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[[File:Pikachu the Movie.png|thumb|300px|Pikachu the Movie]]
[[File:Pikachu the Movie.png|thumb|300px|Pikachu the Movie]]
[[File:Pokémon the Movie logo.png|thumb|300px|Pokémon the Movie]]
[[File:Pokémon the Movie logo.png|thumb|300px|Pokémon the Movie]]
A '''Pokémon movie''' (Japanese: '''ポケモン・ザ・ムービー''' ''Pokémon the Movie'') is a theatrical film released in Japan in July, centering on {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} and following, as the {{pkmn|anime|main anime series}}, {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}. Typically, the movies' animation is done by [[Team Koitabashi]] of [[OLM Incorporated|OLM]], and each has at least one hour of footage. Nine of the movies also have a [[Pikachu short]] that is shown before the main feature, and all of them have a {{cat|Movie manga adaptations|manga adaptation}}.
A '''Pokémon movie''' is a theatrical film released in Japan in July, centering on {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} and following, as the {{pkmn|anime|main anime series}}, {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}. Typically, the movies' animation is done by [[Team Koitabashi]] of [[OLM Incorporated|OLM]], and each has at least one hour of footage. Nine of the movies also have a [[Pikachu short]] that is shown before the main feature, and all of them have a {{cat|Movie manga adaptations|manga adaptation}}.


The locations in which the movies take place have been, since ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]'', based on [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world|real-world locations]] outside of Japan. Topics explored are typically deeper than those explored in the [[List of anime episodes|episodes]] aired on television, with the battle between greedy people who would use Pokémon for evil and those like Ash who are friends and partners to their Pokémon being a central issue in several movies.
The locations in which the movies take place have been, since ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]'', based on [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world|real-world locations]] outside of Japan. Topics explored are typically deeper than those explored in the [[List of anime episodes|episodes]] aired on television, usually featuring Ash and his friends confronting antagonists who wish to use Pokémon for selfish purposes. Nearly every movie involves [[Legendary Pokémon]], and many of them debut a [[Mythical Pokémon]] belonging to the ongoing [[generation]] of the [[main series]] games, with [[List of event Pokémon distributions|event distributions]] for certain Pokémon featuring in the movie running concurrently.


When they open in Japan, they usually gross a large amount of money, typically ranking first for their premiere weekend. In 2008, [[M11|one movie]] drew in a significant crowd despite the fact that it was released in the same weekend as a {{wp|Studio Ghibli}} film. In the United States, only the first five movies, those associated with the [[original series]], were released in theaters, however, the movies continue to be dubbed, being released directly to home video and, since ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'', airing on {{DL|Pokémon in the United States|Cartoon Network}} within a year of the Japanese premiere.
To date, there have been 21 theatrical Pokémon movies and three movie-length special episodes. Additionally, the miniseries ''[[Pokémon Origins]]'' is a similar length to a movie when all of the episodes are combined.


The [[M13|thirteenth movie]] saw a limited theatrical release in the United States as part of the "Pokémon Black Version and White Version Mall Tour". On December 3 and 4, 2011, ''[[M14|White—Victini and Zekrom]]'' received a limited commercial release in US theaters, making it the first movie since ''Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias'' to receive a commercial theatrical release. All of the {{series|Best Wishes}} and {{series|XY}} movies have aired in theaters in Australia and New Zealand, with the ''XY'' series movies premiering there before the United States. ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' also received a limited theatrical run internationally on November 5 and 6, 2017.
==Release==
When they open in Japan, they usually gross a large amount of money, typically ranking first for their premiere weekend. In 2008, ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'' drew in a significant crowd despite the fact that it was released in the same weekend as the {{wp|Studio Ghibli}} film ''{{wp|Ponyo}}''. In the United States, only the first five movies, those associated with the [[original series]], received {{wp|Wide release|wide theatrical releases}}, however, the movies continue to be dubbed, being released directly to home video and, since ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]'', airing on {{DL|Pokémon in the United States|Cartoon Network}} within a year of the Japanese premiere.


To date, there have been 21 theatrical Pokémon movies and three movie-length special episodes. Additionally, the miniseries ''[[Pokémon Origins]]'' is a similar length to a movie when all the episodes are combined.
The [[M13|thirteenth movie]] saw a {{wp|Limited release|limited theatrical release}} in the United States as part of the "Pokémon Black Version and White Version Mall Tour". On December 3 and 4, 2011, ''[[M14|White—Victini and Zekrom]]'' received a limited commercial release in US theaters, making it the first movie since ''Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias'' to receive a commercial theatrical release. All of the {{series2|Best Wishes}} and {{series|XY}} movies have aired in theaters in Australia and New Zealand, with the ''XY'' series movies premiering there before the United States. ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' also received a limited theatrical run internationally on November 5 and 6, 2017. ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'' was given a limited theatrical release starting on November 24, 2018.
 
==Titles==
The full titles of Pokémon movies typically begin with some variant of the phrase "Pokémon the Movie".
 
In English, from [[M14|the 14th movie]] onward, all full movie titles begin with "Pokémon the Movie". The first three movies—''[[M01|Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', ''[[M02|Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One]]'', and ''[[M03|Pokémon 3: The Movie - Spell of the Unown: Entei]]''—also include some variant of the phrase in their titles.
 
In Japanese, all movies except those in the {{series|XY}} begin with the phrase 「劇場版ポケットモンスター」 (''Pocket Monsters: Movie Version''). The ''XY'' series movies instead begin with the phrase 「ポケモン・ザ・ムービー」 (''Pokémon the Movie'').


==Movies==
==Movies==
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! Japanese title
! Japanese title
! Japanese release
! Japanese release
! Japanese distributor  
! Japanese distributor
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 1
! rowspan="2" | 1
Line 34: Line 42:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Ash Ketchum]] and {{ashfr}} are tricked into visiting [[New Island]], an island ruled by a mutant Pokémon, {{OBP|Mewtwo|original series}}. There, they find out about Mewtwo's plans to clone their Pokémon and destroy the world, and a massive battle follows between the clones and the originals—including the "original" counterpart to Mewtwo: {{OBP|Mew|M01}}.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Ash Ketchum]] and {{ashfr}} are tricked into visiting [[New Island]], an island ruled by a mutant Pokémon, {{OBP|Mewtwo|original series}}. There, they find out about Mewtwo's plans to clone their Pokémon and destroy the world, and a massive battle follows between the clones and the originals—including the "original" counterpart to Mewtwo: {{OBP|Mew|M01}}.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 2
! rowspan="2" | 2
| rowspan="2" | [[File:P2kposter.jpg|100px|The Power of One]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:P2kposter.jpg|100px|The Power of One]]
Line 45: Line 53:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Ash Ketchum]] and {{ashfr}} visit [[Shamouti Island]], the centerpoint of culture in the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]], just in time for their annual festival in honor of the Chosen One spoken of in legends who would save the world when {{OBP|Lugia|M02}}'s song was not enough to quell the fighting {{OBP|Legendary birds|M02}}. But when the meddling of a self-named "[[Lawrence III|Pokémon Collector]]" causes the legendary birds to begin fighting, will the Chosen One appear in time to help Lugia?
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Ash Ketchum]] and {{ashfr}} visit [[Shamouti Island]], the centerpoint of culture in the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]], just in time for their annual festival in honor of the Chosen One spoken of in legends who would save the world when {{OBP|Lugia|M02}}'s song was not enough to quell the fighting {{OBP|Legendary birds|M02}}. But when the meddling of a self-named "[[Lawrence III|Pokémon Collector]]" causes the legendary birds to begin fighting, will the Chosen One appear in time to help Lugia?
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 3
! rowspan="2" | 3
| rowspan="2" | [[File:SpellOfTheUnown poster.jpg|100px|Spell of the Unown: Entei]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:SpellOfTheUnown poster.jpg|100px|Spell of the Unown: Entei]]
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|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' When [[Spencer Hale]], a researcher exploring the mystery of the {{OBP|Unown|M03}}, disappears on an expedition, his daughter [[Molly Hale|Molly]] is left alone in their mansion in [[Greenfield]]. Using tiles of the Unown sent to her by her father, she brings Unown into the [[Pokémon world]], where their power can make real her dreams. When she wishes for her parents to return, however, she wishes her father as an {{OBP|Entei|M03}}, and then for him to bring her a mother. When Ash's [[Delia Ketchum|own mother]] is kidnapped by Entei to serve as Molly's, Ash and his friends must journey into the mansion that has been warped by the Unown's power and Molly's wishes... but can they get to Molly in time to stop the Unown's power from warping the whole [[Johto]] region... or even the world?
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' When [[Spencer Hale]], a researcher exploring the mystery of the {{OBP|Unown|M03}}, disappears on an expedition, his daughter [[Molly Hale|Molly]] is left alone in their mansion in [[Greenfield]]. Using tiles of the Unown sent to her by her father, she brings Unown into the [[Pokémon world]], where their power can make real her dreams. When she wishes for her parents to return, however, she wishes her father as an {{OBP|Entei|M03}}, and then for him to bring her a mother. When Ash's [[Delia Ketchum|own mother]] is kidnapped by Entei to serve as Molly's, Ash and his friends must journey into the mansion that has been warped by the Unown's power and Molly's wishes... but can they get to Molly in time to stop the Unown's power from warping the whole [[Johto]] region... or even the world?
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 4
! rowspan="2" | 4
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Pokemon forever.jpg|100px|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Pokemon forever.jpg|100px|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]
| '''[[M04|Pokémon 4Ever - Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]'''
| '''[[M04|Pokémon 4Ever - Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]'''
| October 11, 2002
| October 11, 2002
| [[Miramax Films]]  
| [[Miramax Films]]
| '''セレビィ時を超えた遭遇'''<br>''Celebi: Encounter Beyond Time''<br><small>''Celebi: a Timeless Encounter''</small>
| '''セレビィ時を超えた遭遇'''<br>''Celebi: Encounter Beyond Time''<br><small>''Celebi: a Timeless Encounter''</small>
| July 7, 2001
| July 7, 2001
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|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' Forty years in the past, a [[Sam|young Trainer]] finds a {{OBP|Celebi|M04}} on the run from a Pokémon poacher. Trying to calm it, the boy is accidentally transported to the present day by Celebi, and thought by all in the past to have vanished. He meets {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}, but before they can get Celebi to take him back to the past, it is captured by a far more dangerous man, [[Team Rocket]] operative [[Iron-Masked Marauder]], whose [[Dark Ball]]s brainwash Celebi into following his every command.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' Forty years in the past, a [[Sam|young Trainer]] finds a {{OBP|Celebi|M04}} on the run from a Pokémon poacher. Trying to calm it, the boy is accidentally transported to the present day by Celebi, and thought by all in the past to have vanished. He meets {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}, but before they can get Celebi to take him back to the past, it is captured by a far more dangerous man, [[Team Rocket]] operative [[Iron-Masked Marauder]], whose [[Dark Ball]]s brainwash Celebi into following his every command.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 5
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 5
| rowspan="2" | [[File:PokéMovie 5.png|100px|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:PokéMovie 5.png|100px|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]
Line 91: Line 99:
! Japanese release
! Japanese release
! Japanese distributor
! Japanese distributor
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 6
! rowspan="2" | 6
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M06 Poster.png|100px|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M06 Poster.png|100px|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]
Line 102: Line 110:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' A [[Millennium Comet|mysterious comet]] that passes by every millennium awakens {{OBP|Jirachi|M06}}, a [[Mythical Pokémon]]. Using its power, [[Butler]], a magician who was formerly a member of [[Team Magma]], attempts to create a {{p|Groudon}} to further the [[Villainous team|villainous organization]]'s goals. Can {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} protect Jirachi during the week that it is awake?
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' A [[Millennium Comet|mysterious comet]] that passes by every millennium awakens {{OBP|Jirachi|M06}}, a [[Mythical Pokémon]]. Using its power, [[Butler]], a magician who was formerly a member of [[Team Magma]], attempts to create a {{p|Groudon}} to further the [[Villainous team|villainous organization]]'s goals. Can {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} protect Jirachi during the week that it is awake?
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 7
! rowspan="2" | 7
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M07 poster.png|100px|Destiny Deoxys]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M07 poster.png|100px|Destiny Deoxys]]
Line 113: Line 121:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' When a meteor crashes into Earth, a battle begins between {{OBP|Rayquaza|M07}} and the {{OBP|Deoxys|M07}} contained inside. With Rayquaza the victor, researchers pick up a portion of the meteor with the intention of studying it. When the Deoxys has finally recovered four years later, it attacks the city where the researchers call home, just in time for Ash and friends to visit. But why is it attacking? What connection does the meteor have with it?
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' When a meteor crashes into Earth, a battle begins between {{OBP|Rayquaza|M07}} and the {{OBP|Deoxys|M07}} contained inside. With Rayquaza the victor, researchers pick up a portion of the meteor with the intention of studying it. When the Deoxys has finally recovered four years later, it attacks the city where the researchers call home, just in time for Ash and friends to visit. But why is it attacking? What connection does the meteor have with it?
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 8
! rowspan="2" | 8
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M08 DVD cover.png|100px|Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M08 DVD cover.png|100px|Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]
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|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Ash's Pikachu]] is taken to the [[Tree of Beginning]] by a wild {{OBP|Mew|M08}}. To get Pikachu back, Ash must now team up with a {{OBP|Lucario|M08}} from many years past, but with Lucario still bitter about the hero who sealed him away, Ash and friends must discover the hero's true intentions.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Ash's Pikachu]] is taken to the [[Tree of Beginning]] by a wild {{OBP|Mew|M08}}. To get Pikachu back, Ash must now team up with a {{OBP|Lucario|M08}} from many years past, but with Lucario still bitter about the hero who sealed him away, Ash and friends must discover the hero's true intentions.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 9
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 9
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Movie 9 English Cover.png|100px|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Movie 9 English Cover.png|100px|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]
Line 148: Line 156:
! Japanese release
! Japanese release
! Japanese distributor
! Japanese distributor
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 10
! rowspan="2" | 10
| rowspan="2" | [[File:RiseOfDarkraiCover.jpg|100px|The Rise of Darkrai]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:RiseOfDarkraiCover.jpg|100px|The Rise of Darkrai]]
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|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' In [[Alamos Town]], a large shrine to {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Palkia}}, the [[Space-Time Towers]], sits. But when Dialga and Palkia begin to battle in their dimension, the fight spills over into the Pokémon world, trapping Alamos Town away from the rest of the world. A {{OBP|Darkrai|M10}} that lives in town tries to help, but is ultimately blamed by the town as the cause of the problem. Can Ash and his friends save Alamos Town before it is destroyed, and prove Darkrai's intentions?
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' In [[Alamos Town]], a large shrine to {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Palkia}}, the [[Space-Time Towers]], sits. But when Dialga and Palkia begin to battle in their dimension, the fight spills over into the Pokémon world, trapping Alamos Town away from the rest of the world. A {{OBP|Darkrai|M10}} that lives in town tries to help, but is ultimately blamed by the town as the cause of the problem. Can Ash and his friends save Alamos Town before it is destroyed, and prove Darkrai's intentions?
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 11
! rowspan="2" | 11
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Giratina and the Sky Warrior rerelease.jpg|100px|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Giratina and the Sky Warrior rerelease.jpg|100px|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]
Line 170: Line 178:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' When dark, poisonous clouds begin to appear in the [[Reverse World]], home to {{mov|Giratina}}, it takes matters into its own hands and pursues the cause of the clouds: {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Palkia}}. Finding Dialga, it lures it for revenge, and assumes {{OBP|Shaymin|M11}} to also be responsible. But this is not the only trouble: [[Zero|a researcher]] who wishes to make Giratina's power his own is also in pursuit of the Renegade Pokémon. With the balance of the Pokémon world and Reverse World altering due to Dialga and Giratina's own fight, Ash and friends must stop the fighting and get Shaymin to {{si|Gracidea}} to participate in the flower bearing ceremony.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' When dark, poisonous clouds begin to appear in the [[Reverse World]], home to {{mov|Giratina}}, it takes matters into its own hands and pursues the cause of the clouds: {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Palkia}}. Finding Dialga, it lures it for revenge, and assumes {{OBP|Shaymin|M11}} to also be responsible. But this is not the only trouble: [[Zero|a researcher]] who wishes to make Giratina's power his own is also in pursuit of the Renegade Pokémon. With the balance of the Pokémon world and Reverse World altering due to Dialga and Giratina's own fight, Ash and friends must stop the fighting and get Shaymin to {{si|Gracidea}} to participate in the flower bearing ceremony.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 12
! rowspan="2" | 12
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Arceus and the Jewel of Life.png|100px|Movie 12]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Arceus and the Jewel of Life.png|100px|Movie 12]]
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|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' Ash and friends have traveled to [[Michina Town]], an ancient area surrounded by many legends—and unsurprisingly, many [[legendary Pokémon]] as well. The fighting between {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Giratina}} begins again, but [[Sheena]], a young woman who guards Michina Town's shrine, stops it and brings peace between Dialga, Giratina and {{mov|Palkia}}. The true reason for the fighting between the three [[legendary Pokémon]] is revealed when {{OBP|Arceus|M12}} emerges, seeking revenge for its betrayal by humanity at the hands of Sheena's ancestor [[Damos]]. With even Dialga, Palkia and Giratina unable to stand against the Pokémon said to have created all worlds, Ash, his friends and Sheena must embark on a trip back in time in a desperate bid to undo what went wrong and prevent Arceus's rampage from ever taking place.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' Ash and friends have traveled to [[Michina Town]], an ancient area surrounded by many legends—and unsurprisingly, many [[legendary Pokémon]] as well. The fighting between {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Giratina}} begins again, but [[Sheena]], a young woman who guards Michina Town's shrine, stops it and brings peace between Dialga, Giratina and {{mov|Palkia}}. The true reason for the fighting between the three [[legendary Pokémon]] is revealed when {{OBP|Arceus|M12}} emerges, seeking revenge for its betrayal by humanity at the hands of Sheena's ancestor [[Damos]]. With even Dialga, Palkia and Giratina unable to stand against the Pokémon said to have created all worlds, Ash, his friends and Sheena must embark on a trip back in time in a desperate bid to undo what went wrong and prevent Arceus's rampage from ever taking place.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 13
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 13
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Zoroark Master of Illusions.png|100px|Movie 13]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Zoroark Master of Illusions.png|100px|Movie 13]]
Line 225: Line 233:
| [[File:Victini and Reshiram movie poster.png|100px|Victini and Reshiram]]
| [[File:Victini and Reshiram movie poster.png|100px|Victini and Reshiram]]
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' Ash, Iris, and Cilan arrive in [[Eindoak Town]], a village where the descendants of a race known as the People of the Vale live, to participate in a battle tournament. They meet the Victory Pokémon, {{OBP|Victini|M14}}, and learn of its deep connection to the history of the People of the Vale and their land. However, when [[Damon]], a man aiming to use the castle known as the [[Sword of the Vale]] to restore [[Kingdom of the Vale|his people's kingdom]] to its former glory, captures Victini to move his plan forward, he sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy not only Eindoak Town but the entire world.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' Ash, Iris, and Cilan arrive in [[Eindoak Town]], a village where the descendants of a race known as the People of the Vale live, to participate in a battle tournament. They meet the Victory Pokémon, {{OBP|Victini|M14}}, and learn of its deep connection to the history of the People of the Vale and their land. However, when [[Damon]], a man aiming to use the castle known as the [[Sword of the Vale]] to restore [[Kingdom of the Vale|his people's kingdom]] to its former glory, captures Victini to move his plan forward, he sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy not only Eindoak Town but the entire world.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 15
! rowspan="2" | 15
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M15 English poster.png|100px|Kyurem VS the Sacred Swordsmen: Keldeo]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M15 English poster.png|100px|Kyurem VS the Sacred Swordsmen: Keldeo]]
Line 236: Line 244:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' {{OBP|Keldeo|M15}} is training to become one of the Sacred Swordsmen, like {{OBP|Cobalion|M15}}, {{OBP|Terrakion|M15}}, and {{OBP|Virizion|M15}}. But when it decides to challenge {{OBP|Kyurem|M15}} to prove its strength, it ends up badly injured. Later encountering Ash and his friends aboard a train to the city of Roushan, Keldeo drags them into its desperate attempt to escape from the enraged Kyurem and its gang of {{p|Cryogonal}}. As Kyurem's relentless pursuit drives the group from the train into the big city and finally deep into the abandoned mine Kyurem calls home, can they help Keldeo find its inner strength and defeat Kyurem to prove itself a true Sacred Swordsman?
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' {{OBP|Keldeo|M15}} is training to become one of the Sacred Swordsmen, like {{OBP|Cobalion|M15}}, {{OBP|Terrakion|M15}}, and {{OBP|Virizion|M15}}. But when it decides to challenge {{OBP|Kyurem|M15}} to prove its strength, it ends up badly injured. Later encountering Ash and his friends aboard a train to the city of Roushan, Keldeo drags them into its desperate attempt to escape from the enraged Kyurem and its gang of {{p|Cryogonal}}. As Kyurem's relentless pursuit drives the group from the train into the big city and finally deep into the abandoned mine Kyurem calls home, can they help Keldeo find its inner strength and defeat Kyurem to prove itself a true Sacred Swordsman?
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 16
! rowspan="2" style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 16
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M16 English poster alternate.png|100px|]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M16 English poster alternate.png|100px|]]
Line 261: Line 269:
! Japanese release
! Japanese release
! Japanese distributor
! Japanese distributor
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 17
! rowspan="2" | 17
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M17 English poster.png|100px|The Cocoon of Destruction]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M17 English poster.png|100px|The Cocoon of Destruction]]
Line 272: Line 280:
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Diamond Domain]] is a land deep under the [[Kalos]] region where many {{p|Carbink}} live. The land is given life by the Heart Diamond, which can only be created by its princess, {{p|Diancie}}. However, Diancie currently does not have the power to create a new Heart Diamond, and the land is threatened due to the aging of the current one. After meeting {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}, Diancie sets off on an adventure to find {{p|Xerneas}}, but during their travels, the group comes across the cocoon where {{p|Yveltal}}—said to have destroyed all life in Kalos long ago—sleeps. During a conflict with a gang of jewel thieves targeting Diancie, Yveltal awakens, leading to a crisis that threatens to repeat the disaster of ages past.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' [[Diamond Domain]] is a land deep under the [[Kalos]] region where many {{p|Carbink}} live. The land is given life by the Heart Diamond, which can only be created by its princess, {{p|Diancie}}. However, Diancie currently does not have the power to create a new Heart Diamond, and the land is threatened due to the aging of the current one. After meeting {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}, Diancie sets off on an adventure to find {{p|Xerneas}}, but during their travels, the group comes across the cocoon where {{p|Yveltal}}—said to have destroyed all life in Kalos long ago—sleeps. During a conflict with a gang of jewel thieves targeting Diancie, Yveltal awakens, leading to a crisis that threatens to repeat the disaster of ages past.
|- style="background:#FFF"  
|- style="background:#FFF"
! rowspan="2" | 18
! rowspan="2" | 18
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M18 English poster.png|100px|The Clash of Ages]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M18 English poster.png|100px|The Clash of Ages]]
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===''Sun & Moon'' series===
===''Sun & Moon'' series===
While these movies were released during the time the ''Sun & Moon'' series was airing, they are not set during its timeline. Instead, the first two movies are set in an alternate continuity, completely independent of the main series, while the third is a remake of a previous movie.
{| class="roundy" width="100%" style="text-align:center; background: #{{colorschemedark|Alola}}; border: 3px solid #{{colorschemelight|Alola}}"
{| class="roundy" width="100%" style="text-align:center; background: #{{colorschemedark|Alola}}; border: 3px solid #{{colorschemelight|Alola}}"
! Movie
! Movie
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| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' On his tenth birthday, {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} sets off from [[Pallet Town]] to become a [[Pokémon Trainer]] alongside a Pikachu that disobeys him. The duo encounter {{an|Ho-Oh}} and, after acquiring a [[Rainbow Wing]], pledge to meet it again one day. With his travel companions [[Sorrel]] and [[Verity]], and guided by the mysterious {{p|Marshadow}}, Ash travels to [[Mount Tensei]] in search of Ho-Oh. However, they encounter a powerful opponent who stands in their way.
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' On his tenth birthday, {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} sets off from [[Pallet Town]] to become a [[Pokémon Trainer]] alongside a Pikachu that disobeys him. The duo encounter {{an|Ho-Oh}} and, after acquiring a [[Rainbow Wing]], pledge to meet it again one day. With his travel companions [[Sorrel]] and [[Verity]], and guided by the mysterious {{p|Marshadow}}, Ash travels to [[Mount Tensei]] in search of Ho-Oh. However, they encounter a powerful opponent who stands in their way.
|- style="background:#FFF"
|- style="background:#FFF"
! style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 21
! rowspan="2" | 21
| [[File:M21 English poster.png|100px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[File:M21 English poster.png|100px]]
| '''[[M21|Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us]]'''
| '''[[M21|Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us]]'''
| November 24, 2018
| November 24, 2018
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| '''みんなの物語'''<br>''Everyone's Story''
| '''みんなの物語'''<br>''Everyone's Story''
| July 13, 2018
| July 13, 2018
| [[Toho]]
|- style="background:#FFF"
| colspan="6" style="text-align:left" | '''Summary:''' A young athlete whose running days might be behind her, a compulsive liar, a shy researcher, a bitter old woman, and a little girl with a big secret—the only thing they have in common is the annual Wind Festival in Fula City. The festival celebrates the Legendary Pokémon Lugia, who brings the wind that powers this seaside city. When a series of threats endangers not just the festival, but all the people and Pokémon of Fula City, it’ll take more than just Ash and Pikachu to save the day! Can everyone put aside their differences and work together—or will it all end in destruction?
|- style="background:#FFF"
! style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | 22
| [[File:M22 poster.png|100px]]
| TBA
| TBA
| TBA<!--{{wp|Fathom Events}} [[VIZ Media]] / {{DL|Pokémon in the United States|Kids' WB!|Warner Bros.}}-->
| '''ミュウツーの{{tt|逆襲|ぎゃくしゅう}} EVOLUTION'''<br>''[[M22|Mewtwo's Counterattack Evolution]]''<br><small>''Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution''</small>
| July 12, 2019
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | [[Toho]]
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | [[Toho]]
|}
|}
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{{-}}
{{-}}


==Relation to the main anime==
==Relation to the main series==
Generally, Pokémon movies and long specials have little to no impact on the overall plotline of the anime and fans will argue as to whether or not they are considered true [[canon]]. Evidence going either way is sparse, with many details, such as the fact that {{Ash}}, {{an|Dawn}}, and {{an|Brock}} having met {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Palkia}} in ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'', ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'', and ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'' going unmentioned when the [[Legendary Pokémon]] are seen again in ''[[DP152|The Battle Finale of Legend!]]''. Other details introduced in movies, such as Ash's [[Aura]] abilities as well as Dawn's [[Lunar Wing]], have in fact been referenced by the main anime. ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' is a unique exception in these regards, instead being an alternate retelling of Ash's early journey, with the following movie, ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'', being strongly implied to take place in that same alternate timeline.
Generally, Pokémon movies and long specials have little to no impact on the overall plotline of the anime and fans will argue as to whether or not they are considered true [[canon]]. Evidence going either way is sparse, with many details, such as the fact that {{Ash}}, {{an|Dawn}}, and {{an|Brock}} having met {{mov|Dialga}} and {{mov|Palkia}} in ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'', ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'', and ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'' going unmentioned when the [[Legendary Pokémon]] are seen again in ''[[DP152|The Battle Finale of Legend!]]''. Other details introduced in movies, such as Ash's [[Aura]] abilities as well as Dawn's [[Lunar Wing]], have in fact been referenced by the main series.
 
The three {{series|Sun & Moon}} movies are unique exceptions in these regards: ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' is an alternate retelling of Ash's early journey in a continuity completely independent of the main series, with the following movie, ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'', being an original story also set within that continuity. Finally, [[M22]] is the first Pokémon movie to be a remake, being a CGI retelling of ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''.


It is possible that early on, the movies were intended to have no impact on the main anime continuity, as Mewtwo's erasure of everyone's memories at the conclusion of ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' means that the events of the movie don't have much continuing impact on the series. However, as the series has progressed, more references to past movies have been made, with Ash recognizing a {{p|Latios}} immediately in ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'', despite having only seen one previously in ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]''.
It is possible that early on, the movies were intended to have no impact on the main anime continuity, as Mewtwo's erasure of everyone's memories at the conclusion of ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' means that the events of the movie don't have much continuing impact on the series. However, as the series has progressed, more references to past movies have been made, with Ash recognizing a {{p|Latios}} immediately in ''[[DP189|The Semi-Final Frontier!]]'', despite having only seen one previously in ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]''.
Line 381: Line 404:
Due to this inconsistency, it will be noted in the movies' individual articles when a reference has been made to them in the main anime. The placement of the movies in the anime timeline will normally be between the episodes aired before and after the date of the movie's Japanese premiere, though often with more recent movies, this placement can vary with regard to events in the main anime.
Due to this inconsistency, it will be noted in the movies' individual articles when a reference has been made to them in the main anime. The placement of the movies in the anime timeline will normally be between the episodes aired before and after the date of the movie's Japanese premiere, though often with more recent movies, this placement can vary with regard to events in the main anime.


''[[Pokémon Origins]]'', which is not a movie but rather a miniseries, exists within its own canon separate from the main anime series. <!--Similarly, ''[[M20|Pokemon: I Choose You!]]'', due to it containing significant differences from the episode it was retelling in terms of plot and characters, also exists within its own canon separate from the main anime series.-->
[[Pokémon Origins]], which is not a movie but rather a miniseries, exists within its own canon separate from the main anime series. <!--Similarly, ''[[M20|Pokemon: I Choose You!]]'', due to it containing significant differences from the episode it was retelling in terms of plot and characters, also exists within its own canon separate from the main anime series.-->


==Home video releases==
==Home video releases==
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** In Generation IV, [[List of locations by index number (Generation IV)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M09|the ninth]] and [[M16|the sixteenth]], with space reserved for movies from 2006 to 2016.
** In Generation IV, [[List of locations by index number (Generation IV)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M09|the ninth]] and [[M16|the sixteenth]], with space reserved for movies from 2006 to 2016.
** In [[Generation V]], [[List of locations by index number (Generation V)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M13|the thirteenth]] and the present, with space reserved for movies from 2010 to 2020.
** In [[Generation V]], [[List of locations by index number (Generation V)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M13|the thirteenth]] and the present, with space reserved for movies from 2010 to 2020.
** In [[Generation VI]], [[List of locations by index number (Generation VI)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M16|the sixteenth]] and the [[M21|the twentieth]], with space reserved for movies from 2013 to 2018.
** In [[Generation VI]], [[List of locations by index number (Generation VI)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M16|the sixteenth]] and the [[M21|the twentieth-first]], with space reserved for movies from 2013 to 2018.
** In [[Generation VII]], [[List of locations by index number (Generation VII)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M19|the ninteenth]] and the present, with space reserved for movies from 2016 to 2021.
** In [[Generation VII]], [[List of locations by index number (Generation VII)|placeholder data]] exists for every movie between [[M19|the nineteenth]] and the present, with space reserved for movies from 2016 to 2021.
* Several characters from the movies have been featured as cameos in the games [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond, Pearl]] and [[Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum]]. Their names match that of the characters they are based on in the Japanese version, however, the English translators missed those references and named them differently.
* Several characters from the movies have been featured as cameos in the games [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond, Pearl]] and [[Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum]]. Their names match that of the characters they are based on in the Japanese version; however, the English translators missed those references and named them differently.
** '''Ace Trainers Felix and Dana''' from {{rt|229|Sinnoh}} have their [[party|teams]] based on those of [[Butler]] and [[Diane]] from ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]''.
** Ace Trainers Felix and Dana from {{rt|229|Sinnoh}} have their [[party|teams]] based on those of [[Butler]] and [[Diane]] from ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]''.
** '''{{tc|Ace Trainer}} Jamie''' from {{rt|224|Sinnoh}} is a {{pkmn|Trainer}} who analyzes battles using her laptop. She is based on {{mov|Rebecca}} from ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', and challenges the player with her {{p|Metagross}}.
** {{tc|Ace Trainer}} Jamie from {{rt|224|Sinnoh}} is a {{pkmn|Trainer}} who analyzes battles using her laptop. She is based on {{mov|Rebecca}} from ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', and challenges the player with her {{p|Metagross}}.
** '''{{tc|Swimmer}} Katelyn''' from {{rt|220|Sinnoh}} is based on [[Lizabeth]] from ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]''.
** {{tc|Swimmer}} Katelyn from {{rt|220|Sinnoh}} is based on [[Lizabeth]] from ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]''.
 
{{bulbanews/3|WB to re-release first three Pokémon movies|English dubs of first three Pokémon movies coming to Region 1 on Blu-ray disc|Pokémon movies to be available via digital distribution, new movie-based iBooks to be released}}


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Langtable|color={{Pokémon color}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color dark}}
{{Langtable|color={{Pokémon color}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color dark}}
|zh_yue={{tt|寵物小精靈電影版|Pocket Monsters the Movie}} {{tt|*|Universe International Financial Holdings Limited}}<br>{{tt|劇場版 精靈寶可夢|Pocket Monsters the Movie}} {{tt|*|Sundream Motion Pictures Limited}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奇寶貝 電影版|Pocket Monsters the Movie}} {{tt|*|Taiwan: M01-M19}}<br>{{tt|劇場版 精靈寶可夢|Pocket Monsters the Movie}} {{tt|*|Taiwan: M20-}}<br>{{tt|精灵宝可梦 剧场版动画|Pocket Monsters the Movie}} {{tt|*|Mainland China: JY Animation (literal name)}}<br>{{tt|剧场版精灵宝可梦|Pocket Monsters the Movie}} {{tt|*|Mainland China: JY Animation (logo)}}
|da=Pokémon Filmen
|da=Pokémon Filmen
|fr_eu=Film Pokémon
|fr_eu=Film Pokémon

Revision as of 17:32, 5 May 2019

This article is about the movies that are part of the Pokémon anime. For movies that exist in the Pokémon world, see Movies in the Pokémon world.
Pikachu the Movie
Pokémon the Movie

A Pokémon movie is a theatrical film released in Japan in July, centering on Pokémon and following, as the main anime series, Ash and his friends. Typically, the movies' animation is done by Team Koitabashi of OLM, and each has at least one hour of footage. Nine of the movies also have a Pikachu short that is shown before the main feature, and all of them have a manga adaptation.

The locations in which the movies take place have been, since Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias, based on real-world locations outside of Japan. Topics explored are typically deeper than those explored in the episodes aired on television, usually featuring Ash and his friends confronting antagonists who wish to use Pokémon for selfish purposes. Nearly every movie involves Legendary Pokémon, and many of them debut a Mythical Pokémon belonging to the ongoing generation of the main series games, with event distributions for certain Pokémon featuring in the movie running concurrently.

To date, there have been 21 theatrical Pokémon movies and three movie-length special episodes. Additionally, the miniseries Pokémon Origins is a similar length to a movie when all of the episodes are combined.

Release

When they open in Japan, they usually gross a large amount of money, typically ranking first for their premiere weekend. In 2008, Giratina and the Sky Warrior drew in a significant crowd despite the fact that it was released in the same weekend as the Studio Ghibli film Ponyo. In the United States, only the first five movies, those associated with the original series, received wide theatrical releases, however, the movies continue to be dubbed, being released directly to home video and, since Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, airing on Cartoon Network within a year of the Japanese premiere.

The thirteenth movie saw a limited theatrical release in the United States as part of the "Pokémon Black Version and White Version Mall Tour". On December 3 and 4, 2011, White—Victini and Zekrom received a limited commercial release in US theaters, making it the first movie since Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias to receive a commercial theatrical release. All of the Best Wishes and XY series movies have aired in theaters in Australia and New Zealand, with the XY series movies premiering there before the United States. I Choose You! also received a limited theatrical run internationally on November 5 and 6, 2017. The Power of Us was given a limited theatrical release starting on November 24, 2018.

Titles

The full titles of Pokémon movies typically begin with some variant of the phrase "Pokémon the Movie".

In English, from the 14th movie onward, all full movie titles begin with "Pokémon the Movie". The first three movies—Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back, Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One, and Pokémon 3: The Movie - Spell of the Unown: Entei—also include some variant of the phrase in their titles.

In Japanese, all movies except those in the XY series begin with the phrase 「劇場版ポケットモンスター」 (Pocket Monsters: Movie Version). The XY series movies instead begin with the phrase 「ポケモン・ザ・ムービー」 (Pokémon the Movie).

Movies

Original series

Movie Poster English title English release American distributor Japanese title Japanese release Japanese distributor
1 Mewtwo Strikes Back Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back November 12, 1999 Warner Bros. ミュウツーの逆襲
Mewtwo's Counterattack
Mewtwo Strikes Back!
July 18, 1998 Toho
Summary: Ash Ketchum and his friends are tricked into visiting New Island, an island ruled by a mutant Pokémon, Mewtwo. There, they find out about Mewtwo's plans to clone their Pokémon and destroy the world, and a massive battle follows between the clones and the originals—including the "original" counterpart to Mewtwo: Mew.
2 The Power of One Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One July 21, 2000 Warner Bros. 幻のポケモン ルギア爆誕
Mirage Pokémon: Lugia's Explosive Birth
Revelation-Lugia
July 17, 1999 Toho
Summary: Ash Ketchum and his friends visit Shamouti Island, the centerpoint of culture in the Orange Islands, just in time for their annual festival in honor of the Chosen One spoken of in legends who would save the world when Lugia's song was not enough to quell the fighting Legendary birds. But when the meddling of a self-named "Pokémon Collector" causes the legendary birds to begin fighting, will the Chosen One appear in time to help Lugia?
3 Spell of the Unown: Entei Pokémon 3: The Movie - Spell of the Unown: Entei April 6, 2001 Warner Bros. 結晶塔の帝王 ENTEI
Emperor of the Crystal Tower: Entei
Lord of the "Unknown" Tower
July 8, 2000 Toho
Summary: When Spencer Hale, a researcher exploring the mystery of the Unown, disappears on an expedition, his daughter Molly is left alone in their mansion in Greenfield. Using tiles of the Unown sent to her by her father, she brings Unown into the Pokémon world, where their power can make real her dreams. When she wishes for her parents to return, however, she wishes her father as an Entei, and then for him to bring her a mother. When Ash's own mother is kidnapped by Entei to serve as Molly's, Ash and his friends must journey into the mansion that has been warped by the Unown's power and Molly's wishes... but can they get to Molly in time to stop the Unown's power from warping the whole Johto region... or even the world?
4 Celebi: The Voice of the Forest Pokémon 4Ever - Celebi: The Voice of the Forest October 11, 2002 Miramax Films セレビィ時を超えた遭遇
Celebi: Encounter Beyond Time
Celebi: a Timeless Encounter
July 7, 2001 Toho
Summary: Forty years in the past, a young Trainer finds a Celebi on the run from a Pokémon poacher. Trying to calm it, the boy is accidentally transported to the present day by Celebi, and thought by all in the past to have vanished. He meets Ash and his friends, but before they can get Celebi to take him back to the past, it is captured by a far more dangerous man, Team Rocket operative Iron-Masked Marauder, whose Dark Balls brainwash Celebi into following his every command.
5 Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias May 16, 2003 Miramax Films 水の都の護神 ラティアスとラティオス
Guardian Gods of the City of Water: Latias and Latios
The Guardians of Altomare
July 13, 2002 Toho
Summary: In Alto Mare, a legend is told of its guardians, Latios and Latias, who have protected the city for a long time. The Soul Dew, their essence, is kept in Alto Mare to keep the city safe. But when Team Rocket agents Annie and Oakley arrive to attempt to steal the Soul Dew, Ash and his friends must recover it to keep Alto Mare safe at all costs.


Advanced Generation series

Movie Poster English title English release American distributor Japanese title Japanese release Japanese distributor
6 Jirachi: Wish Maker Pokémon: Jirachi: Wish Maker June 1, 2004 Miramax Films 七夜の願い星 ジラーチ
Wishing Star of the Seven Nights: Jirachi
Wishing Star of the Seven Nights
July 19, 2003 Toho
Summary: A mysterious comet that passes by every millennium awakens Jirachi, a Mythical Pokémon. Using its power, Butler, a magician who was formerly a member of Team Magma, attempts to create a Groudon to further the villainous organization's goals. Can Ash and his friends protect Jirachi during the week that it is awake?
7 Destiny Deoxys Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys January 22, 2005 Miramax Films 裂空の訪問者 デオキシス
Sky-Splitting Visitor: Deoxys
Deoxys the Visitor
July 17, 2004 Toho
Summary: When a meteor crashes into Earth, a battle begins between Rayquaza and the Deoxys contained inside. With Rayquaza the victor, researchers pick up a portion of the meteor with the intention of studying it. When the Deoxys has finally recovered four years later, it attacks the city where the researchers call home, just in time for Ash and friends to visit. But why is it attacking? What connection does the meteor have with it?
8 Lucario and the Mystery of Mew Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew September 19, 2006 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. ミュウと波導の勇者 ルカリオ
Mew and the Wave Hero: Lucario
Mew and the Wave Hero
July 16, 2005 Toho
Summary: Ash's Pikachu is taken to the Tree of Beginning by a wild Mew. To get Pikachu back, Ash must now team up with a Lucario from many years past, but with Lucario still bitter about the hero who sealed him away, Ash and friends must discover the hero's true intentions.
9 Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea March 23, 2007 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. ポケモンレンジャーと
蒼海の王子 マナフィ

Pokémon Ranger and the Prince of the Sea: Manaphy
The Pokémon Ranger and the Prince of the Sea
July 15, 2006 Toho
Summary: When the Egg of a Mythical Pokémon, Manaphy, with ties to an ancient water-based civilization, falls into the hands of a pirate, a Pokémon Ranger entrusts the Egg to Ash and his friends—specifically May. May must keep the Egg safe until it hatches, and afterward, make sure Manaphy does not fall into the hands of the Phantom, lest Samiya be lost to the seafloor and Manaphy lose its home.


Diamond & Pearl series

Movie Poster English title English release American distributor Japanese title Japanese release Japanese distributor
10 The Rise of Darkrai Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai February 24, 2008 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. ディアルガVSパルキアVSダークライ
Dialga VS Palkia VS Darkrai
July 14, 2007 Toho
Summary: In Alamos Town, a large shrine to Dialga and Palkia, the Space-Time Towers, sits. But when Dialga and Palkia begin to battle in their dimension, the fight spills over into the Pokémon world, trapping Alamos Town away from the rest of the world. A Darkrai that lives in town tries to help, but is ultimately blamed by the town as the cause of the problem. Can Ash and his friends save Alamos Town before it is destroyed, and prove Darkrai's intentions?
11 Giratina and the Sky Warrior Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior February 13, 2009 Universal Studios Home Entertainment (former);
VIZ Media / Warner Bros. (current)
ギラティナと氷空の花束 シェイミ
Giratina and the Sky's Bouquet: Shaymin
July 19, 2008 Toho
Summary: When dark, poisonous clouds begin to appear in the Reverse World, home to Giratina, it takes matters into its own hands and pursues the cause of the clouds: Dialga and Palkia. Finding Dialga, it lures it for revenge, and assumes Shaymin to also be responsible. But this is not the only trouble: a researcher who wishes to make Giratina's power his own is also in pursuit of the Renegade Pokémon. With the balance of the Pokémon world and Reverse World altering due to Dialga and Giratina's own fight, Ash and friends must stop the fighting and get Shaymin to Gracidea to participate in the flower bearing ceremony.
12 Movie 12 Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life November 20, 2009 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. アルセウス 超克の時空へ
Arceus: To a Conquering Spacetime
July 18, 2009 Toho
Summary: Ash and friends have traveled to Michina Town, an ancient area surrounded by many legends—and unsurprisingly, many legendary Pokémon as well. The fighting between Dialga and Giratina begins again, but Sheena, a young woman who guards Michina Town's shrine, stops it and brings peace between Dialga, Giratina and Palkia. The true reason for the fighting between the three legendary Pokémon is revealed when Arceus emerges, seeking revenge for its betrayal by humanity at the hands of Sheena's ancestor Damos. With even Dialga, Palkia and Giratina unable to stand against the Pokémon said to have created all worlds, Ash, his friends and Sheena must embark on a trip back in time in a desperate bid to undo what went wrong and prevent Arceus's rampage from ever taking place.
13 Movie 13 Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions February 5, 2011 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. 幻影の覇者ゾロアーク
Ruler of Illusions: Zoroark
July 10, 2010 Toho
Summary: Ash and friends arrive in Crown City, where the "Pokémon Baccer World Cup" will be held. However, the city is being destroyed by Raikou, Entei and Suicune, who are all forms of a new and mysterious Pokémon, Zoroark. Zoroark's child, Zorua, asks Ash and his friends for help in saving its mother from the villain who has enslaved it. This draws them into a race against businessman Grings Kodai, who has come to the city in pursuit of Celebi's "Time Ripple" for his own sinister ends, to save Crown City before Kodai's actions lead to its destruction.


Best Wishes series

Movie Poster English title English release American distributor Japanese title Japanese release Japanese distributor
14 Victini and Zekrom Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom December 3, 2011 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. ビクティニと黒き英雄ゼクロム
Victini and the Black Hero: Zekrom
July 16, 2011 Toho
Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram December 10, 2011 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. ビクティニと白き英雄レシラム
Victini and the White Hero: Reshiram
July 16, 2011 Toho
Victini and Reshiram Summary: Ash, Iris, and Cilan arrive in Eindoak Town, a village where the descendants of a race known as the People of the Vale live, to participate in a battle tournament. They meet the Victory Pokémon, Victini, and learn of its deep connection to the history of the People of the Vale and their land. However, when Damon, a man aiming to use the castle known as the Sword of the Vale to restore his people's kingdom to its former glory, captures Victini to move his plan forward, he sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy not only Eindoak Town but the entire world.
15 Kyurem VS the Sacred Swordsmen: Keldeo Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice December 8, 2012 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. キュレムVS聖剣士ケルディオ
Kyurem VS the Sacred Swordsman: Keldeo
July 14, 2012 Toho
Summary: Keldeo is training to become one of the Sacred Swordsmen, like Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion. But when it decides to challenge Kyurem to prove its strength, it ends up badly injured. Later encountering Ash and his friends aboard a train to the city of Roushan, Keldeo drags them into its desperate attempt to escape from the enraged Kyurem and its gang of Cryogonal. As Kyurem's relentless pursuit drives the group from the train into the big city and finally deep into the abandoned mine Kyurem calls home, can they help Keldeo find its inner strength and defeat Kyurem to prove itself a true Sacred Swordsman?
16 M16 English poster alternate.png Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and The Legend Awakened October 19, 2013 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. 神速のゲノセクト ミュウツー覚醒
Extreme Speed Genesect: Mewtwo Awakens
July 13, 2013 Toho
Summary: Distressed due to the loss of their homeland, the Genesect Army attacks New Tork City. Coincidentally, Ash and his friends are visiting the city to see the park called Pokémon Hills. When the Genesect begin rampaging in the city, Ash is protected by the sudden appearance of a familiar Pokémon—Mewtwo. Despite sympathizing with the plight of the Genesect, Mewtwo attempts to convince them to leave New Tork City and go somewhere else where artificial Pokémon can belong, only to get into a conflict with the Red Genesect that leads the team. Can Mewtwo overcome the Genesect to save New Tork City or is the city doomed to be destroyed and changed into the nest of a Pokémon left behind by history?


XY series

Movie Poster English title English release American distributor Japanese title Japanese release Japanese distributor
17 The Cocoon of Destruction Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction November 8, 2014 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. 破壊の繭とディアンシー
The Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie
July 19, 2014 Toho
Summary: Diamond Domain is a land deep under the Kalos region where many Carbink live. The land is given life by the Heart Diamond, which can only be created by its princess, Diancie. However, Diancie currently does not have the power to create a new Heart Diamond, and the land is threatened due to the aging of the current one. After meeting Ash and his friends, Diancie sets off on an adventure to find Xerneas, but during their travels, the group comes across the cocoon where Yveltal—said to have destroyed all life in Kalos long ago—sleeps. During a conflict with a gang of jewel thieves targeting Diancie, Yveltal awakens, leading to a crisis that threatens to repeat the disaster of ages past.
18 The Clash of Ages Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages November 5, 2015 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. 光輪の超魔神 フーパ
The Archdjinni of the Rings: Hoopa
July 18, 2015 Toho
Summary: One hundred years ago, Dahara City was threatened with destruction when Hoopa brought a number of legendary Pokémon into the area, but was saved when a mysterious man bound its power with the Prison Bottle. In the present, Ash and his friends arrive in Dahara City and meet Meray, who cares for Hoopa in its peaceful Confined form. Meray's brother, Baraz, obtains the Prison Bottle in hopes of restoring Hoopa's true power, but that power has grown angry over the years and seeks revenge. After escaping from the Prison Bottle, the evil Shadow Hoopa goes on a rampage to erase its weaker self, culminating in both Hoopa summoning groups of legendary Pokémon to fight each other. In order to save Dahara City, Meray, Baraz and Ash's friends must recreate the Prison Bottle and stop Shadow Hoopa, but even if they succeed, an even greater threat may still await.
19 M19 English poster.png Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel November 4, 2016 VIZ Media / Warner Bros. ボルケニオンと機巧のマギアナ
Volcanion and the Mechanical Magearna
July 16, 2016 Toho
Summary: Ash and his friends encounter Volcanion after a blast of steam from the sky, and Ash becomes bonded to it by an unknown force. Volcanion, who hates humans, is forced to bring Ash along as it heads to the Azoth Kingdom. Volcanion is in pursuit of Magearna, hoping to rescue it from a corrupt minister who has stolen it with the intent of using Magearna's mysterious power to conquer the kingdom of machinery. Ash and Volcanion are forced to work together to rescue Magearna.


Sun & Moon series

While these movies were released during the time the Sun & Moon series was airing, they are not set during its timeline. Instead, the first two movies are set in an alternate continuity, completely independent of the main series, while the third is a remake of a previous movie.

Movie Poster English title English release American distributor Japanese title Japanese release Japanese distributor
20 M20 English poster.png Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! November 5, 2017 Fathom Events
VIZ Media / Warner Bros.
キミにきめた!
I Choose You!
July 15, 2017 Toho
Summary: On his tenth birthday, Ash sets off from Pallet Town to become a Pokémon Trainer alongside a Pikachu that disobeys him. The duo encounter Ho-Oh and, after acquiring a Rainbow Wing, pledge to meet it again one day. With his travel companions Sorrel and Verity, and guided by the mysterious Marshadow, Ash travels to Mount Tensei in search of Ho-Oh. However, they encounter a powerful opponent who stands in their way.
21 M21 English poster.png Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us November 24, 2018 Fathom Events みんなの物語
Everyone's Story
July 13, 2018 Toho
Summary: A young athlete whose running days might be behind her, a compulsive liar, a shy researcher, a bitter old woman, and a little girl with a big secret—the only thing they have in common is the annual Wind Festival in Fula City. The festival celebrates the Legendary Pokémon Lugia, who brings the wind that powers this seaside city. When a series of threats endangers not just the festival, but all the people and Pokémon of Fula City, it’ll take more than just Ash and Pikachu to save the day! Can everyone put aside their differences and work together—or will it all end in destruction?
22 M22 poster.png TBA TBA TBA ミュウツーの逆襲 EVOLUTION
Mewtwo's Counterattack Evolution
Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution
July 12, 2019 Toho


Long specials

These special episodes do not appear in theaters in either the original or the dub, but run longer than the half hour that normal episodes fill. Due to this, they are often considered television Pokémon movies, not counting towards the running total.

Cover English title English release Japanese title Japanese release
Mewtwo Returns Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns December 5, 2001 ミュウツー!我ハココニ在リ
Mewtwo! I Am Here
December 30, 2000
Summary: Mewtwo, who has been hiding out in the Johto region since last he was seen, has been located by Giovanni. Now the Rocket Boss wants to recapture the powerful Pokémon to again use him for his own purposes. It was released directly to video in the United States.
The Legend of Thunder! The Legend of Thunder! June 3, 2006 (Part 1)
June 10, 2006 (Parts 2 and 3)
ポケットモンスタークリスタル・ライコウ 雷の伝説
Pocket Monsters Crystal: Raikou - Legend of Thunder
December 30, 2001
Summary: In the first anime break from Ash and his friends, three Trainers, Jimmy, Marina, and Vincent must stop the evil Team Rocket duo Attila and Hun from capturing Raikou. It was divided up into three parts to become the first three episodes of Pokémon Chronicles when dubbed.
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon Pokémon: The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon April 29, 2006 戦慄のミラージュポケモン
The Terrifying Mirage Pokémon
October 13, 2006
Summary: Ash, May, Max, and Brock meet up with Misty and Professor Oak to investigate Dr. Yung's new Mirage Pokémon system. But when the mysterious Mirage Master appears with a Mirage Mewtwo, Ash is forced to fight him to stop his plans to dominate the world with his Mirage Pokémon.
Pokémon Origins Pokémon Origins November 15, 2013 (File 1)
November 18, 2013 (File 2)
November 20, 2013 (File 3)
November 22, 2013 (File 4)
ポケットモンスター THE ORIGIN
Pocket Monsters: The Origin
October 2, 2013
Summary: In this television film retelling the story of Pokémon Red and Green, Red becomes a Pokémon Trainer and travels around the Kanto region, battling against Gym Leaders, and the Elite Four. He has a rivalry with Blue and battles against Team Rocket and Giovanni. During his travels, Red discovers a mysterious, never-before-seen Pokémon. Pokémon Origins was divided up into four episodes when dubbed.


Relation to the main series

Generally, Pokémon movies and long specials have little to no impact on the overall plotline of the anime and fans will argue as to whether or not they are considered true canon. Evidence going either way is sparse, with many details, such as the fact that Ash, Dawn, and Brock having met Dialga and Palkia in The Rise of Darkrai, Giratina and the Sky Warrior, and Arceus and the Jewel of Life going unmentioned when the Legendary Pokémon are seen again in The Battle Finale of Legend!. Other details introduced in movies, such as Ash's Aura abilities as well as Dawn's Lunar Wing, have in fact been referenced by the main series.

The three Sun & Moon series movies are unique exceptions in these regards: I Choose You! is an alternate retelling of Ash's early journey in a continuity completely independent of the main series, with the following movie, The Power of Us, being an original story also set within that continuity. Finally, M22 is the first Pokémon movie to be a remake, being a CGI retelling of Mewtwo Strikes Back.

It is possible that early on, the movies were intended to have no impact on the main anime continuity, as Mewtwo's erasure of everyone's memories at the conclusion of Mewtwo Strikes Back means that the events of the movie don't have much continuing impact on the series. However, as the series has progressed, more references to past movies have been made, with Ash recognizing a Latios immediately in The Semi-Final Frontier!, despite having only seen one previously in Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

Due to this inconsistency, it will be noted in the movies' individual articles when a reference has been made to them in the main anime. The placement of the movies in the anime timeline will normally be between the episodes aired before and after the date of the movie's Japanese premiere, though often with more recent movies, this placement can vary with regard to events in the main anime.

Pokémon Origins, which is not a movie but rather a miniseries, exists within its own canon separate from the main anime series.

Home video releases

North American home video releases

Main article: List of English language Pokémon movie home video releases (Region 1)

United Kingdom home video releases

Main article: List of English language Pokémon movie home video releases (Region 2)

Australian home video releases

Main article: List of English language Pokémon movie home video releases (Region 4)

Trivia

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 寵物小精靈電影版 *
劇場版 精靈寶可夢 *
Mandarin 神奇寶貝 電影版 *
劇場版 精靈寶可夢 *
精灵宝可梦 剧场版动画 *
剧场版精灵宝可梦 *
Denmark Flag.png Danish Pokémon Filmen
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Pokémon Film
Finland Flag.png Finnish Pokémon-elokuva
France Flag.png European French Film Pokémon
Germany Flag.png German Pokémon-Film
Italy Flag.png Italian Film Pokémon
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Pokémon Filmen
Portugal Flag.png Portuguese Filme Pokémon
Russia Flag.png Russian Покемон-фильм Pokémon-fil'm
Spain Flag.png European Spanish Película Pokémon
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Pokémon Filmen

External links

Pokémon movies
Original series
Mewtwo Strikes BackThe Power of OneSpell of the Unown: EnteiCelebi: The Voice of the ForestPokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
Jirachi: Wish MakerDestiny DeoxysLucario and the Mystery of MewPokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
The Rise of DarkraiGiratina and the Sky WarriorArceus and the Jewel of LifeZoroark: Master of Illusions
Pokémon the Series: Black & White
White—Victini and Zekrom / Black—Victini and ReshiramKyurem VS. The Sword of JusticeGenesect and the Legend Awakened
Pokémon the Series: XY
Diancie and the Cocoon of DestructionHoopa and the Clash of AgesVolcanion and the Mechanical Marvel
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon
I Choose You!The Power of UsMewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Secrets of the Jungle


Project Anime logo.png This movie article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.