Top 10 Best Pokemon Theme Songs

Pokémon theme songs aren't just intros. They're declarations. Little musical mission statements that told you who you were, what you were doing, and why it absolutely had to be done with a Pikachu in tow.

It all started in 1997 with a song that dared to ask, "Do you have what it takes to be the very best?" The answer, of course, was always a sweaty, overconfident "Yes." From there, each season brought a new region, a new hat for Ash, and another banger of a theme song. Some were adrenaline-pumping. Others were straight-up inspirational. A few were... we'll call them experimental. But all of them were tied to that moment in your life when the Pokédex was your Bible and Saturday mornings meant business.

Now it's your turn to decide which theme truly deserves the crown. Scroll through the contenders and vote for the songs that hit you right in the nostalgia. The ones that made you believe in friendship, adventure, and the raw emotional power of an electric mouse.
The Top Ten
Indigo League

How is this not #1?! Best and most nostalgic theme by far! All the others have cheesy lyrics and light music. Not this one! It's got rockin' guitar, a great beat, and a phenomenal singer with great lyrics. All of these traits make it possibly the best theme in Pokemon history. Incredible theme that will surely stand the test of time.

This is the same as the Original Theme Song option, by the way. This should totally be the first. I mean, others weren't awful, but holy hell, this is nostalgia and greatness at its finest.

Advanced Battle

This song is really the best Pokemon theme song. It teaches you to carry on and follow your heart. It's about never giving up. Even if you fail, don't get upset. Instead, make a fresh start. Most importantly, always follow your dreams. If you fail, try once more. If you fail again, try twice. Life is all about following your heart against your mind. The mind always wanders in different directions, but always listen to your heart. Never give up because life is a long journey. Make the best use of your life. This song will really inspire you. Always remember, crying won't help. Always look at your present and future, and find your own destiny. Wish you good luck!

Master Quest

It's all about your destiny.

Pokemon songs are really good. They teach you to believe in yourself and always keep going. They really inspire you a lot. They tell us to move on and always follow our destiny. My favorite Pokemon song is If Only Tears Could Bring You Back to Me. The song is really good. Listen to it as soon as possible.

This song is truly great. It has great, empowering lyrics and is very motivating. By the way, Indigo League is probably so high because of nostalgia. Don't get me wrong, it's a great song, but it isn't the 2nd best.

Galactic Battles

This perfectly fits the spirit of the Gen IV series, which was probably one of the best seasons out there. Also, this series featured the best group of heroes: Misty and Iris were infuriating, Max and Serena were the devil's hellspawns and should have never existed, and Cilan was annoying. However, Brock was always hilarious, and Dawn had this "best friends" dynamic with Ash that highlighted how incredible her character was. Clemont and Bonnie were funny too, but not as much as Brock. I would definitely pay to see the Gen IV squad reunited again.

Pokémon Advanced

Come on, this song is great. It has a great beat and really inspirational lyrics too.

Only #11? Come on, this should be in the top five at least.

Probably my favorite one. I love this.

Johto Journeys

Come on, guys, Johto Journeys is the best theme song in Pokemon. A catchy tune, great inspiring lyrics, and overall, an awesome song.

This is my FAVORITE. Even better than the original.

"That's one more step up the ladder! It's a whole new world we live in! It's a whole new way to see!"

I liked this one but still like the original theme better. But the Johto song is catchy and fun!

Johto League Champions

Taking some memorable lyrics from the original theme and adding its own funky spin to it makes for a fantastic, catchy theme. Even though my favorite seasons were later on in the series, this particular theme is my favorite.

It may be a small detail, but I think what makes it my favorite is when Ash jumps off Charizard and the "Johto" thing plays perfectly in sync with Ash and Pikachu. I don't know why, it was just awesome. The lyrics are also super catchy.

Obviously, Indigo League is the best, but I would say this one is a close second. Born to be the very best -- how can you not love this song?!

Diamond and Pearl

The Diamond and Pearl theme is actually well put out. It has a great beat to it. I like this really well.

Absolutely love this. Has a very rockish-nu metal thing going on. Just wish this badass theme was longer.

Much better than Black and White.

Sinnoh League Victors

The newer songs give us a taste of the development of the series and how it has changed, showing the different types of friends and rivals he has as the series developed from the Indigo League all the way to the Diamond and Pearl franchise.

This is definitely my favorite song, besides the Season 1 song. I think it captures the spirit of Pokémon perfectly and suits the rivalry between Ash and Paul well. Also, I prefer the theme songs that are based on a guitar. It gives so much energy and makes you believe you can do it!

Orange Islands

The Newcomers

? Advanced Adventure

This may be one of the Japanese openings, but it is clearly the greatest.

? We Will Be Heroes (Battle Dimension)
The Contenders
Battle Dimension

This and Galactic Battles are easily my favorites. They deserve much higher praise.

Love this song. It's my favorite. Meant to vote for this one, my fault.

Pokémon Theme (Mewtwo Strikes Back Version)

Better than the original Indigo League theme song remix. Not too much better, though.

Battle Frontier

Pokemon themes are not just themes. They are supposed to be some kind of inspiring song, like Black and White, Battle Frontier, Master Quest, Indigo League, and Johto League. But this is one of the best I've seen.

It's always been my favorite since I was a little kid! I know every word!

My favorite, tied with Advanced Battle. Hoenn had all the right stuff. (See what I did there?)

It's Always You & Me

Yeah, pretty catchy. I gotta admit, I do find myself singing "we've come so far, we've fought so hard to get where we are." It gives me a bit of courage when I'm thinking about quitting. It's not my favorite and comes from a disappointing region, but it should still be acknowledged.

Probably the best opening in probably the worst Pokemon season.

Pokémon Stand Tall (XYZ)

This opening is awesome! It should be higher.

It is the best! How is it below Master Quest?

I believe it is the very best by far!

Kalos Theme Song

Epic! Good beat! Better than the original!

Whoa, it's very good. Best for Pokemon.

Rival Destinies

To be honest, Rival Destinies is actually really good, but it's brought down by everything else in Unova, thus it has a bad name. Higher, please.

Rival Destinies honestly is my favorite song. It has Ash, Cilan, and Iris in it, and it has my favorite Pokemon in it, Snivy!

Come on, guys. Whatever comes my way, I won't run away. Such inspiration.

Advanced Challenge

The song is full of power, and I really love it. You should listen to the whole song (fan-made). The song is fantastic. I even wanted to make a learning version for the end of primary school. Best song ever.

That opening is stuck in my head!

Black and White

It's by far the best theme song, second only to the original theme song.

If others disagree, then tell me which other theme song sends a stronger message, not counting the original. Are you people small kids that rate a song only because it's upbeat or has a guitar in it?

I mean, come on, people. The BW song is right up there with Taylor Swift's Style and John Legend's All of Me. Please think before voting. Peace out.

The BW song inspires adults and children alike to follow their dreams and to never give up, which is backed up by awesome singers like Erin Bowman.

Seriously, "It's not always black or white, but your heart always knows what's right." It doesn't get more moving and philosophical than that. And secondly, who in their right mind would put the Advanced Battle theme in second place!

Pokémon: Unbeatable

This song is great! It's so catchy and fits the feel of the season. It's a great send-off for the 4Kids dub.

Pokémon Adventures in Unova (and Beyond)
Battle Cry (Stand Up!)
Pokémon - Theme 11 DP - JPN Full

This song brings nostalgia, bruh. My childhood may be gone, however, this song revives all those memories.

The time Ash beat Darkrai, and Latios (he was a likeable noob).

Be a Hero
Hoenn Pokérap

This rap is hard to learn, but once you do, it's super fun to sing and rap along with!

Heh heh. They said Groudon and Kyogre like Groodon and Kyogree.

Messing up the names of both version mascots in the same region. It's still a good Pokérap, though.

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