10 best episodes from Pokemon Journeys, ranked

Pokemon Journeys acts as a strong addition to the beloved franchise with fresh adventures, new characters, and the return of familiar faces. With Ash Ketchum and his new companion Goh, the series takes viewers on a mix of both exciting and nostalgic quests that span various regions and generations of Pokemon lore.

Ash continues his journey to become a Pokemon Master, while Goh aspires to catch every creature that exists, including the rare and mythical Mew, adding depth to the adventure filled with intense battles, emotional moments, and legendary encounters that captivate both new and long-time fans.

Here are the top 10 episodes from Pokemon Journeys, ranked and explained in detail, each highlighting why they deserve a spot on this list.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

---

Top 10 episodes from Pokemon Journeys, ranked

10) "Nightfall? Nightmares!"

Darkrai as seen in the episode (Image via TPC)

Highlight: The emotional reunion with Dawn and action-packed meet with the Lunar duo.

In this episode, Cresselia is being chased by Team Rocket's Matori Matrix on Fullmoon Island in the Sinnoh region. An electroshock from their airship hits Cresselia, causing it to fall. Darkrai senses something is wrong and heads to the Sinnoh mainland.

Meanwhile, Ash, Goh, and Chloe investigate incidents of people suffering from nightmares, typically caused by Darkrai. Chloe, with her Eevee, encounters Dawn, and together they find an injured Cresselia.

This episode stands out for its intense atmosphere and the rare appearance of both Darkrai and Cresselia, which adds a mystical layer to the adventure, but also its balance of lighter-hearted interactions with Dawn.

---

9) "Beyond Chivalry… Aiming to be a Leek Master!"

Farfetch'd vs Gallade from the episode (Image via TPC)

Highlight: Farfetch'd's evolution and win against Gallade.

Ash and Goh encounter Rinto, who is challenged by Ash to a battle. Ash and Rinto face-off, with Goh observing and a Drone Rotom officiating. Despite having its leek split in half and being disheartened initially, Farfetch'd regains confidence from Ash's words.

It blocks Gallade's attacks using the broken leek pieces as a makeshift sword and shield. After a fierce exchange, Farfetch'd evolves into Sirfetch'd, gaining a natural leek sword and shield, and ultimately overpowers Gallade, securing Ash's victory and elevating his rank from 273 to 184.

This episode is significant for Ash’s growth as a trainer and the emotional development of his Pokemon.

---

8) "Showdown at the Gates of Warp"

Clone of the main cast watching the intense battle between Dialga and Palkia (Image via TPC)

Highlight: Dialga vs Palkia and the alternate universe twist.

In this episode, the main cast encounters alternate versions of Goh, Chloe, Ash, and Dawn in Canalave City. They venture to Spear Pillar, where Dialga and Palkia are in a fierce clash causing time-reversal effects, turning everyone into toddlers and Pokemon into eggs.

The episode's highlight is the emotional and strategic effort to stop the battle, including sending out their feelings to Arceus.

The sight of Dialga, Palkia, and a silhouette of Arceus in action, and the alternate universe twist add a fascinating layer to the franchise's storyline and lore, making it one of the most memorable episodes.

---

7) "Battle Three With Bea"

Ash's Lucario facing Bea's Machamp (Image via TPC)

Highlight: A cinematic battle between Ash's Lucario and Bea's Machamp.

Ash and Goh arrive in Stow-on-Side for Ash's third World Coronation Series match against Bea. They encounter Bea training at the stadium, and she acknowledges Ash as "Lucario's Trainer" after seeing Riolu's evolution. The battle commences in an intense 3v3 showdown, both displaying their battle experience and skill.

The battle reaches its peak when Lucario and Machamp finally clash in an epic showdown. Despite setbacks, Ash and Lucario’s bond proves unbreakable, leading to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.

This episode stands out for its intense battle choreography, a unique and rare showcase of Gigantamax vs Mega Evolution gimmicks in the series, and the emotional depth of Ash and Lucario’s relationship.

---

6) "The Homecoming Crown"

Lillie’s family reunited (Image via TPC)

Highlight: The heartwarming reunion of Lillie’s family.

Lillie’s story in the Sun and Moon series of Pokemon is both tragic and inspiring. Initially, Lillie struggles with severe trauma from her broken family and past experiences with Pokemon.

Her brother Gladion distances himself, and their mother, Lusamine, is obsessed with studying Ultra Beasts after her husband, Mohn, disappears into an Ultra Wormhole. The family members grow individually and become closer, eventually leaving Alola to search for Mohn, who is revealed to be alive.

In Pokemon Journeys, this storyline reaches a touching conclusion. The family finds Mohn in the Crown Tundra, suffering from amnesia and being cared for by a compassionate Nihilego disguised as Lillie. Despite initial conflicts, the family understands Nihilego's actions were out of loneliness and gratitude for Mohn. Lillie helps Mohn regain his memories, leading to a heartfelt reunion.

The family accepts Nihilego, recognizing its good intentions. This episode beautifully wraps up Lillie’s character arc, showing her growth from a traumatized girl to someone who can see the good in those who have caused her pain.

---

5) "Thrash of the Titans"

Ash vs Unova Champion Iris (Image via TPC)

Highlight: Ash’s intense battle against Unova Champion Iris.

Ash receives a formal challenge from Iris, a familiar character from his journey in Unova. In the gym, Drayden reveals that Iris is now the Champion of Unova. Iris and Ash agree to a Dragon-type battle, and Ash's Dragonite faces Iris's Dragonite. After a tough fight, Ash's Dragonite gets overwhelmed, leading Ash to switch to Dracovish.

Dracovish defeats Iris's Dragonite, but Iris's Haxorus then defeats Dracovish. Ash's Dragonite battles Haxorus next, using innovative tactics and a new move, Draco Meteor, to win. Ash's rank rises to 99, and he and Iris promise to battle again once she reaches Ultra Class.

The episode not only reunites viewers with a returning character and an all-out brawl between Pokemon from a mighty typing, but it also displays Ash’s growth and his ability to adapt to high-stakes battles, making this episode a standout moment in the series.

---

4) "Advice to Goh!"

Ash, Goh, and Gary facing the legendary bird Moltres (Image via TPC)

Highlight: The touching reunion with familiar faces and the battle against Moltres.

Ash and Goh visit Professor Oak's Laboratory in Pallet Town. Goh recalls attending a Pokemon Camp there and seeing Mew, which inspired his goal to catch every Pokemon. Ash has an emotional and comical reunion with his Pokemon that he has caught over the years, but learns that his Infernape is missing. Viewers are filled with joy to see Gary, Ash's first rival, to be here as well.

Ash and Goh, joined by Gary, search for Infernape, discovering it's in a valley awaiting a battle with the Legendary Moltres. Eventually, they battle Moltres together, with Gary obtaining a Moltres feather for Project Mew. Inspired by Gary's challenge, Goh decides to join Project Mew, aiming to prove himself and pursue his dream of meeting Mew.

The highlight of the episode was seeing Ash reunite with his old Pokemon in one place after they were all caught in various regions. As a bonus treat to the viewer, we see Ash team up with his old rival Gary, and together, they attempt to take down the legendary bird Moltres.

---

3) "The Rainbow and the Pokemon Master!"

The final tribute to Ash's journey (Image via TPC)

Highlight: A perfect final chapter to the story of Ash.

In the last episode of the series, Ash and his friends part ways as he returns to Pallet Town. At home, he enjoys time with his mother and Pikachu. The next day, he visits Professor Oak's Laboratory and reconnects with his old Pokemon, receiving a thought-provoking question from Gary about his dream of becoming a Pokemon Master.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket, frustrated with their cafeteria jobs, reunites in Viridian Forest to capture Pikachu. Ash, initially unprepared, is saved by his long-lost Pidgeot. Ash invites Pidgeot to rejoin him.

Later, Ash ponders Gary's question, realizing that his journey to becoming a Pokemon Master is about befriending every Pokemon. The next morning, he sets off on a new adventure, letting fate decide his path.

This episode encapsulates the essence of Ash’s adventure and his growth as a Pokemon Trainer while acting as a perfect tribute to the protagonist who captivated viewers for over two decades in this final episode.

---

2) "Enter Pikachu!"

The early life and origin story of Ash's Pikachu (Image via TPC)

Highlight: The origin story of Ash's Pikachu.

Four years before his Pokemon journey, six-year-old Ash eagerly prepares for Professor Oak's Pokemon camp.

Meanwhile, a young Pichu, living alone in the wild, is saved by a Kangaskhan and becomes part of its family. Pichu, enjoying its time with Kangaskhan, gives us montages of how it spends heart-warming time with its new family. It eventually leaves its adoptive family as it grows, evolving into Pikachu.

Eventually, Professor Oak gives the same Pikachu to Ash, marking the beginning of this long journey. Initially, Pikachu resists Ash's enthusiasm, but they soon form a strong bond.

This episode delves into the past, showing a young Ash eager to attend Professor Oak's camp, and a wild Pichu evolving into Pikachu. The highlight is the emotional journey of Pikachu from being a wild Pokemon to becoming Ash’s first partner. This episode provides a nostalgic and touching backstory that enriches the series' lore.

---

1. Episodes 129-131 - Ash vs. Leon

Ash's final battle against Leon (Image via TPC)

Highlight: Ash's ultimate champion victory.

The climax of Ash’s journey is his battle against Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament finals. The match was so epic that it was broadcast over three episodes and showcased all existing battle gimmicks in the franchise (Z-Moves, Mega Evolution, and Gigantamax).

The final showdown was an intense 6v6 battle with some intense clashes like Inteleon vs Gengar and Dragapult vs Dragonite. But the highlight is the epic showdown between Ash’s Pikachu and Leon’s Charizard, featuring incredible animation and choreography.

The episode is monumental, as it marks Ash’s long-awaited victory, making him the World Champion. This historic moment solidifies Ash’s status as a Pokemon Master and is the fitting culmination of his journey spanning over two decades.