Pokemon Watch Order: Where to Start and What to Skip
To watch the Pokémon anime without getting lost, start with the original series (season 1, “Indigo League”) and follow the episodes in release order, skipping only the filler episodes that do not advance the main plot or feature recurring characters. If you want a shorter, more modern entry point, start with “Pokémon Journeys” (season 23) or the 2019 reboot “Pokémon: Twilight Wings” on YouTube, but be aware that the classic series is the only one that follows Ash Ketchum from his very first day as a trainer.
Background: How the Pokémon Anime Is Structured
The Pokémon anime debuted in 1997 in Japan and 1998 in the West, telling the story of Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu as they travel through the fictional regions based on the video games. Each main series arc corresponds to a game generation:
- Indigo League (Kanto, seasons 1–5)
- Adventures in the Orange Islands (season 2, filler arc)
- Johto Journeys (seasons 3–5)
- Advanced Generation (Hoenn, seasons 6–9)
- Diamond & Pearl (Sinnoh, seasons 10–13)
- Black & White (Unova, seasons 14–16)
- XY (Kalos, seasons 17–19)
- Sun & Moon (Alola, seasons 20–22)
- Journeys (Galar and beyond, seasons 23–25)
Each series is largely self-contained: Ash starts a new journey, catches new Pokémon, and meets new companions, but he retains his Pikachu and his memories. You can technically jump into any series without prior knowledge, but you will miss character development and callbacks to earlier events.
How to Choose Your Starting Point
Your best starting point depends on your goals:
- For the complete story: Start with season 1, episode 1 (“Pokémon – I Choose You!”) and watch in release order. This is the only way to see Ash’s origin, his first Pokémon, and his rivalry with Gary Oak.
- For a modern, faster-paced entry: Start with “Pokémon Journeys” (season 23). It features Ash and a new friend, Goh, traveling across all regions, so it works as a soft reboot with fewer filler episodes.
- For a movie-only experience: The first 20 movies are alternate-universe stories that do not affect the TV series canon. The 2017 movie “Pokémon: I Choose You!” and the 2019 “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution” are remakes of the original arcs and can be watched standalone.
If you are a parent introducing a child to Pokémon, the original series is still the most iconic, but the animation is dated. “Sun & Moon” has a more comedic, slice-of-life tone that appeals to younger viewers, while “XY” has the best battle animation.
What to Skip: Filler and Non-Canon Content
Filler episodes are those that do not advance the main plot—they are standalone adventures with no lasting consequences. In Pokémon, most episodes are filler because the show has no overarching plot beyond Ash’s gym battles and league tournaments. However, some episodes are essential for character development:
- Skip: Episodes that feature a random Pokémon of the day and end with Ash releasing it or leaving it with a caretaker. These are pure filler.
- Skip: The Orange Islands arc (season 2) is entirely filler, but it introduces a few important Pokémon like Lapras and Snorlax, so you may want to skim it.
- Skip: Episodes that recap previous events or are clip shows (common in later seasons).
- Do not skip: Gym battles, league tournaments, episodes where Ash catches or evolves a Pokémon, and any episode featuring Team Rocket’s main plot (like the episodes where they steal other Pokémon or try to capture Pikachu).
For a curated list, many fan-made “essential episode” guides exist, but the official Pokémon website does not publish a definitive list. A practical approach is to watch the first two episodes of each series to get the new cast, then skip ahead to gym battles and league episodes.
Common Problems: Confusion with Movies and Specials
One of the biggest confusions is the relationship between the movies and the TV series. The first 20 movies are not canon to the TV series—they are alternate realities. For example, in the movie “Pokémon: The First Movie,” Ash is turned to stone and revived by the tears of Pokémon, but this event is never mentioned in the TV series. The 2017 movie “I Choose You!” completely rewrites Ash’s origin, replacing his original companion with a new character.
Another common problem is the switch in voice actors. After season 8, the English dub changed the voice cast, and many fans find the new voices jarring. If you are sensitive to this, consider watching the original Japanese audio with subtitles.
Finally, the show’s continuity is loose. Characters like Misty and Brock return in later seasons, but the show rarely references past events. If you start with “Journeys,” you will see Ash with a Pikachu and a champion’s title, but you will not know how he got there.
Comparisons: Classic vs. Modern Series
The original series (1997–2002) has a slower pace, more slapstick humor, and a focus on Ash’s growth from a novice. The animation is simple, and Team Rocket appears in nearly every episode.
The XY series (2013–2016) is widely considered the best for battles, with fluid animation and a serious tone. Ash’s Greninja is a fan favorite.
Sun & Moon (2016–2019) shifts to a school setting in Alola, with less travel and more comedy. It is a deliberate departure from the formula.
Journeys (2019–2023) is a soft reboot that abandons the gym challenge entirely, instead having Ash and Goh research Pokémon across all regions. It is the most accessible for new viewers because it does not require knowledge of past regions.
Costs and Availability
The Pokémon anime is available on several streaming platforms, but availability varies by region. In the US, the first few seasons are on Netflix, while later seasons are on Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. The Pokémon Company’s official YouTube channel occasionally posts full episodes. There is no single service with all 25 seasons, so you may need to switch platforms or purchase digital episodes. The cost is the price of a streaming subscription, which varies by provider.
Safety and Accuracy Notes
There are no safety concerns with watching Pokémon, but be aware of the episode “Electric Soldier Porygon” (episode 38 of the original series), which caused photosensitive seizures in Japanese viewers due to flashing red and blue lights. This episode has never been broadcast in the West and is not available on official streaming services. If you have epilepsy or photosensitivity, skip any episode with rapid flashing effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch the Pokémon movies to understand the TV series? No. The first 20 movies are standalone stories that do not affect the TV series plot. You can watch them as extras, but they are not required.
Can I start with Pokémon Journeys without watching the older seasons? Yes. Journeys is designed to be accessible to new viewers, but you will miss references to Ash’s past. It is a good starting point if you want a modern, faster-paced show.
Which Pokémon series has the best animation? XY (seasons 17–19) is widely praised for its battle animation and art style. Sun & Moon has a softer, more cartoonish look, while Journeys uses a mix of styles.
Is the original series worth watching in 2024? Yes, for the nostalgia and the classic story, but be prepared for dated animation and a slower pace. If you are new to Pokémon, you might prefer starting with a later series.
How many episodes are there in total? As of 2024, there are over 1,200 episodes across 25 seasons. The final season, “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys,” concluded Ash’s story in 2023.
Are there any episodes that are banned or not available? Yes, the episode “Electric Soldier Porygon” is banned worldwide due to the seizure incident. It is not available on any official streaming service.
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