Concerning Trends in Pokémon: Worries About the Future of the Anime Series

Since the last major release, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, in 2020, fans have eagerly awaited the return of films featuring Ash Ketchum. This hiatus marks a significant shift in a franchise known for its robust annual tradition of cinematic releases. With the Pokémon community feeling a sense of emptiness, many enthusiasts, including myself, are questioning the future direction of the anime and its film series.

The Pokémon movie tradition began with the premiere of Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back in Japan in July 1998. Annually, fans were treated to new installments featuring groundbreaking Pokémon like Mew and Lugia. Each film premiere was a hallmark event characterized by exclusive Pokémon distributions, the launch of new Trading Card Game (TCG) expansions, and a variety of merchandise releases. Despite the occasional variation in release dates, the continuity of new Pokémon movies over the years created an atmosphere of anticipation that held strong until recently.

Mixed Quality of Pokémon Movies

Not Every Pokémon Movie is a Great Watch

The ambitious goal of releasing a new Pokémon movie each year sometimes results in rushed productions. This can lead to underdeveloped stories that fail to connect sufficiently with the overarching narrative of the anime. Consequently, many films feel like isolated episodes, lacking the depth and engagement fans expect.

It’s important to note that the quality of these films can be quite inconsistent. Critics have often dismissed Pokémon movies as mere marketing tools, prioritizing merchandise sales over substance. This reputation has contributed to a decline in theatrical releases in the U.S. as the films transitioned to television premieres. Consequently, while these movies generally require some familiarity with the franchise, they often provide exciting battles and grand showcases of Legendary Pokémon, appealing primarily to dedicated fans.

For aficionados, engaging with the series through these films often means witnessing thrilling confrontations that highlight the immense power of various Pokémon. Although character development is typically shallow, there are notable exceptions, like Mewtwo in the first film, who is portrayed as a complex antagonist. In contrast, Ash and his friends rarely experience significant growth in these cinematic outings.

Reasons for the Decline in Pokémon Movies

COVID-19 and Ash’s Departure

Ash and his Pokémon become world champions

The release of Secrets of the Jungle at the end of 2020 was undoubtedly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in disrupted production schedules. During the height of uncertainty surrounding theater openings, it became impractical to continue creating films meant for theatrical distribution. While fans tolerated the lack of new films in 2021 and 2022, the prolonged wait—now extending into 2024—has left many wondering when the next movie will emerge.

The recent trilogy of Pokémon films explored an alternate continuity—dubbed the I Choose You! series—separate from the main storyline of Pokémon Journeys, where Ash achieved world champion status. Following Ash’s retirement in the “Distant Blue Sky”special, Pokémon Horizons introduces a fresh set of characters, suggesting a transitional phase for the series rather than an immediate return to large-scale cinematic releases.

Reports indicate that a new Pokémon movie was in development as early as 2022, but it fell into what is commonly referred to as “development hell,”halting progress. This unreleased film was set to introduce a new cast that did not include Ash, and aimed to appeal to a more mature female audience. Clearly, the desire for Pokémon films remains, but external challenges have affected the production timeline.

The Case for a Pokémon Horizons Movie

Time for Liko and Friends on the Big Screen

Liko, Roy, and Terapagos featured on a poster for Pokémon Horizons.

With over a year and a half of Pokémon Horizons under its belt—spanning more than 75 episodes—the show’s characters have reached a level of complexity suitable for a feature film. In comparison, Ash’s first cinematic adventure debuted after just 54 episodes of the original series. Liko and Roy have been developed with distinct personality traits and aspirations, and the Rising Volt Tacklers could provide a dependable ensemble cast for a cinematic adventure.

While a film centered around these characters may diverge from the main plot of Horizons, a side story format has the potential to enhance the overall narrative. With the Pokémon universe in a more stabilized environment, 2025 appears promising for the return of Pokémon films. With a fresh cast and storytelling opportunities, a new movie could serve as an invigorating departure from the longstanding focus on Ash as the protagonist.

A renewed effort to create Pokémon films—whether they take the form of yearly releases or not—could harness the unique storytelling potential inherent in the franchise, ultimately enriching the fan experience.

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