With Pokémon surpassing 1,000 total species with their Gen IX games of Scarlet & Violet, fans can fondly look back on how this beloved franchise has progressed over the years. Every generation has had starter Pokémon to get players excited for their new campaign and Legendaries that represent a final goal, but Mythical Pokémon often get overlooked.
Mythical Pokémon are different from legendaries in that they are rarer and generally only found in the games through certain events. Mythical Pokémon still carry a legendary aura about them, however, and there are several iconic Mythicals that fans remember well, such as Genesect, Mew, and Celebi.
10 Zeraora
Zeraora was introduced in Gen VII with Sun & Moon, and despite making very few appearances, it is still regarded as one of the most iconic Mythical Pokémon. Zeraora was a primary focus of the movie The Power of Us and appeared in the main anime when Ash and Pikachu were transported to the Ultra Ruin.
The Thunderclap Pokémon is a formidable Electric-type and has even become one of the more popular species in Pokémon Unite. As with any Mythical Pokémon, Zeraora’s appearances are rare but always impactful, leaving a lasting impression.
9 Melmetal
Ash Ketchum never managed to catch a Legendary Pokémon before his long journey came to an end, but he did still get himself a Mythical Pokémon in Melmetal. When the mysterious Meltan joined Ash’s Alola team, it was little more than adorable comic relief, but it gradually showed signs of its true potential.
Meltan helped Ash to defeat Faba’s Hypno at the Manalo Conference and then evolved into Melmetal in time to battle Gladion and later Kukui. The Hex Nut Pokémon showed off its physical prowess and powerful Steel-type offense in Flash Cannon and Double Iron Bash. Melmetal is easily mistaken for an Ultra Beast but is arguably one of the more memorable and iconic Mythical Pokémon.
8 Darkrai
Darkrai may be a part of the Legendary Lunar Duo, but it is a Mythical Pokémon by definition. The Pitch-Black Pokémon is as ominous as Dark types get, with its Pokédex entries detailing how it stalks prey and afflicts them with nightmares.
Darkrai may be terrifying, but it has also had some cool showings in the Pokémon anime. Darkrai had its own movie, The Rise of Darkrai, and even competed at the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh alongside Tobias. Tobias shocked fans when he called upon Darkrai and Latios to face Ash, and he didn’t even require the rest of his team to finish Ash off. Here, Darkrai cemented its sinister reputation as it eased past Ash’s Heracross, Gible, and Torkoal before eventually falling to Sceptile.
7 Shaymin
Shaymin is easily one of the cutest Pokémon in the entire franchise, no matter which Forme it takes. In its Land Forme, it resembles a hedgehog with a 600 base stat total spread evenly across the board, but its reindeer-like Sky Forme favors speed and offense.
Shaymin was introduced back in Gen IV, but true to form for any Mythical Pokémon, it has had limited representation in the anime. However, Ash’s friend, Mallow, had one with her during the Sun & Moon series, albeit in an unofficial and temporary sense. Regardless of when and where it has been seen, Shaymin is the most adorable Mythical Pokémon and one of the most iconic.
6 Jirachi
Mew and Celebi may be the original and most iconic Mythical Pokémon, but the Gen III additions of Jirachi and Deoxys aren’t far behind. The Wish Pokémon Jirachi floats around and is even known to fight in its sleep when in extreme danger.
The Steel/Psychic-type is remembered as being one of the adorable Mythical Pokémon and even had a major role in M06, Jirachi: Wish Maker. Jirachi even struck up a close bond with Max in that movie, a heartwarming friendship that Pokémon fans often forget about.
5 Deoxys
The other Gen III Mythical Pokémon is Deoxys. Deoxys is much larger and more menacing than Jirachi and even comes in various Formes, from Normal and Speed to Attack and Defense.
The DNA Pokémon has one of the most unique designs of the entire roster, with an alien-like physique and blue/red color scheme through each of the Formes. Deoxys has been seen alongside meteorites in the anime more than once, from the Destiny Deoxys movie to “Living on the Cutting Edge,” where it battled Rayquaza in outer space.
4 Genesect
Genesect was introduced back in Gen V, but this Mythical Pokémon has scarcely appeared. In fact, the Genesect Army was only in the Genesect and the Legend Awakened movie and the Black & White series. Appearing as a coordinated group and destructive unit made the Bug/Steel Paleozoic Pokémon seem all the more dangerous and terrifying.
Genesect has the power, mysticism, and intrigue surrounding it, but it also comes with four other forms, each achieved by inserting a specific Drive into its cannon. Genesect is a rare and iconic Mythical Pokémon.
3 Arceus
Arceus is seen as an all-powerful creator deity and is simply known as the Alpha Pokémon. It appeared as such in its own game based in the Hisui region, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Arceus is often mistaken for a Legendary Pokémon, but it is certainly Mythical as it fits the criteria as an event exclusive in the mainline games.
The “70zll0v” title=”origin”>Original One” is believed to have created the Sinnoh region and even the entire universe, as is its ultimate power. Arceus is a Normal-type at its core, but thanks to the Multitype Ability, it can change to any other typing as long as it is holding the correct Plate. Arceus really is an iconic pillar of the franchise and has been since its introduction back in Gen IV.
2 Celebi
Celebi was the second Mythical Pokémon to be introduced, after Mew, and persists as one of the most iconic of the bunch. The Psychic/Grass-type is known as the Time Travel Pokémon, and has been an active part of its anime appearances. Not only has Celebi used its powers in the movies Celebi: The Voice of the Forest and Zoroark: Master of Illusions, but it has also appeared in the main series to take the likes of Ash and Ritchie through time.
Celebi serves as the guardian of Ilex Forest, which even played home to its event appearances in the games. Celebi has seven type weaknesses, but its battling prowess has never really been called into question. Celebi is simply one of the best and most mysterious Pokémon.
1 Mew
Mew is the original Mythical Pokémon and the only one from Gen I. The iconic Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo was made by experimenting with the DNA of Mew, and while the pair are different sizes, they both possess incredible psychic powers.
Mew has always been portrayed as an adorable little Pokémon with a fun personality, yet perfectly capable of pulling out all the stops when called upon. Mew fought to stop Mewtwo in Mewtwo Strikes Back and was even the catalyst of Goh’s goals in Pokémon Journeys. Mew inspired Goh to catch as many Pokémon as he could before facing Mew itself again, and Goh eventually joined Project Mew to see it again. Mew has such a hold over the Pokémon franchise, from the characters in the world to the fans and players enjoying from the outside. Mew is the most iconic Mythical Pokémon.
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