5 Pokemon anime episodes you should rewatch for the Halloween season

Pokemon might be known for its lighthearted adventures and vibrant characters, but there are a few select episodes that are sure to give you nightmares. Despite it being a children's show, the creators have never hesitated to display the sinister side of the Pokemon world.

From haunted towers to ancient curses, these episodes deliver the perfect dose of Halloween vibes while staying true to the Pokemon spirit. Here are five episodes you’ll definitely want to rewatch for Halloween.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions. The entries are arranged in no particular order.

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5 Pokemon episodes you should revisit during the Halloween season

1) Abra and the Psychic Showdown & The Tower of Terror

Sabrina and The Tower of Terror as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

These two episodes are some of the most iconic from the original series, bringing a mix of suspense, mystery, and eerie moments that have remained memorable for generations. Ash and his friends arrive in Saffron City, where they encounter Sabrina, the local Gym Leader with an unusual personality and unsettling psychic powers.

Sabrina has a chilling backstory involving a doll she controls, which seems to hold a piece of her darker side. She even transforms Brock and Misty into tiny dolls, leaving Ash to confront her alone.

To stand a chance, Ash decides to catch a Ghost Pokemon and heads to the haunted Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town. There, Ash and Pikachu encounter a Haunter, Gastly, and Gengar.

These mischievous ghosts separate Ash’s and Pikachu’s spirits from their bodies in a spooky yet comedic sequence that plays on the eerie atmosphere of Lavender Town. The combination of the strange ambiance and Sabrina’s creepy persona make this two-episode arc a great Halloween watch.

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2) The Ancient Puzzle of Pokemopolis

Giant Alakazam and Gengar (Image via The Pokemon Company)

At first, “The Ancient Puzzle of Pokemopolis” seems like a standard filler episode, but things quickly take a dark turn. Ash, Misty, and Brock discover an ancient archaeological site with strange artifacts from Pokemopolis, a forgotten civilization.

When Team Rocket meddles with these artifacts, they awaken a powerful, malevolent force that has been sealed away for centuries: a giant Gengar. This massive Pokemon, released from a “dark device,” begins absorbing people and Pokemon, trapping them in a void-like prison.

As the situation escalates, another giant creature, Alakazam, awakens and the two titans engage in a terrifying battle. The whole episode is filled with tension and mystery, as no one fully understands the artifacts or the powers of these ancient Pokemon.

Eventually, a giant Jigglypuff appears and uses its lullaby to put the rampaging giants to sleep, saving the day. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of awe and mystery, as the ancient city and its secrets fade back into obscurity.

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3) Scary Hospitality

Lon and the picture of his younger self as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Set in the Pokemon XY series, “Scary Hospitality” is one of the anime’s more atmospheric episodes. When Ash and his friends are caught in a sudden rainstorm, they seek shelter in a spooky mansion on Route 14, where a kind but peculiar old man named Lon and his Ghost-type companions invite them inside.

At first, everything seems normal, but soon the house is filled with eerie occurrences. Clement and Serena both notice strange phenomena, like flickering lights and disappearing companions, and it becomes increasingly clear that something isn’t quite right with this house.

The true horror sets in when the group finds an old photo of Lon from over 200 years ago. The chilling twist? Lon is a ghost, long deceased, who has been “welcoming” travelers into his mansion for centuries.

The revelation that their host isn’t among the living sends everyone into a panic, and as they make a quick escape, Team Rocket stumbles upon the mansion themselves, only to fall victim to Lon’s tricks. This episode captures the classic haunted house atmosphere, with a twist that’s sure to send shivers down your spine.

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4) Scare at the Litwick Mansion

The group of Litwick and Lampent as seen in the episode (Image via The Pokemon Company)

This Black and White episode is an eerie adventure that stands out as one of the anime’s darkest ghost stories. After a rainstorm, Ash and his friends find themselves at an abandoned mansion where they encounter a group of Litwick.

Team Rocket, also taking refuge, sees an opportunity to capture Pikachu with the Litwick’s help. However, as the episode progresses, everyone realizes that something sinister is afoot - the Litwick are slowly draining their life energy.

As the Litwick grow stronger, their flames burn brighter, signaling their increased power. Dr. Zager, a Team Rocket scientist, warns that Litwick feeds off the energy of those nearby, effectively shortening their lifespan. In a suspenseful climax, Ash and Team Rocket have to team up to survive.

When a Lampent appears and helps the Litwick lure everyone to the ghost world, the situation turns deadly. Ash’s Pokedex also shuts off mysteriously, adding to the tension. It’s a race against time as they narrowly escape from being dragged into the spirit realm. The eerie vibes and high stakes make this episode a must-watch for Halloween.

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5) Ghoul Daze!

Dusknoir as seen in the anime episode (Image via The Pokemon Company)

In this episode from the Diamond and Pearl series, the tone shifts from the lighthearted fun of the Summer Academy arc to a dark, suspenseful ghost story. The trainers are tasked with searching for a medal on the Summit Ruins, but one character, Conway, is paired with a mysterious girl who leads him on a chilling journey. The twist? The girl isn’t quite alive and seems to have a sinister agenda.

As Conway realizes that his partner has been leading him into dangerous situations, he tries to escape but ends up nearly falling off a cliff. A powerful Dusknoir arrives just in time to save him.

Meanwhile, Ash and his partner, Angie, discover a portal to the spirit world at the summit, with the ghost girl attempting to lure them into the void.

Dusknoir eventually seals the portal, preventing them from being dragged into the spirit realm. The episode’s unexpected darkness and the unsettling presence of the ghost girl make it a hauntingly memorable one in the anime series.

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The Pokemon anime has always mixed lightheartedness with moments of suspense and adventure. For Halloween, these episodes showcase the best of the franchise’s eerie side, where ghost Pokemon and ancient mysteries add an extra layer of thrill.

From Sabrina’s creepy doll to ghostly mansion hosts and life-draining Litwick, each episode brings unique chills that make for perfect Halloween viewing.

Whether you’re a Pokemon fan or just looking for something fun and spooky, these episodes will keep you entertained and a little spooked all season long