore the main anime missed. |
| 2021 | Pokémon Evolutions | 25th Anniversary celebration. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Visual Peak: Top-tier animation quality covering Gen 1 to Gen 8. |
| 2020 | Twilight Wings | Focuses on Galar (Sword/Shield) citizens. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Masterpiece: Breath-taking art style produced by Studio Colorido. |
| 2022 | Hisuian Snow | Historical Sinnoh (Legends: Arceus). | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | A touching, atmospheric tale of the ancient bonds between humans and Pokémon. |
| 2023 | Paldean Winds | Based on the Scarlet/Violet academy. | ⭐⭐⭐ | A vibrant look at the Academy life and the Terastal phenomenon. |
| 2023 | Pokémon Concierge | Cozy stop-motion at a Pokémon resort. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stress Relief: A Netflix-exclusive; the ultimate "feel-good" watch. |
| 2020+ | POKÉTOON | Experimental art (Looney Tunes, etc.). | ⭐⭐⭐ | Creative, bite-sized shorts that reimagine Pokémon through various art forms. |
| 2002 | Pokémon Chronicles | Side stories of Ash’s original friends. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nostalgia: Essential for fans wondering what Misty and Brock did off-screen. |
| 2001 | The Legend of Thunder! | Raikou-focused independent adventure. | ⭐⭐⭐ | A rare gem featuring Jimmy (Ethan), the protagonist from the Gen 2 games. |
| 2019 | Detective Pikachu (Film) | Hollywood live-action blockbuster. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Visual Spectacle: Witness "realistic" Pokémon in a gritty, urban setting. |
| 2023 | Detective Pikachu (Shorts) | Mystery-solving shorts with a cute style. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Charming puzzle-solving fun for fans of the game and movie. |
| 2010 | Guardian Signs | Based on the Pokémon Ranger games. | ⭐⭐ | Introduces the "Ranger" profession—a unique alternative to training. |
| 2023 | BIRI-BIRI (MV) | Phenomenal music video by YOASOBI. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cultural Hit: A 4-minute adrenaline rush capturing the spirit of Gen 9. |
| Various | Anniversary MVs (GOTCHA!) | High-speed montages of iconic history. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect for a quick, emotional rush of 30 years of Pokémon memories. |
💡 Watch Recommendations: Are These Spin-offs Mandatory?
For fans in 2026, the Spin-off library can be overwhelming. To help you prioritize, we have categorized these series by their importance to your overall understanding of the Pokémon world.
1. The "Golden Entry" (Best to Watch First)
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Series: Pokémon Origins (01)
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Verdict: Strongly Recommended as a Foundation.
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Why: Before you commit to the 1,200+ episodes of the main series, watch this first. It acts as a "90-minute Encyclopedia." By following the protagonist Red, you will master the core concepts of Kanto, Legendary Pokémon (Mewtwo), and Mega Evolution. It provides the essential lore foundation that makes everything else you watch more meaningful.
2. The "Plot Mandatory" (Must-Watch for Main Story)
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Series: Mega Evolution Specials (02)
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Verdict: Essential/Mandatory.
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Impact: High. These four episodes are the only spin-offs that directly affect the main TV plot. They introduce Alain and his Charizard X, who become the central figures in the Season 19 (XYZ) finale. Skipping these will leave a massive gap in your understanding of the Kalos endgame.
3. The "Lore Builders" (For Hardcore Fans & Gamers)
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Series: Pokémon Generations (03), Pokémon Evolutions (04), Hisuian Snow (06).
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Verdict: Highly Recommended for Game Fans.
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Impact: Low to Medium. These stories do not affect Ash or Liko’s journey, but they follow the Video Game timeline. They are the best way to see the "serious" side of Pokémon, featuring legendary battles and regional history that the main anime often skips.
4. The "Pure Entertainment" (Standalone & Visuals)
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Series: Twilight Wings (05), Pokémon Concierge (08), Detective Pikachu (12).
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Verdict: Optional (But Top-Tier Quality).
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Impact: None. These are independent projects. You can watch them at any time without worrying about spoilers. Twilight Wings is often cited as having the best animation in franchise history, while Concierge is the ultimate "cozy" watch for 2026.
Where to Watch Pokémon in 2026?
According to the latest distribution from the Official Pokémon Website, the franchise is spread across several key platforms. This guide shows where you can catch exciting episodes from the entirety of Pokémon the Series, as well as epic Pokémon movie adventures and other fun Pokémon animation. Episodes and movies are available via streaming services and via digital rental or purchase.
1. Online Video on Demand & Live TV (VOD)
Best for daily binging and catching up on the latest regional adventures.
| Platform |
Available Content & Series |
Access Type |
| Netflix | Pokémon Horizons: The Series (S26-28), The Beginning (S1), XY Series (S17-19), Journeys (S23-25), Pokémon Concierge, Select Movies and more. | Subscription |
| Prime Video |
With Amazon Prime: The Beginning (S1), Gold and Silver (S3-5), Black & White (S14-16), XY Series (S17-19), Journeys (S23-25). With Prime Video Channels: The Beginning (S2), Ruby and Sapphire (S6-9), Diamond and Pearl (S10-13), Sun & Moon (S20-22) and more. Live TV: 24/7 channel with non-stop Pokémon animation. |
Subscription / Add-on Channels |
| Hulu | Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon (S20-22) and Select Movies. | Subscription |
| Pluto TV | 24/7 Channel: Non-stop Pokémon animation streaming. | FREE |
| Samsung TV Plus | 24/7 Channel: Non-stop Pokémon animation streaming. | FREE |
| The Roku Channel | Diamond and Pearl (S10-13), Sun & Moon (S20-22), and Pokémon: Trainer Tour. | FREE |
| Tubi | Black & White (S14-16). | FREE |
| Hoopla | Ruby and Sapphire (S6-9), Diamond and Pearl (S10-13), and Select Movies. | Library Card |
| YouTube |
Pokémon TV Channel: Episodes featuring Ash and Pikachu (updated 5 days a week). Official Channel: Paldean Winds, Hisuian Snow, Twilight Wings, Pokémon Evolutions, Pokémon Generations, POKÉTOON and more. |
FREE |
2. Digital Purchase or Rental
For fans who want to permanently own specific seasons or the complete theatrical movie collection (Movies 1–23), these platforms offer digital sales.
| Platform |
Available Items |
Access Type |
| Amazon | Select Seasons and Movies. | Buy or Rent |
| Apple TV | Select Seasons and Movies. | Buy or Rent |
| Google Play | Select Seasons and Movies. | Buy or Rent |
| VIZ | Select Seasons and Movies. | Purchase |
💡 Pro-Tips: How to Stream Smart in 2026
1. The "Ultimate Subscription" Combo
If you want to access the widest variety of Pokémon content with the least amount of effort, we recommend a Netflix + Amazon Prime combination.
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Netflix gives you the "bookends" (the very beginning with S1 and the very end with Horizons).
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Amazon Prime fills in the "middle gaps" (Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh) through its various channels. This combo covers approximately 80% of Ash Ketchum’s 25-year journey.
2. The "Free-to-Play" Strategy
Don't want to spend money? You can still see a massive amount of Pokémon history for free:
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YouTube is your best friend for Lore & Spin-offs. It is the only place to watch masterpieces like Twilight Wings and Evolutions for free.
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Pluto TV & Samsung TV Plus are perfect for "casual viewing." Their 24/7 Channels are excellent for discovering older episodes you might have missed without needing a specific search.
3. The "Theatrical Movie" Catch
Please note that Theatrical Movies (1–23) are the most "nomadic" content—they move between platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Hoopla very frequently.
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Our Advice: To follow our "Movie Insertion Points" (Section 2) accurately, don't rely on streaming rotations. It is often better to rent or purchase the specific movie you need on Apple or Amazon when you reach that specific point in the TV series.
4. Regional Watch-out
Availability on platforms like Hulu, Roku, and Tubi can change based on your location (US vs. UK vs. Asia). If you are traveling or living outside the US, always check the Official Pokémon YouTube Channel first, as it often hosts localized episodes for international fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I’m a competitive gamer; which series should I watch to see pro-level tactics?
A: Watch Season 10–13 (Diamond & Pearl) and Season 17–19 (XY/XYZ). These eras focus heavily on advanced battle strategies, ability usage, and "competitive-style" rivalries that mirror the logic of the video games.
Q: Is there any "End Credits" content I should watch for?
A: Especially in the Sun & Moon and Journeys eras, many episodes have "Poke-Problem" segments or short comedy skits after the credits. Always check the last 30 seconds of an episode so you don't miss these fun regional lore bites!
Q: Why can't I find all 25 seasons on one streaming platform?
A: Pokémon licensing is split between several giants (Netflix, Amazon, Disney, etc.). Currently, no single service holds the rights to all 1,200+ episodes. Netflix is best for the "New Era," while Amazon Prime (with channels) is best for "Legacy" seasons.
Q: Are the web series like Generations or Twilight Wings canon?
A: They are "Game-Canon." While they don't follow Ash’s TV show timeline, they are faithful adaptations of the stories and lore from the Nintendo video games. They offer a more mature look at the Pokémon world.
Q: Can I watch the movies in Japanese with subtitles instead of English dub?
A: Yes, but it depends on the platform. Netflix usually offers multiple audio tracks. However, be aware that the soundtrack often changes between the Japanese and English versions. Many veteran fans prefer the Japanese version for its more orchestral and emotional music scores.
Q: Are there any "Banned" episodes I should know about?
A: Yes. Throughout 25 years, a handful of episodes (like the infamous Porygon episode or certain Safari Zone episodes) were never dubbed or released outside Japan. Most platforms skip these automatically, so you don't have to worry about missing vital plot points—the show is designed to bridge those gaps seamlessly.
Final Thoughts: Your Pokémon Journey Starts Here
After nearly three decades, hundreds of Pokémon, and countless unforgettable battles, one thing is clear: Pokémon is not just an anime—it’s a lifelong adventure. Whether you choose to follow Ash from his very first step in Pallet Town, jump into the mystery-driven world of Pokémon Horizons, or simply pick your favorite movies and spin-offs, there is no “wrong” way to watch Pokémon—only your way.
This guide was created to give you clarity in a universe that has grown beautifully complex. Now you have the map. All that’s left is to choose your starting point, press play, and begin your own journey through Kanto, Sinnoh, Kalos, Paldea, and beyond. So grab your Poké Balls, call your starter, and step into a world where friendship, courage, and dreams never fade. Your Pokémon adventure begins now. Let’s catch ’em all—together. ✨⚡