Top 10 Best Pokemon Characters

Pokémon throws you into a world where a kid can leave home, befriend electric mice and fire-breathing lizards, battle gym leaders, and somehow still have better travel plans than most adults. The Japanese video game franchise grew far beyond its original games, branching into an anime where each installment follows a Pokémon trainer chasing the dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. Along the way, you get rivalries, friendships, legendary creatures, tearful goodbyes, and at least one moment where you question why nobody in this universe seems concerned about sending ten-year-olds into caves full of monsters.

The best Pokémon characters are the ones that stick with you long after the battle ends. Some are loyal partners. Some are terrifying forces of nature. Some are mysterious, adorable, ridiculous, or so cool that you immediately wanted them on your team before even checking their stats. As you look through this list, you get to decide which characters deserve the top spots, from fan favorites that defined childhoods to mythical icons that made every Pokédex feel a little more magical.

The Top Ten

Pikachu

Pikachu (Japanese: ピカチュウ) is a species of Pokémon that appears in video games, animated television shows and movies, trading card games, and comic books licensed by The Pokémon Company. It is the mascot of the Pokémon franchise and is widely considered the most iconic Pokémon. Pikachu is well known for... read more

I see so many people who support other Pokémon criticize Pikachu for being on top since it isn't powerful, legendary, or an ultimate form, etc. To all those people, here's what I have to say: You can name thousands of flaws in Pikachu, but there's one thing he has that no one else does - character.
I'm a Charizard fan too, and I love almost all Pokémon, but Pikachu is in a league of its own. It's nothing more than a little ball of explosive power. I dare anyone to name a non-legendary Pokémon (including Charizard) that can take on and win against Dragonite, Latios, Regice, and the list goes on.
And please, don't give me any nonsense about game stats. I play the game too, but I don't consider it anywhere near the series, nor do I consider people who only play the game as fans of Pokémon. You want to judge Pikachu? Watch the show and then tell me he doesn't deserve to be number one.
Charizard

Charizard, known in Japan as Lizardon, is a Pokémon species created by Ken Sugimori. It first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and has since appeared in merchandise, spinoff titles, and various adaptations. Shin-ichiro Miki, who voices James in the original Japanese anime, also voices... read more

I LOVE Charizard! He is a classic, and he is just better than Mewtwo. Charizard is the ultimate Fire Pokemon. And Charizard will always be my favorite. No Pokemon is better.
Fire is my favorite type, and Flying Pokemon are even a better match for me. He is even better than Zekrom, Reshiram, Black Kyurem, or White Kyurem.
Charizard is even a DRAGON that breathes FIRE, which I love. I wish I had an EX of him. (Well, if that's possible.)

If anyone here opposes Charizard just because of damn Stealth Rock: Here's news. You're obviously not even ready for life.
Charizard's typing is crucial, giving it immunity to ground-type moves and adding that extra speed onto this badass dragon. Give a Mega Stone, and boy, no one can oppose you.
Take it from experience. Way better than any Pikachu.
Mewtwo

Mewtwo is a Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon. Designed by Ken Sugimori, it first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue in 1996.
Created by Dr. Fuji through gene splicing to clone Mew, Mewtwo is known in game lore as one of the most powerful Pokémon. In later games, it can undergo Mega Evolution into... read more

I have a 280 Mewtwo and it was one of my very first ones. He is such a strong character, and each one I get is stronger and stronger. He is literally a beast and will always be my favorite character.
Plus, he deserves to be first on here. He is so much stronger. Pikachu should be second place right after Mewtwo. I gotta say, he is probably the face of Pokémon. He was supposed to be the most popular character, but Pikachu was the main character, so he was obviously the most popular one.
But he is a goodie. He is not that cute though. If I rated the cutest Pokémon characters, Pikachu would be first. But Mewtwo is so strong. Love you, Mewtwo.

Mewtwo is better than any Pokemon. He has character development, and he is the most powerful Pokemon of all time. He can control minds, so he is stronger than Arceus.
He also had a really sad childhood and is very interesting. He is also kind since we all know how he has reformed. He is just the best.
Charizard deserves 2nd place or should be on the same level as Mewtwo, and Pikachu should be after them. Pikachu is cute, but he doesn't have as much character development and personality as the other two.
Plus, he is the face of Pokemon, so that's why he is popular.
Mew

Mew is a Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon designed by Satoshi Tajiri. It was introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue and is notable for its ability to learn nearly every move in the games, with the exception of certain signature moves. Mew can also transform into other Pokémon using the move Transform.

Arceus? Nope. Mew is the real PokeGod. It can learn ANY move due to the fact it is the ancestor of ALL Pokemon, and the Pokedex says it's so rare that experts consider it to be a mirage.
Not even the developers of the original games were aware that it had been programmed into the Pokedex until the guy who had created it came clean after the games were released. That's why it never appears naturally in the wild in Red/Blue/Yellow.
To cap it all off, if you've seen Pokemon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back, you'll know exactly what a strong, adorable, and playful Pokemon Mew is. Awesome.

Mew is the first Legendary, and Mew is cute. Mew can learn any move. Arceus can't learn every move. I have one myself, and even Ash meets Mew three times. Mew is pretty rare. Mew is like Kirby but better. Arceus is like God, but Mew is pink, and pink is awesome.
Ash Ketchum

Ash Ketchum, known as Satoshi in Japan, is the main character in the Pokémon franchise. He is training to become a Pokémon Master and travels across regions to compete in Pokémon battles. Ash frequently thwarts Team Rocket's attempts to steal his partner Pikachu.

I used to kind of hate Ash for his rash attitude, but starting from his Kalos journey, he has mentally and physically grown up.
Also, he is slowly starting to develop a crush on Serena. Now that he is acting grown-up, he is cooler.

He is the best of all. Unmatchable battle style. Calm and composed, he loves Pokemon with all his heart and soul. That is what sets him apart from the rest.

I agree with Texas Realm. Ash is definitely great. Not that I don't like Brock, because Brock's the funniest.
But still, Ash is great. It's hard to explain why.
Misty

Misty, known as Kasumi in Japan, is a character in the Pokémon franchise. She is the Gym Leader in Cerulean City and specializes in Water-type Pokémon. In the games, she is known as the Tomboyish Mermaid.
In the anime, she is Ash's first traveling companion. She has three older sisters who often... read more

Misty was a great character on Pokémon. Her personality sets her apart from her three older sisters, who would always tease her and make her feel down. Her bond with Ash and Brock is what made the first five seasons worth watching. She may have been short-tempered and strict, but that made Ash the great battler he is now. She would help Brock stay calm around the pretty girls he flirted with and sometimes knocked some sense into him and Ash. She is a great gym leader and water-type Pokémon trainer.
Her relationship with Ash was adorable! He would turn jealous when a boy flirted with Misty, and she would turn jealous when someone flirted with him. You don't see Ash jealous when other boys start flirting with May, Dawn, Iris, or Serena. Ash deeply cared for her, and Misty felt the same way about him. Misty followed Ash with the excuse that he owed her a new bike after he and Pikachu destroyed it. Along the way, she developed a huge crush on him as he showed kindness to Pokémon. He also had a crush on her, by the looks of things. He even gazed at her as she wore a traditional Japanese dress for a dance they both enjoyed. He called her "cute" when she wore a Goldeen dress for a magic performance.
Misty is a very strong trainer who mainly focuses on water-type Pokémon and knows a lot about being a Pokémon trainer. May was a weak trainer and a brat initially, often lying to her friends, but she developed into a wonderful girl who wishes to become the Top Coordinator someday. Dawn was a better version of May, caring for her own Pokémon and following her mother's footsteps as the Top Coordinator. She was very girly and confident.... read more
Arceus

Arceus is a Legendary Pokémon that first appeared in the 18th Pokémon movie, "Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life," where it was featured alongside other Legendary Pokémon. In the Pokémon universe, Arceus is referred to as "The Original One" and is believed to have created the entire Pokémon world... read more

Cool, cool, cool. But I have to admit, he looks a little scary.
I am more of a cute, cuddly, and fluffy Pokemon lover, and this Arceus fellow does not fit any of those categories. However, in tough battles, he looks like the sort that would stay by your side till the end.
Any Pokemon who is loyal to his trainer is my friend.

Arceus is the one who created all Pokémon in Pokémon land. I was disappointed that Charizard was ranked number one because Arceus can defeat Charizard. And Charizard can't defeat Arceus. Okay?
Brock

Brock is a character in the Pokémon franchise created by Game Freak and Nintendo. He is the Gym Leader of Pewter City in the Kanto region and specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. In the anime, he becomes one of Ash's traveling companions after Ash defeats him in a gym battle.... read more

Brock is hilarious because he constantly falls in love with beautiful girls. (Constantly means nearly every episode that he is in!)
And also, he is a gym leader. I guess that's cool...

A former gym leader, he joined the journeys of Ash and the female trainer from Kanto to Sinnoh.
Great character. I laugh every time he falls in love with women.
My sister once fantasized about Brock.

I love Brock, and the thing that's hilarious is that he falls in love with every woman he meets.
May

May is a female companion to Ash in the Generation III Pokémon anime series. She is also the playable female character in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. May debuted in the anime in the 275th episode, "Get the Show on the Road!"... read more

I like Mudkipz too, but I had to vote for May. I think I cried when Misty left, but I really don't miss her anymore. I miss May though.
Will we ever get to see her join Ash again? I doubt it. I've kind of lost faith in the writers nowadays. I mean, Brock is even gone forever now!
I just check Serebii like once every month to see if something interesting has happened to Pokémon lately. It was a few years ago when I got really good news, but I'll keep waiting.
If I got to make one wish, I would bring May back to Pokémon. Who cares about money and human peace anyway?! Can't we at least get to see all the old characters visit Pallet Town when Ash comes home next time, or is it too much for you writers to give us old hardcore fans?
Red

Red is a Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town in the Kanto region. He is the first playable character in the Pokémon video game series, debuting in the original Generation I games.
He has since reappeared in various Pokémon media, including the Generation III remakes FireRed and LeafGreen, which are... read more

Red has Pokemon above level 80. He caught all the Pokemon in the Kanto Pokedex. He has the strongest Pokemon of anybody in the anime and in every game there is!
Ash sucks. He cheated in getting his first two gym badges. Heck, Blue could beat Ash.
Red may have caught every Pokemon, even the bad ones, but that was for the Pokedex. Ash had a BUTTERFREE on his TEAM.

Wait, what? How the hell is Misty in front of Red? It's so stupid. Brock is alright because he gave great advice to Red in the Origin series, but how the hell Misty?
No wonder Misty's fanbase is the worst of all. Here we have a guy who defeated the Elite 4 and the Champion, caught all the Pokemon in the Kanto region, and was the 1st Pokemon character ever.
And there we have Misty, who didn't do anything in the whole show.

The Newcomers

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Mina

She has a mystifyingly beautiful look.
?
Ilima

She has such an innocent schoolgirl look

The Contenders

Arcanine

Arcanine, known in Japan as Windie, was introduced in Generation I and evolves from Growlithe when exposed to a Fire Stone. It is a Fire-type Pokémon known for its speed and majestic appearance. Arcanine is often described in Pokédex entries as having the nobility and grace of a legendary Pokémon.

The reason why Arcanine is the best is because of its versatility.
It has fewer weaknesses than Charizard, it can learn moves to cover its weaknesses unlike Pikachu, it's not a Legendary like Mew/Mewtwo/Arceus, and it is capable of being anything a team needs, be it a sweeper, a tank, or an anchor.

Arcanine is awesome.
With Extreme Speed and learning two of my three favorite moves (Crunch and Flamethrower, only missing Earthquake), Arcanine has awesome speed and well-rounded stats, too.

I just love him altogether.
His looks, his power, everything, definitely a great Pokemon.
Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur, known in Japan as Fushigidane, is the first Pokémon listed in the National Pokédex. It debuted in Pokémon Red and Green in Japan and in Pokémon Red and Blue internationally. Bulbasaur is a dual-type Grass and Poison Pokémon and has long been associated with the beginning of the Pokémon journey... read more

I love Bulbasaur! At first, in the anime, when Ash first met him, he didn't trust Ash, and I liked his attitude!
He's cute, and even though he's not too strong in the Pokémon cards, I don't really care.

My favorite Pokémon. He is number 1 on the Pokédex for a reason. He is the only starter Pokémon to be two types in his first form (poison and grass), so he gets my vote.
If you love Bulbasaur, vote for him.

The reason why he's number one is that he was made before even the Pokémon name was chosen.
He's so cute, and he's the only starter that's two types!
James

So awesome OS-AG!
Such a cutie, had the best laugh, was pretty smart and sweet. He had a unique background and was so lovable. Sadly, once D/P started, TRio became a joke.
But either way, in the anime, he deserves a way better person than Jessie.

I love that he has a deep bond with every Pokémon he catches. So far, my favorite Pokémon owned by James is Inkay.
Just look at that adorable squid!

He is literally the best, and his relationship with Jessie is one of the highlights of the series.
Dragonite

Dragonite, known in Japan as Kairyu, is a Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon introduced in the first-generation games Pokémon Red and Blue. It evolves from Dragonair starting at level 55 and is the final form of Dratini. Dragonite is known for its kindness, intelligence, and powerful presence in battle.

Dragonite and its pre-evolutions are the original Dragon Type. I mean, they can resist the four most common types: Water, Grass, and Fire.
Its only weaknesses are Ice, Dragon, Rock, and Fairy. Nevertheless, he can learn many moves to counter its weaknesses, including all HMs.
He is the best Dragon!

Dragonite will always be in my team when I need to battle trainers online.
He's always been my all-time favorite Pokemon so far! That is, unless another Pokemon tops it, but Dragonite will always be the best in my book.
Eevee

Eevee, known in Japan as Eievui, was first introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue. It is known as the Evolution Pokémon and has more evolutionary forms than any other species. Eevee can evolve into Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon depending on factors such as elemental... read more

Eevee can evolve into seven other different types of Pokémon, each with different stats depending on their types.
It's also super cute but has some pretty average attacks.

Eevee is so awesome! It can evolve into some awesome Pokémon. I've heard that there is going to be another Eeveelution!
It is also very cute, and its cry is cute too. It also has good attacks.
Eevee could be a guard, a friend, and a lot of other things. Eevee should be number one!

He rules. He can evolve into 7 different forms.
He has the cuteness of Pikachu but is furrier, and he has great attack, but they're pretty average.
I really enjoy Pokemon, so if you really like Pokemon, make your Pokemon Eevee.
Dawn

Dawn is one of the playable characters in the Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum versions of the Pokémon games. If the player selects the male character, Lucas, Dawn serves as Professor Rowan's assistant.
In the anime, Dawn co-stars with Ash throughout the Diamond and Pearl series (seasons 10 to 13... read more

Dawn is the best character. She is the only travel buddy Ash had a true regular friendship with.
Like, she cheers him on in gym battles, gives him loads of high fives, and is really friendly.

What a great female companion.
She was so brave, sweet, cheerful, determined, smart, and pretty! She also had a wide range of different Pokémon, ranging from cute Pachirisu to un-girly Pokémon like Mamoswine!
Way better than pissy Misty!

Dawn is just the best. She's the most beautiful and cute cartoon character! That's the reason she definitely deserves to be at least in the top 10!
Magikarp

Magikarp, known in Japan as Koiking, resembles an orange fish with whiskers and is recognized for its weak battle performance. It first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and was created by Ken Sugimori. Magikarp is a Water-type Pokémon that evolves into the powerful Gyarados at level 20... read more

Magikarp is undoubtedly the best Pokémon ever.
Gamers usually judge a Pokémon by its movepool and power, along with its design made by the game designer, but Magikarp is a simple Pokémon.
If trained the right way, it can defeat Arceus!

Magikarp is "THE BOMB." It's so cool!
Have you seen its shiny form? It's gold, which must mean it is valuable.
It will SPLASH in your blood!

Mess with this Pokemon, and it WILL evolve to MAKE you regret it.
After, of course, annoying the heck out of you.
Jolteon

Jolteon, known in Japan as Thunders, is one of the eight possible evolutions of Eevee. It was first introduced in Generation I and is an Electric-type Pokémon.
Jolteon is recognized for its exceptional speed and spiky fur, which allows it to generate and discharge electricity. It evolves from... read more

He is so awesome because he is an electric type, and that is just plain awesome.
I love him so much, and I also have him in the game, so that is pretty cool.

Raichu is my favorite, but Jolteon is my second favorite.
You see, I like electric Pokemon, and this Pokemon is a classic.

Simply awesome, fast in terms of speed and quite powerful in terms of the moves it learns as well as its high Sp. ATK.
Lapras

Lapras was first introduced in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games released in 1996. It is a dual-type Water and Ice Pokémon that is known for its gentle nature and intelligence. Lapras is often depicted ferrying people across bodies of water and has appeared in multiple games and the animated series... read more

I have a Lapras on my team, and it is my favorite Pokémon.
It can learn awesome moves, and it is an ice type, one of my favorite types in all of Pokémon.

How is this low? Sheer and very powerful.
Sheer is a one-hit KO! Lapras is amazing, and nobody doesn't know that!
Vaporeon

Vaporeon, known in Japan as Showers, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It evolves from Eevee when exposed to a Water Stone. Vaporeon is known for its mermaid-like appearance and its unique ability to become invisible in water.

Vaporeon is awesome. I have one in my game at level 40, and I got it at level 5. It only fainted about four times while I was training it, which is amazing.

Vaporeon is cute, strong, and from the original. Who could possibly hate it. They say it looks weird, but I think it looks epic.

This is by far the best character of Pokemon. It's really underrated though, just like Shadow Bonnie and Shadow Freddy.
Turtwig

Turtwig, known in Japan as Naetle, is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. It evolves into Grotle at level 18 and then into Torterra at level 32. Turtwig is one of the three starter Pokémon available in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

My first starter, and once she evolves and gains the ground-type component, she can take out Infernape any day.
Plus, she has a great move set for a basic Pokémon.

I love Turtwig!
I lost the card I had of it, but I know I have it somewhere.

I got him and was like, "Aw, look at the adorable little turtle-thingy!"
Once he became a Torterra, he was ownage!
Piplup

Piplup, known in Japan as Pochama, is a Water-type Pokémon first introduced in Generation IV. It evolves into Prinplup at level 16 and then into Empoleon at level 36. Piplup is one of the three starter Pokémon in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum and is notable for its high Special Attack and Defense... read more

My first starter Pokemon, and my Piplup owned the first gym leader...
Well, all of them.

Piplup is a water type, and I like it.
The gym leader has a Prinplup, and Piplup evolves into Prinplup.
The gym leader in Pastoria City.

Cutest ever... I like Piplup more than Pikachu too!...
And he is so much funny.
Mudkip

Mudkip, known in Japan as Mizugorou, is a Water-type starter Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It first appeared in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp at level 16, and Marshtomp then evolves into Swampert at level 36.

If you think Pikachu is better than Mudkip, please deposit yourself in the nearest garbage can. Thank you.

Even if it's not legendary, it's very cute! Imagine him dancing! Isn't it cute?

Mudkip is the best starter ever. I miss my Mudkip.
Lucario

Lucario was created by Ken Sugimori and first appeared as a central character in the film Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. It was later introduced in the main series games with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Lucario has since appeared in numerous sequels, spinoff titles, and a wide range of merchandise... read more

I like him too much. So much. Very much.
Why is he not ranked first? You must vote him to the top rank!

He is so cool. I don't understand why he is not higher on this list, but Lucario, you earned my vote.

BEST fighting Pokemon I've seen. It has a Mega Evolution, looks badass, and is very agile.
Squirtle

Squirtle, known as Zenigame in Japan, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. It resembles a hybrid between a squirrel and a turtle and was created by Game Freak's character design team. It is one of the original starter Pokémon available to players in the early games.... read more

I really love seeing when Squirtle opens the glass. Wonderful eyes.

He's really cute, and I can relate to him in a weird way.

This Pokémon brings back so many good memories.
There is a great story behind this Pokémon. It is strong and was well trained by Ash.