For the 25 anniversary Series Pokémon - an occasion during which several new intriguing videogame productions dedicated to the brand were presented - we decided to draw up a list entirely dedicated to the most popular pocket monsters in the world and focused on those that more than all the others have remained in our hearts. In particular, we took into account several aspects including the impact on the franchise, the popularity among fans and the skills in the fights. For the occasion, we have decided to exclude legendary or mysterious Pokémon since they deserve a separate list. All clear? Then let's get started.
20
Toxtricity
Let's start with one of the most recent additions: this Galar creature has quickly become one of the most popular of those introduced in the eighth generation, thanks to its particular design, its unique combination of types (Electro and Poison) and its decent stats of base. Sure, its incredible weakness to ground-type moves can make any coach interested in including this electric punk lizard on their team doubt, but having an alternate version and dynamax form, Toxtricity is one of the most dynamic and supple Pokémon introduced. in Sword and Shield.
19
Flygon
One of the most appreciated and at the same time underestimated Dragon-type Pokémon in the entire franchise, Flygon strikes for its unexpected evolutionary line: the "Spirit of the Desert" in fact evolves from the insect Vibrava at level 45, which in turn evolves from Tranpich at level 35. The sleek design and excellent Special Attack and Speed stats make this Generation III Dragon / Ground Pokémon a favorite of players around the world.
18
Decidueye
The first starter on our list is the final evolution of Rowlet, the Grass-type starter Pokémon from the Alola region. This deadly seventh generation archer owl is the first starter in the franchise to have Specter as the second type, justified by its design based on the Pueo, the Hawaiian spirit in the shape of an owl. His unique Ghost-type Shadow Stitch move prevents the opponent from fleeing by hitting his shadow with an arrow, and he has a Z-shape called Spectral Assault Dart.
17
aegislash
The Sword Sword Pokémon, Aegislash is the final evolutionary stage of Honedge and evolves from its intermediate Doublade stage when exposed to a Darkstone. Inspired by European magic sword motifs like Excalibur and Durandal, this Pokémon of Steel and Ghost is one of the best introduced in Generation VI. His special Light Fight ability allows him to switch between Sword Form and Shield Form, reversing Attack and Defense stats. This peculiarity makes it one of the most versatile Pokémon in the entire franchise and its fantastic design makes it one of the most appreciated by both Ghost and Steel type lovers.
16
Dragonite
Semi-legendary and original Dragon Pokémon, Dragonite is one of the most recognizable and popular Pokémon in the Kanto region and throughout the series. The ace of the Elite Four and later champion of the Johto Lance region, Dragonite can count (like all pseudo-legendaries) on fantastic statistics but, unlike his successors, well balanced. The design, probably inspired by dragons of European folklore, may not be particularly original, but that hasn't stopped this Pokémon from remaining popular for 25 years.
15
Blaziken
Here we are at the second starter on our list; Blaziken is the final stage of Hoenn Torchic's Pokémon, the original Fire / Fighting starter. Based on the shamo, special Japanese fighting roosters, this flaming rooster is the most popular of the Generation III starter Pokémon and one of the most popular among fire starters. Generation VI and the Mega Evolutions mechanic have further enhanced this Pokémon, making Mega Blaziken the highest-stat Fighting-type non-legendary in the entire series.
14
Chandelure
Among the most beloved Ghost-type Pokémon, Chandelure was voted the best Pokémon in Unova by users in 2020. Litwick's final stage, it can count on a fantastic design inspired by Japanese hitodamas, a very special combination of types (Ghost and Fire) and an excellent Special Attack (one of the highest among the non-legendary together with that of Vikavolt and Cursola) that make it very useful in battles. A must have for all lovers of Ghost Pokémon.
13
Tyranitar
Clearly inspired by the "King of Kaiju" Godzilla, Tyranitar is the pseudo-legendary of the Johto region and the second generation and is the only Pokémon in the entire series with the double Rock / Dark type. Despite being particularly susceptible to Fighting-type moves and having seven weaknesses, Tyranitar possesses very high attack and defense capabilities which, combined with his Sandy River ability, allow him to easily withstand even special attacks. From Generation VI onwards, Tyranitar is made even more powerful by the ability to Mega Evolve, making Mega Tyranitar the Pokémon with the highest base Defense.
12
Scizor
How to improve a Pokémon that is already widely appreciated? Giving it an evolution of a brand new kind. We are obviously talking about Scizor, the evolution of Scyther of the Steel and Beetle type introduced in the second generation. With its bright, laminated red color, its power and its speed, Scizor has quickly become a favorite of fans around the world. Its mega-evolution, introduced nearly 15 years later, is just the icing on the cake.
11
Metagross
It takes a particularly special Pokémon to be the second pseudo-legendary of its generation; and Metagross is a very special Pokémon. Ace of Hoenn Champion Rocco, this Steel and Psychic war machine shares the podium of Generation III's strongest non-legendary Pokémon with Salamence. Beyond the elegant design and the excellent combination of types, Metagross can count on a formidable Attack (the highest among both the Steel-types and the Psychic-types) and an incredible Defense, the highest among the pseudo-legendaries. If you then add his mega-evolution, every coach (Steel type and otherwise) can only be tempted to have him in the team.
10
Eevee
Pikachu's counterpart, Eevee is one of the most loved Pokémon in the world that has managed the arduous task of earning its own official game, Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! (2018). Beyond its kawaii value, what makes Eevee so beloved is its ability to evolve into eight different evolutions (or evolutions), two of which have managed to earn a spot in the Top 20 Pokémon of 2020: evolution. Dark-type Umbreon and Elf-type evolution Sylveon.
9
Zoroark
Zoroark is the Dark-type Pokémon that introduced the fifth generation to the general public, considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Pokémon series thanks to two pairs of titles: Pokémon Black and White, and its sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. L he elegant design of Zoroark refers to the Japanese kabuki theater, while the inspiration and the unique shape-changing ability Illusion refer to the kitsune yokai. Surely popular, this Pokémon is one of the few non-legendary or mysterious to have a stand-alone film, The King of Illusions - Zoroark (2011).
8
Mimikyu
The most popular Generation VII Pokémon, Mimikyu features a unique combination of types: Ghost and Fairy. Initially skeptical, fans of the series have come to love this "anti-Pikachu" thanks to its tragic backstory, its versatility in battle and its Phantasmal ability that allows it to take a hit without taking damage and then transform into its unmasked form. . Mimikyu is also one of the few non-starter and non-legendary Pokémon to feature a Z-Move, an enhanced form of Cuteness called Barrel Sweet.
7
Garchomp
The powerful partner of Sinnoh champion Camilla; this Dragon / Earth-type juggernaut is perhaps the strongest pseudo-legendary in the series. Extremely versatile, Garchomp possesses high speed, a substantial amount of base HP, and a terrifying Attack stat. On the other hand, anyone who has played the fourth generation titles (Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum) remembers the ease with which this Pokémon decimated its opponents during the fight with Camilla. The unusual design (a union between a wyvern and a hammerhead shark) lends charm to this Pokémon atomic bomb and, like Tyranitar and Metagross, Garchomp also has a mega-evolution, but in this case the original does not beat.
6
Gardevoir
What is elegance? It's Gardevoir. This third generation Pokémon is one of the final evolutions of Ralts (the other is Gallade) which until the fifth generation had only one type, the Psychic one. With the arrival of the Fairy type in the sixth generation, Gardevoir has gained a second type which has made him much more versatile and dangerous in fights. Additionally, in Generation VI, this Pokémon was given a Mega Evolution, which dramatically increased its potential. Gardevoir's already high popularity reached its peak in Pokémon X and Y, where Gardevoir served as the ace of Kalos region champion Diantha.
5
gengar
The father of all Ghost Pokémon, Gengar is an institution in the Pokémon world. With its simple, functional design and great stats, Gastly's final evolution is one of the most beloved Pokémon ever and an almost inevitable choice for any team type. In addition, Gengar is one of the few Pokémon that has both a mega-evolution (from the sixth generation) and a gigamax form (in the eighth). On the other hand, how could it not be so for a Pokémon loved even by Ken Sugimori, the mind and hand behind all the official artwork of the series?
4
greninja
Winner of the Best Pokémon 2020 title, Greninja is the most beloved water starter of the entire series. This ninja frog introduced in the sixth generation has won the hearts of countless fans thanks to its clever design, its double type Water and Dark and its speed on the field, the highest of all starters. Greninja is also the only starter in the series to have a unique alternate form, Greninja Form Ash, a form similar to the mega-evolution introduced in the anime made possible in the game thanks to the Morphosynch event ability.
3
Lucario
Similar to Zoroark, Lucario is the Pokémon that introduced its generation prior to its official announcement and stars in a stand-alone film, Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2006). Moreover, given his incredible popularity among fans of the games and the anime series, Lucario is considered the unofficial mascot of the franchise. This Fighting / Steel Pokémon is unique for several reasons: beyond the design that refers to the imagination of ancient Egypt, Lucario is the only Fighting-type Pokémon to have the highest Special Attack of its Attack. Such curiosities, however, seem to increase the fascination for this unanimously beloved Pokémon that introduced the mechanics of mega-evolutions in the sixth generation games.
2
Charizard
The most famous starter of the whole series and the final evolution of Charmander, Charizard has introduced entire generations to the world of Pokémon since the brand saw the light, in fact coming to cover the role of mascot of the very first game in the series, Pokémon Red. Charizard is so famous and popular that it appears several times and in different forms throughout the series: in the sixth generation, for example, it is the only Pokémon (besides Mewtwo) to have more than one mega-evolution, Charizard X and Charizard Y; in the eighth he is the first among the starters to have a gigamax form and covers the role of partner of the champion of Galar Leon.
1
Pikachu
Was there any doubt? There's no need to go around it: Pikachu is the Pokémon game series, it's its franchise, it's its face, its past, present and future. Without him, the series would not be the same. And probably neither Nintendo.
And what do you think of it? Write in the comments which Pokémon you believe deserve at least a special mention.
