While we all have a deep love for Pokemon from our childhood, it’s difficult to ignore the moments in the series that truly tugged at our heartstrings. With that in mind, here are our top choices for the most emotional moments in the Pokemon anime that brought tears to our eyes.
While Pokemon is known as one of Nintendo’s most family-friendly series, it is important to note that it also has its serious moments. Whether it be the eerie legends surrounding certain Pokemon or the unexpectedly dark spin-off games, the franchise delves into more serious themes beyond its cute and playful appearance.
The Pokemon anime has a knack for tugging at our heartstrings, whether it be through emotional movie scenes or unforgettable episodes. If it has made us shed a tear like a Bonsly, it has earned a spot on this list. So, trainers, be sure to have tissues on hand.
Saying Goodbye to Brock
Despite making multiple appearances throughout the Pokemon series, Brock’s endearing love for Nurse Joy and his role as the group’s caretaker, cook, and responsible figure has captured our hearts. Each time we bid farewell to the crew at the season’s end, it is always difficult, but Brock’s departure stings the most.
At the conclusion of his journey in the Sinnoh region, Brock realizes his dream of becoming a Pokemon Doctor and must bid farewell to his friends in order to pursue this new path. This means parting ways not only with Ash and Pikachu, but also with us for good.
Despite leaving home, Brock never forgets to visit during the holidays, just like a big brother. In this case, he rejoins Ash on their journey and at a literal crossroads, he bids farewell and shakes Ash’s hand. This final goodbye from a long-time friend is both meaningful to us and Ash.
The Tragedy of Paul’s Chimchar
In the Sinnoh region, Ash has a rival named Paul, who is known for his harsh training methods and lack of concern for his Pokemon’s well-being. One of his Pokemon, Chimchar, is particularly affected by this training style as Paul pushes it to its limits in order to unlock its full potential as a fire type.
Fortunately, Chimchar is able to find a new home with Ash and his friends. It takes some time for the poor fire monkey to adjust to being with a trainer who truly cares for it, after previously being with one who did not. This is evident when the Pokemon visibly flinches after losing a battle, showing the lasting effects of its past trauma.
8: The clone battle in the first Pokemon Movie
The first Pokemon Movie stands out due to the menacing presence of Mewtwo. Typically, our antagonists consist of a bumbling trio that can be easily defeated, so the introduction of a telepathic, genetically enhanced clone Pokemon marks a significant shift in tone.
Mewtwo’s main drive is to demonstrate his superiority over the original Mew, exerting his control over the cloned Pokemon, even though they seem to lack free will. This causes Mewtwo to stoop to the level of humans, coercing the ‘mons into battling just as trainers do.
It is truly disheartening that Pikachu refuses to engage in battle with its counterpart and instead endures the attacks without retaliating. This sheds light on the concept of Pokemon battles, as it shows that when they are not fighting alongside their trainers for a shared objective, it is simply meaningless aggression.
Pikachu’s Beatdown and Contemplating Evolving
During their journey through Sinnoh, the group encounters a trainer with a formidable Raichu that almost defeats Pikachu. The battle is unsettlingly close, with both Pokémon exchanging powerful attacks at close range. Pikachu has faced defeat in the past, but this was a completely different experience.
After being rushed to intensive care, the beloved Pokemon required a defibrillator to regain stability. This led to a thought-provoking dilemma centered around Pikachu. Should he evolve in order to become stronger, or maintain his adorable and fluffy form?
Ash is typically the one in the spotlight when dangerous stakes are at play. It would require a significant amount to alter the franchise’s mascot, even if it means some character development. In any case, it is an emotionally charged journey.
Saying Goodbye to Butterfree
The departure of Butterfree, who is migrating south with its new mate, is both heartbreaking and touching. This moment adds valuable insight into the world of Pokemon as living creatures, but it also evokes sympathy for Ash as he bids farewell to his first captured Pokemon. The somber Pokemon theme song only intensifies the emotional impact of this scene.
After Butterfree’s departure, it wasn’t until the final episode that Ash was reunited with his beloved bug Pokemon. The emotional reunion brought tears to our eyes as the anime delivered a heartfelt moment.
5: Team Rocket Saves Their Pokemon from a Poacher
Despite their reputation as troublemakers for Ash and his friends, Jessie, James, and Meowth have shown their true colors as they always come through when trouble strikes. Through their emotional moments, Team Rocket has proven that they have a soft side, especially when it comes to bidding farewell to their original Pokemon, Arbok and Weezing.
As Jessie’s Arbok and James’ Weezing encounter a group of their former evolutions, they are suddenly targeted by a heartless poacher. In a display of bravery, Team Rocket quickly intervenes and takes the full force of a Tyranitar head-on, allowing their companions to flee without any Pokemon by their side. This selfless act showcases Team Rocket’s heroic side and also serves as a farewell to their former partners.
4: The Death of Celebi: No Holding Back
The Pokemon movies often vary the tone of the story from the series in order to captivate fans. However, the fourth movie, “4Ever,”went too far when the main Pokemon, Celebi, perishes.
The tiny Pokemon appears to be in poor physical condition. It is uncommon for us to witness Pokemon with injuries such as bruises and scratches unless it is necessary. Therefore, it was heart-wrenching to watch Ash’s attempts to heal Celebi go unrewarded.
Ash finally wins
Even though Pokemon events can be emotional without being sad, they can still evoke strong emotions through feelings of pride. Throughout his journey to become a Pokemon Master, Ash often falls short, but it’s understandable considering the series would be much shorter if he won his first championship.
After 25 long years, Ash finally becomes a champion, first in Alola and then again in Galar. It is a special moment as we, the invisible members of Ash’s gang, have been watching everything they’ve been up to. We’ve seen him grow and evolve, and now, we get to witness him achieve his ultimate goal with all of his past Pokemon and friends by his side. Seeing our friend finally win will always bring tears of happiness to our eyes.
Everytime Ash “dies”
Despite being more frequently portrayed in the Pokemon Movies, Ash ultimately makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the day. Whether it involves preventing a futile battle and being turned into a statue or risking drowning, Ash consistently takes on the role of the hero.
Despite the fact that Ash, as well as any character in the Pokemon series, cannot truly die onscreen, we are all aware of this fact. However, the scenes where we witness our beloved protagonist come close to death in a dramatic fashion, with his Pokemon grieving alongside, still bring tears to our eyes.
1: Charmander Awaits for His Trainer
It is a harsh lesson we learn early on in the Pokemon anime, as we see a forlorn Charmander left in the rain by his heartless trainer. This serves as a reminder that not all trainers are deserving of their Pokemon’s trust, and that fact is not easily forgotten.
If the flame on Charmander’s tail is extinguished, it is game over. Therefore, discovering that the trainer who abandoned it left it to suffer in the rain, barely clinging onto life, is a cruel scenario.
Despite being a common plot in Pokemon anime and films, the idea of Pokemon dying is still a sensitive topic. Over time, the impact of a Pokemon facing death has lessened, but the emotional scene of Charmander struggling to survive with just a small ember on its tail remains one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the Pokemon anime.
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