Pokémon has had many different eras over the years, and the show has taken on many forms as a result. While some fans have complained about Sun & Moon for its art style and slice-of-life feel, the fact of the matter is that the series contains some of Pokémon's best episodes.

The Sun & Moon era was very different from what came before. Instead of traveling the region, Ash lived with Professor Kukui and attended a Pokémon School, alongside several other students in place of traveling companions. The Alola region itself was also a unique setting, with its tropical look and distinct culture, which can't be said for many other regions. The series also featured an abundance of rare Pokémon, from Legendaries and Mythicals to Ultra Beasts. Combined with some interesting character work, Sun & Moon definitely stands out as a worthy era of the anime.

10 Pulling Out the Pokémon Base Pepper!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #28

The Pokémon School gang ends up relaxing with a game of “Pokémon Base,” essentially baseball where Pokémon are allowed to participate with all their abilities. Coached by a pro player, Ash and friends have a blast playing baseball, at least until Team Rocket shows up. Jessie wants an autograph, so they organize into a game, with the winner getting the autograph. Team Rocket is beaten, but the player offers an autograph anyway--except Bewear spirits them away before they can get it.

The "baseball episode" is an anime staple, and this is Pokémon’s take on the old trope. There’s nothing too outrageous going on, but Pokémon playing baseball can get pretty silly, especially when Pikachu is the pitcher, so it’s best to go into this one expecting a goofy fun time and not much else.

9 A Timeless Encounter!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #125

While training in preparation for the Alola League, Ash disturbs a Celebi and is whisked back in time, where (unbeknownst to him), he meets a young Professor Kukui, going by the name “Roarie”. The soon-to-be professor is very curious about Ash’s Torracat and its moves, so Ash puts on a display for the kid. In the past, they meet a Totem Trevenant, which they help to take cover from the rain, and Ash is given a Firium Z crystal before he’s returned to the present by Celebi.

The episode involves a bit of time travel craziness, as Ash gives Kukui the idea of developing a Pokémon League, which would turn out to be the same Alola League that he was practicing for when he went back in time. It’s interesting to see a young Kukui and how he grew into the professor he is today--one just can’t help but wonder if Kukui re Ash!

8 Why Not Give Me a Z-Ring Sometime?

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #73

This episode focuses on Team Rocket, and sees them get a rare win. When James’ Mareanie learns a Dark-type move, they realize they could now put their Darkinium Z crystal to use, provided they obtain a Z-ring. Giovanni puts Jessie and James in touch with Nanu, but soon they get wrapped up in a situation, as a Gengar named Greedy Rapooh has kidnapped Acerola and stolen Team Rocket’s Z-crystal. Team Rocket end up saving the day, and are gifted the Z-ring they need, in addition to a Mimikium Z.

Team Rocket are arguably at their most entertaining in Alola, often out doing their own thing rather than endlessly chasing Pikachu, and this episode is the perfect example. It’s nice to see Team Rocket win one every now and then, after all, even if they’re only doing good by accident.

7 Memories in the Mist!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #108

A strange mist takes hold in Alola, and according to Hapu, it’s the doing of Tapu Fini, which is said to have the ability to reconnect with the spirits of the deceased. Mallow, one of Ash’s school friends, leaves after learning this, and it becomes known that Mallow’s mother ed away when she was young. In the mist, Mallow encounters her mother’s spirit again, and is given a chance to say goodbye, while Ash and Torracat encounter Stoutland, who raised Torracat. Tapu Fini accepts Hapu as the new island guardian, and releases everyone from the mist.

As with any episode centered on the prospect of communicating with the dead, this episode is a bit sad, and has a fair amount of depth to it. Stoutland’s return hits particularly hard after its death episode, and one can’t help but feel for Mallow. Mallow’s expression of gratitude to her mother even nets her a visit by Shaymin, who would go on to fight alongside Mallow.

6 10,000,000 Reasons to Fight!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #54

Lusamine has been taken by an Ultra Beast into Ultra Space, and now Ash and friends must go after her to rescue her. However, Lusamine’s mind is being altered by the Ultra Beast, and she doesn’t want to be rescued. She battles against Ash and even her children, Lillie and Gladion, until finally Ash and Gladion team up to deliver a powerful Z-move. Gladion distracts Lusamine as Ash fires off his first ever 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, separating Lusamine from Nihilego and finally allowing them to bring her home.

An exciting episode covering the climax of the Sun and Moon games, Lusamine’s rescue makes for a great battle, even if her character is rather different than her game counterpart. It’s cool to see Ash and Pikachu use the Pikashunium Z, something they’ll get to do again later on.

5 Battling the Beast Within!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #100

The first half of a two-parter, Ash has been swept up and taken to another dimension, where the islands of Alola have been devastated by the arrival of a Guzzlord, which has devoured everyone and everything. Teaming up with the only known survivor, a Zeraora trainer named Dia, Ash is beaten in a test battle, forcing him to it he may not be strong enough for such a dangerous place.

An excellent two-parter, it features both Ultra Beasts and the Mythical Zeraora. It’s fascinating to get to see a post-apocalyptic take on Alola, and it helps to drive home the threat that Ultra Beasts really do pose to the world at large. This episode perfectly sets up the later Guzzlord attack, showing what’s at stake if the beast is allowed to roam freely across Alola.

4 When Regions Collide!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #43

The second episode of a two-parter, this one sees the Alola crew head to the Kanto region, where they meet up with Brock and Misty to learn how gyms work. Brock and Misty have picked up some new tricks since Ash last saw them, however; both are now capable of Mega Evolution, with Brock Mega Evolving his Steelix, and Misty her Gyarados. Brock and Kiawe have a great battle, followed by Ash vs. Misty, with both trainers having fun and letting loose.

It’s always great to see old characters make a return appearance, especially when those are the original companions to Ash, Brock and Misty. Sun & Moon makes it clear that Brock and Misty have been busy, learning new things about their Pokémon and mastering the difficult process of Mega Evolution. Brock and Misty show up again later, visiting Ash in Alola instead of the other way around.

3 Enter the Champion!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #139

In the final round of the Alola League, Ash and Gladion are deep in battle. Gladion’s Zoroark uses the Z-move Never Ending Nightmare on Pikachu, forcing Ash to use the Z-Move Breakneck Blitz to counter it, resulting in both Pokémon being knocked out. The battle comes down to Lycanroc vs. Lycanroc, and things get brutal quickly. Ash’s Lycanroc pulls out a last-minute Counter, allowing it to defeat Gladion’s. That means Ash has just won the Alola League, and will become its first ever champion!

This episode is obviously very significant, as after 20 years of trying, Ash Ketchum finally wins a Pokémon League. Things aren’t quite done yet, but as of this episode, Ash is officially the Alola region’s champion. This is also where the Guzzlord foreshadowing pays off, as a Guzzlord appears during Ash’s awards ceremony, threatening to destroy the festivities for good.

2 From Z to Shining Z!

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #144

Ash’s exhibition match against Professor Kukui is well underway, with both having been through quite a few Pokémon. In place of Kukui’s last Pokémon, however, Tapu Koko enters the battlefield and demands to fight Ash, even giving Kukui a Tapunium Z crystal. Ash accepts the challenge, and battles against Tapu Koko and Kukui with Pikachu. As both Ash and Kukui fire off their Z-moves, it turns out that 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt is slowly overpowering Guardian of Alola, and Ash ultimately wins the match.

This is the culmination of everything Ash has been working towards throughout this series. Ash battles hard against Kukui, and the match-up with Tapu Koko is extremely intense. Even with the added challenge of facing a Legendary Pokémon, Ash did tremendously well, proving Pikachu’s power is just as great as it’s always appeared to be.

1 One Journey Ends, Another Begins...

Pokémon Sun & Moon, episode #21

Ash has been slowly befriending a wild Litten, which lives under a bridge with a Stoutland. One day, Litten comes to Ash for help, and it turns out Stoutland isn’t doing too well. Bringing it to the Pokémon Center, Ash learns from Nurse Joy that Stoutland is simply old, and its time has come. Litten has a difficult time accepting this, and Meowth becomes very invested in Litten’s suffering as well. Stoutland disappears, leaving Litten to mourn alone. Ash approaches Litten about it potentially ing him, and Litten demands a battle before agreeing. Ash defeats and catches Litten, giving it a happy new home.

This episode is extremely sad, since Stoutland is like a parent to Litten, and has all the sadness of a dog dying on top of that. It goes to show that even in the idyllic Pokémon world, death is something that we all must deal with, but life continues for those left behind. Litten will never forget Stoutland or what it did for it, but it’s time for a new era of Litten’s life, with Ash. It’s for this very grounded reason that this is undoubtedly Pokémon Sun & Moon’s best episode.