How to Watch Pokemon in Order (2023 Updated)

If you've ever found yourself lost in the vast Pokémon universe, unsure of where to begin or how to watch the Pokemon series in the right order, worry no more.

Drawing from my own personal experience, I'll be your trusty guide, providing you with a simple and straightforward roadmap on how to watch Pokémon in order.

Let's embark on this epic adventure together!

Perfect Guide To Watch Pokémon In Chronological Order

1. Indigo League (1997 – 1999)

While Pokemon Origins seems the first in order, the Indigo League Season (82 episodes) is the first to watch [1].

This is the most memorable series for me because it is where Ash got Pikachu as he collected Gym Badges from the Kanto region. 

2. Adventures in the Orange Islands (1999)

Released after the Pokemon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back, the Orange Islands (36 episodes) is the second season aired in 1999.

Here, I watched how Ash collected the Gym Badges of Orange Islands to join the competition. 

3. The Johto Journeys (1999-2000)

Ash and Misty rejoin Brock for the next Pokemon journey. The Johto Journeys (41 episodes) is set in the finest region in Pokemon. It is also known in Japan as the Pocket Monsters: Gold and Silver.

4. Johto League Champions (2000-2001)

Aired in 2000, the Johto League Champions (52 episodes) feature adventures of Ash, Misty, and Brock in Johto to Cianwood City.

In this season, I'm thrilled as Ash collected Gym Badges and joined the Pokemon Sumo Conference. Ever wondered who's the best Pokemon player of all time?

5. Master Quest (2001-2002)

The Master Quest (65 episodes) was released the same year as the Pokemon Movie Celebi - Voice of the Forest.

After Ash competed with the Gym Leader, I admire his dedication to win the hard battles in the Silver Conference, including Gary Oak - one of his oldest rivals.

6. Advanced (2002)

Advanced (40 episodes) aired when the Pokemon Jirachi Wish Maker season was released.

I can't take off my eyes as Ash tries to compete in the Hoenn region with Brock and new characters like May, a novice Pokemon trainer, and her younger brother Max.

7. Advanced Challenge (2002-2004)

Advanced Challenge Season (52 episodes) features the battles of Ash, May, and their friends at the Hoenn region.

It’s also the start of new battles with Team Aqua and Team Magma. But how many Pokemon types are there in total?

8. Advanced Battle (2004-2005)

Advance Battle was released after the Pokemon Movie Destiny Deoxys. The Advanced Battle season (54 episodes) features Ash earning two badges and securing his spot in the Hoenn League Championships, and May trying to win the final ribbon. 

9. Battle Frontier (2005-2006)

After going back to Kanto, Ash competed at the Battle Frontier (47 episodes).

While Ash and Brock are set to compete in their homeland, Kanto, there stumble upon a few surprises like the Pokemon Ranger.

10. Diamond & Pearl (2006)

Gary Oak, Ash, and Pikachu join the Sinnoh League in the Diamond and Pearl Season (52 episodes).

It aired in 2006 along with the Pokemon movie Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.

11. Diamond and Pearl: Battle Dimension (2007)

Although Ash and Dawn fight on different paths, they’ll enter the Wallace Cup Competition and Professor Rowan’s Pokemon Summer Academy in the Battle Dimension Season (52 episodes) together. This season features Pokemon Hunter J’s plot and Team Galactic’s looming threat. 

12. Diamond and Pearl: Galactic Battles (2009-2010)

Diamond and Pearl Galactic Battles (53 episodes) features Ash and Dawn caught up with Team Galactic’s scheme in the Sinnoh region.

Ash also battles with his rival Paul, beating a 6-on-6 standing. Check out these Pokemon cake ideas for your next party!

13. Diamond and Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors (2010)

Ash tries to compete again after his defeat. However, in the Pearl Sinnoh League Victors (34 episodes), Ash will deal with Team Rocket while he, Dawn, and Brock battle in the Sinnoh region.

14. Black & White (2010)

This season has 50 episodes released the same year as Pokemon the movie: Zoroark Master of Illusions.

Ash and his mother went with Professor Oak to the Unova region uncovering new Pokemons and competing with Gym Leaders of Unova.

15. Black & White: Rival Destinies (2011-2012)

Rival Destinies (49 episodes) feature Ash’s ultimate battle with Unova’s Champion Master, Alder.

He and his friends will also save the island against three mighty Legendary Pokemons.

16. Black & White: Adventures in Unova / Black & White: Adventures in Unova and Beyond (2012)

After the Kyurem vs. Swords of Justice, Season 16: B&W Unova (45 episodes) aired on television.

Ash faces the ultimate battle at the Unova League and his friend, Iris, tries to control a Dragonite.

17. XY (2013)

It’s no doubt that Pikachu is the icon of Pokemon [2]. The XY season (Mega Evolution Specials) has 48 episodes featuring the adventures and Gym Battles of Pikachu and Ash at the Kalos region with his new friends - Serena and Bonnie.

18. XY: Kalos Quest

To compete in the Kalos League, Ash continues to collect eight Gym Badges in the XY Kalos Quest: Season 18 (45 episodes).

Ash travels with his companions, meets new friends, and captures new Pokemons. 

Also Read: Pokemon vs Digimon: Which is Better?

19. XYZ (2013)

The XYZ season (47 episodes) aired in the year Pokemon movie Hoopa and Clash of Ages was released.

Ash, Pikachu, and his friends will encounter Team Flare and a Mega Evolution Trainer, Alain.

20. Sun & Moon (2016)

Aside from Pokemon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, Sun and Moon series (43 episodes) is an exciting chapter in Ash’s quest.

I enjoyed the series because it's all about Ash’s journey across the island of the Aloha region. It aired in 2016 and featured new characters like Mallow, Sophocles, Lana, and Kiawe.

Read: Our Favorite Pokemon Gifts

21. Sun & Moon: Ultra Adventures (2017-2018)

Sun and Moon Ultra Adventures (49 episodes) features Ash making a promise in a dream with Legendary Pokemon Lunala and Solgaleo.

He will also explore with Pikachu and Pokemon school students from the Aether Foundation.

Looking for some Pokemon party ideas? We've got you covered. 

22. Sun & Moon: Ultra Legends (2019-2020)

The Ultra Legends Pokemon season (54 episodes) features Ash completing three impressive trials in the Alola region and continuing the search for Z-Crystals.

In this season, the students of Pokemon School also become Ultra Guardians.

23. Journeys (2020-2021)

Pokemon Journeys (48 episodes) features Ash and Pikachu launching the Cerise Laboratory to unlock Pokemon history across different regions.

They meet Professor Cerise and Goh and are tasked to be official researchers.

Read: Our Recommended Pokemon Gifts For Boys

24. Master Journeys (2021)

Master Journeys (36 episodes) is the show’s current season where Ash and Goh are set to explore a bigger world finding Pokemon and traveling different regions to research for the Cerise Laboratory. So, how many Pokemon are there, really?

25. Ultimate Journeys (2021-2023)

Ultimate Journeys consists of 51 episodes and we are currently watching the series on Netflix. 

Our eyes are locked as the Pokemon World Coronation Series Tournament intensifies along with the intensive training of Pikachu, Ash, and his Pokemon friends. 

Meanwhile, Goh began the series of challenging missions to become part of Project Mew. 

Pokemon Films To Watch in Order

• Pokémon: The First Movie 
• Pokémon: The Movie
• Pokémon 3: The Movie – Spell of the Unown 
• Pokémon 4Ever: Celebi – Voice of the Forest 
• Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias 
• Jirachi Wish Maker 
• Destiny Deoxys  
• Lucario and the Mystery of Mew 
• Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea  
• The Rise of Darkrai 
• Giratina and the Sky Warrior 
• Arceus and the Jewel of Life 
• Zoroark Master of Illusions 
• White Victini and Zekrom 
• Black Victini and Reshiram
• Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice 
• Genesect and the Legend Awakened 
• Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction  
• Hoopa and the Clash of Ages  
• Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel 
• I Choose You! 
• The Power of Us 
• Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution 
• Secrets of the Jungle 

Where Can You Watch Pokemon?

To watch all the series of Pokémon, we have been using different stream platforms because some episodes are unavailable on others. Here are some of our popular choices:

1. Pokémon TV: The official Pokémon website offers free streaming of episodes from various Pokémon series, including the latest episodes.
2. Netflix: In some regions, Netflix offers Pokémon series such as "Pokémon: Indigo League," "Pokémon Journeys," and more. The available series may vary depending on your location.
3. Hulu: Hulu also has a selection of Pokémon series available for streaming. It may vary by region, so check if Pokémon episodes are available in your area.
4. Amazon Prime Video: Some Pokémon series are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can check the availability in your region.
5. Pokémon TV App: The Pokémon TV app is available for iOS and Android devices. It allows you to stream episodes from various Pokémon series.

Please note that the availability of Pokémon series may vary by country, and new streaming platforms may emerge over time.

It's recommended to check the platforms and their libraries in your region for the most up-to-date information on Pokémon series availability.

FAQs

Can you start watching Pokemon at any season?

Yes, you can. While you may start with Pokemon: Twilight Wings, Pokemon the Movie: Giratina and the Sky Warrior, or Pokemon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened, it’s better to start with the first season of the Pokemon series if you want to become a seasoned Pokemon Master.

What should you watch first, Pokemon TV series or movies?

It’s ideal to watch the series in chronological order first. Then, you can watch Pokemon the Movie installments like Mewtwo Strikes Back and Pokemon Heroes. Also, when do we celebrate Pokemon Day?

Are Pokemon movies connected to anime?

Yes, Pokemon movies are connected to the anime series. They often feature the same characters and storylines, providing additional adventures and expanding the Pokemon universe.

Why are there only 52 episodes of Pokémon on Netflix?

The number of Pokemon episodes on Netflix may vary based on licensing agreements and regional availability.

While 52 episodes might be the current selection, the library could change over time as licensing agreements are renegotiated.

So, How Should You Watch Pokemon TV Series?

Congratulations, trainers! You're now equipped with the knowledge and confidence to dive into the world of Pokémon and watch it in the proper order.

By following the steps and recommendations I've shared based on my personal experience, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the captivating journey of Ash and his Pokémon companions.

Get ready to catch 'em all and experience the magic of Pokémon in the most enjoyable way possible. Let the adventure begin!

If you’re on the lookout for Pokemon gifts, make sure to check out our website!

References:

1. https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-origins-trivia/ 
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pokemon-electronic-game