As the original Water-type evolution for Eevee, Vaporeon stands out with its elegant, mermaid-like design that fans instantly loved. It was one-third of the first trio of Eeveelutions, making it a classic and familiar sight in the anime. Its unique blend of a cute pet and a majestic sea creature has cemented its status as a fan-favorite Water-type. | © The Pokémon Company
Psyduck stole hearts in the anime as Misty's perpetually confused and headache-prone Water-type. Its constant look of bewilderment and accidental releases of devastating psychic power made it a perfect source of comic relief. That blend of clueless charm and hidden strength has made this duck a genuinely iconic and beloved character. | © The Pokémon Company
Raichu lives in the shadow of its pre-evolution, but that very connection grants it a unique fame. The anime often uses it as a powerful rival for Pikachu, most memorably in Ash's early battle against Lt. Surge. While it may not be the mascot, its stronger electric attacks and the introduction of the beloved surfing Alolan form have earned Raichu a dedicated following. | © The Pokémon Company
Garchomp's fearsome reputation is deeply tied to Cynthia, the formidable Sinnoh Champion who many players remember as their toughest challenge. This Mach Pokémon wasn't just another powerful creature on her team; it was her lifelong partner, raised from an egg. The sight of Cynthia sending out her ace, especially its terrifying Mega Evolution, is a core memory for an entire generation of trainers. | © The Pokémon Company
Lucario immediately captured fans' attention with its unique ability to sense and manipulate aura, a power that felt entirely its own. Earning one felt like a real achievement, as you had to hatch and befriend a Riolu before it could evolve. This cool design, combined with its mysterious power and signature Aura Sphere attack, secured its spot as a modern icon. | © The Pokémon Company
Gengar has been the face of the mysterious Ghost-type since the very beginning, intriguing fans with its shadowy and mischievous nature. While its Pokédex entries often describe a cruel trickster waiting to strike, it can also show great loyalty, as seen with Ash's own partner. That perfect blend of spooky and friendly has made it a persistent fan favorite. | © The Pokémon Company
Charmander's story in the anime is one of the most memorable, starting with its heartbreaking abandonment by the original trainer. Rescued by Ash, the loyal Fire-type eventually evolved into the powerful but rebellious Charizard. Their rocky journey to mutual respect and friendship is a defining arc of the original series. | © The Pokémon Company
Meowth's fame comes almost entirely from the anime, where he's a core member of the bumbling Team Rocket trio. This isn't your average Pokémon; he walks on two legs and can actually speak human language, a skill he learned for love. While he's always scheming to steal Pikachu, his surprisingly kind heart and deep loyalty to Jessie and James make him a complex character. | © The Pokémon Company
Dragonite earned its fame as the original Dragon-type, a rare and powerful sight in the early days. It's been a signature partner for elite trainers like Lance, showcasing its immense strength. The pseudo-legendary's popularity got another boost when Ash finally caught his own friendly yet formidable Dragonite in his final championship team. | © The Pokémon Company
Jigglypuff became a pop culture staple not through the main games, but through its unforgettable role as a comic troublemaker in the anime. Who could forget its habit of singing a soothing lullaby, then angrily drawing on the faces of anyone who fell asleep? Its status was sealed by becoming a classic, and surprisingly powerful, fighter in the Super Smash Bros. series. | © The Pokémon Company
Eevee perfectly captures the magic of evolution, with the unique potential to transform into multiple different, beloved Pokémon. Its undeniable cuteness, marked by soft fur and expressive ears, has charmed fans since the beginning. From being a rare find in the early games to its many spotlight moments in the anime, Eevee's special and adaptable nature makes it a perpetual favorite. | © The Pokémon Company
Mewtwo's story is a classic tale of science gone wrong, a cloned Pokémon born with immense psychic power and a deep resentment for humanity. It stands out as one of the few major villains that is itself a Pokémon, making its conflict uniquely compelling. That powerful backstory, combined with its frequent appearances in games like Super Smash Bros., keeps it forever relevant. | © The Pokémon Company
For many fans, Charizard isn't just a cool Pokémon from the games; it's a cultural icon. Its legendary status was proven when a rare 1999 trading card sold for a staggering $220,000. Between that collectible value and its memorable, rebellious role as Ash's partner, Charizard's fiery popularity never seems to fade. | © The Pokémon Company
Bulbasaur holds the special honor of being the very first entry in the Pokédex, and it quickly became a fan-favorite as one of the original starter Pokémon. Many fans are drawn to its design and extra dose of cuteness compared to the other Kanto starters. Its popularity was cemented by its long-running role in the anime, most notably as a loyal member of Ash's team for hundreds of episodes. | © The Pokémon Company
This Electric-type rodent is the face of Pokémon, instantly recognizable even to people who have never played a game. Ash's trusted partner in the long-running anime, their journey together is the core of the show's story. It's the character you'll find in every spin-off and on most merchandise, a constant and beloved presence. | © The Pokémon Company
With over a thousand Pokémon now discovered, a select few have risen above the rest to claim a special spot in pop culture. These are the creatures that defined our childhoods, dominate the competitive scene, or simply have a design we can't forget. Let's count down the 15 most popular Pokémon of all time.
