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These are the Best Pokemon that are Every Fan’s Favorite

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On July 6, 2025

Some Pokemon win battles, others win hearts. But a rare few manage to do both across generations, regions and entire fanbases. These are the Pokemon that keep showing up in popularity polls, fan art, plush toy shelves and competitive teams.

Best megas Featured Image Kanghaskhan and Gyrados

10 Best Mega Pokémon

Not all mega Pokémon were made equal as some stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Whether it’s because of their design, their role in the anime or just how memorable they were the first time someone picked up a Poke Ball, these Pokemon have earned universal love by everyone.

10

Gardevoir

Elegant, Psychic and Surprisingly Strong in a Street Fight

A Gardevoir standing inside a Pokemon Stadium

What started as a graceful Psychic-type from Hoenn quickly grew into one of the most consistently adored Pokemon in the entire series. Gardevoir’s design balances mystery and elegance without ever leaning too far into one side. It’s not just about looks, though. Gardevoir has been a powerful special attacker since Generation 3, and when it gained a Fairy typing in Gen 4, it became even more viable.

Its Pokedex entries mention how it will distort dimensions to protect its trainer. That lore, combined with its mega evolution in X and Y, made it a favorite for players who value both strength and loyalty. In competitive battling, its access to strong moves like Moonblast and Calm Mind gave it real staying power.

9

Dragonite

A Dragon that Looks Like It Could Help You Move Furniture

Dragonite is what happens when a Dragon-type Pokemon forgets it’s supposed to look terrifying. After the intimidating Dratini and the sleek Dragonair, it evolves into a chubby, happy-looking orange dragon that resembles a cartoon mascot more than a legendary beast. But beneath that disarming design is a powerhouse.

Introduced as one of the original pseudo-legendaries in Red and Blue, Dragonite was one of the first rare Pokemon many players ever caught. Its powerful movepool and strong stats made it a staple in endgame teams and a consistent threat in competitive formats.

Dragonite’s role in the anime also helped its popularity. Its appearance as a kind-hearted messenger and later as Ash’s affectionate and battle-ready partner in Journeys made sure newer fans adored it just as much as old-school players did.

8

Ditto

The Pokemon Equivalent of “Sure, I Can Do that”

There are few Pokemon with as much utility as Ditto. By copying the opponent’s stats and moves with Transform, it adds an unpredictable element to both casual and competitive battles. But its true popularity doesn’t come from its combat prowess.

Ditto became beloved because of how weird and wonderful it is. It’s a pink blob with a constant smile that can become any other Pokemon in the series. That has led to endless memes, collectible toys with Ditto faces on every evolution and even in-universe lore like the Ditto from the anime that couldn’t get facial features right.

In gameplay, Ditto became a staple for breeding mechanics. Players farming for perfect IVs have likely relied on at least one good Ditto, if not dozens. It’s useful, strange and unforgettable.

7

Snorlax

Blocking Roads, Stealing Screens and Sleeping Through Everything

Few Pokemon have left as strong a first impression as Snorlax did in Red and Blue. The giant Normal-type just sat in the middle of a route and refused to move until players woke it up with the Poke Flute. That encounter turned Snorlax into more than a Pokemon. It became an event.

Since then, it’s stayed iconic. Snorlax has some of the highest HP in the game and access to moves like Body Slam, Rest and Curse, making it a mainstay in competitive formats like Gen 2 OU. Its laziness is part of its charm, and it even starred in its own minigame in Pokemon Stadium 2 where players had to get it to jump and grab food.

In the anime, Ash’s Snorlax was absurdly strong and could tank hits from entire teams. Add that to its giant presence in merchandise and mobile games like Pokemon GO, and it’s no wonder Snorlax has become a franchise mainstay.

6

Togepi

Introduced in the Anime Before the Games and Still Managed to Be a Star

Togepi became iconic before players even had a chance to catch one. Introduced in the anime during the Indigo League, Togepi hatched from a mysterious egg and quickly attached itself to Misty. Its baby-like demeanor and strange powers made it stand out even among the early 150.

10-Best-Pokemon-That-Do-Not-Evolve-Aerodactyl-Ditto-and-Kangaskhan

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When Gold and Silver came out, players finally got a chance to raise one of their own. Its evolution into Togetic and later Togekiss gave it real value in battles, especially when it gained Fairy typing. In VGC, Togekiss is known for its annoying but effective flinch strategy using Serene Grace and Air Slash.

Togepi’s popularity isn’t just about its battle performance, though. Its cute design, high-pitched giggle and deep connection to the anime have made it one of the most beloved baby Pokemon of all time.

5

Lucario

A Fighting-Type that’s Cool Enough to Star in Its Own Movie

A Lucario sitting on a rock in Pokemon anime

Lucario was the first Pokemon from Gen IV revealed to the public and immediately got the star treatment. It was the centerpiece of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a movie that gave it a tragic backstory and an aura of mysticism that stuck with fans.

In the games, Lucario is a mixed attacker with a strong movepool. It learns both physical and special Fighting and Steel-type moves, giving it real versatility. Its Mega Evolution in Gen VI boosted it further, turning it into a glass cannon capable of sweeping teams if left unchecked.

Lucario also appeared as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. starting with Brawl, where it introduced a unique mechanic of powering up as it took more damage. Between that and its consistently high popularity rankings, it’s no surprise that Lucario is considered one of the coolest Pokemon ever designed.

4

Bulbasaur

The Best Starter for People Who Read Strategy Guides

While it might not have the flash of Charmander or the meme factor of Squirtle, Bulbasaur was always the smart pick. In the original Red and Blue, it made the first two gyms significantly easier, with advantages over both Brock’s Rock-types and Misty’s Water-types.

Its design is simple but appealing. A dinosaur-frog hybrid with a plant bulb on its back that eventually blooms into a giant flower. Bulbasaur also had one of the most consistent and emotionally resonant arcs in the anime. Ash’s Bulbasaur refused to evolve and acted as the mediator among his team.

In fan polls over the years, Bulbasaur’s charm has only grown. It was voted as the favorite Pokemon in the first-ever Pokemon of the Year poll run by Google in 2020, beating hundreds of other options.

3

Charizard

The Definition of Cool for an Entire Generation of Fans

Even though it’s technically not a Dragon-type, Charizard became the gold standard for what a powerful Pokemon should look like. It breathes fire, it flies, and in the anime, it refused to listen to Ash until he earned its respect. That rebellious streak only made fans love it more.

Charizard received more attention than most starters. It got two different Mega Evolutions in X and Y, and later a Gigantamax form in Sword and Shield. Each version pushed its popularity higher, both in casual play and in competitive scenes where Charizard has remained viable in multiple formats.

It’s also been the face of multiple game covers and promotional events. Whether it’s for its battle prowess, design or sheer nostalgia, Charizard has remained one of the most iconic creatures in the series since 1996.

2

Eevee

The Pokemon that Refused to Evolve into Just One Thing

Eevee’s appeal comes from its potential. With multiple evolutions covering almost every type in the game, it’s the Pokemon that lets players pick their own path. Whether it’s the sleek Umbreon, the cheerful Sylveon or the classic Vaporeon, there’s an evolution to suit every kind of player.

It also starred in its own mainline title. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! gave it a starter role, with special moves, unique animations and full voice reactions that helped make it feel more alive than ever before. In Pokemon GO, Eevee is one of the most frequently used and beloved Pokemon due to its versatility and ease of evolution through naming tricks.

Its design is soft and friendly, almost like a living plush toy. That timeless charm has helped Eevee hold a spot alongside Pikachu as one of the series’ official mascots.

1

Pikachu

The Face of the Franchise and the Heart of a Generation

No other Pokemon comes close. Pikachu is the mascot of the franchise, the partner of Ash Ketchum and the reason millions of fans fell in love with the series in the first place.

Its popularity wasn’t manufactured. Pikachu’s design strikes the perfect balance between cute and expressive, with enough personality in the anime to carry the show through two decades. From shocking Onix in the first gym battle to standing at Ash’s side in his final championship fight, Pikachu has been there through it all.

It’s also been at the center of spin-offs, movies and limited-edition merchandise. There are Pikachu-themed planes, cafes and even city mascots in Japan. Despite all that exposure, Pikachu has never worn out its welcome. It still feels like the same electric mouse that started it all.