Pokémon watch order

Every season of the Pokémon anime, from Indigo League to Horizons, with each film placed where it falls between episodes. It is the same order the emberslate app uses for its Pokémon saga, where each stretch of episodes is its own step.

Updated 8 November 2026 · By emberfold labs

The short answer

Start with Indigo League episodes 1–69, watch Pokémon: The First Movie, then carry on from episode 70. Keep going season by season and stop for each film where the list places it. Films 20 to 23 and Detective Pikachu stand apart from the anime, so they can wait until the end.

Titles: 26 films, 12 series
Everything: about 594 hours
Core path: about 567 hours
Films only: about 39 hours

Watch order

Pokémon, in order

Each season split where its film came out, from Ash's first day to Liko and Roy. Specials are left out for now.

01
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Indigo League, episodes 1–69
Series · S1 E1 – S1 E69 · 69 episodes · about 26h
From “Pokémon - I Choose You!” to “The Pi-Kahuna”
Core
02
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
Film · 1h 36m
Core
03
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Indigo League, episodes 70–82
Series · S1 E70 – S1 E82 · 13 episodes · about 5h
From “Make Room for Gloom” to “Friends to the End”
Core
04
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Orange Islands, episodes 1–24
Series · S2 E1 – S2 E24 · 24 episodes · about 9h
From “Pallet Party Panic” to “Bound for Trouble”
Core
05
Pokémon the Movie 2000 (1999)
Film · 1h 24m
Core
06
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Orange Islands, episodes 25–36
Series · S2 E25 – S2 E36 · 12 episodes · about 5h
From “Charizard Chills” to “The Rivalry Revival”
Core
07
Pokémon (1997–2023)
The Johto Journeys, episodes 1–38
Series · S3 E1 – S3 E38 · 38 episodes · about 15h
From “Don't Touch That 'dile” to “Fowl Play!”
Core
08
Pokémon 3: The Movie (2000)
Film · 1h 13m
Core
09
Pokémon (1997–2023)
The Johto Journeys, episodes 39–41
Series · S3 E39 – S3 E41 · 3 episodes · about 1h
From “Forest Grumps” to “The Fortune Hunters”
Core
10
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Johto League Champions, episodes 1–21
Series · S4 E1 – S4 E21 · 21 episodes · about 8h
From “A Goldenrod Opportunity” to “The Grass Route”
Core
11
Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2001)
Film · 1h 3m
Core
12
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Johto League Champions, episodes 22–48
Series · S4 E22 – S4 E48 · 27 episodes · about 10h
From “The Apple Corp!” to “The Kecleon Caper”
Core
13
Pokémon 4Ever (2001)
Film · 1h 20m
Core
14
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Johto League Champions, episodes 49–52
Series · S4 E49 – S4 E52 · 4 episodes · about 2h
From “The Joy of Water Pokémon” to “Machoke, Machoke Man!”
Core
15
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Master Quest, episodes 1–47
Series · S5 E1 – S5 E47 · 47 episodes · about 18h
From “Around the Whirlpool” to “Just Add Water”
Core
16
Pokémon Heroes (2002)
Film · 1h 20m
Core
17
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Master Quest, episodes 48–65
Series · S5 E48 – S5 E65 · 18 episodes · about 7h
From “Lapras of Luxury” to “Hoenn Alone!”
Core
18
Pokémon Chronicles (2002–2004)
Series · 1 season · 16 episodes · about 6h
Side stories between Master Quest and Advanced.
Optional
19
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Advanced, episodes 1–35
Series · S6 E1 – S6 E35 · 35 episodes · about 13h
From “Get the Show on the Road!” to “Win, Lose or Drew!”
Core
20
Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker (2003)
Film · 1h 21m
Core
21
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Advanced, episodes 36–40
Series · S6 E36 – S6 E40 · 5 episodes · about 2h
From “The Spheal of Approval” to “Watt's with Wattson”
Core
22
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Advanced Challenge, episodes 1–45
Series · S7 E1 – S7 E45 · 45 episodes · about 17h
From “What You Seed Is What You Get” to “Sky High Gym Battle!”
Core
23
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)
Film · 1h 38m
Core
24
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Advanced Challenge, episodes 46–52
Series · S7 E46 – S7 E52 · 7 episodes · about 3h
From “Lights, Camerupt, Action!” to “Judgment Day!”
Core
25
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Advanced Battle, episodes 1–43
Series · S8 E1 – S8 E44 · 44 episodes · about 17h
From “Clamperl of Wisdom” to “The Symbol Life”
Includes a recap episode that was never dubbed in English.
Core
26
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
Film · 1h 43m
Core
27
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Advanced Battle, episodes 44–52
Series · S8 E45 – S8 E53 · 9 episodes · about 3h
From “Hooked on Onix” to “Pasta La Vista!”
Core
28
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Battle Frontier, episodes 1–5
Series · S9 E1 – S9 E5 · 5 episodes · about 2h
From “Fear Factor Phony” to “May's Egg-Cellent Adventure!”
Core
29
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Battle Frontier, episodes 6–38
Series · S9 E6 – S9 E37 · 32 episodes · about 13h
From “Weekend Warrior” to “Aipom and Circumstance!”
Core
30
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
Film · 1h 45m
Core
31
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Battle Frontier, episodes 39–47
Series · S9 E38 – S9 E46 · 9 episodes · about 3h
From “Strategy Tomorrow - Comedy Tonight!” to “Home Is Where the Start Is! (2)”
Core
32
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Diamond and Pearl, episodes 1–39
Series · S10 E1 – S10 E39 · 39 episodes · about 15h
From “Following a Maiden's Voyage!” to “Steamboat Willies!”
Core
33
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
Film · 1h 35m
Core
34
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Diamond and Pearl, episodes 40–52
Series · S10 E40 – S10 E52 · 13 episodes · about 5h
From “Top-Down Training!” to “Smells Like Team Spirit! (3)”
Core
35
Pokémon (1997–2023)
DP Battle Dimension, episodes 1–34
Series · S11 E1 – S11 E34 · 34 episodes · about 13h
From “Tears for Fears!” to “Arriving in Style!”
Core
36
Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
Film · 1h 40m
Core
37
Pokémon (1997–2023)
DP Battle Dimension, episodes 35–52
Series · S11 E35 – S11 E52 · 18 episodes · about 7h
From “The Psyduck Stops Here!” to “Sleepless in Pre-Battle!”
Core
38
Pokémon (1997–2023)
DP Galactic Battles, episodes 1–31
Series · S12 E1 – S12 E31 · 31 episodes · about 12h
From “Get Your Rotom Running!” to “Beating the Bustle and Hustle!”
Core
39
Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
Film · 1h 35m
Core
40
Pokémon (1997–2023)
DP Galactic Battles, episodes 32–53
Series · S12 E32 – S12 E53 · 22 episodes · about 8h
From “Gateway to Ruin!” to “Gotta Get a Gible!”
Core
41
Pokémon (1997–2023)
DP Sinnoh League Victors, episodes 1–21
Series · S13 E1 – S13 E21 · 21 episodes · about 8h
From “Regaining the Home Advantage!” to “For the Love of Meowth!”
Core
42
Pokémon: Zoroark - Master of Illusions (2010)
Film · 1h 36m
Core
43
Pokémon (1997–2023)
DP Sinnoh League Victors, episodes 22–34
Series · S13 E22 – S13 E34 · 13 episodes · about 5h
From “The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World!” to “Memories are Made of Bliss!”
Core
44
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Black & White, episodes 1–39
Series · S14 E1 – S14 E39 · 39 episodes · about 15h
From “In the Shadow of Zekrom!” to “Reunion Battles In Nimbasa!”
Core
45
Pokémon the Movie: White - Victini and Zekrom (2011)
Film · 1h 37m
Core
46
Pokémon the Movie: Black - Victini and Reshiram (2011)
Film · 1h 28m
The same story as White in its second version. Watch either one.
Optional
47
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Black & White, episodes 40–48
Series · S14 E40 – S14 E48 · 9 episodes · about 3h
From “Cilan Versus Trip, Ash Versus Georgia! (1)” to “Battle for the Underground! (2)”
Core
48
Pokémon (1997–2023)
BW Rival Destinies, episodes 1–49
Series · S15 E1 – S15 E49 · 49 episodes · about 19h
From “Enter Elesa, Electrifying Gym Leader!” to “Unova's Survival Crisis!”
Core
49
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
Film · 1h 12m
Core
50
Pokémon (1997–2023)
BW Adventures in Unova, episodes 1–25
Series · S16 E1 – S16 E25 · 25 episodes · about 10h
From “Beauties Battling for Pride and Prestige!” to “What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!”
Core
51
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
Film · 1h 36m
Core
52
Pokémon (1997–2023)
BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond, episodes 1–20
Series · S16 E26 – S16 E45 · 20 episodes · about 8h
From “Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!” to “The Dream Continues!”
Core
53
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XY, episodes 1–37
Series · S17 E1 – S17 E37 · 37 episodes · about 14h
From “Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!” to “Forging Forest Friendships!”
Core
54
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
Film · 1h 16m
Core
55
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XY, episodes 38–48
Series · S17 E38 – S17 E48 · 11 episodes · about 4h
From “Summer of Discovery!” to “Bonnie for the Defense!”
Core
56
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XY Kalos Quest, episodes 1–33
Series · S18 E1 – S18 E33 · 33 episodes · about 13h
From “Pathways to Performance Partnering!” to “Rotom's Wish!”
Core
57
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)
Film · 1h 13m
Core
58
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XY Kalos Quest, episodes 34–45
Series · S18 E34 – S18 E45 · 12 episodes · about 5h
From “A Festival Trade! A Festival Farewell?” to “All Eyes on the Future!”
Core
59
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel (2016)
Film · 1h 37m
Core
60
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XYZ, episodes 1–47
Series · S19 E1 – S19 E47 · 47 episodes · about 18h
From “From A to Z!” to “Till We Compete Again!”
Core
61
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XYZ specials
Series · S19 E48 – S19 E49 · 2 episodes · about 1h
From “The Legend of X, Y, and Z!” to “The Strongest Duo! Citron and Dent!!”
The Legend of X, Y, and Z! and The Strongest Duo! Citron and Dent!!
Optional
62
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Sun & Moon, episodes 1–43
Series · S20 E1 – S20 E43 · 43 episodes · about 16h
From “Alola to New Adventure!” to “When Regions Collide!”
Core
63
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Sun & Moon: Ultra Adventures, episodes 1–49
Series · S21 E1 – S21 E49 · 49 episodes · about 19h
From “A Dream Encounter!” to “Turning the Other Mask!”
Core
64
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Sun & Moon: Ultra Legends, episodes 1–54
Series · S22 E1 – S22 E54 · 54 episodes · about 21h
From “Lillier and the Staff!” to “Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues!”
Core
65
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Journeys, episodes 1–48
Series · S23 E1 – S23 E48 · 48 episodes · about 18h
From “Enter Pikachu!” to “A Close Call... Practically!”
Core
66
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Master Journeys, episodes 1–42
Series · S24 E1 – S24 E42 · 42 episodes · about 16h
From “To Train, or Not to Train!” to “Showdown at the Gates of Warp! (2)”
Core
67
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Ultimate Journeys, episodes 1–4
Series · S25 E1 – S25 E4 · 4 episodes · about 2h
From “The Spectral Express!” to “Suffering the Flings and Arrows!”
Core
68
Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles (2022)
Series · 1 season · 4 episodes · about 1h
A four-part special.
Optional
69
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Ultimate Journeys, episodes 5–46
Series · S25 E5 – S25 E46 · 42 episodes · about 16h
From “The Good, the Bad and the Lucky!” to “This Could Be the Start of Something Big!”
Core
70
Pokémon (1997–2023)
Aim to Be a Pokémon Master
Series · S25 E47 – S25 E57 · 11 episodes · about 4h
From “The Road Most Traveled!” to “The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!”
The end of Ash's story.
Core
71
Pokémon Horizons (2023)
Series · 1 season · 156 episodes · about 65h
Liko and Roy's story.
Core
72
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
Film · 1h 38m
Set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Optional
73
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
Film · 1h 38m
Set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Optional
74
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
Film · 1h 41m
Set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Optional
75
Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)
Film · 1h 45m
Live action, set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Optional
76
Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)
Film · 1h 38m
A CG remake of the first movie. Optional.
Optional
77
Pokémon Origins (2013)
Series · 1 season · 4 episodes · about 1h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later
78
Pokémon Generations (2016–2017)
Series · 1 season · 18 episodes · about 2h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later
79
Pokémon: Twilight Wings (2020)
Series · 1 season · 7 episodes · about 1h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later
80
Pokémon Evolutions (2021)
Series · 1 season · 8 episodes · about 1h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later
81
Pokémon: Hisuian Snow (2022)
Series · 1 season · 3 episodes · about 1h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later
82
Pokémon: Paldean Winds (2023)
Series · 1 season · 4 episodes · about 1h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later
83
Pokémon Concierge (2023–2025)
Series · 1 season · 8 episodes · about 3h
Bonus stop-motion series.
Save for later
84
Pokémon: Path to the Peak (2023)
Series · 1 season · 4 episodes · about 1h
Bonus series based on the games.
Save for later

How this order works

The anime is split into stretches of episodes with a film between them. The labels use the English season names and episode numbers, and every stretch also names its first and last episode, so you can find your place on any streaming service even where its numbering is different.

Sun & Moon through Master Journeys have no films between them, so each of those seasons is a single stretch. Aim to Be a Pokémon Master ends Ash’s story, and Pokémon Horizons follows Liko and Roy from there.

Where the episode numbers differ

Two seasons are numbered differently in different places. Advanced Battle includes a recap episode that was never dubbed in English, so from episode 28 onwards the episode numbers used by TMDB and the emberslate app run one ahead of the English ones. Black & White has 48 English episodes; some lists count 50 because they include two episodes that never aired.

What is left out

TV specials such as Slowking’s Day and the Mega Evolution Specials, along with shorts and minisodes, are not in this order yet. Pokémon Chronicles and The Arceus Chronicles are included as optional side stories, and the mini-series based on the games sit at the end as extras.

What you can skip

Everything not marked core. Watch these whenever you like; the main story does not need them.

Pokémon Chronicles (2002–2004)
Side stories between Master Quest and Advanced.
Pokémon the Movie: Black - Victini and Reshiram (2011)
The same story as White in its second version. Watch either one.
Pokémon (1997–2023)
XYZ specials
The Legend of X, Y, and Z! and The Strongest Duo! Citron and Dent!!
Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles (2022)
A four-part special.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)
Set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018)
Set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)
Set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)
Live action, set in a different universe from the anime. Optional.
Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)
A CG remake of the first movie. Optional.
Pokémon Origins (2013)
Bonus series based on the games.
Pokémon Generations (2016–2017)
Bonus series based on the games.
Pokémon: Twilight Wings (2020)
Bonus series based on the games.
Pokémon Evolutions (2021)
Bonus series based on the games.
Pokémon: Hisuian Snow (2022)
Bonus series based on the games.
Pokémon: Paldean Winds (2023)
Bonus series based on the games.
Pokémon Concierge (2023–2025)
Bonus stop-motion series.
Pokémon: Path to the Peak (2023)
Bonus series based on the games.

Track it

Track the Pokémon saga in emberslate

The Sagas tab in the emberslate app has this exact order. Mark the next step watched, and see how far through you are. It is free on Android.

Get emberslate on Google Play

emberslate Sagas tab: every saga with how many titles it has and how far you have got.

Pokémon watch order questions

In what order should I watch the Pokémon movies?

In release order, each one where it falls between episodes: The First Movie after Indigo League episode 69, The Movie 2000 after Orange Islands episode 24, and so on through Volcanion before XYZ. Films 20 to 23 stand apart from the anime’s story: three are set in their own continuity and one is a CG remake of the first film.

How long does it take to watch all of Pokémon?

About 474 hours for the 1,235 episodes from Indigo League to Aim to Be a Pokémon Master, about 65 hours for Pokémon Horizons so far, and about 39 hours for all 26 films. The core path on this page, without the optional films and side series, is about 567 hours.

Do I need to watch Pokémon Chronicles?

No. Pokémon Chronicles is a side series of stories that sits between Master Quest and Advanced, so it is optional. The same goes for The Arceus Chronicles during Ultimate Journeys.

Where does Pokémon Horizons fit?

After Aim to Be a Pokémon Master, the mini-series that ends Ash’s story. Horizons follows new leads, Liko and Roy, and no films sit between its episodes yet.

Is Detective Pikachu part of the anime?

No. Pokémon Detective Pikachu is a live-action film set in its own world, so it is optional and can be watched whenever you like.

The order and the core, optional and save-for-later marks are the ones the emberslate app uses for this saga. Titles, years and runtimes come from TMDB; series runtimes count aired episodes only and are rounded. First published 8 November 2026.