Pokémon, the nostalgic pocket monster series, has not only captured creatures but also the hearts of millions since 1997. From thrilling battles to heart-warming tales, the Pokémon anime has been an unmissable part of many childhoods. But how much of a commitment is it to catch up on every episode, movie, and miniseries?
Pokémon Anime: An Epic Journey
Over the years, the Pokémon series has etched itself into pop culture history, challenging even the most hardcore binge-watchers. As of October 2023, the tally stands at a staggering 1,259 episodes. With each episode averaging around 24 minutes, it’s a whopping 503.6 hours or about 21 full days to view them all.
For context, if you decided to embark on a Pokémon viewing marathon, dedicating 8 hours each day, it would be a 60-day long journey. That’s two full months! A comparable feat might be One Piece, another beloved anime, which recently reached the 1,000 episode milestone.
“Fans have been consuming Pokémon content since they were kids and will realize how old they have gotten when seeing how far the anime and the games have come.”
Pokémon Movies: A Cinematic Delight
But wait, the journey doesn’t stop there! Sprinkled throughout the Pokémon timeline are a series of captivating movies. From the poignant “Pokémon: The First Movie” released in 1998 to the more recent “Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle” in 2020, each movie adds depth to the expansive Pokémon universe. Collectively, watching every Pokémon film would clock in at around 35 hours. That’s a day and a half if you’re brave enough to skip sleep.
Note: You can shave off a little time by skipping the credits and intros!
| Pokémon Movie | Year | Duration |
| Original Series | ||
| Pokémon: The First Movie | 1998 | 1 hr 25 min |
| Pokémon: The Movie 2000 | 1999 | 1 hr 24 min |
| Pokémon 3: The Movie | 2000 | 1 hr 14 min |
| Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns | 2000 | 1 hr 3 min |
| Pokémon 4Ever | 2001 | 1 hr 15 min |
| Pokémon Heroes | 2002 | 1 hr 11 min |
| Ruby and Sapphire | ||
| Pokémon: Jirachi – Wish Maker | 2003 | 1 hr 21 min |
| Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys | 2004 | 1 hr 38 min |
| Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew | 2005 | 1 hr 43 min |
| Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea | 2006 | 1 hr 47 min |
| Diamond and Pearl | ||
| Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai | 2007 | 1 hr 30 min |
| Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior | 2008 | 1 hr 36 min |
| Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life | 2009 | 1 hr 34 min |
| Pokémon: Zoroark – Master of Illusions | 2010 | 1 hr 36 min |
| Black and White | ||
| Pokémon the Movie: Black – Victini and Reshiram | 2011 | 1 hr 36 min |
| Pokémon the Movie: White – Victini and Zekrom | 2011 | 1 hr 36 min |
| Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice | 2012 | 1 hr 11 min |
| Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened | 2013 | 1 hr 12 min |
| XY | ||
| Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction | 2014 | 1 hr 26 min |
| Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages | 2015 | 1 hr 23 min |
| Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel | 2016 | 1 hr 37 min |
| Sun and Moon | ||
| Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! | 2017 | 1 hr 38 min |
| Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us | 2018 | 1 hr 40 min |
| Pokemon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution | 2019 | 1 hr 38 min |
| Pokémon Journeys | ||
| Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle | 2020 | 1 hr 38 min |
⚔️🍛🛡️ pic.twitter.com/LLzsSypPPu
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) August 17, 2023
The Alluring Miniseries
For those who desire a deeper dive, Pokémon offers several miniseries that spotlight pivotal moments from various games. The roster includes:
- Pokémon Origins: A refreshed take on Pokémon Red and Green stories. It offers roughly 88 minutes of nostalgia.
- Pokémon Generations: These episodes focus on memorable moments from the first six game generations. It’s a ride between 54 and 90 minutes long.
- Pokémon: Twilight Wings: Set in the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield, this 40-minute series sheds light on different characters and their stories.
- Pokémon Evolutions: Viewed as the spiritual successor to Pokémon Generations, it spans the first eight game generations. Depending on the episode, it’s between 48 and 80 minutes.
- Pokémon: Hisuian Snow: A nod to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it’s a brief 30-minute adventure.
What About Fillers?
Fillers are episodes that don’t contribute to the main storyline, often a point of debate for viewers. The Pokémon series is unique in that it doesn’t strictly have “fillers” like traditional anime. However, there are episodes that may not advance the primary narrative. If one were to bypass these episodes, the viewing time reduces to about 392.4 hours.
Concluding Thoughts
The Pokémon franchise, from its games to its anime, remains a beloved gem. It’s continuously evolving, ensuring both new and returning fans always have something to look forward to. However, catching up on every piece of content is indeed a marathon, not a sprint. So, trainers, are you up for the challenge?
