As we hit May 22 on our calendars, a sense of nostalgia and joy filled the air, as today is the birthday of the main character of the Pokémon anime series, Ash Ketchum. As a trainer, Ash has never been the strict, power-focused type, always relying on emotional bonds with his team, which has led to some of the most beautiful moments in the series.
While not all of them might be powerful, they are the best Pokémon Ash ever had, from delivering emotional outbursts to strategic wins in the series. Let’s celebrate his birthday and take a trip down memory lane – here are some of his best teammates in the series, ranked by their impact.
TITLEPokémonCREATORSatoshi TajiriFIRST RELEASE DATEApril 1, 1997IMDb RATING (As of May 22, 2026)7.6/10WHERE TO WATCHNetflix, Amazon Prime Video
10. Heracross and Ash’s Playfulness Reflected Ash’s Heart of Gold
Ash and Heracross from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Let’s be honest: Ash’s Heracross didn’t make many appearances in the anime series, but when it did, it was iconic and nostalgic enough to make it to this list. Even though Ash didn’t use it as frequently as some of his other aces, Heracross constantly delivered in high-pressure battles.
The peak moment was when Heracross faced against Darkrai, a mythical Pokémon, and stood its ground while its other aces failed to do so. That alone elevated its status from a Johto capture to a core member of the Sinnoh season.
9. The Brief Journey With Butterfree Is a Nostalgic Emotional Core
Ash and Butterfree from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
This early departure was the moment when we all couldn’t hold back our tears in the series; Episode 21 from the original series, titled “Bye Bye Butterfree“. Even though their journey was brief, Butterfree was still Ash’s first officially caught mon, evolving from a mere Caterpie.
The scene was heavy and deeply emotional in the early series, since it was at the beginning; we were expecting new additions rather than departures. Even to this day, the scene still hurts deep inside, no matter how many times we rewatch it.
8. Goodra Had One of the Most Emotional Journeys on Ash’s Team
Ash and Goodra from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Goodra had one of the most heartfelt growth arcs on any of Ash’s teams – beginning as a timid and constantly frightened Goomy before evolving into a fully realized pseudo-legendary powerhouse. The self-confidence gain was just a spectacle to watch in the series, especially how Ash cared for it.
Goodra repeatedly protected its teammates and stood tall against powerful Kalos League opponents. What makes it even more iconic is that even after leaving the team to defend its homeland, Goodra returned stronger than ever, showing just how deep its bond with Ash truly was.
7. Krookodile’s Power and Personality Reflected Well With Ash
Ash and Krookodile from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Krookodile was easily one of the standout stars of Ash’s Unova Pokémon team. It started as a mischievous Sandile wearing sunglasses that later evolved into Krokorok and eventually into Krookodile while fighting Iris’ Dragonite.
Krookodile is special because of its mix of personality and power – it battled with total confidence, mastered moves like Dragon Claw and Stone Edge, and consistently stepped up during major fights. Ash’s Unova team always felt a little inconsistent, but Krookodile stood out as a prominent ace.
6. Dragonite Became the Emotional Core of Ash’s Final Team
Dragonite hugging Ash from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Ash’s Pokémon are obviously different from the ones we saw in the wild – and Dragonite wasn’t any different – it quickly became one of the strongest and most lovable members of Ash’s final championship team. Unlike the intimidating Dragonite usually seen in the anime, it was unusually warm and affectionate, making it instantly memorable.
Dragonite was also the perfect example of how looks can be deceiving. While it was all cuddly and mushy outside the battlefield, it was an absolute powerhouse in battle. Dragonite defeated several high-level opponents during the World Coronation Series and repeatedly proved it could compete against elite trainers.
5. Ash and Lucario’s Journey to Power Was a Beautiful Saga
Ash and Lucario from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Lucario became the centerpiece of Ash’s World Coronation Series journey and eventually grew into one of the strongest Pokémon he ever trained – from the moment it hatched as a Riolu. Lucario shared an unusually deep aura connection with Ash; the two fought in an almost near-perfect synchronization.
But the evolution of its character didn’t stop there: After mastering Mega Evolution, Lucario began defeating champion-level opponents and holding its own against some of the strongest trainers in the world.
4. Infernape Delivered One of the Best Character Arcs in the Series
Ash and Infernape from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
If it hadn’t been a Pokémon, Infernape could have had an entire story by itself, having one of the biggest character arcs in a Kodomomuke Anime Like Pokémon. Chimchar was released by Paul for being too weak, and that’s when it met Ash, a trainer who believed in it. Through battles and training, Chimchar evolved into Monferno and eventually into Infernape, and faced its former trainer, Paul, in battle.
That victory wasn’t just about strength – it was the payoff to one of Pokémon’s most emotional rivalries, cementing Infernape as one of Ash’s most iconic aces ever. Its mastery of the uncontrollable Blaze ability became the emotional core of Ash’s Sinnoh journey.
3. Charizard’s Relationship With Ash Defined an Entire Pokémon Era
Ash and Charizard from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Ash and Charizard had the most bitter-sweet relationship in the entire series; the moment Charmander evolved into Charmeleon, it started showing defiance towards Ash, which amplified when it evolved into Charizard. From burning Ash to slacking off in battle, the fire and flying-type lizard was a menace in Ash’s team.
But everything changed after Ash stayed up all night caring for Charizard during the Orange Islands Arc, finally earning its trust and loyalty. From that point onward, Charizard became one of Ash’s greatest powerhouses, delivering unforgettable victories against elite opponents, most notably defeating an Articuno, a legendary Pokémon from Kanto, in the Battle Frontier.
2. Greninja Was Literally the Embodiment of Ash Himself in Kalos
Ash and Ash-Greninja from Pokémon | Credits: OLM
Greninja represented the absolute peak of Ash’s battling style during Kalos – calm, fast, and incredibly tactical, it evolved alongside Ash into a Pokémon that felt completely synchronized with its trainer. What made it even more unique is the Ash-Greninja form, a form awakened from the hidden ability Battle Bond, a power unlike anything else seen in the anime at the time.
It fought against elite Pokémon with incredible efficiency; the battle against Mega Sceptile is probably one of the peak moments in the entirety of the series. Every fight featuring Ash-Greninja felt cinematic, combining stunning animation with emotional intensity.
1. Pikachu Was More Than Just a Pokémon to Ash
Pikachu wasn’t just another Pokémon to Ash; it was his companion through his arduous journey to become a Pokémon Master. Initially, the first interaction was complete animosity, but the moment Ash shielded Pikachu from the group of attacking Spearows, everything changed between them.
Ever since then, the electric mouse Pokémon has stuck by Ash’s side through thick and thin, refusing to evolve into Raichu. Their companionship is something even many mainstream shonen anime fail to present; a beautiful bond between the Pokémon and its master at its finest.
RANKINGMONSAREA/LEAGUE1PikachuKanto2GreninjaKalos3CharizardKanto4InfernapeSinnoh5LucarioGalar6DragoniteGalar7KrookodileUnova8GoodraKalos9ButterfreeKanto10HeracrossJohto
What are your thoughts on our ranking of Ash’s best Pokémon in the anime series? We’d love to hear your picks and opinions in the comments below.
The Pokémon series is available to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
