You’d think counting movies would be easy. One, two, three... and you’re done. But with Pokémon, the moment you ask how many pokemon movies are there, you step into a swamp of alternate timelines, CGI remakes, and live-action spin-offs that make a simple head-count feel like a math exam.
Honestly? Most people will tell you there are 24 or 25. They aren't exactly wrong, but they aren't exactly right either. If we’re talking about the main-line animated features that hit theaters, the number sits firmly at 23 animated films. Then you’ve got the live-action Detective Pikachu from 2019, which brings us to 24.
But then there's the 30th-anniversary buzz happening right now in 2026.
The Official Count (And Why It Stalled)
For two decades, the Pokémon Company was like clockwork. Every July, Japan got a new movie. Without fail. It started in 1998 with Mewtwo Strikes Back and ran all the way through the Sun & Moon era. Then, the world changed.
The 23rd film, Secrets of the Jungle (known as Koko in Japan), hit a massive wall because of the global pandemic. It was supposed to be a 2020 summer blockbuster but got pushed to winter. Ever since that delay, the "one movie per year" rule has basically been tossed out the window.
Here is the breakdown of the 23 "core" animated movies:
- The Original Series Era: 5 movies (Starting with the iconic Mewtwo vs. Mew showdown).
- Advanced Generation: 4 movies (Introducing the Hoenn legends like Jirachi and Deoxys).
- Diamond and Pearl: 4 movies (The Arceus trilogy is still some of the best storytelling they've done).
- Black & White: 4 movies (Technically 5 if you count the dual release of the Victini films).
- XY / XYZ: 3 movies.
- The "I Choose You" Reboot Continuity: 3 movies.
That 2011 release of White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram is a prime example of why counting is hard. They are essentially the same movie with slight variations. Do you count them as one or two? Most fans say one, but the collectors will fight you on it.
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What about Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution?
This is where it gets really weird. In 2019, they released a full CGI remake of the very first movie. It’s a shot-for-shot recreation. On most official lists, this is considered the 22nd movie. If you’ve already seen the 1998 version, you aren't getting a new story, just a lot of shiny, plastic-looking textures. It still counts toward the total, though.
The Detective Pikachu Factor
We can't talk about how many pokemon movies are there without mentioning the yellow detective with Ryan Reynolds’ voice. POKÉMON Detective Pikachu (2019) is the only official live-action film. It’s a separate beast entirely.
It doesn't follow Ash Ketchum. It doesn't follow the anime rules. But it’s a full-length theatrical feature. So, if you're a completionist, the number is 24.
The 2026 Landscape and the 30th Anniversary
As of January 2026, we are in a bit of a drought. Or a "breather," depending on how optimistic you feel. Since Secrets of the Jungle in 2020, the focus has shifted heavily toward streaming series like Pokémon Horizons, Pokémon Concierge, and Paldean Winds.
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There’s a lot of noise online right now about a "2026 Live Action Movie" starring Tom Holland. Let’s be real: those are fan-made concept trailers. They look cool, and they get millions of views on YouTube, but as of today, there is no official confirmation of a live-action Ash Ketchum movie for the 30th anniversary.
What we do know is that The Pokémon Company loves a big anniversary. With February 27, 2026, marking exactly 30 years since the original Red and Green games launched in Japan, something big is brewing. Rumors of a new theatrical feature for the Horizons crew (Liko and Roy) are everywhere, but until a poster drops, we stay at 23 animated and 1 live-action.
Does "The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon" Count?
This is the hill many fans die on. There are several "TV Specials" that are basically movie-length.
- Mewtwo Returns (The direct sequel to the first movie).
- The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon (The weird 10th-anniversary special).
- The Arceus Chronicles (Technically four episodes stitched together).
If you start counting these, the number jumps toward 30. But in terms of what actually played in theaters or was marketed as a "feature film," these are usually excluded. It’s confusing. I know.
Where to Actually Watch Them All
If you’re trying to marathon these, you’re going to need about five different streaming passwords. It's a mess.
- Netflix: They currently hold the "premier" rights for the newer stuff like Secrets of the Jungle and Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution.
- Pokémon TV: This was the go-to app for years, but with its recent changes, the rotation is constantly shifting.
- Amazon/iTunes: For the older classics like Pokémon Heroes or Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, you usually have to go the digital rental route.
- Physical Media: Honestly, buying the "4-Movie Packs" on DVD is still the most reliable way to keep track.
The reality of how many pokemon movies are there is that the franchise has outgrown the need for a yearly cinema release. They are making so much money from mobile games and trading cards that a movie has to be an event to be worth the effort now.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to catch up without losing your mind, don't try to watch them in one go. Start with the "Alternate Continuity" trilogy: I Choose You!, The Power of Us, and Secrets of the Jungle. These don't require you to have watched 1,200 episodes of the show. They stand on their own.
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Check the official Pokémon Press site or the Serebii news feed regularly this month. If a 2026 movie is happening for the 30th anniversary, the announcement is likely coming during the Pokémon Day "Pokémon Presents" stream in late February. Keep your eyes on the official channels and ignore the Tom Holland fan-trailers.
As of right now, your definitive answer is 23 animated films and 1 live-action movie. Everything else is either a special, a short, or a very convincing fan edit.