For over 25 years, Ash Ketchum has been the face of the Pokémon anime series. Many fans have grown up watching his iconic journey over the years, and though he’s never had a major role in the games, he’s still an integral part of the franchise’s legacy. After so long, it’s almost impossible to imagine Pokémon without Ash. However, while he stars in just about every series, film, and special, not all anime within the franchise include the famed hero.
Whether it’s a short mini-series, an obscure spin-off, or a full-length TV show, there’s a surprising amount of Pokémon media where Ash isn’t the main focus. Instead, these stories introduce audiences to new characters and settings, further expanding on the world fans know and love.
Updated on April 1, 2023, by Chelsea Steele: After 25 years, Ash Ketchum’s iconic journey has come to an end, and for the first time since the Pokémon anime has existed, the mainline story will now shift its focus to a new protagonist. It’s hard to imagine the series without this beloved hero at the helm, but this new chapter won’t be the first time Pokémon didn’t feature Ash and his adventures. This list already covers many series, films, and specials that shift the focus away from the famed protagonist. However, it’s been updated with even more titles starring new and never-before-seen heroes.
15 Eevee & Friends
Eevee & Friends aired in 2013 as the 25th installment of the beloved Pikachu shorts. While many other specials within this series at least feature cameos from Ash and the gang, this is one of the few where the trainers don’t seem to be present at all. Instead, the short begins with Pikachu and friends happily roaming the forest on their own. Here, they encounter a Sylveon and an Eevee, and the small group immediately hit it off as friends.
Their new friends lead them away and introduce them to the remaining Eeveelutions, and together, they join in on all sorts of adorable antics. While Eevee & Friends may not be as well-known as other iconic Pikachu shorts, it’s undoubtedly one of the most wholesome and well-loved of the bunch.
14 Dawn—Setting Off On A New Journey!
When Ash, Brock, and Dawn go their separate ways at the end of Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl, it looks as if this may be the end of their journey. However, the series surprises fans with a bonus special, showing that Dawn’s adventures are only getting started. Dawn—Setting Off On A New Journey! joins the titular heroine as she regroups back in her hometown and figures out her next move.
Dawn wants to travel to the Hoenn region next and compete in Pokémon Contests there, but she’s got a bit of a dilemma. With her sights set on Hoenn, Dawn is unsure of which Pokémon friends she should take with her. This episode follows a day in Dawn’s life as she readies her team and plans her newest adventure.
13 Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs is a short animated special based on the game of the same name. This often-overlooked mini-series stars a brand-new protagonist — a young Ranger named Ben. The story follows Ben’s adventures as he works with Professor Hastings and his fellow Rangers, scoping out the land and protecting Pokémon from poachers, such as the Pokémon Pinchers.
While on a new mission, Ben ends up washed on Dolce Island, where he meets a curious Pichu with a ukulele strapped to its back. Now, with a new friend by his side, Ben sets off on an epic quest to find his way back and stop the Pinchers once and for all.
12 Pokémon XY: Mega Evolution
Pokémon XY: Mega Evolution is a bonus special within the Pokémon XY series, taking place during Ash’s journey through the Kalos region. This four-part series stars a new original hero, a young man by the name of Alain. Accompanied by his Mega Charizard X, Alain has set out to research Mega-Evolved Pokémon in hopes of defeating them all.
With a rag-tag group of friends by his side, Alain dives into the mysterious world of Mega Evolution, learning more than he ever thought possible. Though this special rarely gets the recognition it deserves, it’s one of the most notable examples of a successful Pokémon spin-off, showing that fans are ready for stories beyond Ash’s perspective.
11 Pokémon Horizons
Soon after word broke out that Ash was retiring from the spotlight, fans caught their first glimpses of the next newest series to hit the franchise — as well as the new protagonist. Pokémon Horizons is the latest arc of the mainline series and will star two new heroes, a girl from Paldea named Liko and a boy from the Kanto region named Roy.
Though there have been plenty of other Pokémon protagonists throughout the years, these two are making anime history as they pick up where Ash left off. Considering the mark Ash has left on the franchise, Liko and Roy definitely have some big shoes to fill. However, fans are hopeful and look forward to seeing where their journey takes them.
10 Pikachu’s Vacation
Pikachu’s Vacation is one of many shorts featuring the beloved electric Pokémon. Premiering alongside Pokémon: The First Movie during its initial release, it’s likely the most well-known and popular of the Pikachu specials. This fun little short features Pikachu and the rest of the gang as they enjoy their summer vacation together without their trainers.
However, things aren’t as relaxing as they hoped after they have a run-in with a group of Pokémon bullies, led by a tough Raichu who challenges Pikachu to a one-on-one competition. The special is adorable, and although Ash makes a slight appearance at the end, he plays little to no role in the story whatsoever, putting the spotlight on Pikachu instead.
9 Pokétoon
Pokétoon is a web series featured on the Pokémon Kids TV Youtube channel, consisting of various shorts and episodes centered around the daily lives of those living in the Pokémon world. The series follows no linear storyline or art direction, and it’s even animated by several different studios, making for a unique and diverse look that’s unlike anything Pokémon fans are used to.
While most anime in the franchise follow Ash or other recognizable heroes, Pokétoon features brand-new characters, giving its own identity. With its slow pace and slice-of-life storytelling, it’s a very refreshing addition to the franchise that many fans can appreciate.
8 Pikachu & Pichu
Pikachu & Pichu is another of the many Pikachu shorts to air over the years. Much like many of the others, Ash is technically present, but he has little to no screen time and plays no significant role in the story. Instead, the focus shifts to Pikachu and a pair of Pichu brothers he meets in the city.
The three become fast friends and get into all sorts of antics as they roam around the streets together. But just like with the Pikachu’s Vacation short, trouble isn’t far behind them, and Pikachu and the gang have to work together to solve the various problems they face in the city.
7 Pokémon Chronicles
Pokémon Chronicles is a spin-off series that’s loosely tied to the mainline anime. It follows a new trio of trainers named Jimmy, Marina, and Vincent, who have joined together and started their own Pokémon journey. Alongside them is a slew of familiar faces that fans have met while watching Ash on his journey, showing how closely tied these two series are.
Ash himself does make a slight appearance, but it’s more of a cameo than anything, so the focus stays on the new heroes. Though fans widely forget it, Pokémon Chronicles is a breath of fresh air in the franchise, showing the series can hold its own without Ash present.
6 Pokémon Twilight Wings
Based on the Pokémon Sword and Shield games, Pokémon Twilight Wings is a series of shorts that give fans insight into the lives of people and Pokémon living in the Galar region. Much like other web series, it’s available on the official Japanese Youtube channel. These five-minute-long episodes are mostly character-driven, focusing less on battles and more on everyday problems.
As a result, these shorts have a relaxing and laid-back feel that’s very different from the mainline series. With stunning visuals, relatable storylines, and likable characters, Pokémon Twilight Wings gives fans great insight into the region and is a welcome departure from the usual stories found in the franchise.
5 Pokémon Hisuian Snow
Pokémon Hisuian Snow is a mini-series based on the hit game Pokémon Legends: Arceus that takes fans back to ancient times in the world of Pokémon, long before modern-day trainers and battles were in practice. The story introduces a brand-new protagonist to the franchise, a young boy named Alec, who’s set off for the Hisui region.
In the series’ three episodes, viewers learn about Alec’s past as he travels the area and slowly forms a close bond with a Zorua he encounters on his journey. During this time, humans and Pokémon have not yet learned to trust each other, so Alec and the Zorua must overcome their differences and work as a team to make it through the frigid landscape.
4 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game series is one of the best and longest-running spin-offs of the Pokémon franchise. It’s so popular that it even got a series of animated shorts by the same name. The Mystery Dungeon shorts consist of four episodes, featuring a trio of heroic Pokémon out on adventures, exploring the world, and rescuing other Pokémon.
They star a wide variety of Pokémon species and types, including many fan favorites, such as Pikachu, Piplup, and Charmander. Like many spin-offs and specials within the franchise, these shorts aren’t as widely recognized by fans. Nevertheless, they’re still a fun watch, especially for fans of the game series.
3 Pokémon Evolutions
25 years is an impressive run for any franchise, and Pokémon set out to celebrate this milestone with an all-new series, Pokémon Evolutions. This eight-episode-long series of shorts takes fans through all the major regions of the Pokémon World, showing just how far the series has come over the years.
Along the way, viewers see some familiar faces from various generations, including old allies within the anime and game-only characters making their debut. Despite this reunion, Ash is nowhere to be found throughout the mini-series. Instead, Pokémon Evolutions features fan favorites that have been long overdue for some attention, which many feel is a welcome change to the franchise.
2 Pokémon Generations
Pokémon Generations is a mini-series that features key moments from the first six generations of the franchise before introducing fans to the seventh generation. Every few episodes are dedicated to a certain Pokémon era and include events from or based on the games, told from the perspective of various characters.
The series is unlike any other anime adaptation before it and gives fans a fresh new look at some of the franchise’s most famous and beloved scenes. Much like Pokémon Evolutions, this short series celebrates everything Pokémon and shows just how far the franchise has come over the years.
1 Pokémon 70zll0v” title=”origin”>Origins
Ash Ketchum has a special place in most fans’ hearts, but when it comes down to it, everyone loves Red the most. Though he usually gets no love from the anime series, this old-school Pokémon protagonist finally has his time to shine in the OVA series Pokémon 70zll0v” title=”origin”>Origins.
In this four-episode special, fans finally get to see the story of Pokémon Red and Blue come to life, following the legendary Red himself as he starts his iconic journey. Returning with him are some well-known faces and some new ones exclusive to the Red and Blue games. This series is an absolute treat for long-time fans, and it’s a great introduction for newcomers to some of the older generations of Pokémon.
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