The Pokémon anime is ending Ash Ketchum’s journey after 26 years. The protagonist’s story has been spread across multiple regions, with seasons that focus on his travels. Since Ash develops over time and has different characters accompanying him, it’s natural that viewers have different preferences.
Fans on IMDb have determined which seasons they feel are the best from Pokémon’s long history. These have their own weak points, but the good parts outweigh them by a stretch. It’s worth looking into what each season entails and what is it about them that viewers enjoyed. The IMDb ratings are also a good indication of which Pokémon seasons to binge-watch.
Updated on May 10th, 2023 by Casey Coates: This list has been updated to include videos and to reflect CBR’s current publishing style.
10 Pokémon Sun & Moon
IMDb Rating – 6.8
Pokémon Sun & Moon serves as a palate cleanser for the anime due to the change in style. The backdrop of a school removes the traveling aspect to focus on learning about Pokémon. Ash has had many friends in Pokémon, but Sun & Moon features multiple characters at the same time.
The change in tone isn’t for everyone since long-term fans are used to Ash’s travels across regions. But Sun & Moon does contain a lighter atmosphere and emphasizes the different types of Pokémon. It’s a worthy change from the norm, although the animation style is a striking departure.
9 Pokémon Black & White
IMDb Rating – 6.9
Ash is expected to repeat his journeys in every Pokémon season. However, Black & White is a soft reboot since it shows Ash with new friends and a different attitude. Ash doesn’t act as experienced as he is, losing quite a few battles on his way to once again growing as a trainer.
Iris and Cilan are Ash’s traveling companions, who aren’t as close to him as his previous friends. It can be frustrating to see Ash behave like such a kid in this season. However, Black & White is good for new viewers to get into since it hits a refresh for the series.
8 Pokémon Advanced
IMDb Rating – 7.0
Pokémon Advanced is set in the Hoenn region, which is much different from Kanto and Johto. Ash and Brock get a makeover while Misty is replaced with May and Max. This season gets viewers out of their comfort zone to show a new side of the Pokémon world.
The story isn’t fully polished since Ash has the tendency to behave like a novice. But Pokémon Advanced deserves credit for making Hoenn look the like the place to be. May’s development into a Pokémon coordinator is intriguing enough to provide the anime with a consistent secondary arc.
7 Pokémon Journeys
IMDb Rating – 7.1
Pokémon Journeys has Ash travel to every region since he’s individually explored all of them. Goh is a solid partner for Ash because of their similarities. Both protagonists are enthusiastic about Pokémon and stop at nothing to meet legendary creatures in their travels.
PokémonJourneys focuses on Ash and Goh’s adventures with unique Pokémon seldom seen before. It takes a bit of getting used to the abundance of traveling to new regions, but this can also be exhilarating. Ash and Goh’s chemistry keeps the story ticking, which strongly focuses on how life functions in the Pokémon world.
6 Pokémon Sun & Moon – Ultra Adventures
IMDb Rating – 7.4
Pokémon Sun & Moon – Ultra Adventures continues Ash and his friends’ experiences in Alola. What makes this season so good is that each character has a defined attribute and goal. Ash sets his sights on winning the league while his companions develop from more than just part of the supporting cast.
After the previous season introduced Alola, Sun & Moon – Ultra Adventures goes into the lore of the environment. The animation is still clunky in places, but viewers will have an easier time getting used to it. While not completely serious, the episodes are more mature compared to the previous season.
5 Pokémon Indigo League
IMDb Rating – 7.5
The first season remains a nostalgic favorite for introducing the anime. Everything from exploring the region, Ash and Misty’s Pokémon shipping moments, and Brock’s various quirks are entertaining. It makes sense to see Ash struggle in his journey here since he’s still a novice.
Viewers get a sense of wonder with new Pokémon introduced in each episode. One of the common criticisms of Ash’s frequent battle losses is fair since that happens quite a lot. On the other hand, Ash acts as an audience surrogate in the Indigo League as all of it is brand new uncharted territory.
4 Pokémon Master Journeys
IMDb Rating – 7.6
Pokémon Master Journeys goes beyond simple travels to different regions. The season takes daring storyline turns like parallel universes and legendary Pokémon changing the world. Of course, the standard fun the series is known for remains, so things never get heavy-handed.
The return of characters like Dawn and the development of Chloe adds layers to the supporting cast. Ash and Goh’s buddy moments remain entertaining as ever, with the pair joining Project Mew to search for mythological Pokémon. There are quite a lot of exciting things that the season wraps all in one.
3 Pokémon Diamond & Pearl
IMDb Rating – 7.6
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl takes the story to Sinnoh, where Dawn joins Ash and Brock. The three make for a perfect traveling team, as each completes a part of the group. The season shows Ash resolving to be better to challenge his rival Paul, Dawn learning to love Pokémon, and Brock holding the trio together.
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl has plenty of heartwarming moments that come from the characters’ friendship. While Dawn does have times of bickering with Ash, she also gels in well with him compared to May and Misty. The season isn’t groundbreaking, but the protagonists’ dynamic gives it a distinct edge.
2 Pokémon Ultimate Journeys
IMDb Rating – 8.1
Ash’s losses on the big stage became a running gag in the Pokémon anime until he finally became the world champion. This comes to pass in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys, where Ash defeats reigning Monarch Leon to become the greatest Pokémon Trainer.
The season continues Ash and Goh’s adventures with Project Mew, although the pair learn to let go and appreciate the Pokémon they’ve encountered already. Pokémon Ultimate Journeys concludes Ash’s association with Goh and Chloe, both of whom develop in their own right. There’s a firm sense of finality that Pokémon hadn’t carried before.
1 Pokémon XY
IMDb Rating – 8.2
Pokémon XY has the most mature version of Ash yet, who takes on a mentoring role for his group comprising Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie. Serena’s introduction brings another fan favorite shipping with Ash, as she sticks around due to her crush on him.
Ash becomes a guiding light for Clemont, which is a contrast to the former’s clueless nature. Pokémon XY perfectly shows Ash honing skills, learning from his mistakes to improve as a trainer. Kalos’ contrast to every other region enables it to stand out, as Ash explores a competitive and diverse place.