The Pokémon anime series is considered one of the most iconic and beloved in existence, having accompanied fans for more than 20 years. The adventures of Ash and the other amazing trainers introduced to the franchise have become legendary. It is hard to imagine what the world of anime would be like without the Pokémon anime.

Nonetheless, as the series has more than 20 seasons, some were bound to be considered the best and the worst. Many entries in the franchise helped fans see the heroes at their peak, with immersive storytelling, memorable battles, and beloved characters. Other seasons, fans prefer to forget, as their performance leaves much to be desired.

10 Best: Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl

Dynamic and Refreshing

After leaving the Kanto region behind to look for a new challenge, Ash begins his journey through Sinnoh. This new location not only introduced the protagonist to a whole new collection of Pokémon but also to Dawn, an aspiring Coordinator who decided to accompany him during the trip. After a prolonged absence, one of Ash's best companions in the entire Pokémon franchise, Brock, reunited with Ash, retaking his role as the older brother/caretaker of the team.

Diamond & Pearl is a season that greatly helps the main character, and his friends, grow as trainers, making them fight some of the toughest battles in the series. Ash had to evolve during his trip, and he was pushed to break his limits by the iconic Gym Leaders and his rival Paul. The main antagonists of the season, Team Galactic, were a compelling and threatening organization, adding much-needed tension to the series.

9 Worst: Pokémon: Black & White

Annoying Characters and Lackluster Villains

Once the Sinnoh League ended, Ash had to say goodbye to Dawn and Brock and continue his journey, this time arriving at the stylish and mysterious Unova Region. While there, the hero was introduced to Iris and Cilan, two talented trainers who ed his odyssey to better themselves. One of the main problems with this entry for many fans is the character of Iris, who attempted to act mature and reprimand Ash for his childish behavior, despite being the same age.

A showdown between Team Rocket and Team Plasma was originally planned for Pokémon: Black and White but was ultimately scrapped.

Ash himself was also heavily criticized, as most of his development as a character was erased, returning him to the overconfident and inconsiderate kid he was during season 1. Team Plasma was also a major issue, as its side plot was barely developed, making their final battle against the heroes feel unearned. Overall, this season could have been a lot more memorable with a little more care.

8 Best: Pokémon: Sun & Moon

A Lighthearted and Emotive Adventure

Alola is one of the most unique regions in the Pokémon franchise, as it is mostly composed of different islands, each with its own community and traditions. When Ash arrived at this tropical location, he was surprised to see that they had not yet adopted the regional league system. He worked with the leaders to set up a tournament while learning more about the endemic Pokémon that lived in Alola.

At first, fans did not have high hopes for Sun & Moon, as its cartoonish redesign became one of the biggest controversies surrounding the series. Yet, once viewers gave it a chance, they discovered that the season had an amazing storyline, endearing ing characters, and a colorful fun region to discover. This was also the first time, after participating in all previous official Pokémon leagues, that Ash won a tournament, beginning his rise to the top.

7 Worst: Pokémon: The Johto Journeys / Johto League Champions

These Seasons Have More Filler Than Plot

Having conquered the Orange Islands, Ash and his friends traveled to the neighboring region of Johto in search of new adventures. With Misty and Brook’s help, the protagonist began understanding what being a Pokémon trainer was all about. He began incorporating everything he had learned during his time as a novice in Kanto and used it to grow as a person.

Woefully, not much can be said for the first two installments of Ash’s journey in Johto, as the series is criticized for being overwhelmingly slow and unfocused. Fans tend to avoid watching it due to its filler-heavy story, with many side plots that were nonsensical and did not help progress the story. These seasons have some iconic moments, and certain episodes are ed fondly, but they tend to drown among the sea of irrelevant entries that surround them.

6 Best: Pokémon: Horizons

A New Take On This Beloved Franchise

Liko is a student of the prestigious Indigo Academy, a place where young minds go to learn about the career they wish to pursue as adults. Nevertheless, the protagonist has a major issue, as she is unsure of what she would like to accomplish in the future. After becoming a member of the Rising Volt Tacklers, a group of adventurers who travel the world looking for treasures, she begins to find her place in the world, with the help of her loyal friend Roy.

Horizons is the first entry in the series not to feature Ash, released shortly after the iconic hero became world champion. Even though many fans refused to watch it due to Ketchum not being the protagonist, the show quickly demonstrated that not bringing Ash back was the right choice. Liko and Roy’s adventure is beyond endearing, giving fans a completely new perspective on the world they have loved for more than two decades.

5 Worst: Pokémon: Advanced / Advanced Challenge

Slow and Repetitive to a Fault

The Hoen region awaits, with new trainers roaring for the chance to fight the best of the best, and Ash has no time to waste if he wishes to challenge them. Accompanied by May, a girl with the dream of becoming a famous Pokémon Contest champion, and her brother Max, the protagonist will attempt to conquer the obstacles of this unknown location.

The first two seasons of the Hoen region share the same weaknesses that were addressed in future iterations of the show: a lack of meaningful stories and excessive filler. During his time in Hoen, Ash's evolution as a trainer was almost non-existent. This is not to say that the seasons are completely bad, as many moments are quite enjoyable, such as Brock’s return. Still, they are among the weakest in the entire franchise.

4 Best: Pokémon: XY

One of Ash’s Best Performances

It is time for a new step in Ash’s journey to becoming the best, and what better region to explore than Kalos? This time, the protagonist will be accompanied by Serena, a novice trainer who ires him, Clemont, and his sister Bonnie. Armed with all the knowledge he has acquired in the previous regions, Ash is ready to show the world how determined he is to fulfill his dream.

From the very beginning, fans were fascinated with the premise and execution of the XY season. During this time, viewers witnessed a completely different Ash, one that was far more mature and goal-oriented. This season also had some of the best battles in Pokémon history, with Ash’s fight against Alain still being ed fondly to this day.

3 Worst: Pokémon: Master Journeys

A Season Created To Make Time For The Finale

As Ash prepared for the final battles of the Masters 8 preliminaries, he and Goh continued exploring the world to complete their respective missions. The protagonist keeps training in hopes of becoming one of the select few that will compete for the title of World Champion, while his friend is still pursuing Mew relentlessly.

Due to this season being in between the beginnings of the Masters 8 competition and its exciting finale, there was not much for the writers to work with. The addition of legendary Pokémon and fun fillers attempted to alleviate the tediousness of the plot. Not even the battles during this entry can be seen as memorable, as the show kept the best for the grand finale, making Master Journeys boring and repetitive.

2 Best: Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys

An Event of Epic Proportions

The time has finally arrived, as the finals of the Masters 8 tournament are soon to commence. Ash has prepared for this moment ever since he left his home behind and is ready to give his all against the best trainers in the world. With returning champions and old rivals in his way, will the hero have what it takes to be crowned with the title of World Champion?

One of Ash’s last seasons as the protagonist and one of the most beloved entries in the entire franchise. Ultimate Journeys is a blend of exciting encounters, emotive reunions, and battles that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. This series is the perfect embodiment of Ash’s growth as a trainer, allowing him to prove himself as the best there ever was. If there is one season fans should not miss, it is this one.

1 Worst: Pokémon: Adventures In The Orange Islands

A Season That Is Hard To Defend

Following his defeat during the Kanto League, Ash and his friends are tasked with traveling to the Orange Islands by Professor Oak. While there, the local Pokémon expert, Professor Ivy, recruits them to help them explore the region. With Brock indisposed, as he refuses to leave the scholar's side, Ash and Misty travel through the various islands, hoping to learn how to be better trainers.

Orange Islands is considered by fans as one of the most repetitive and pointless adventures in the franchise. The season is riddled with uninteresting side plots and fights that do not feel thrilling. While certain moments with the new companion Tracy and Team Rocket made the season better, it is still an entry that does not offer much to the viewer. Worst of all, the entire plot becomes null once Ash discovers that the Orange Islands are not considered part of the official Pokémon League.