The 30 Best Pokemon of All Time

Pokémon has been a part of our world for 30 years, a lifetime marked by amazing games, the phenomenon of Pokémon Go, and the long-running anime that introduced us to iconic characters. The true stars, however, are the pocket monsters themselves. This ranking highlights the 30 Pokémon chosen by our editors for best capturing the magic and wonder of this important pop culture universe, based on heart rather than battle proficiency or appearances. Bulbasaur, one of the original starters, holds a special place in players' hearts. Its debateable plant-or-animal nature and its role in "Bulbasaur's Secret Garden" make it intriguing. As the very first Pokédex entry, this recognizable and nostalgic green guy has enduring appeal. Arceus, essentially the "God" of the Pokémon universe, shaped the entire world. Despite some questionable actions like kidnapping children, its cosmic importance, unique Judgment move, Multi-Type ability, and "slay" design make it an absolute icon. Metagross is a terrifying embodiment of arachnophobia and technophobia. With four brains, it enjoys pinning down and consuming opponents. Its Mega form's intellect leads to "cruel" battles, making Metagross horrifying yet undeniably badass. Dragonite, a pseudo-legendary, is loved for its nostalgia as one of the original 151. Known for rescuing drowning people and ships, it’s one of the kindest Pokémon, becoming even nicer with Mega Evolution, yet still formidable in battle. Hawlucha, despite its small size, possesses immense fighting prowess and dramatic flair. Its showboating can be a weakness, but it adds to its lovable diva persona. This independent luchador prefers a quiet life and dislikes noise pollution. Ditto, an amorphous purple blob, has gained recent prominence but has been charming since Gen 1. Its ability to change its DNA and copy targets makes it incredibly powerful, despite occasional faltering in its transformations, which only makes it more relatable. Piplup is one of the most adorable starters, capable of eliciting awe. Despite its cute appearance, it has extreme pride, refusing food and bonding with trainers. Its resistance to affection makes it even more endearing. Flygon, surprisingly a ground-dragon type, boasts numerous immunities and resistances. Its sleek, cute appearance and whimsical wing-flapping sound (like a woman singing) have given it a special place in players' hearts across generations. Eevee is genetically complex, able to evolve into eight different creatures. A scientific mystery, its DNA may hold the key to all evolution. Adorable yet enigmatic, its potential lineages make it one of the most important Pokémon. Lucario is a certified star, protagonist of a popular movie, and poster child for Mega Evolution. Able to detect auras and understand human speech, it has partnered with iconic trainers and continues to rise in prominence. Mimikyu, despite its horror-film appearance, is a secret softy. Under its shoddy Pikachu costume, it longs for love, donning the disguise because those who see its true form pass away. It's also effective in battle with its Disguise ability. Dialga, handcrafted by Arceus to control time, is a powerful Pokémon god. Its storied history, steel-dragon typing, and defensive capabilities make it a formidable force. Absol, straight out of Greek mythology, senses natural disasters but is blamed for them. This "edgy emo cat" has immense power but uses it mercifully, trying to end foes' suffering quickly. Snorlax embodies the slacker within us all, caring only for snacks and naps. Its idyllic lifestyle and consistent effectiveness as a stall wall in competitive play make it both relatable and inspirational. Gyarados epitomizes a "glow-up," transforming from a useless Magikarp into a powerful water dragon. Inspired by folklore, it's one of the angriest Pokémon, known for destructive rampages, making it a formidable team member. Tyranitar is a straight-up dinosaur, canonically a hilarious jerk due to its indestructible exterior, constantly picking fights it knows it will win. Its ability to cause earthquakes and bring down mountains, combined with its Godzilla-like Mega form, makes it awesome. Greninja's shuriken, whether made of compressed water or mucus, are unequivocally badass. The anime revealed its soft side, endearing it to fans, and its Ash-Greninja form was a unique transformation. Gardevoir, an iconic Pokémon, has a persistent presence in the TCG meta. Its strong performance in tournaments, including a World Championship win, solidifies its importance beyond its plush toy appeal. Ho-Oh, the master of first impressions, captivated Western audiences. Based on the Phoenix legend, it can bring creatures back to life and is integral to Pokémon lore. Its connection to Ash's eternal youth adds to its mystique. Psyduck, a chronic headache sufferer riddled with anxiety, is very relatable. Despite the Pokédex calling it "unaware," its loyalty in the anime and endearing confusion about its own powers make it a fan favorite. Garchomp, a jet-land shark combination, is a Hall of Famer as Cynthia's partner. Its well-rounded stats and Rough Skin ability make it an absurdly good addition to any team, capable of sonic flight and mid-air bird consumption. Suicune, the legendary box art star for Crystal, captivated players with its coolness. An environmentalist in a leopard body, it purifies water and has a heart of gold, as shown in "Pokémon Forever." Mew, shrouded in mystique, is said to contain the DNA of every Pokémon. Its complicated DNA allows it to learn every move and transform into almost any other Pokémon, sparking speculation about its relationship with Ditto. Squirtle, the fearless sunglasses-wearing leader of the Squirtle Squad, is a favorite original starter. Its anime legacy, from its introduction to its heartwarming farewell to Ash, has brought viewers joy for years. Celebi's rarity has always fascinated players. Its role as Guardian of the Forest and its ability to exist simultaneously throughout time make it a beacon of hope. It also excels in the TCG with satisfying meta builds. Gengar possesses some of the creepiest Pokédex entries, laying curses and stealing lives. This terrifyingly cool ghost Pokémon, the final evolution of the first ghost line, has remained a fan favorite for decades. Rayquaza, the face of Pokémon Emerald, is a legendary dragon obsessed with world peace. As Earth's guardian and keeper of peace between Groudon and Kyogre, it controls weather and can Mega Evolve without a stone. Mewtwo, terrifying from both child and adult perspectives, is one of the most powerful legendary Pokémon. Its absurdly strong psychic powers and deep lore as a genetic experiment spark philosophical questions about identity. Pikachu, the dynamic duo with Ash, is the overall mascot for the franchise. Its ubiquitous presence in marketing and exclusive merchandise cements its status as the character most synonymous with Pokémon's legacy. Charizard, the undisputed GOAT, takes the number one spot. The subject of iconic TCG cards, a badass companion to Ash, and a team staple since the first game, it has been a favorite since its appearance on the Pokémon Red box art.