Pikachuhas been the face ofPokémonfor decades, and as a consequence, many of Ash Ketchum’s other Pokémon have been unfairly overshadowed. Some of these companions had incredible strength, unique abilities, and touching story arcs, yet never got the chance to shine in any of the franchise’s films. After releasing22 consecutive annual movies, the Pokémon film franchise went on hiatus, coinciding with Ash’s retirement from the main series. This abrupt change dashed hopes for big-budget adventures featuring many of Ash’s overlooked partners.
ThePokémonfilms began in 1998 with the release ofPokémon: The First Movie, which catapulted the franchise to a global phenomenon.The following yearly releases maintained its high profile, despite diminishing returns critically and financially. Today, the video games series is as popular as ever, and a new anime series launched with a brand-new cast of young protagonists. However,many fans still hope that Ash will return, and when he does, there are plenty of his iconic partners that deserve a big-screen debut.
10Heracross
Category: Single Horn Pokémon
Heracross has been one of the most beloved Bug-type Pokémon since its introduction in Generation II. Ash’s Heracross wasone of his most reliable and quirky Pokémon in the anime series, known for its incredible strength and love of tree sap. This Pokémon’s battle prowess is evident in matches like its showdown against Gary’s Magmar in the Johto League, where it showcased its tenacity and determination.
Regardless of its impressive feats, Heracross never made it to the big screen. Its Megahorn attack and brute strength could have made it a memorable star, but it was overshadowed by the need to promote newer Pokémon from each generation. Given its charming personality and impressive battles,Heracross deserved to star alongside Ash in at least one movie, perhaps in a film returning to Johto’s rich lore.
9Sirfetch’d
Category: Wild Duck Pokémon
Ash’s Sirfetch’d brought a refreshing energy to his Galar team with its knightly demeanor and powerful moves like Meteor Assault. As the first Pokémon Ash captured in the region, evolving from a mischievous Farfetch’d into a gallant fighter, Sirfetch’d had one of the most satisfying growth arcs in the Pokémon Journeys series. Its bond with Ash and determination to prove its worth made it a standout companion.
Despite its prominence in the series, such as its role in the climactic World Coronation Series, Sirfetch’d was never featured in a movie. Its dynamic design and unique weapon—a leek sword and shield—could have made for stunning cinematic action sequences, especially in a film centered on chivalry or historical battles. However,the Sword and Shield era came about when the Pokémon film franchise was undergoing a soft reboot, and many of its Pokémon never got the chance to shine on the big screen.
8Goodra
Category: Dragon Pokémon
Goodra, Ash’slovable and powerful pseudo-Legendary from Kalos, was a standout addition to his team. This oozing Dragon-type brought an emotional depth to Ash’s roster with its touching backstory of being separated from its swamp home and later reuniting with its friends. Its strength in battle was undeniable, especially during the Kalos League, where it proved its worth against fierce opponents.
Goodra’s absence from the movies leaves a notable void. With its mix of raw power and emotional depth, it could have been a compelling centerpiece in a film exploring themes like homecoming or environmental protection.These topics feel more relevant than ever as natural and man-made climate disasters become more common and frequent.
7Dracovish
Category: Fossil Pokémon
As one of Ash’s recent additions, Dracovish is one of Pokémon’s most grotesque creations ever.Despite the look of its chimera-like amalgamation of different Fossil types, Dracovish’s goofy behavior, combined with its unexpected strength in battle, made it an audience favorite during Pokémon Journeys. With its devastating Fishious Rend attack, Dracovish surprised many opponents and played a key role in Ash’s ascent to becoming World Champion.
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A movie exploring ancient Pokémon or fossil revival would be the perfect setting for Dracovish to shine.Fossil Pokémon are one of the coolest mechanics of the series, yet they haven’t driven the plot of any of the films since 2003’sJirachi: Wish Maker. The unpredictable nature, and power, of ancient Pokémon make fossils a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, especially with 25 known Pokédex entries.
6Melmetal
Category: Hex Nut Pokémon
Ash’s Melmetal stands out as one of his rarest Pokémon, being the fully evolved form of the mythical Meltan. Having been introduced inPokémon GO, and then making its mainline game debut inPokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee!, Melmetal flew under the radar for most people.The hulking, steel-coated Pokémon was one of the highlights ofAsh’s Alola adventures.Melmetal’s unique moves, like Double Iron Bash, showcased its raw power, yet it remained a relatively underutilized member of Ash’s team.
Without the major exposure a feature film would give it, Melmetal will likely continue to be one of the least recognizable Pokémon ever.
A movie featuring Melmetal could explore its mythical origins and incorporate elements of its mobile game inspiration, like Team Mystic, Instinct, and Valor. Exploring the teams’ leaders and their connection to team mascotsArticuno, Zapdos, and Moltreswould provide the perfect mystery for Ash and Melmetal to unravel. Without the major exposure a feature film would give it, Melmetal will likely continue to be one of the least recognizable Pokémon ever.
5Gengar
Category: Shadow Pokémon
Gengar, one of the most beloved and recognizable Pokémon, has been conspicuously absent from any movies—a missed opportunity for the franchise to capitalize on its spooky charm. Its otherworldly powers, mischievous nature, and eerie charm could have added a spooky edge to a film focusing on Ghost-types or a Pokémon twist on the typical haunted house movie.Gengar’s Mega Evolution and Gigantamax forms are powerful and impressive enough to warrant a full-length movieall on their own.
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Ash’s Gengar was a long-overlooked Pokémon in its own right, having been abandoned by its original trainer. Its redemption arc inPokémon Journeysmade it one of the most beloved members of Ash’s Galar team. With its mischievous personality and Ghost-type power, Gengar proved itself time and again, particularly in the World Coronation Series.
4Incineroar
Category: Heel Pokémon
Ash’s Incineroar had one of the most emotional evolutions in the franchise. Viewers followed Litten’s journey from scruffy underdog to hulking hero under Ash’s care. Evolving during a climactic battle in the Alola League, Incineroar embodied the fiery spirit of a champion. Unfortunately,its arrival coincided with the reboot of the film franchise, leaving no room for Incineroar to showcase its full potential.
It’s a shame Ash’s Incineroar won’t likely be the star of a Pokémon film.
Its wrestling theme or Alolan culture could have been the perfect avenue for Incineroar to demonstrate its fiery moves and larger-than-life personality.At least Incineroar’s popularity and unique fighting style earned it a spot on the universally-acclaimedSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateroster.
3Naganadel
Category: Poison Pin Pokémon
Naganadel was a unique addition to Ash’s team, being an Ultra Beast from another dimension.Despite its poison stingers and overall menacing look, Naganadel has a sweet, curious nature. Its instant bond with Ash and its willingness to join him during the Alola League made it a standout Pokémon in the anime and would have won hearts worldwide in a Pokémon movie.
A movie featuring Ultra Beasts and interdimensional travel could have provided the perfect platform for Naganadel to shine. Theunique designs of the Ultra Beasts and their otherworldly originsare the exact sci-fi/horror trappings that elevate films likeDestiny Deoxysto cult classic status. Sadly, like most Generation VII Pokémon, Naganadel’s adventures are limited to the anime series.
2Rowlet
Category: Grass Quill Pokémon
Rowlet, Ash’s adorable and quirky Grass/Flying-type Starter, was a constant source of humor and heart during his Alola adventures.Despite its extremely laid-back personality, Rowlet proved to be a capable battler, often surprising opponents with its ingenuity. Its friendly bond with Meltan was instrumental in the Hex Nut Pokémon allowing Ash to capture it, proving Rowlet to be a capable teammate and recruiter.
If Ash is ever to return to the focus of Pokémon’s animated offerings, an appearance from Rowlet is non-negotiable.
Rowlet’s bond with Ash and its comedic timing made it a fan favorite, but it never got the chance to star in a movie. If Ash is ever to return to the focus of Pokémon’s animated offerings, an appearance from Rowlet is non-negotiable. That might even be possible, astheLegendsspin-off games continue to forefrontStarters from previous generationsand reignite interest in them.
1Lucario
Category: Aura Pokémon
Lucario is one of the most iconic and powerful Pokémon everand played a pivotal role in Ash’s journey to becoming World Champion. Its mastery of Mega Evolution and its incredible bond with its young trainer made Lucario a standout star inPokémon Journeys. Despite its significance, Lucario has yet to appear in a Pokémon movie under Ash’s ownership.
A different Lucario than Ash’s is the focus of 2005’sLucario and the Mystery of Mew, one of the better Pokémon films. While that story is action-packed andfeatures multiple Legendaries, it’s about an ancient Lucario that is unsealed from an artifact completing his legend. Ash’s Lucario, as a World Championship winner, deserves the opportunity to carve its own place inPokémonlore, and will likely make an appearance when Ash inevitably returns to the franchise.
