Timeless Pokémon Favorites
Ask any random person to name a Pokémon, and the first thing out of their mouth will probably be one from this list. Certain creatures have broken out of the gaming and anime world to become genuine pop culture phenomena. They're on lunchboxes, in movies, and tattooed on people who haven't touched a Game Boy in decades. These aren't just fan favorites—they're straight-up icons. See if your childhood favorite made our hall of fame.
1. Pikachu
Pikachu's journey began in the 1996 release of Pokémon Red and Green, later becoming the franchise's mascot through the anime series. This yellow creature, identified by its red cheeks and lightning-shaped tail, earned such fame that Topeka, Kansas, changed its name to "Topikachu" for 24 hours.
Carolina Castilla Arias on Pexels
2. Charizard
Fire-breathing prowess and a dragon-like presence define this beloved creature. As Charmander's final evolution, the Fire or Flying-type Charizard became a cornerstone of the franchise. It also received Mega Evolution in Pokémon X and Y, and its original trading card remains a treasured collectible.
Romer Jed Medina from Newark, NJ, United States on Wikimedia
3. Bulbasaur
This dual-type Grass or Poison Pokémon holds position number one in the National Pokédex, while also being the sole starter Pokémon with Poison-type abilities. At level 16, it typically evolves into Ivysaur, continuing its evolutionary journey.
4. Jigglypuff
A beloved character in Super Smash Bros., Jigglypuff brings charm to every battle. The pink powerhouse evolves from Igglybuff through strong friendship bonds, meanwhile displaying its Fairy-type abilities. Players particularly remember its habit of marking sleeping victims' faces in the anime series.
5. Squirtle
The sunglasses-wearing leader of the Squirtle Squad became an instant fan favorite in the anime series. This Water-type starter from Pokémon Red and Blue relies on its shell for protection and swift swimming, eventually developing into Wartortle at level 16.
6. Meowth
A self-taught linguist among Pokémon, Team Rocket's Meowth mastered human speech through dedication. Based on the maneki-neko legend, this Normal-type creature features the signature move Pay Day. It evolves into Persian at level 28, which makes it truly special.
7. Mewtwo
The fearsome Mewtwo stands as one of the most powerful Pokémon in the franchise. Created from Mew's DNA, this Psychic-type Legendary made waves as the main antagonist in Pokémon: The First Movie. It also possesses the unique ability to Mega Evolve into two distinct forms: Mega Mewtwo X and Y.
Calvin Walton from Ottawa, ON, Canada on Wikimedia
8. Mew
The genetic blueprint of all Pokémon exists within the mysterious Mew. The powerful Psychic-type Mythical creature remained a carefully guarded secret in Pokémon Red and Blue, yet players could only acquire it through special events. Meanwhile, its mastery extends to nearly every TM and HM move.
9. Gengar
Shadows come alive through Gengar's playful deceptions, especially on dark nights near streetlights. This Ghost-type pioneer has maintained its appeal since the earliest Pokémon days, while its mischievous nature charms fans. Plus, its status as a trade-evolved Ghost or Poison type also adds depth.
10. Snorlax
A Normal-type Pokémon of impressive size, Snorlax became famous for blocking paths with its legendary naps in early games. Players relied on the Poké Flute to wake this towering eater, inspired by Game Freak’s Koji Nishino, who keeps its enormous bulk by consuming 900 pounds of food daily.
Michael Ocampo from United States on Wikimedia
11. Eevee
Eevee's remarkable journey from Normal-type Pokémon to mascot status in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! highlights its lasting charm. Owing to its unstable genetic makeup, Eevee can evolve in various ways. Interestingly, its eight different forms even earned a Guinness World Record for evolution possibilities.
RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia
12. Lucario
The spiritual warrior Lucario channels aura energy with precision. First appearing as a Generation IV Fighting or Steel type, this fan favorite earned theatrical acclaim in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. Through Mega Evolution, it changes into the enhanced Mega Lucario form.
13. Gardevoir
Small black holes emerge from Gardevoir's incredible psychic abilities, yet this powerful Psychic/Fairy type remains deeply protective of its trainer. First appearing in Generation III, the devoted Pokémon can risk everything for its companion and can even transform through Mega Evolution.
Pascal from Heidelberg, Germany on Wikimedia
14. Lapras
Noble titans of the water, Lapras earned fame for ferrying people across seas on their backs. These intelligent Water or Ice Pokémon, introduced in Generation I, previously reached endangered status, yet remained beloved throughout the Pokémon world.
Ash Meets His Lapras Again // Ash And Lapras Reunite by Pokemon Specials
15. Rayquaza
Few humans ever spot Rayquaza in its ozone layer sanctuary. The Generation III Dragon/Flying Legendary maintains harmony by resolving weather disputes between Kyogre and Groudon, while showing exceptional power with the help of its unique ability to Mega Evolve without a Mega Stone.
16. Greninja
The final evolution of Froakie brings us Greninja, a dual-type Water/Dark Pokémon with a distinctive scarf-like tongue wrapped around its neck. This unique design, combined with its Generation VI debut, helped Greninja secure the top spot as the most popular Pokémon in a 2020 poll.
17. Blaziken
Blaziken holds legendary status as the first starter Pokémon banned from competitive play due to its overwhelming Speed Boost ability. Originally introduced in Generation III, the dual-type Pokémon evolved from Torchic. Its incredible jumping ability lets it clear 30-story buildings in one bound.
Isabelle + Stéphane Gallay on Wikimedia
18. Dragonite
The benevolent Dragonite regularly rescues sailors who lose their way at sea. Though its stocky frame suggests otherwise, this Dragon/Flying type breaks the sound barrier in flight. As Dratini's final evolution and the first pseudo-legendary introduced, it commands both respect and admiration.
dragonite being a dragonite by AdriHans
19. Machamp
Physical power reaches new heights with Machamp, a Fighting-type whose four muscular arms command respect. After evolving from Machop, this martial arts master shows its strength by throwing 500 punches in one second, while maintaining perfect control of every fighting style.
Don't Mess with Machamp! by The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
20. Alakazam
A marvel of mental prowess, Alakazam channels its psychic abilities through silver spoons of its own creation. The creature's brain grows perpetually and requires supernatural aid to support its weight. Through trading or Linking Cord exposure, this pure Psychic-type evolves from Kadabra to its ultimate form.
Mega Alakazam in Master Journeys...|Mega Evolution by pokie_Gazing
