Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise, starting within the mid-Nineteen Nineties with Pokémon Pink, Inexperienced, and Blue for the Nintendo Recreation Boy. Since then, the franchise has expanded into buying and selling playing cards, a long-running anime, a number of manga collection, theatrical movies, cell video games, and extra. But irrespective of how a lot time passes, essentially the most well-known period of Pokémon stays its first, which occurred within the Kanto area.

One motive for Kanto’s longevity is the design of the unique 150 Pokémon. In comparison with later generations, Kanto’s Pokémon have very simplistic designs that convey what sort of magical monster they’re meant to be whereas additionally being recognizable, typically endearing, and straightforward to recreate. Many of those Pokémon even have attention-grabbing lore or appearances within the anime, which provides to their attraction and memorability. Because it occurs, just a few standout Pokémon rise above the others. These are essentially the most iconic Kanto Pokémon, superstars among the many unique 150.

10 Dragonite

Pokédex Quantity 149: “The Dragon Pokémon”

The Dragon-type has all the time been one of the vital widespread in Pokémon, however again in Kanto, the one ones obtainable had been from the Dratini line. If trainers had been fortunate sufficient to catch one within the Safari Zone or purchase one from the Recreation Nook, it might be an extended street to evolve it into Dragonair and once more into Dragonite. But the arduous work is value it for one of the vital dependable members of the fan-dubbed pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

Whereas Dragonite’s design just isn’t as fierce as different Dragon-types, it finally ends up standing out in comparison with later dragons, and its pleasant design matches its in-game lore. Dragonite is described as an altruistic protector who saves individuals from drowning at sea and steers misplaced ships towards land. Its transformation from the serpent-like Dratini and Dragonair right into a extra conventional dragon additionally references the snake-like imugi of Korean mythology, who can transcend into true dragons ought to they show themselves worthy.

9 Squirtle

Pokédex Quantity 7: “The Tiny Turtle Pokémon”

Trainers beginning their journey within the Kanto area get to choose between three starter Pokémon: the Grass and Poison-type Bulbasaur, the Hearth-type Charmander, and the Water-type Squirtle. Those that decide Squirtle will discover a dependable Pokémon in a position to make use of its shell to climate most assaults earlier than placing again with a well-placed Water Gun. In time, it evolves into Wartortle and Blastoise, the latter of whom can unlock new non permanent kinds by means of Mega Evolution and Gigantimaxing if the bond with its coach is powerful sufficient.

Among the many first types of the Kanto starters, Squirtle stands out as one of many cutest Pokémon round, turning into an prompt star within the first season of the anime. Early on, Ash and his associates encounter the mischievous Squirtle Squad made up of Squirtles deserted by their trainers. Finally, the Pokémon flip over a brand new leaf, and considered one of them joins Ash for a lot of adventures. Squirtle additionally featured alongside Ivysaur and Charizard within the Tremendous Smash Bros collection as one of many Pokémon utilized by the Pokémon Coach.

8 Gyarados

Pokédex Quantity 130: “The Attrotious Pokémon”

The oceans of the Pokémon world are stuffed with risks, however none are as feared as Gyarados. Having developed from the widespread and slightly weak fish-like Magikarp, Gyarados’ mind chemistry was altered, inflicting it to go on harmful rampages. Evolution additionally gave Gyarados a Flying-type, that means that getting away from the water is not sufficient to avoid wasting you from its wrath.

Together with its menacing design, Gyarados stays a preferred Pokémon because of its uplifting story. The anime primarily used Gyarados as an antagonist that the characters needed to run from, particularly because it was the one Water-type that Ash’s first companion, Misty, hated, because of childhood trauma. Nevertheless, she overcame her emotions when she bonded with a Gyarados that developed from considered one of her gymnasium’s Magikarp, and the 2 grew to become so shut that they achieved Mega Evolution.

7 Gengar

Pokédex Quantity 94: “The Shadow Pokémon”

Ghost-type Pokémon are inclined to have among the creepiest lore of any species, and the unique one was no exception. Gengar continues the lethal traditions of its pre-evolutions by draining the life from people; slightly than making contact with an individual, Gengar prefers to cover of their shadows and slowly drain all warmth from the encircling space. It is rumored that the species are the souls of deceased people; when their victims succumb to Gengar’s torment, they are going to turn into one, too.

This darkish lore, mixed with Gengar’s huge smile and spherical design, has saved it as one of the vital beloved Ghost-type Pokémon. Most Gengar aren’t as lethal because the Pokédex makes them: they take pleasure in pulling pranks on individuals and are fiercely loyal to their trainers. Its recognition granted it each a Mega Evolution and Gigantimax type in later video games, each of which play up Gengar’s nature as a dwelling shadow.

6 Meowth

Pokédex Quantity 52: “The Scratch Cat Pokémon”

Although many feline Pokémon have emerged since Kanto, the unique cat, Mewoth, stays top-of-the-line contenders for a pet. At evening, Mewoth wanders round city areas, on the lookout for shiny issues to take residence and generally stepping into fights with Murkrow over loot. Typically, it can share its treasure with its trainers, and in battle, it may well discover extra cash utilizing its signature transfer, “Pay Day.”

Meowth’s recognition stems from the anime, the place one taught himself learn how to communicate and have become a member of the a lot beloved Crew Rocket trio. Meowth has obtained a fair proportion of affection lately, beginning in Pokémon Solar & Moon, the place it gained a Darkish-type Alolan Type. It obtained one other Metal-type type in Pokémon Sword & Defend that evolves into the Viking-inspired Perserker and a Gigantimax type for the unique Kanto-Meowth.

5 Mew

Pokédex Quantity 151: “The New Species Pokémon”

The primary Legendary Pokémon, Mew, is one of the vital enigmatic species. Regardless of its cute design and playful disposition, Mew’s cells comprise the DNA of each Pokémon species, granting it the power to remodel into different Pokémon and be taught nearly any transfer. Thus, discovering one is not any small feat.

Mew was snuck into the unique Pokémon video games on the final minute, which led to many theories about how one might receive it of their sport. Whereas it is a lot simpler to catch Mew now, there are nonetheless many questions relating to it, which helps it retain an air of secrecy and discovery. The anime has given Mew many possibilities to shine, with the newest instance coming from Pokémon Journeys: The Sequence, the place Ash’s companion, Goh, made it his mission to catch one.

4 Mewtwo

Pokédex Quantity 150: “The Genetic Pokémon”

When scientists collected DNA from Mew, they used it to create a clone referred to as Mewtwo. Designed to be essentially the most highly effective Pokémon in existence, Mewtwo’s coronary heart was hardened to people by the experiments carried out on it, leading to it escaping captivity and fleeing into Cerulean Cave. There, it stays immobile, build up its large psychic powers to unleash upon anybody silly sufficient to cross its path.

Mewtwo is among the most badass Pokémon, and regardless of the brand new legendaries added with every era, it stays the apex when it comes to lore and persona. That is because of the eye it obtained in Pokémon: The First Film, the place Mewtwo’s vendetta in opposition to humanity led to it trying to create a military of cloned Pokémon. Conceptually, Mewtwo succeeds as a result of it’s a basic instance of man’s try and play God and the way disastrous the implications might be.

3 Charizard

Pokédex Quantity 6: “The Flame Pokémon”

The ultimate evolution of Charmander, Charizard, positive aspects the Flying-type and takes on a draconic look. It makes use of its new wings to soar by means of the air and seek for robust opponents to check itself in opposition to. Although desirous to struggle, Charizard possesses a code of honor and will not unleash its flames in opposition to anybody weaker.

It is simple to see why Charizard is so beloved: it is a mighty draconic beast that, because of its standing as a Starter, makes itself a dependable linchpin to a coach’s staff. It has obtained among the most love of any Pokémon: Pokémon X & Y gave it two Mega Evolutions, and Sword & Defend gave it a Gygantimax type and the glory of being the signature Pokémon of the regional champion, Leon. The anime additionally elevated Charizard’s fanbase because of the storyline round Ash’s Charizard, who initially refused to hearken to the younger coach after evolving earlier than rising into considered one of his most reliable and highly effective Pokémon.

2 Eevee

Pokédex Quantity 133: “The Evolution Pokémon”

The core idea of Pokémon is evolution, by which the Pokémon remodel into new, stronger kinds. No species embodies this like Eevee, a small fox and cat-like creature that has extremely unstable DNA. This high quality permits Eevee to endure eight attainable evolutions with particular stones and friendship ranges based mostly on completely different instances of the day or by figuring out particular strikes.

Eevee’s cute design and distinctive tackle evolution have made it a fan favourite, and lately, it has turn into a secondary mascot for the franchise. It is a Pokémon that may adapt to no matter a coach wants, permitting it to fill any area of interest in a staff. The anime has additionally helped to provide Eevee extra love, as a number of characters debate which type to evolve their Eevee into, thus showcasing the professionals and cons of every one.

1 Pikachu

Pokédex Quantity 25: “The Mouse Pokémon”

The face of Pokémon itself, Pikachu is an Electrical-type rodent who dwells in communities in forested areas alongside their pre-evolution, Pichu, and their Thunder Stone evolution, Raichu. They retailer electrical energy inside their cheek pouches and periodically need to launch it, resulting in their territory being plagued by singed vegetation and blackened earth. Probably the most well-known Pikachu is the trusted accomplice of Ash Ketchum, who has accompanied him since his first day as a Pokémon Coach.

Pikachu just isn’t solely essentially the most well-known Pokémon however considered one of essentially the most recognizable animated characters of all time. There are lots of causes for its recognition, together with its vibrant colours, cute design, and the quantity of persona it may well convey, particularly within the long-running animated collection. Thus, The Pokémon Firm has launched a number of distinctive Pikachu variations within the video games that can’t evolve however acquire quite a few advantages because of gimmicks.

NEXT: Each Major Pokémon Area, Ranked