Alright, let's talk about Pokemon. You're probably here because you want to dive into the anime but have no clue where to start. I get it—I've been there. Years ago, I tried watching random episodes and ended up totally confused. Ash had a Charizard one minute, then it was gone the next. What the heck? That's why figuring out how to watch Pokemon in order is so key. You'll avoid those messy gaps and actually enjoy the story.
So, why bother with the order anyway? Well, Pokemon isn't just a bunch of standalone episodes. It's got a continuous storyline where Ash grows, his Pokemon evolve, and new regions get introduced. If you skip around, you'll miss out on character development and big events. Trust me, I made that mistake when I first started. I jumped into the Hoenn series without seeing the Johto seasons, and it felt like I walked into a movie halfway through. Totally ruined it.
Why Watching Pokemon Chronologically Matters
Pokemon began way back in 1997, and it's still going strong today. That's over 25 years of episodes! With so many seasons, movies, and spin-offs, it's easy to get lost. But watching in order lets you see Ash's journey from a rookie trainer to a champion. It makes the emotional moments hit harder—like when Pikachu first refused to go into a Pokeball. I still remember that scene giving me chills as a kid.
Some people say you can just pick any season. Nah, that doesn't work. Take the movies, for instance. They often tie into the main series. If you watch a movie without seeing the episodes around it, you'll miss references and cameos. I tried watching "Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai" before finishing the Sinnoh arc, and half the characters felt random. Not fun at all. So, sticking to a proper viewing order saves you headaches.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Is this gonna take forever?" Yeah, it might. There are over 1,200 episodes across multiple series. But I'll break it down into manageable chunks. We'll cover the main anime, movies, specials, and where to stream them all. Plus, I'll share my own binge-watching disasters so you don't repeat them.
The Complete Pokemon Anime Timeline Explained
First things first—you need to know the sequence of the Pokemon series. It all starts with the original, but things branch out later. I'll list them in release order because that's how the story unfolds chronologically. Watching them this way keeps the plot coherent. I learned that the hard way after mixing up the Advanced Generation with Black and White. Big mistake.
Main Pokemon Series List
Here's every main series season, in the exact order they aired. I've included key details like the number of episodes and why each one matters. Plus, I'll note where you can stream them today. This table covers it all:
| Series Name | Years Aired | Episodes | Key Events | Where to Watch | Subscription Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokemon: Indigo League | 1997-1999 | 82 | Ash starts his journey; catches Pikachu; battles Gym Leaders. Sets up the whole story. | Netflix, Pokemon TV | Netflix starts at $6.99/month (with ads), Pokemon TV is free |
| Pokemon: Adventures in the Orange Islands | 1999-2000 | 36 | Ash explores new islands; wins Orange League. Filler-heavy, but has fun moments. | Netflix, Hulu | Hulu starts at $7.99/month (with ads) |
| Pokemon: The Johto Journeys | 1999-2002 | 157 | Ash heads to Johto; new Pokemon like Cyndaquil. Team Rocket gets more screen time. | Pokemon TV, Amazon Prime | Amazon Prime Video is $8.99/month extra with Prime |
| Pokemon: Advanced Generation | 2002-2006 | 192 | Hoenn region; May joins as companion. Ash's battles get more intense. | Hulu, Netflix | Same as above |
| Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl | 2006-2010 | 191 | Sinnoh region; Dawn as new character. Focus on contests and evolutions. | Netflix, Pokemon TV | Pokemon TV free |
| Pokemon: Black and White | 2010-2013 | 142 | Unova region; Ash resets with new team. Iris and Cilan join. Weaker plot in my opinion. | Hulu, Netflix | Hulu $7.99/month |
| Pokemon: XY | 2013-2016 | 142 | Kalos region; Ash matures; Serena joins. Best animation of the series. | Netflix, Pokemon TV | Netflix $6.99/month |
| Pokemon: Sun and Moon | 2016-2019 | 146 | Alola region; school setting. Art style changes—some fans hate this, including me. | Netflix, Hulu | Hulu $7.99/month |
| Pokemon Journeys: The Series | 2019-2022 | 128 | Ash travels all regions; becomes world champion. Satisfying payoff for long-time viewers. | Netflix | Netflix $6.99/month |
| Pokemon Horizons: The Series | 2023-present | Ongoing | New protagonists after Ash; fresh start. Still building up. | Netflix | Netflix $6.99/month |
This timeline is your foundation. I'd recommend starting with Indigo League and going straight through. But be warned—some seasons drag. Like, the Orange Islands? It's mostly filler, so if you're short on time, you could skip it. I did on my last rewatch, and it didn't hurt the overall story. Still, for completeness, I'd say watch it once.
Personal rant time: The Black and White series was a letdown. Ash acted like a beginner again, forgetting all his experience. It felt lazy, like the writers hit reset. I almost quit watching altogether. But XY made up for it with epic battles. So, stick with it—there are highs and lows.
Pokemon Movies and Specials to Include
Movies are a huge part of the Pokemon world, and they slot right into the timeline. Most fit between seasons or episodes. Missing them can leave gaps, like why Ash suddenly has a new Pokemon. Here's a list in order, tied to the main series:
| Movie Title | Release Year | Where to Watch | Best Viewing Point | Subscription Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mewtwo Strikes Back | 1998 | Netflix, Amazon Prime | After Indigo League, around episode 60 | Included with Netflix or Prime |
| Pokemon 2000: The Power of One | 1999 | Pokemon TV, Hulu | During Orange Islands arc, around episode 20 of that series | Free on Pokemon TV |
| Pokemon 3: The Movie | 2000 | Netflix, Hulu | After Johto Journeys, early in the series | Hulu $7.99/month |
| Pokemon Heroes: Latios and Latias | 2002 | Amazon Prime | During Advanced Generation, after Ash arrives in Hoenn | Prime Video $8.99/month |
| Jirachi: Wish Maker | 2003 | Pokemon TV | Midway through Advanced Generation | Free |
| Destiny Deoxys | 2004 | Hulu | Later in Advanced Generation | Hulu $7.99/month |
| Lucario and the Mystery of Mew | 2005 | Netflix | End of Advanced Generation | Netflix $6.99/month |
| The Rise of Darkrai | 2007 | Pokemon TV | Early in Diamond and Pearl | Free |
| Giratina and the Sky Warrior | 2008 | Amazon Prime | Mid Diamond and Pearl | Prime Video $8.99/month |
| Arceus and the Jewel of Life | 2009 | Hulu | Late Diamond and Pearl | Hulu $7.99/month |
| Zoroark: Master of Illusions | 2010 | Netflix | Early Black and White | Netflix $6.99/month |
| Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice | 2012 | Pokemon TV | Mid Black and White | Free |
| Genesect and the Legend Awakened | 2013 | Hulu | End of Black and White | Hulu $7.99/month |
| Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction | 2014 | Netflix | During XY series | Netflix $6.99/month |
| Hoopa and the Clash of Ages | 2015 | Pokemon TV | Later in XY | Free |
| Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel | 2016 | Amazon Prime | End of XY | Prime Video $8.99/month |
| I Choose You! (Remake of first movie) | 2017 | Netflix | After Sun and Moon starts—alternative storyline | Netflix $6.99/month |
Movies add depth but aren't always essential. For instance, "Mewtwo Strikes Back" is a must-watch—it introduces Mewtwo, who pops up later. But "I Choose You!" retells the origin, so it's optional. I skipped a few movies during my binge and didn't miss much, but if you're a completionist, include them.
And don't forget specials! Things like "Pokemon Chronicles" fill gaps between series. They're on Pokemon TV for free. I watched them all once, and they add flavor but aren't critical.
Where to Stream Pokemon: Platforms and Costs
Okay, so you've got the order—now where do you actually watch this stuff? Streaming services are your best bet. I've tested them all, and here's the lowdown. Prices change, so double-check before you sign up.
Netflix has a huge chunk of Pokemon, including all the main series from Indigo League to Horizons. It's user-friendly, with HD quality. But they rotate content, so sometimes episodes disappear. I lost access to a few seasons last year, and it was annoying. Hulu covers the gaps, especially for older series like Orange Islands. Amazon Prime has some movies, but you need an add-on subscription. Pokemon TV is free and official, with rotating seasons and movies. Perfect for budget viewers.
Here's a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| Platform | What's Available | Cost Per Month | Free Trial? | Pros and Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Most main series, recent movies | $6.99 (basic with ads) to $22.99 (premium) | Yes, 30 days | Pros: Easy navigation, full seasons. Cons: Content rotates; missing some older movies. |
| Hulu | Older series (e.g., Orange Islands, Black and White), select movies | $7.99 (with ads) to $17.99 (no ads) | Yes, 30 days | Pros: Good for gaps in Netflix. Cons: Ads are intrusive; not all seasons available. |
| Pokemon TV | Rotating free seasons, many movies | Free | N/A | Pros: Zero cost, official source. Cons: Limited selection; episodes cycle out monthly. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Some movies (e.g., Destiny Deoxys), few series | $8.99/month extra with Prime (Prime is $14.99/month) | Yes, 30 days for Prime | Pros: High quality. Cons: Expensive if you only want Pokemon; sparse content. |
For free options, Pokemon TV is gold. But it's hit or miss—last month, they had Diamond and Pearl, but now it's gone. I use it for movies mostly. Netflix is my go-to for the full journey. If you want to save cash, binge on Pokemon TV when it has what you need.
Recommended Viewing Order: Step-by-Step Plan
Alright, let's put it all together. How to watch Pokemon in order without losing your mind? I've got a simple plan. Start with the main series, weave in movies, and skip fillers if you're pressed for time. Here's my personal recommended order.
The Essential Chronological Order
This list covers the bare minimum for continuity. It's based on my own binge—I watched them all in lockdown, and this flow worked best. For movies, watch them where they fit timeline-wise. Fillers are episodes that don't advance the plot; they're skippable.
- Start with Pokemon: Indigo League (Episodes 1-82) - Watch all episodes here. It's the core origin story. Where to watch: Netflix or Pokemon TV.
- Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (after episode 60) - Fits perfectly around here. Stream on Netflix.
- Pokemon: Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 1-36) - Optional; if you skip, you won't miss much. I did once. Watch on Hulu if you bother.
- Pokemon: The Johto Journeys (Episodes 1-157) - Include all; key for Ash's growth. Pokemon TV has it free sometimes.
- Movie: Pokemon 2000 (during Johto, around episode 40 of this series) - Free on Pokemon TV.
- Pokemon: Advanced Generation (Episodes 1-192) - Watch fully; introduces May. Skip fillers if needed—about 50 episodes are skippable. Hulu or Netflix.
- Movie: Jirachi Wish Maker (mid-series) - Pokemon TV free.
- Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl (Episodes 1-191) - Must-watch; Dawn's arc is awesome. Netflix or Pokemon TV.
- Movies: Rise of Darkrai, Giratina, Arceus (watch in order during the series) - All on streaming platforms.
- Pokemon: Black and White (Episodes 1-142) - Tough to get through, but necessary. Netflix.
- Pokemon: XY (Episodes 1-142) - Peak series; don't skip. Netflix.
- Pokemon: Sun and Moon (Episodes 1-146) - Art change might bug you; I hated it at first. But story is light and fun. Hulu or Netflix.
- Pokemon Journeys: The Series (Episodes 1-128) - Climactic payoff; Ash wins big. Netflix.
- Pokemon Horizons: The Series (ongoing) - New era; start after Journeys. Netflix.
Total episodes: About 900 if you skip fillers. Movies add another 20 or so hours. For fillers, sites like Bulbapedia list non-essential episodes. I skipped about 200 across all series—no regrets.
Quick tip: Use a spreadsheet to track progress. I did this on Google Sheets, noting down episodes watched. Helped me stay organized and avoid rewatching.
Alternative Orders
Not everyone has time for the whole shebang. Here are shortcuts:
- Beginner-Friendly Order: Just watch Indigo League, then jump to XY, then Journeys. Covers Ash's start and end. Movies optional.
- Movie-Focused Order: If you love films, start with Mewtwo Strikes Back, then watch the first three movies with their series. Good for casual fans.
- Regional Order: Pick a region like Kanto (Indigo) or Galar (Journeys) and watch that arc. Less commitment.
I tried the beginner order with my niece. She loved XY but found Indigo outdated. So adjust for your taste.
Common Questions About Watching Pokemon in Order
You've got questions—I've got answers. Here are FAQs I've seen a lot, plus ones I asked myself when figuring out how to watch Pokemon in order.
How can I watch Pokemon in order for free?
Pokemon TV is your best friend. It offers free rotating seasons and movies. Pair it with free trials on Netflix or Hulu to cover more. I did a full binge using just Pokemon TV and trials—cost me zero dollars.
What's the difference between release order and chronological order?
Release order is how they aired, which is chronological for the story. Stick to it—don't mix in spin-offs like Pokemon Origins early.
Do I need to watch every episode?
Nope! Skip fillers—episodes that don't tie to gym battles or story arcs. About 30% are skippable. Bulbapedia has lists to help.
Can I start with the newer series like Horizons?
Yes, it's a reboot with new characters. But you'll miss Ash's journey. I'd recommend watching Journeys first for closure.
Where does Pokemon Journeys fit in the order?
It comes after Sun and Moon and wraps up Ash's story. Watch it last before Horizons. Why is watching Pokemon in order important here? Because Journeys references past events.
Are the movies necessary?
Not all. Core ones like Mewtwo Strikes Back or Arceus add depth. Others are standalone. I watched half and skipped the rest—no big loss.
Is there a complete playlist somewhere?
Not officially. Netflix has bundles, but you'll need multiple services. I use a combo of Netflix and Pokemon TV.
How long will it take to watch everything in order?
At 20 minutes per episode and 1.5 hours per movie, it's about 400 hours for all content. Cut it to 250 if you skip fillers. I did it over six months—slow and steady.
Still stuck? Drop a comment—I'll help out. Learned all this the hard way.
Personal Tips from My Pokemon Journey
Let me share some real-world advice. When I decided to watch Pokemon in order, I went all in. Bought subscriptions, made notes, everything. But I messed up a few times. Here's how to avoid pitfalls.
First, budget matters. Streaming costs add up fast. I spent over $100 across services in a year. Save money by timing free trials—Netflix and Hulu offer 30 days. Binge a series, then cancel. Use Pokemon TV for gaps.
Second, pace yourself. Don't force it. I tried watching 10 episodes a day and burned out. Now, I do one season per week. Makes it enjoyable. Also, skip episodes if they bore you. Like, I never watch the Team Rocket filler scenes—they're repetitive.
Third, use community resources. Sites like Bulbapedia or Reddit threads have episode guides. I referenced them to identify fillers. Saved me hours.
Downside alert: The Sun and Moon art style. Ugh, they made Ash look like a toddler. I almost quit. But the story improved, so push through. Not everything's perfect.
Finally, why even do this? Because seeing Ash's full arc is rewarding. From losing his first league to becoming champion, it's a payoff worth the effort. I teared up in Journeys—no shame.
So, that's it. You're ready to start your own Pokemon marathon. Remember, how to watch Pokemon in order isn't just about lists—it's about enjoying the journey without confusion. Got questions? Hit me up.
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