At well over 1,000 episodes,Pokémonis a long series, which can make it difficult to rewatch. Rather than trying to rewatch the whole thing, or even a whole season (which can be over 150 episodes), it’s easier to go back and revisit some of the best story arcs from throughout the series' run.
These are multi-episode story arcs that cover one long story event over several episodes. Most story arcs inPokémonare tournament arcs, where Ash is competing against others for the right to be champion, but that’s not the only kind of arc seen in the anime. Here are 10 of the best story arcs to revisit when one gets the itch for somePokémon.
10The Lusamine/Ultra Space Arc
Episodes: Pokémon Sun & Moon, Episodes 44-54
The Ultra Space arc is an adaptation of the main storyline from theSunandMoonvideo games.It features the introduction of Lillie’s mother, Lusamine, and her obsession with Ultra Beasts.The arc begins with Ash, Lillie, and the other Pokémon school kids visiting the Aether Paradise, Lusamine’s floating island sanctuary for Pokémon.
After Gladion’s rare Pokémon, Type: Null, is stolen by Faba, the deranged researcher manages to open a portal to Ultra Space, calling upon an Ultra Beast, Nihilego. In a stark difference from the games, Lusamine saves her son Gladion from being attacked by Nihilego, and is taken over by the beast herself. Can Ash and his friends save Lillie’s mother before it’s too late?
The arc features Ash and Pikachu using 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, their exclusive Z-move, for the first time, making it one to remember.
9Alola, Kanto! arc
Episodes: Sun & Moon, episodes 42-43, 102-103
Another Alola-era arc, this is one for long-time fans.The arc involves Ash and his Alola friends heading to Kanto on a field trip, where he reunites with Brock and Misty for the first time in ages.Ash’s friend Kiawe gets to battle Brock, while Ash himself has a showdown with Misty, who has a few new tricks up her sleeve.
Later, the arc returns, as Brock and Misty repay the favor and pay a visit to Ash in Alola. Brock gets to meet Alola’s most available bachelorette, Olivia, and Misty becomes close friends with the Water-type trainer, Lana.
These episodes are great fun, if only for the chance tosee Brock and Misty againafter so long. There’s not a whole lot of story happening here; it’s just straight-up for the long-time fans.
8Sword and Shield Arc
Episodes: Pokémon Journeys, episodes 42-45
The Sword and Shield arc ofPokémon Journeysadapts the main storyline of theSwordandShieldgames, covering the events surrounding the Darkest Day.It features some impressive moments, such as Goh capturing Eternatus, Ash’s Riolu evolving into Lucario, andChairman Rose making his first anime appearance.
After Gigantamax and Dynamax Pokémon begin appearing in random locations, Ash and Goh, working with Leon and Sonia, are able to track down the source to the Hammerlocke Stadium, where a secret energy plant has been located. It’s drawing power from Eternatus, and the Galar particles that Eternatus emits are responsible for causing Pokémon to Dynamax.
At just four episodes, the arc is a little compacted for some fans’ tastes, but it does cover all the important plot points from the games, and has some cool moments for Ash and Goh.
7The Whirl Islands Arc
Episodes: Pokémon the Original Series, Episodes 210-222
The Whirl Islands arc is a story arc in the Johto era ofPokémon.It features two separate storylines: one dealing with the Whirl Cup, a competition for Water-type trainers like Misty, and a Team Rocket plot to capturethe Legendary Pokémon, Lugia.The arc also sees the return of Ash’s friend, Ritchie, and his own Pikachu, Sparky.
The Whirl Cup makes for an exciting tournament arc, one which pits Ash against Misty and has a rather surprising outcome. Ash pulls out some of his lesser-used Pokémon, like Kingler, making it an exciting change of pace as Ash battles within the restrictions of the Whirl Cup’s Water-types
The second half of the arc has Team Rocket chasing Pokémon “X”, a mysterious creature which turns out to be Lugia. Ash, as usual, shuts down Team Rocket’s operations.
6The Lumiose Conference Arc
Episodes: Pokémon XY, episodes 125-136
The Lumiose Conference is one of the most exciting tournament arcs inPokémon, featuring some awesome battles with clever tactics and cool Pokémon.The end of the tournament is crashed by Team Flare’s dramatic plans for conquest, prompting a sudden team-up of Kalos’ strongest trainers against Lysandre of Team Flare.
Ash’s battles throughout the Lumiose Conference itself are among some of the best battles in the series, and Ash is in peak form. Many of Ash’s rivals from throughout theXYseries are present, and provide him with a serious challenge. Ash ultimately faces off withAlain, protagonist of the Mega Evolution Specials, for the top spot.
The Team Flare plot is perhaps one of the best villain team arcs in the anime, as Lysandre feels like a real and substantial threat, and the conclusion is incredible.
5The Nimbasa Subway Arc
Episodes: Pokémon Black and White, episodes 43-48
The Nimbasa Subway arc starts well before Ash and friends arrive in Nimbasa City.It features a truly unusual turn, in thatMeowth has seemingly defected from Team Rocket, and travels with Ash, Iris, and Cilan for several episodes.However, this is all part of Team Rocket’s insidious plan, which they nearly get away with.
Jessie and James begin their mission, infiltrating the subway system with a “ghost train” that has no records. Using the subway system, they’re able to get underneath the Pokémon Center and steal all of the Pokémon there, including those of Ash and his friends.
The arc shows Team Rocket at their most competent, as they come awfully close to pulling off one of the greatest heists in Pokémon history. The arc also features the Subway Boss characters, Ingo and Emmet, from theBlackandWhitegames.
4Episode N Arc
Episodes: Black and White, Episodes 110-122
The “Episode N” arc loosely adapts the plots of bothBlackandWhiteandBlack 2andWhite 2, combining elements from both games to create a wholly original storyline.It most notably features the eponymous character N, a fan favorite from the games, as well as the evil Ghetsis, and the mysterious Colress.
The arc involvesAsh and co. meeting N, and then traveling with him for some time. Ash and N have very different perspectives on Pokémon, with N being completely opposed to Pokémon battling, while Ash sees it as an essential means of bonding between trainer and Pokémon.
The arc culminates in a massive battle against Ghetsis, which even features the return of Looker, a major character from the previousDiamond and Pearlseason. The arc isn’t a perfect adaptation, but it’s still fun to see Ash interact with N, who’s so very different.
3The Wallace Cup Arc
Episodes: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Episodes 75-79
For those who enjoy Pokémon Contests, which are frequent objectives of Ash’s companions, the Wallace Cup is the best there is to offer.A major competition, these episodes feature the return of May from theRuby and Sapphireera, and see her competing against Ash’s new companion, Dawn, who has been on a losing streak.
Dawn’s confidence is shattered after this losing streak, but she becomes determined to redeem herself and prove she has what it takes to be a coordinator in the Wallace Cup. Then it’s revealed that the much more experienced May will be taking part, and it becomes clear that Dawn’s got her work cut out for her.
Of course, it all comes down to May vs. Dawn, and it’s one of the most tense and interesting contest battles in the series.
2Alola League Arc
Episodes: Pokémon Sun & Moon, Episodes 129-144
The Alola League arc is a big one, in that it’s the first time that Ash actually wins a Pokémon League tournament, making him a champion. The Alola League is very interesting to watch, since it features so many familiar characters taking part, including Ash’s school friends like Lana and Mallow, and game characters like Guzma.
The tournament begins with a battle royale, where 151 contestants battle it out in a chaotic match unlike anything seen before in thePokémonanime. From there, it proceeds to a more conventional tournament format, with Ash battling powerful trainers like Gladion, and ultimately, Professor Kukui himself.
This tournament arc is a great one to view because it features some dynamic battles, and it’s always great to revisit Ash’s moment of glory, with his crowning as the Alola Champion.
1The Masters Eight Tournament Arc
Episodes: Pokémon Journeys, Episodes 115-132
Of course, when it comes to revisiting Ash’s moments of glory, there’s one true place to look, and that’s the Masters Eight tournament.A tournament composed entirely of champions, Ash had some major obstacles to face on his way to being the best trainer in the world.
The tournament began with Ash facing off with Steven Stone, Hoenn’s Champion and a character heavily featured in the Mega Evolution Specials. He thenmoves on to battling Cynthia, the Champion of the Sinnoh region, and a long-time mentor of Ash’s. That all culminates in Ash’s epic final round battle with the undefeated Leon.
The Masters Eight tournament features some impressive animation and some of the best battles seen in the series to date. The use of popular characters like Cynthia also enhanced the arc substantially, as every viewer knew just how tough they could be. For these reasons, the Masters Eight tournament arc is easily the bestPokémonstory arc to rewatch.
