Summary
Throughout the more than two decades that thePokémonfranchise has been a part of anime fans’ lives, many amazing and intriguing characters have been introduced. Each has their personality, life experiences, and wisdom to share with the audience, traits often conveyed through iconic quips and phrases.
While thePokémonfranchise has no shortage ofprofound, hilarious, or beloved quotes, few are considered the best by fans. The greatest lines found in the franchise are loved by fans due to how inspiring or recognizable they can be. Here are some of the most iconic quotes found in thePokémonanime series.
10“I can’t be defeated by the likes of you!“ – Ash Ketchum (Pokémon: Indigo League)
A Reminder Of Ash’s Unbreakable Will
During one of the most memorable episodes of the first season of thePokémonanime,Ash and Pikachu were attacked by a flock of wild Spearow. With his partner unable to fight at the moment, the young trainer decided to face these dangerous birds, preventing harm from coming to his Pokémon.
This quote, while simple, is the perfect example ofwhy Ash has become such an inspiration for fans of the series. No matter how many obstacles and hardships he had to face, he was always willing to fight until the bitter end to achieve his dreams. A truly moving line that worked perfectly to give fans of the original series a taste of Ash’s unwavering determination to become the very best.
Pokémon: Every League Championship Ash Participated In (& Where He Placed)
Ash competes in plenty of League Championships throughout his time in the Pokémon anime and even wins some of them, thanks to his skill as a Trainer.
Pokémon Heroes
Cast
In Pokémon Heroes, Ash, Pikachu, and friends embark on an adventure in Altomare, the water capital, to thwart a pair of thieves. They are joined by legendary Pokémon siblings Latias and Latios, who protect the Soul Dew, a mysterious and priceless treasure.
After his innocent and easily distracted Totodile decides to follow Latias during a water race, Ash is forced to abandon the competition. The small creature felt extremely guilty for having cost his trainer the victory, so the young man decided to reassure his Totodile. Ash explained that the young Pokémon simply took a wrong turn during the race by mistake, letting the creature know he was not angry.
While this phrase may not have been uttered with any philosophical meaning behind it,Pokémonfans cherish the hidden meaning it contains. Humans are creatures that will commit mistakes many times throughout their lives. There is no point in dwelling on these errors, as they are inevitable for all living creatures. Instead, it is wise to use them as learning opportunities to better oneself for the future.
8“You Can Do Anything If You Just Try It!” – Brock (Pokémon: Ruby And Sapphire)
Classic But Meaningful Message
While tending to a small but beautiful garden with the help of his Pokémon, Brok askedhis loyal and deceptively powerful Lotadto help him water the soil. The small creature filled the lily pad on top of its body with water, following the commands of its trainer. Yet, when the time came for Lotad to water the plant, it did not know how to do it.Brock, a gentle and caring trainer, taught his friend how to do it, congratulating it on a job well done by telling Lotad that it only needed to try for it to succeed.
In life, there will be many times that one will feel unsure about trying something new. Failure will always make humans doubt their abilities to accomplish their dreams. While feeling this way is valid, it should never define our lives. By at least trying to achieve one’s goals, humans understand that they are much more capable than they first imagined.
7“Stop Pretending And Accept Yourself For Who You Really Are” – Meowth (Pokémon: Sun And Moon)
Words For Everyone To Live By
After one of Mimikyu’s many failed attempts to defeat Pikachu, the small and shy creature felt disappointed and frustrated. Its good friend, Team Rocket’s Meowth, sawthe adorably disguised Pokémonsulking, prompting him to try and make him feel better by giving him some encouraging words. Meowth told his friend tostop trying to be something it was not, assuring him that people would love its true personality.
While not as iconic as others in the franchise, this quote contains one of the most important messages a person can hear in their lifetime. By accepting the reality of what an individual is, not only will they be able to live a happier life, but they will find people who appreciate them for themselves. Hiding one’s true identity often leads to sadness, frustration, and loneliness.
Pokémon’s Anime Changed Ghost Types Forever With One Mimikyu
Ghost-type Pokémon are some of the anime’s most mysterious, but one Mimikyu seen in Alola raised a lot of questions about ghosts with its big reveal.
6“If You Just Try Hard Enough, Things Will Work Out. Won’t They?” – Ash Ketchum (Pokémon: Indigo League)
Ash’s Reminder To Never Give Up
After failing to defeat a Pidgeotto with a Caterpie due to the latter’sweakness against Flying-TypePokémon,Misty chastises Ash for not knowing the basics of combat. The young boy, trying to distract his friend from his error, claims that things will work out if he keeps trying. In the series, this line is used as a comedic moment to break the tension after Ash’s mistake.
Despite this fact, the quote is accurate and can motivatePokémonfans to try their hardest to achieve their dreams. It is natural to fail at something on the first try, as the person attempting to complete the task will most likely have no experience. Nevertheless, this must not be a reason to surrender, as training and perseverance will help a person achieve anything they want.
5“Do You Always Need A Reason To Help Somebody?” – Ash Ketchum (Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns)
A Little Bit Of Kindness Goes A Long Way
During the TV-only movie Mewtwo Returns, the iconic clone of Mew once again crosses paths with Ash and his friends. During a battle against Team Rocket, Mewtwo is severely injured and becomes unable to escape from his enemies. Without hesitation, Ash runs toward the creature and helps it stand up, prompting the clone to ask why the young man is helping him.
In typical Ash fashion, the trainer replies thathe does not need a reason to help someone in need. While being thanked or rewarded for aiding someone can be enticing, this must never be the only reason why a human should help someone. Cooperation is one of the major reasons why humanity has advanced so far. Helping others without expecting compensation must be what everyone strives for.
Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution’s Post-Credits Scene Explained
Netflix’s Mewtwo Strikes Back remake changed the original post-credits scene. But why, and what does the new scene mean for the future?
Pokémon: Jirachi - Wish Maker
Pokémon: Jirachi - Wish Maker follows Ash, May, Max, and Brock as they encounter the mythical Pokémon Jirachi. During the Millennium Comet Festival, Jirachi awakens to grant wishes, amid attempts by a former Team Magma member to exploit its powers. The film explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the importance of wishes.
Right afterthe rare mythical PokémonJirachi leaves his friends behind at the end of the Wish Maker movie, Max is seen saddened by the sudden departure of the team’s new companion. Ash, knowing how hard it is to lose someone you love, tells the younger boy thatleaving a friend behind is never the end of their bond. The memories Max made with Jirachi will always stay with him.
As the series progressed, Ash was forced to release many of his most loyal and beloved Pokémon. Something similar will occur to every human during their life, often more than once. Although having to say goodbye to a loved one is hard, it is healthy for individuals to understand their feelings, accept what happened, and do their best to move on with their lives.
3“Team Rocket Blasts Off at the Speed of Light!” – Team Rocket (Pokémon Franchise)
The Most Iconic Motto In The Franchise
One of the most iconic and prevalent phrases in thePokémonfranchise isthe emblematic and hilarious Team Rocket introduction. Whenever these loveable but incompetent villains make an appearance, fans are treated to their hilarious and dramatic speeches.
James, Jessee, and Meowth have been a part of thePokémonanime story for decades, being almost as recognizable as Ash and Pikachu themselves. While their motto may not contain any profound message,the significance it has for fans of the franchisemakes it one of the best phrases.
Team Rocket Could Have Been Pokémon’s Greatest Heroes, & One Episode Proves It
An episode of Pokémon the Series: XY sees Ash enter an alternate mirror world where Team Rocket are heroes instead of villains.
Meowth’s Wise And Moving Words
Once the battle against Mewtwo’s cloned Pokémon was over, Team Rocket’s Meowth had a moment to talk with his clone. Despite having fought just a few moments ago, the two creatures had a profound conversation in which they realized that they were not so different. Meowth noticed that even though they were not born the same way, both inhabited the same planet, spoke the same language, and could coexist peacefully.
For many years, this quote has been considered one ofthe most touching and wise found in thePokémonfranchise. Fear can force individuals to act in horrible ways, hurting each other because of things they cannot understand. Meowth’s speech is a reminder that distinctions are not important, it is what makes us similar that should be celebrated.
1“I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” — Mewtwo (Pokémon: The First Movie)
Mewtwo’s Greatest Discovery
Mewtwo is a Pokémon that was created by Team Rocketto be utilized as a living weapon. From birth, this creature was hurt and tortured, with his cruel captors treating it as an object rather than a sentient being. Mewtwo grew resentful against naturally-born creatures, trying to prove that his synthetic existence was superior. Shortly after being confronted by Ash, the artificial Pokémon realized his mistake.
In one of the most memorable speeches in anime history,Mewtwo concluded that one’s origin was not important. What matters is what each individual does with their lives, the choices they make, and the people they meet. This is a lesson that everyone should remember, as it is not only wise but also holds one of the most important truths in the world.
Pokémon
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
