Most Pokemon movies follow a very specific, very predictable rhythm. Ash Ketchum rolls into a new town, meets a legendary Pokemon that’s basically a god, a giant explosion threatens the world, and everyone cries until the day is saved. It works. It’s fine. But honestly, Pokemon The Power of Us—released in 2018 as the 21st film—is a totally different beast. It’s weirdly grounded. It feels less like a corporate marketing checklist and more like a genuine ensemble drama that just happens to have colorful monsters in it.
If you haven't watched it lately, you're missing out on the moment the series finally realized that the humans in the world are just as interesting as the Pocket Monsters.
A Shift in the Wind at Fula City
The story takes place in Fula City, a place that looks like a coastal paradise built on wind power. It’s gorgeous. The animation, handled by Wit Studio (the same folks who did the early seasons of Attack on Titan), is crisp and fluid. It’s a departure from the standard OLM Inc. style we see in the TV show.
The plot revolves around the Wind Festival. Legend says the legendary Lugia once blessed the city with wind, and every year, the citizens celebrate that bond. But the movie doesn't just focus on Ash and Pikachu. In fact, for long stretches, Ash is basically a supporting character.
The heart of the film is the newcomers. You've got Risa, a track runner who’s terrified of failing; Callahan, a compulsive liar who just wants his niece to think he’s cool; Toren, a socially anxious scientist who can barely speak to people; and Harriet, an old woman who seemingly hates Pokemon.
It's a lot.
Usually, having five different subplots in a 90-minute kids' movie is a recipe for disaster. It should be messy. It should feel rushed. Yet, somehow, the director, Tetsuo Yajima, manages to weave these threads together into something that feels earned. Each character represents a different kind of failure or fear. It's relatable in a way that "saving the world from a space dragon" usually isn't.
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Why the Human Elements Work
Let’s talk about Callahan. He’s arguably the best part of Pokemon The Power of Us. He isn't a villain. He’s just a guy who got caught up in a lie to make a little girl smile. When he’s forced to confront the fact that he isn't the "greatest trainer in the world," the movie doesn't mock him. It shows the weight of that shame.
Then there’s Harriet. Her backstory is surprisingly dark for a Pokemon flick. She lost a Pokemon in a fire years ago, and her bitterness comes from a place of genuine trauma. When she finally touches a Pokemon again, it isn't some magical, instant cure-all. It's a small, hesitant step.
That’s the secret sauce here.
The stakes are personal. When the "poison gas" plot kicks in during the final act, you aren't worried about the city because of its architecture. You're worried because Toren is finally finding his voice to stop it. You're worried because Risa has to run—literally run—to save the day, overcoming a mental block that’s been holding her back the whole film.
The Zeraora Factor and Mythical Legends
Of course, it wouldn't be a Pokemon movie without a centerpiece legendary. Enter Zeraora.
Zeraora is an Electric-type Mythical Pokemon that lives in the mountains surrounding Fula City. It hates humans. Given how humans have treated its habitat, that’s fair. The movie avoids the trope of the "misunderstood monster" being easily won over by a piece of fruit or a kind word. Zeraora is feral, aggressive, and protective.
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Lugia shows up too, but it’s mostly a cameo. This was a bold choice. Fans go to these movies to see the big birds and the gods of the sea. By sidelining Lugia, the film puts the focus on the partnership between the citizens and the local Pokemon. It emphasizes the "Us" in the title.
Technical Mastery and the Wit Studio Touch
The visual language of this movie is just... better.
Look at the lighting. There are scenes during the sunset in Fula City where the colors bleed into each other in a way the TV show never replicates. The character designs by Shizue Kaneko give everyone a softer, more expressive look. Ash looks younger, maybe a bit more "reboot" style (this follows the alternate timeline started in I Choose You!), but he carries a veteran energy that helps ground the chaotic civilians around him.
Music-wise, Shinji Miyazaki delivers a score that feels airy and light, matching the wind theme. It doesn't over-rely on the classic themes, though when they do hit, they hit hard.
Common Misconceptions About the Timeline
People get confused about where this fits. Is it part of the Sun and Moon era? No.
Pokemon The Power of Us exists in the "AU" or Alternate Universe timeline. This is the Ash who never went through the Kanto, Johto, or Sinnoh journeys we watched as kids. He’s a traveler who is perpetually on his first big adventure. This allows the writers to skip the baggage of 25 years of continuity.
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You don't need to know what a Mega Evolution is. You don't need to know about Z-Moves. You just need to know that Ash loves Pokemon and people need help.
Some fans hate this. They want the Ash who won the Alola League. But for a standalone film experience, this reset is a godsend. It lets the movie be a movie, rather than a 90-minute episode of a show you might have missed.
Why This Movie Still Matters Years Later
The themes of environmental stewardship and community are timeless. In 2026, looking back at this 2018 release, it feels even more relevant. We're constantly talking about how small individual actions can't solve global problems. The movie argues the opposite. It suggests that while one person might not save the world, the "Power of Us"—the collective effort of the liar, the coward, the hater, and the kid—actually can.
It’s a message that isn't delivered with a heavy hand. It’s tucked between scenes of a Tyrogue helping move crates and a Sudowoodo being a total hero.
Actionable Steps for the Ultimate Rewatch
If you’re planning to dive back into this film or watch it for the first time, here is how to get the most out of it:
- Watch the Sub vs. Dub: The Japanese version (titled Everyone's Story) has a slightly different emotional tone, especially regarding Toren’s dialogue. Both are great, but the original voice acting for the guest characters is top-tier.
- Look for the Cameos: Fula City is packed with background Pokemon from every generation up to Gen 7. It’s a literal scavenger hunt for long-time fans.
- Pay Attention to the Fire: The flashback sequence involving Harriet is some of the most haunting animation in the series. It explains her character without needing a ten-minute monologue.
- Check Out the Manga: There’s a companion manga that flesh out some of Risa’s backstory if you find her arc particularly compelling.
The movie ends not with a giant battle, but with the wind returning. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It’s a reminder that Pokemon is at its best when it focuses on the bond between species, rather than just the power of their attacks.
Stop waiting for the next big legendary reveal and give this one a shot. It’s the rare Pokemon movie that actually has something to say about being a person.
Next Steps for Fans: To truly appreciate the evolution of the series, watch Pokemon The Power of Us back-to-back with Pokemon: The First Movie. The contrast between the 1998 "clones and psychic battles" vibe and the 2018 "community and growth" vibe is the best way to see how the franchise has matured over three decades. After that, look into the Pokemon Horizons special episodes, which carry forward this same focus on ensemble storytelling rather than a single protagonist's journey.