Pokemon watch order with movies: How to actually watch everything in the right order

Let's be real for a second. Trying to figure out the Pokemon watch order with movies is basically like trying to untangle a bunch of Chinchou lights after the holidays. It’s a mess. You’ve got over 1,200 episodes, 20-plus movies, and enough spin-offs to make your head spin faster than a Hitmontop.

Most people just give up and watch whatever's on Netflix. But if you actually want the story to make sense—like, seeing Ash catch a Pokémon before it suddenly appears in a movie—you need a plan. Honestly, the "official" seasons don't always help because the movies were released in theaters while specific arcs were airing on TV.

Here is the thing: some movies are "canon" (they happened in the main story), and some are "alternate universe" stuff. If you don't know the difference, you're going to be very confused when Ash meets Mewtwo for the "first time" three different times.

The Kanto and Orange Islands Era (The Classics)

This is where everyone starts. You've got the Indigo League, which is pure nostalgia bait. But where do you slot the movies?

Basically, you want to watch the first 67 episodes. Then, stop. That’s when Pokémon: The First Movie (Mewtwo Strikes Back) happens. It fits right after Ash gets his eighth badge but before he heads to the Indigo Plateau. If you watch the 3D remake (Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution), it's the same story, just shinier.

1. Indigo League (Episodes 1–67)
2. Movie 1: Mewtwo Strikes Back
3. Indigo League (Episodes 68–80)
4. Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 81–105)
5. Movie 2: The Movie 2000 (The Power of One)
6. Adventures in the Orange Islands (Episodes 106–116)

The second movie, The Power of One, is arguably one of the best. It features Lugia and takes place while Ash is island-hopping. You can tell it fits here because he still has his Lapras, which he eventually releases.

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The Johto Journeys and the Lugia Connection

Johto is long. Really long. It’s three seasons of Ash, Misty, and Brock wandering around.

The movies here are a bit more standalone, but they still have specific slots. For instance, in Movie 3: Spell of the Unown, Brock uses a Pokémon he hasn't evolved yet in the show.

• The Johto Journeys (Episodes 117–155)
• Movie 3: Spell of the Unown
• Johto League Champions (Episodes 158–205)
• Movie 4: Celebi: Voice of the Forest
• Master Quest (Episodes 212–256)
• Movie 5: Pokémon Heroes

Fun fact about Pokémon Heroes: it’s the last time we see the original trio (Ash, Misty, Brock) as the main cast in a movie for a very long time. It also features Latias and Latios, and the setting is based on Venice. It's gorgeous.

The Advanced Generation and Diamond & Pearl

Once you hit Hoenn (the Advanced series), the team changes. May and Max join. The Pokemon watch order with movies gets a little tighter here because the movies start referencing "Aura," which becomes a big deal later in the series.

Hoenn Region (Advanced)

• Advanced (Episodes 1–34)
• Movie 6: Jirachi—Wish Maker
• Advanced Challenge (Episodes 41–85)
• Movie 7: Destiny Deoxys
• Advanced Battle (Episodes 93–134)
• Movie 8: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
• Battle Frontier (Episodes 146–183)
• Movie 9: Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea

Lucario and the Mystery of Mew is essential. It’s where we first learn that Ash has special "Aura" powers. This actually comes back up years later in the Journeys series. If you skip this movie, you'll be wondering why Ash is suddenly a Jedi in 2022.

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Sinnoh Region (Diamond & Pearl)

The Sinnoh movies are unique because Movies 10, 11, and 12 actually tell one continuous story. They’re a trilogy.

• Diamond and Pearl (Episodes 1–38)
• Movie 10: The Rise of Darkrai
• DP: Battle Dimension (Episodes 53–99)
• Movie 11: Giratina and the Sky Warrior
• DP: Galactic Battles (Episodes 106–142)
• Movie 12: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
• DP: Sinnoh League Victors (Episodes 153–170)
• Movie 13: Zoroark—Master of Illusions

The "Middle Ages" of Pokemon: Black, White, and XY

The Unova (Black & White) era is sort of the "black sheep" for many fans. The movies here are weird. For Movie 14, they actually released two versions: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom. They are basically the same movie with minor differences. You only need to watch one. Honestly.

1. Black & White (Episodes 1–38) -> Movie 14
2. BW: Rival Destinies (Episodes 49–98) -> Movie 15: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice
3. BW: Adventures in Unova (Episodes 109–122) -> Movie 16: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

Then we get to Kalos (XY). Fans love this era because the animation quality spiked.

• XY (Episodes 1–37) -> Movie 17: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
• XY Kalos Quest (Episodes 49–88) -> Movie 18: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
• XYZ (Episodes 93–123) -> Movie 19: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel

The Great Reset: Sun & Moon and the Alternate Timeline

This is where most people get tripped up. After Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, the Pokémon company decided to stop making movies that fit into the current TV show.

Instead, they started a "Reboot" or "Alternate Universe" (AU) timeline. In these movies, Ash is still a kid from Pallet Town, but his journey is different. He meets different friends. He catches different Pokémon.

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Crucial Note: Movies 20, 21, and 23 do NOT happen in the same world as the TV show. You can watch them whenever you want, but they won't help you understand the anime plot.

• Movie 20: I Choose You! (A retelling of the start of Ash's journey)
• Movie 21: The Power of Us
• Movie 23: Secrets of the Jungle

While these were coming out, the Sun & Moon anime was airing. It has zero movies. None. Ash is just in school in Alola, having a chill time.

The Finale: Pokemon Journeys and Horizons

Ash's final run is in Pokémon Journeys. It’s a world tour. He goes everywhere. He fights everyone.

There aren't "movies" in the traditional sense here, but there are special multi-part episodes that feel like movies, such as The Arceus Chronicles on Netflix. You should watch that after episode 90 of Journeys.

After Ash wins the World Championship and leaves the show, we enter the Pokémon Horizons era.

• Pokémon Horizons (2023–Present): This features Liko and Roy. So far, there are no movies for this series. It’s a completely fresh start.

Actionable Tips for Your Marathon

If you're actually going to sit down and do this, don't try to be perfect. The Pokémon timeline is notorious for "floating time"—Ash has been ten years old for nearly 30 years.

• Prioritize Movie 1, 8, and 10–12. These have the most impact on how you understand the world.
• Skip the "Pikachu Shorts" unless you have kids or really love slapstick. They don't add anything to the story.
• Watch the "Mega Evolution Specials" during the XY era. They aren't movies, but they are vital for the plot.
• Use a tracker. Apps like TV Time or even a simple spreadsheet will save your sanity because the season names change depending on whether you're watching the Japanese or English version.

Start with the Indigo League and Movie 1. If you can get through those and still want more, follow the chronological path above. It’s the only way to see Ash grow from a kid who oversleeps to a literal world champion without losing your mind over continuity errors.