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Pokémon watch order

Updated October 2026 · 16 seasons, 32 movies and 26 OVAs and specials · in release order

Short answer

Watch Pokémon in release order: Pokémon → Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire → Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl → Pokémon: Black & White → Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Specials → Pokémon BW: Rival Destinies → Pokémon BW: Adventures in Unova → Pokémon BW: Adventures in Unova and Beyond → 5 more → Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

14

in the main story: 11 seasons and 3 OVAs and specials

1229

episodes

~490 h

to watch the main story

Or watch Pokemon Generations (2016) instead: it retells the story in another version, so pick one.

Optional: 5 seasons, 32 movies and 23 OVAs and specials (recaps, side stories and specials), marked below.

Release order

  1. 1
    PokémonMain story

    TV · Spring 1997 · 276 ep · ~110 hours · score 3.6/5

    Watch onNetflix Prime Video YouTube

  2. 2
    Pokémon: The First MovieSide story · optional, after Pokémon

    Movie · Summer 1998 · ~75 minutes · score 3.8/5

  3. 3
    Pokémon: Pikachu's VacationSide story · optional, after Pokémon: The First Movie

    Movie · Summer 1998 · ~20 minutes · score 3.3/5

  4. 4
    Pokémon: Pikachu's Winter VacationSide story · optional, after Pokémon

    OVA · Fall 1998 · 2 ep · ~20 minutes · score 3.0/5

  5. 5
    Pokémon: Pikachu's Rescue AdventureSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Movie 2000

    Movie · Summer 1999 · ~25 minutes · score 3.1/5

  6. 6
    Pokémon the Movie 2000Side story · optional, after Pokémon

    Movie · Summer 1999 · ~80 minutes · score 3.5/5

  7. 7
    Pokémon: Pikachu's Winter Vacation 2Side story · optional, after Pokémon

    OVA · Fall 1999 · 2 ep · ~20 minutes · score 3.0/5

  8. 8
    Pokemon: Yadoking no IchinichiSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Movie 2000

    Special · Winter 2000 · 1 ep · ~5 minutes · score 2.8/5

  9. 9
    Pokémon: Pikachu and PichuSide story · optional, after Pokémon 3: The Movie

    Movie · Summer 2000 · ~25 minutes · score 3.2/5

  10. 10
    Pokémon 3: The MovieSide story · optional, after Pokémon

    Movie · Summer 2000 · ~75 minutes · score 3.4/5

  11. 11
    Pokémon: Pikachu's Winter Vacation (2001)Side story · optional, after Pokémon

    OVA · Fall 2000 · 3 ep · ~45 minutes · score 3.0/5

  12. 12
    Pokémon: Mewtwo ReturnsSide story · optional, after Pokémon

    Special · Fall 2000 · 1 ep · ~75 minutes · score 3.4/5

  13. 13
    Pokémon: Pikachu's PikaBooSide story · optional, after Pokémon 4Ever

    Movie · Summer 2001 · ~25 minutes · score 3.0/5

  14. 14
    Pokémon 4EverSide story · optional, after Pokémon

    Movie · Summer 2001 · ~75 minutes · score 3.4/5

  15. 15
    Pokémon: The Legend of Thunder!Side story · optional, after Pokémon

    Special · Fall 2001 · 1 ep · ~70 minutes · score 3.3/5

  16. 16
    Pokémon HeroesSide story · optional, after Pokémon

    Movie · Summer 2002 · ~75 minutes · score 3.5/5

  17. 17
    Pokémon: Camp PikachuSide story · optional, after Pokémon Heroes

    Movie · Summer 2002 · ~20 minutes · score 3.0/5

  18. 18
    Pokémon the Series: Ruby and SapphireMain story

    TV · Fall 2002 · 192 ep · ~77 hours · score 3.5/5

    Watch onHoopla

  19. 19
    Pokémon ChroniclesSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    TV · Winter 2003 · 16 ep · ~6.5 hours · score 3.3/5

  20. 20
    Pokémon: Pichu Bros. in Party PanicSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Special · Summer 2003 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 3.0/5

  21. 21
    Pokémon: Jirachi Wish MakerSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Movie · Summer 2003 · ~80 minutes · score 3.3/5

  22. 22
    Pokémon: Gotta Dance!Side story · optional, after Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker

    Movie · Summer 2003 · ~25 minutes · score 3.0/5

  23. 23
    Pokémon: Destiny DeoxysSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Movie · Summer 2004 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.4/5

  24. 24
    Pokemon: Pikachu no NatsumatsuriSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Special · Summer 2004 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.9/5

  25. 25
    Pokemon 3D Adventure: Mew wo Sagase!Side story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Movie · Winter 2005 · ~10 minutes · score 3.1/5

  26. 26
    Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of MewSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Movie · Summer 2005 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.5/5

  27. 27
    Pokemon: Pikachu no Obake CarnivalSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Special · Summer 2005 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.9/5

  28. 28
    Pokémon: The Mastermind of Mirage PokémonSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    ONA · Fall 2006 · 1 ep · ~40 minutes · score 3.2/5

  29. 29
    Pokémon 4D: Pikachu's Ocean AdventureSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Movie · Spring 2006 · ~15 minutes · score 3.1/5

  30. 30
    Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the SeaSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Movie · Summer 2006 · ~2 hours · score 3.3/5

  31. 31
    Pokémon: Pikachu's Island AdventureSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    Special · Summer 2006 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.9/5

  32. 32
    Pokémon the Series: Diamond and PearlMain story

    TV · Fall 2006 · 191 ep · ~76 hours · score 3.6/5

    Watch onHoopla

  33. 33
    Pokémon: The Rise of DarkraiSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Movie · Summer 2007 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.5/5

    Watch onHulu

  34. 34
    Pokemon: Pikachu Tanken ClubSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Special · Summer 2007 · 1 ep · ~25 minutes · score 2.8/5

  35. 35
    Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky WarriorSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Movie · Summer 2008 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.4/5

    Watch onHulu

  36. 36
    Pokemon: Pikachu Koori no DaiboukenSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Special · Summer 2008 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.9/5

  37. 37
    Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of LifeSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Movie · Summer 2009 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.4/5

    Watch onHulu

  38. 38
    Pokemon: Pikachu no Kirakira Daisousaku!Side story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Special · Summer 2009 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.8/5

  39. 39
    Pokémon: Zoroark—Master of IllusionsSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Movie · Summer 2010 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.3/5

  40. 40
    Pokemon: Pikachu no Fushigi na Fushigi na DaiboukenSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    Special · Summer 2010 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.9/5

  41. 41
    Pokémon: Black & WhiteMain story

    TV · Fall 2010 · 84 ep · ~34 hours · score 3.1/5

  42. 42
    Pokemon Diamond & Pearl SpecialsMain story

    Special · Winter 2011 · 2 ep · ~50 minutes · score 3.5/5

  43. 43
    Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and ReshiramSide story · optional, after Pokémon: Black & White

    Movie · Summer 2011 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.2/5

  44. 44
    Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and ZekromAlternate version of Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram

    Movie · Summer 2011 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.1/5

  45. 45
    Pokemon: Pikachu no Summer Bridge StorySide story · optional, after Pokémon: Black & White

    Special · Summer 2011 · 1 ep · ~20 minutes · score 2.8/5

  46. 46
    Pokémon Black 2 White 2: Introduction Special MovieAlternate version of Pokémon: Black & White

    Special · Spring 2012 · 1 ep · ~5 minutes · score 3.5/5

  47. 47
    Pokémon BW: Rival DestiniesMain story

    TV · Summer 2012 · 24 ep · ~9.5 hours · score 3.1/5

  48. 48
    Pokemon: Utae Meloetta - Rinka no Mi wo Sagase!Side story · optional, after Pokémon BW: Rival Destinies

    OVA · Summer 2012 · 1 ep · ~5 minutes · score 2.9/5

  49. 49
    Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem VS. The Sword of JusticeSide story · optional, after Pokémon BW: Rival Destinies

    Movie · Summer 2012 · ~70 minutes · score 3.1/5

  50. 50
    Pokémon: Meloetta's Moonlight SerenadeSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem VS. The Sword of Justice

    Movie · Summer 2012 · ~20 minutes · score 3.0/5

  51. 51
    Pokémon BW: Adventures in UnovaMain story

    TV · Winter 2013 · 14 ep · ~5.5 hours · score 3.3/5

  52. 52
    Pokémon BW: Adventures in Unova and BeyondMain story

    TV · Spring 2013 · 20 ep · ~8 hours · score 3.0/5

  53. 53
    Pokémon: Mewtwo—Prologue to AwakeningSide story · optional, after Pokémon BW: Adventures in Unova and Beyond

    Special · Summer 2013 · 1 ep · ~25 minutes · score 3.1/5

  54. 54
    Pokémon: Eevee & FriendsSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

    Movie · Summer 2013 · ~20 minutes · score 3.1/5

  55. 55
    Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend AwakenedSide story · optional, after Pokémon BW: Adventures in Unova and Beyond

    Movie · Summer 2013 · ~70 minutes · score 3.1/5

  56. 56
    Pokémon OriginsAlternate version of Pokémon

    Special · Fall 2013 · 4 ep · ~90 minutes · score 3.8/5

    Watch onYouTube

  57. 57
    Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure SpecialsMain story

    Special · Fall 2013 · 2 ep · ~50 minutes · score 3.1/5

  58. 58
    Pokémon the Series: XYMain story

    TV · Fall 2013 · 93 ep · ~36 hours · score 3.7/5

  59. 59
    Pokémon the Series: XY Mega Evolution SpecialsSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XY

    Special · Spring 2014 · 4 ep · ~1.5 hours · score 3.5/5

  60. 60
    Pokémon: Diancie—Princess of the Diamond DomainSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XY

    Special · Summer 2014 · 1 ep · ~5 minutes · score 2.9/5

  61. 61
    Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of DestructionSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XY

    Movie · Summer 2014 · ~75 minutes · score 3.2/5

  62. 62
    Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated TrailerAlternate version of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

    ONA · Fall 2014 · 1 ep · ~5 minutes · score 3.3/5

  63. 63
    Pokémon: Hoopa's Surprise Ring AdventuresSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XY

    Special · Spring 2015 · 6 ep · ~5 minutes · score 2.6/5

  64. 64
    Pokémon: Hoopa—The Mischief PokémonSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XY

    OVA · Spring 2015 · 1 ep · ~15 minutes · score 3.4/5

  65. 65
    Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of AgesSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XY

    Movie · Summer 2015 · ~80 minutes · score 3.2/5

  66. 66
    Pokémon the Series: XYZMain story

    TV · Fall 2015 · 47 ep · ~19 hours · score 3.9/5

  67. 67
    Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical MarvelSide story · optional, after Pokémon the Series: XYZ

    Movie · Summer 2016 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.2/5

  68. 68
    Pokemon GenerationsAlternate version of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

    ONA · Fall 2016 · 18 ep · ~1.5 hours · score 3.6/5

  69. 69
    Pokémon the Series: XYZ SpecialsMain story

    Special · Fall 2016 · 2 ep · ~50 minutes · score 3.5/5

  70. 70
    Pokémon the Series: Sun & MoonMain story

    TV · Fall 2016 · 146 ep · ~58 hours · score 3.5/5

    Watch onHulu Netflix Prime Video

  71. 71
    Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!Alternate version of Pokémon

    Movie · Summer 2017 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.5/5

  72. 72
    Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—EvolutionAlternate version of Pokémon: The First Movie

    Movie · Summer 2019 · ~1.5 hours · score 3.0/5

    Watch onNetflix

  73. 73
    Pokémon Journeys: The SeriesMain story

    TV · Fall 2019 · 136 ep · ~54 hours · score 3.6/5

    Watch onNetflix YouTube

  74. 74
    Pokémon EvolutionsAlternate version of Pokémon

    ONA · Summer 2021 · 8 ep · ~65 minutes · score 3.6/5

How long is Pokémon?

PartSeasons and moviesEpisodesWatch time
Main story11 seasons and 3 OVAs and specials1229about 490 hours
Everything released16 seasons, 32 movies and 26 OVAs and specials1343about 546 hours

Watch time uses each season's and movie's episode length, or a typical length where we don't have one.

Where to watch Pokémon

Pokémon is officially on Hulu and Netflix (4 of 74), YouTube (3 of 74) and Hoopla and Prime Video (2 of 74), counting its 74 seasons, movies and specials.

Services and regions change; the release order above links each season to its official pages. Where to watch Pokémon has the full list, free options included.

Is Pokémon finished?

As far as anything announced goes, yes: the last entry, Pokémon Journeys: The Series, came out in 2019. Nothing new is announced yet.

Do I need to watch the Pokémon movies and OVAs?

Optional: Pokémon: The First Movie, Pokémon: Pikachu's Vacation, Pokémon: Pikachu's Winter Vacation, Pokémon: Pikachu's Rescue Adventure, Pokémon the Movie 2000, Pokémon: Pikachu's Winter Vacation 2 and 46 more. Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom, Pokémon Black 2 White 2: Introduction Special Movie, Pokémon Origins, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer, Pokemon Generations, Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, Pokémon Evolutions retell the story in another version; pick one.

How many episodes does Pokémon have?

The main story is 1229 episodes over 11 seasons and 3 OVAs and specials, about 490 hours of viewing. With every optional extra it is 1343 episodes (about 546 hours).

Where can I watch Pokémon?

Officially on Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Hoopla, Prime Video. Availability depends on your region; each season and movie below lists its own services.

Related manga

Order and labels come from the relations in the AnimeHunt catalog (sequel, side story, summary, alternative version). Spot a mistake? Tell us.