Pokémon is a global sensation that chronicles the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his electric partner, Pikachu, as they embark on a quest to become Pokémon World Champions. They encounter various Pokémon and trainers throughout their journey, forming friendships and competing in regional leagues to hone their skills.
Following a 26-season run, Ash Ketchum’s journey concluded in 2023. As fans bid farewell to the beloved duo, Ash and Pikachu embarked on a new adventure, leaving the spotlight to a fresh generation of protagonists. Pokémon Horizons: The Series, featuring Liko and Roy, premiered on Netflix in the United States on March 7, 2024, ushering in a new era for the franchise.
The anime series premiered on TV Tokyo in April 1997 and is widely regarded as one of the most successful video game adaptations of all time. Created by Satoshi Tajiri, the series has aired over 1,200 episodes in 192 countries worldwide.
To follow Ash Ketchum’s journey, this list presents the TV series timeline, including the 20 companion films. Additionally, there are three other animated films and one live-action film, Detective Pikachu (2019), which are not considered canon of the series.
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1. POKÉMON, (1997) SEASON 1 INDIGO LEAGUE (Ep 1-69)
It’s Ash Ketchum’s tenth birthday, and he’s ready to do what many 10-year-olds in the Kanto region set out to do—become a Pokémon Trainer! Things don’t go exactly the way he planned when he ends up with a Pikachu instead of a standard first Pokémon, and winning Gym Badges turns out to be much tougher than he thought. Luckily he’s got former Gym Leaders Brock and Misty at his side, along with a bevy of new Pokémon friends, including Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander
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2. POKÉMON: THE FIRST MOVIE – MEWTWO STRIKES BACK (1998) FILM
Scientists genetically create a new Pokémon, Mewtwo, but the results are horrific and disastrous
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3. POKÉMON, (1997) SEASON 1 INDIGO LEAGUE (Ep 70-82)
These episodes cover the exciting conclusion of Ash’s journey in the Pokémon League and set the stage for new adventures
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4. POKÉMON, (1999) SEASON 2 ORANGE ISLANDS (EP 1-24)
Ash’s journey to the top of the Indigo League continues—but will his friendship with fellow Pokémon League competitor Richie endanger his chances? With his Kanto journey completed, Ash finds there’s still plenty to see and do when Professor Oak sends him and his friends to the Orange Islands. Brock falls head-over-heels for the attractive Professor Ivy and decides to stay with her, leaving Ash and Misty alone as a dynamic duo—at least until they meet intrepid Pokémon watcher Tracey Sketchit
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5. POKÉMON MOVIE: THE MOVIE 2000 (1999) FILM
Ash Ketchum must gather the three spheres of fire, ice and lightning in order to restore balance to the Orange Islands
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6. POKÉMON, (2000) SEASON 2 ORANGE ISLANDS (EP 25-36)
Season two focuses on Ash’s growth as a Pokémon Trainer and features many standalone adventures, while also setting up future storylines for the Johto region
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7. POKÉMON, (2000 – 2001) SEASON 3 THE JOHTO JOURNEYS (EP 1-38)
The Orange League beckons and Ash answers the call, taking on the Orange Crew and their leader, Drake. Upon returning to Pallet Town, Ash and Misty reunite with Brock and set out on the next stage of their Pokémon journey—the Johto region! Though he still has an errand to run for Professor Oak, Ash jumps with both feet into the Johto League, taking on a couple of Gym Leaders and adding Pokémon like Totodile and Chikorita to his team
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8. POKÉMON MOVIE: SPELL OF THE UNKNOWN (2000) FILM
In the town of Greenfield, a young, lonely girl’s dreams and wishes are brought into reality by a collective of reality-warping Pokémon
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9. POKÉMON, (2001) SEASON 3 THE JOHTO JOURNEYS (EP 39-41)
The season introduces a variety of new Johto Pokémon and focuses on character development, particularly Ash’s growth as a Trainer and Team Rocket scamming the trio
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10. POKÉMON, (2001) SEASON 4 JOHTO LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (EP 1-21)
From the sprawling metropolis of Goldenrod City to the icy peak of Snowtop Mountain, the Johto region presents Ash, Misty, and Brock with exciting new adventures—along with a few familiar faces like their old friends Todd, Duplica, and Suzie! Johto’s rich past means plenty of Pokémon mysteries for our heroes to solve, and its exciting present means some tough challenges—Ash tackles three more Gyms, while handling competitions like the Pokémon Sumo Conference along the way
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11. POKÉMON MOVIE: MEWTWO RETURNS (2000) FILM
Team Rocket’s memories of Mewtwo had been erased, but the Team Rocket scientists’ logs have not. After uncovering the logs, they track down Mewtwo and build a Base in a Johto. Ash and company meet Mr. Giovanni for the first time
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12. POKÉMON, (2001) SEASON 4 JOHTO LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (EP 22-48)
Johto League Champions deepens Ash’s journey in Johto, focusing on Gym Battles, competitions, and encounters with rare and legendary Pokémon, all while preparing him for future challenges in the region
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13. POKÉMON MOVIE: 4EVER CELEBI – VOICE OF THE FOREST (2001) FILM
Ash must stop a hunter who forces the mythical Pokémon Celebi to help him destroy a forest
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14. POKÉMON, (2002) SEASON 4 JOHTO LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (EP 49-52)
The gang make their way to Olivine City and Ash’s next Gym challenge
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15. POKÉMON, (2002-2003) SEASON 5 MASTER QUEST (EP 1-47)
With the Olivine City Gym temporarily out of commission, our heroes are off to the Whirl Cup Competition—and Misty wants in on the action! Resuming their journey, they find that Jessie, James, and Meowth aren’t the only members of Team Rocket they need to worry about, though that dastardly trio still has a few tricks up their collective sleeve. After a heated battle with the final Gym Leader, Ash moves on to the Silver Conference, but does he have the mettle to take on his old rival, Gary?
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16. POKÉMON HEROES (2002) FILM
Two thieves take control of an ancient weapon designed to defend the canal city of Altomare
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17. POKÉMON, (2002-2003) SEASON 5 MASTER QUEST (EP 48-65)
Master Quest brings Ash’s Johto journey to a conclusion with high-stakes battles, emotional farewells, and the introduction of legendary Pokémon as Ash prepares for his next adventure in the Hoenn region
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18. POKÉMON CHRONICLES, (2002–2004) MINI SERIES (EP 1-22)
While Ash Ketchum continues on his quest to become the best, many others will experience their own unique journey through the Pokémon world—researchers, professors, Gym Leaders, Team Rocket members, Trainers, and even Pokémon. Some are familiar faces and others are strangers at first, but what they all have in common is a love of adventure—especially when it involves Pokémon!
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19. POKÉMON, (2003-2004) SEASON 6 ADVANCED (EP 1-35)
Polishing off the Silver Conference, Ash heads toward his next challenge—the far-off Hoenn region. While he must say goodbye to old friends, he makes the acquaintance of May, a Trainer just starting out on her Pokémon journey. Along with her little brother Max and the ever-reliable Brock, this pack of Pokémon Trainers begin pursuing their dreams—with Ash racking up three Gym Badges, while May changes tack to follow the Contest path of a Pokémon Coordinator
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20. POKÉMON MOVIE: JIRACHI – WISH MAKER (2003) FILM
A magician attempts to use the power of the Millennium Comet to awaken the legendary Pokémon Groudon
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21. POKÉMON, (2004) SEASON 6 ADVANCED (EP 36-40)
The season introduces the rivalry between Team Magma and Team Aqua, two villainous teams that seek control over Hoenn’s legendary Pokémon
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22. POKÉMON, (2004-2005) SEASON 7 ADVANCED CHALLENGE (EP 1-45)
A shadow hovers over Ash, May, and friends as they continue their journey through the Hoenn region, and it’s not just that of Mt. Chimney—both Team Magma and Team Aqua put plans into action with our heroes caught in the middle. When not foiling evil schemes, Ash and May chase their personal goals, with Ash battling for three more Gym Badges and May winning her first three Contest Ribbons. The group also gains new Pokémon like Torkoal and Bulbasaur, but could they be too much to handle?
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23. POKÉMON THE MOVIE: DESTINY DEOXYS (2004) FILM
A comet bearing a deadly Pokemon creature crash-lands onto Earth, terrorizing a nearby high-tech city, where Ash, Pikachu, and friends are currently visiting
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24. POKÉMON, (2005) SEASON 7 ADVANCED CHALLENGE (EP 46-52)
The season balances battles, contests, and new friendships as Ash and his friends grow as trainers
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25. POKÉMON, (2005-2006) SEASON 8 ADVANCED BATTLE (EP 1-43)
Ash earns his final two Badges and secures himself a spot in the Hoenn League Championships, while May comes dangerously close to not getting her final Ribbon—setting the stage for epic showdowns with both of her rivals in the Grand Festival. Ash meets two Trainers that become his own Hoenn rivals, facing off against both of them during the course of the tournament. Upon returning to Kanto and reuniting with old friends, Ash is recruited for a new challenge—the Battle Frontier
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26. POKÉMON MOVIE: LUCARIO AND THE MYSTERY OF MEW (2005) FILM
When Pikachu is taken to the Tree of Beginnings by the playful Mew, Ash Ketchum and friends are guided to the tree by Lucario, a time-displaced Pokémon who seeks answers regarding the betrayal of his master
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27. POKÉMON, (2006) SEASON 8 ADVANCED BATTLE (EP 44-52)
The season culminates with the Hoenn League competition, where Ash reaches the Top 8. Afterward, Ash and his friends head to the Battle Frontier, setting the stage for new adventures and challenges
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28. POKÉMON, (2006) SEASON 9 BATTLE FRONTIER (EP 1-5)
The territory might be familiar, but even Ash and Brock can find more than a few surprises in their home region of Kanto, like a Pokémon Ranger hot on the cases of two Legendary Pokémon
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29. THE MASTERMIND OF MIRAGE POKÉMON (2006) – FILM
Ash receives a letter from Dr. Yung, inviting him to his laboratory to show him his new creation: Mirage-Pokémon, which are supposedly much more powerful than “normal” Pokémon
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30. POKÉMON, (2006) SEASON 9 BATTLE FRONTIER (EP 6-38)
May’s back on the Contest path, blazing a trail to the Kanto Grand Festival, while Ash seeks out the hidden facilities of the Battle Frontier. If finding them wasn’t hard enough, he’s still got battles with the Frontier Brains to deal with—much tougher than any Gym Leader he’s ever faced
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31. POKÉMON MOVIE: RANGER AND THE TEMPLE OF THE SEA (2006) FILM
Our heroes must protect the Prince of the Sea, Manaphy, from the evil pirate Phantom, and return the young Pokémon to the Sea Temple with the help of the the People of the Water and Jackie the Pokémon Ranger.
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32. POKÉMON, (2007) SEASON 9 BATTLE FRONTIER (EP 39-47)
Ash’s Frontier Battle journey has come to a successful end, but before our heroes part ways, they learn of an unofficial Pokémon Contest in Terracotta Town, and Ash and May both decide to enter
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33. POKÉMON, (2007) SEASON 10 DIAMOND AND PEARL (EP 1-39)
If Gary Oak is headed for the Sinnoh region, then Ash Ketchum won’t be far behind. Ready to take on the Sinnoh League, Ash brings along Pikachu and meets up with Brock in Sinnoh, where the pair of Trainers are soon joined by a third—Dawn, a novice Pokémon Coordinator determined to follow in the footsteps of her mother
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34. POKÉMON: THE RISE OF DARKRAI (2007) FILM
An idyllic town is thrown into chaos when two powerful Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia, cross paths and battle, distorting the dimensions of time and space. The only hope comes from Darkrai, a shadowy Pokémon shunned by the townsfolk
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35. POKÉMON, (2007-2008) SEASON 10 DIAMOND AND PEARL (EP 40-52)
Both Ash and Dawn struggle with their respective paths, but it’s easy for them to make new friends, gaining new Pokémon like Turtwig and Piplup
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36. POKÉMON, (2008) SEASON 11 DP BATTLE DIMENSION (EP 1-34)
It’s looking good for Ash as he works on his next three Gym Badges, but not so good for Dawn, coming off a pair of Contest defeats. Both will do what they can to become better Trainers, from entering the Wallace Cup competition to attending Professor Rowan’s Pokémon Summer Academy
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37. POKÉMON: GIRATINA AND THE SKY WARRIOR (2008) FILM
When a new Pokèmon emerges able to create parallel dimensions, it’s up to Ash Ketchum and his friends to stop a mysterious stranger from using its powers for evil
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38. POKÉMON, (2008) SEASON 11 DP BATTLE DIMENSION (EP 35-52)
The new tactics Ash and Dawn pick up will give them the tools they need to succeed against the latest plot by Pokémon Hunter J—as well as the emerging threat of Team Galactic
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39. POKÉMON, (2009) SEASON 12 DP GALACTIC BATTLES (EP 1-31)
As the menace of Team Galactic continues to loom over the Sinnoh region, Ash and Dawn keep getting caught up in the schemes of this mysterious group of villains—as well as facing some other unexpected challenges
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40. POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE (2009) FILM
Arceus, creator of the world, comes to pass judgement on humanity for the theft of the Jewel of Life, but Ash Ketchum and his friends are sent back in time to discover and possible reverse the events that led to Arceus’ vendetta
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41. POKÉMON, (2009) SEASON 12 DP GALACTIC BATTLES (EP 32-53)
Dawn’s got her hands full dealing with the many problems of her Pokémon, while Ash’s ongoing rivalry with Paul finally comes to a head in a full 6-on-6 battle! It might be the ultimate test of training styles
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42. POKÉMON, (2010) SEASON 13 DP SINNOH LEAGUE VICTORS (EP 1-21)
Watch Ash, Dawn, and Brock travel across the Sinnoh region to face challenges, battles, and the antics of Team Rocket
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43. POKÉMON: ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS (2010) FILM
A greedy, manipulative media mogul seeks to capture Celebi for nefarious purposes, using the shape-shifting Pokémon Zoroark to hunt it down
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44. POKÉMON, (2010) SEASON 13 DP SINNOH LEAGUE VICTORS (EP 22-34)
With Team Galactic out of the way, Ash can now focus on qualifying for the Sinnoh League. And Dawn will train to compete for her final Contest Ribbon, which would allow her to compete in the Grand Festival
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45. POKÉMON, (2011) SEASON 14 BLACK AND WHITE (EP 1-39)
A new land, new rivals, new challenges, and all-new Pokémon make the 14th season of the Pokémon animated series one of the most exciting ones yet! When Ash and his mother accompany Professor Oak to the distant Unova region, Ash discovers Pokémon that he’s never seen before… and that he can’t wait to catch! He may have Pikachu at his side together with new friends Iris and Cilan, but he’ll still need plenty of new Pokémon on his team if he wants to challenge Unova’s expert Gym Leaders
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46. POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE – VICTINI AND ZEKROM (2011) FILM
The greatest adventure in Pokémon history approaches
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47. POKÉMON, (2011-2012) SEASON 14 BLACK AND WHITE (EP 40-48)
Ashes quest to become a Pokémon Master just gets even tougher
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48. POKÉMON, (2012-2013) SEASON 15 BW RIVAL DESTINIES (EP 1-49)
New foes, new friends, and dozens of never-before-seen Pokémon await Ash and Pikachu in Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies. As Ash and his friends continue to explore the Unova region, he’ll find himself up against the ultimate battle challenge: Alder, the Champion Master of Unova! His friends also face their own trials, one fighting for the right to continue her travels, another confronting a returning challenge from the past—and all three of them must team up to save an island from the clashing forces of three powerful and mysterious Legendary Pokémon
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49. POKÉMON THE MOVIE: KYUREM VS. THE SWORD OF JUSTICE (2012) FILM
An over zealous pokemon called Keldeo enrages a very powerful Kyurem. With the help of Ash and Pikachu, can Keldeo become a sword of justice and defeat the mighty Kyurem
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50. POKÉMON, (2013) SEASON 16 BW ADVENTURES IN UNOVA (EP 1-25)
Ash and his friends Iris and Cilan have foiled Team Rocket’s latest evil plan, but a new danger lurks on the horizon! But first, with eight Gym badges in hand, Ash is ready to take on the region’s ultimate challenge: the Unova League, where he’ll face familiar rivals and new opponents in his ongoing quest to become a Pokémon Master.
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51. POKÉMON MOVIE: GENESECT AND THE LEGEND AWAKENED (2013) FILM
Ash, Pikachu, and friends must stop Mewtwo and a group of Genesect from the destroying the city
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52. POKÉMON, (2013) SEASON 16 BW ADVENTURES IN UNOVA (EP 26-45)
Iris has been having some trouble connecting with her powerful and stubborn Dragonite—can a visit home to the Village of Dragons help sort things out for the aspiring Dragon Master
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53. POKÉMON, (2014) SEASON 17 XY (EP 1-37)
Ash and Pikachu set off on their adventures in the Kalos region. Along the way, they’re joined by some new friends—a genius inventor named Clemont, his little sister Bonnie, and Serena, a Trainer on her first journey. Ash immediately tries to challenge the Gym in Lumiose City, but doesn’t get very far before a robot throws him out!
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54. POKÉMON THE MOVIE: DIANCIE AND THE COCOON OF DESTRUCTION (2014) FILM
When Diancie a Pokémon said to create diamond travels to find Xerneas to help her make a heart diamond to save her home, Ash, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie help her to be safe on the way from thieves
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55. POKÉMON, (2014) SEASON 17 XY (EP 38-48)
In between Gym battles, Ash and friends will be exploring this unique region, meeting all kinds of new Pokémon, and looking into a fascinating new Pokémon mystery
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56. POKÉMON, (2014-2015) SEASON 18 XY KALOS QUEST (EP 1-33)
Ash and Pikachu continue their epic journey in the next exciting season of Pokémon the Series: XY Kalos Quest. While Ash continues his quest to win eight Gym badges so he can enter the Kalos League, he and his traveling companions will make new friends, forge new rivalries, and, of course, meet some brand-new Pokémon
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57. POKÉMON MOVIE: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES (2015) FILM
Ash, Pikachu, and their friends meet the mythical Pokémon Hoopa. The little Pokémon likes to use his talent to play harmless tricks on people. When its true power is released, it loses control and becomes the terrifying Hoopa Unbound
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58. POKÉMON, (2015) SEASON 18 XY KALOS QUEST (EP 34-45)
Serena, with her partner Fennekin and new friend Pancham, will take on the Pokémon Showcase world; Clemont will continue to create inventions and hope some of them are a hit; and Bonnie, as ever, will try to find someone to take care of her big brother
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59. POKÉMON MOVIE: VOLCANION AND THE MECHANICAL MARVEL (2016) FILM
A mystical Pokémon by the name of Volcanion must accept Ash’s help to rescue the Azoth Kingdom
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60. POKÉMON, (2016-2017) SEASON 19 XYZ (EP 1-47)
Ash, Pikachu, and their friends explore the deepest mysteries of the Kalos region. Team Flare has plans for the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde and the secret it holds. Alain’s ongoing search for the source of Mega Evolution intersects with our heroes’ adventures. And true to Gym Leader Olympia’s prediction, Ash and his Frogadier will work together to reach surprising new heights
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61. POKÉMON, (2017) SEASON 20 SUN & MOON (EP 1-43)
What starts as a summer vacation in the tropical Alola region turns into the next exciting chapter in Ash Ketchum’s quest to become a Pokémon Master. There’s plenty for Ash and Pikachu to explore in this sunny new region, with exciting new Pokémon to discover and interesting people to learn from along the way—including the cool Professor Kukui and the fun-loving Samson Oak. More new faces will help guide Ash’s Alolan adventure, in the form of a group of skilled Trainers—Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles—and a mysterious research assistant called Lillie. Frequent foes Team Rocket have also made the trip to Alola, looking to swipe some high-powered new Pokémon. But they have some heavy competition on the villainy front: the ruffians of Team Skull, who delight in causing chaos and may have more sinister intentions
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62. POKÉMON, (2018-2019) SEASON 21 SM ULTRA ADVENTURES (EP 1-49)
When Ash sees the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala in a dream, he makes a promise to them. But when he wakes up, he can’t remember what it was. Will the strange Pokémon called Nebby help jog his memory? Along with their new friend and the rest of the students at the Pokémon School, Ash and Pikachu explore the Aether Foundation, an organization dedicated to Pokémon conservation and care. But it may not be as innocent as it seems, and Ash and his friends will have to work together to protect the people and Pokémon they care about as they face a mysterious power like nothing they have ever seen
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63. POKÉMON, (2019-2020) SEASON 22 SM ULTRA LEGENDS (EP 1-54)
Ash has completed three of his four grand trials in the Alola region, and more adventures await as he and his classmates acquire new Z-Crystals, make new Pokémon friends, and learn how to Mantine Surf. In their role as Ultra Guardians, the Pokémon School students take on an important mission to protect Wela Volcano. Ash meets a new rival, Hau, whose Dartrix offers Rowlet quite a challenge. Even Rotom Dex gets an adventure of its own when our heroes visit the set of its favorite TV show! And Professor Kukui’s dream of starting a Pokémon League in Alola just might be getting closer to reality
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64. POKÉMON, (2020-2021) SEASON 23 JOURNEYS (EP 1-48)
Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum has a new plan: see the world. But first, he and his partner Pikachu are headed to the opening of the Cerise Laboratory, a research facility dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of Pokémon in every region. Ash meets Goh, another boy with boundless curiosity about Pokémon, and both are overjoyed when Professor Cerise asks them to become official research fellows. With Ash as determined as ever to become a Pokémon Master, and Goh aiming to catch one of every Pokémon (including the Mythical Mew)
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65. POKÉMON, (2021-2022) SEASON 24 MASTER JOURNEYS (EP 1-42)
It’s a big, big world, but you know where to find Ash and Goh—battling and catching Pokémon from Kanto to Galar. With Pikachu, Cinderace, and their other Pokémon beside them, they continue to travel all over the world to research Pokémon for Cerise Laboratory. Along the way, Ash climbs higher in the World Coronation Series rankings, and Goh adds more Pokémon to his Pokédex in his quest to catch Mew. Meanwhile, Chloe takes her first steps as a Pokémon Trainer when she meets a mysterious Eevee
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66. POKÉMON, (2022) SEASON 25 ULTIMATE JOURNEYS (EP 1-4)
The stakes are higher than ever for Ash, Goh, and Chloe as they advance toward their goals. As the Pokémon World Coronation Series tournament heats up, intensive training is in store for Ash, Pikachu, and their Pokémon friends. Meanwhile, Goh embarks on a series of challenging trial missions to become a member of Project Mew. And as Chloe and Eevee learn about the different evolutionary paths that Eevee can take, will they be able to come to a decision about its future
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67. POKÉMON, (2022) SEASON 25 ULTIMATE JOURNEYS (EP 1-4)
While investigating the legend of the mythical Pokémon Arceus, Ash, Goh and Dawn uncover a plot by Team Galactic that threatens the world
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68. POKÉMON, (2022-2023) SEASON 25 ULTIMATE JOURNEYS (EP 5-54)
We bid farewell to Ash Ketchum and Pikachu,in their final Pokémon the Series episodes. After a 25-year-long journey they exit the series and end their adventure
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69. POKÉMON, (2023)TO BE A POKÉMON MASTER: ULTIMATE JOURNEYS: THE SERIES (EP 1-11)
Ash and his companions Pikachu, Misty, and Brock journey across regions, aiding troubled Pokémon while a mysterious guardian watches over them. The Series is a special 11-episode epilogue of Ash Ketchum’s story in the Pokémon anime franchise. It serves as a tribute to Ash’s 25-year journey, showcasing a series of nostalgic, heartfelt episodes that revisit key themes and characters from his long-running adventures