There are currently 898 Pokémon species, and the franchise shows no signs of stopping. In all honesty, it’s hard to keep up, and only hardcore fans can recognize, let alone name them all. Still, Pokémon is one of the biggest brands in the world, and most people can at least identify some of the 898 creatures.
Most of the most widely recognized Pokémon come from Generation I, arguably the series’ most iconic selection. This lot managed to break out of their franchise’s confinement, entering the mainstream and crossing over into other franchises thanks to their appealing designs, presence in other popular series, and overall relevance. Their relevance is a testament to Pokémon‘s staying power in popular culture.
10 Lucario
Lucario is one of Generation IV’s most iconic Pokémon. This blue and humanoid jackal was a star from the moment it debuted and remains beloved within the community to this day. In 2020, it ranked second in the “Pokémon of the Year” popularity poll.
Lucario’s fame increased after being featured as a playable character in 2008’s critically acclaimed Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It may not be as recognizable as some of the Gen I mons, but it’s the breakthrough Pokémon of later generations, without a doubt, and a star in its own right.
9 Porygon
In a rare case within the franchise, Porygon’s recognition stems from the fact that it ended up on the news after the episode it featured in caused widespread panic. The artificial Pokémon’s debut episode, “Electric Soldier Porygon,” sent the anime into an indefinite hiatus and nearly derailed the entire franchise. During one of the last scenes, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt on a missile, which triggered a series of blue and red flashes. In Japan, the sequence induced photosensitive epileptic seizures on hundreds of children – an event that Japanese media would later call the “Pokémon Shock.” To this day, the episode remains banned.
Porygon then became something of an outsider in the Pokémon community. However, its reputation improved over the years, with many shows have referenced it throughout the years, including The Simpsons and South Park.
8 Psyduck
Psyduck is one of those Pokémon that people recognize, even if they don’t know its name. The clumsy duck is a star in the community thanks to its neurotic personality and endearing role in the anime. However, its constant presence in Pokémon merchandise gave it unexpected notoriety.
It may not be the best or strongest Kantonian Pokémon, but Psyduck has something that many other mons lack, and that’s mainstream appeal. Its design is safe yet engaging; it doesn’t overwhelm, but it’s also sufficiently creative to be memorable. Psyduck is a true success in terms of Pokémon creation and one of the franchise’s emblems.
7 Meowth
Like Pikachu, Meowth has become synonymous with the franchise itself. Non-Pokémon fans might not know Meowth’s name, but they definitely know that the series has a talking cat. Like most of the series’ breakout mons, Meowth has a design that successfully combines real-world inspiration with some of the franchise’s most zany ideas.
The result is an instantly memorable creature that reminds most people of a Japanese Maneki-neko. On top of that, Team Rocket is one of the most iconic parts of Pokémon, and Meowth is a vital member of the trio. It may not be the strongest battling Pokémon, but Meowth managed to conquer the fans of millions.
6 The Kanto Starters
Starter Pokémon are crucial to the franchise’s success. They represent the first partners in any Pokémon journey and often act as a player’s most powerful team member. They are among the franchise’s most recognizable and beloved Pokémon, and no Starter is more famous than the Kanto trio.
Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander are three of the most emblematic creatures in the series. They are one of the reasons why Genwunners believe Generation I is the best and have a privileged place in popular culture. This trio represents the best parts of Pokémon design and will stand the test of time, even after the franchise ends (if it ever does).
5 Jigglypuff
Like Lucario, Jigglypuff’s standing increased courtesy of its presence in the Super Smash Bros. franchise. The pink ball was one of two playable Pokémon in the original Smash game and has been a staple in the series ever since.
However, Jigglypuff’s stardom is due to more than just its tenure in Smash. This balloon-like mon has one of the simplest yet effective designs in all of Pokémon. Jigglypuff is unforgettable, quite literally. Furthermore, its reputation as a spiteful Pokémon increased its popularity even more. Almost everyone knows that there’s a pink Pokémon capable of putting others to sleep, and if they see Jigglypuff, they instantly know who it is.
4 Charizard
If there’s one Pokémon that’s featured everywhere, that’s Charizard. To the eyes of the world, the draconian Fire/Flying starter came to represent the franchise’s strength and pride. Charizard is cool and arguably the best Fire Starter in Pokémon ever.
It helps that the franchise is all-in on the Charizard business. It currently has two Mega Evolutions and a Gigantamax form. Plus, it keeps playing prominent roles in the games and the anime, to its fans’ delight and its haters’ chagrin. Charizard is everywhere, so much so that even non-fans of the series can identify it, and more than a few can actually name it.
3 Eevee
There are two things that most people know about Pokémon: one, Pokémon fight each other, and two, Pokémon can evolve. No other mon is more famous for its evolutions than Eevee. The fox-like creature can turn into a record eight different Pokémon, each one a different type.
Over the years, Eevee also became sort of an unofficial mascot for the franchise. Its popularity may not rival Pikachu’s, but nothing stops it from catching up to the yellow mouse. Eevee is cute, safe, and instantly memorable – the epitome of what a Pokémon should be.
2 Mewtwo
Non-fans might think that Mewtwo is the strongest Pokémon ever, and who could blame them? This Legendary creature stands as one of the franchise’s most intimidating, earning its fearsome reputation. Mewtwo often acts as either a powerful enemy or a wise mentor figure, and it plays both parts exquisitely.
Outside of the franchise, Mewtwo is recognizable for several reasons. Like Jigglypuff and Lucario, it, too, is a playable character in Smash. Furthermore, Mewtwo’s slick, futuristic design and villainous reputation make it one of pop culture’s most enduring anti-heroes. Considering this is the age of anti-heroes in movies, television, and streaming, Mewtwo is at the peak of its popularity.
1 Pikachu
Pikachu is a superstar whose popularity rivals that of Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny. It has a place in most major Japanese events, where it is universally beloved. In the United States, a Pikachu balloon is a staple in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 1999, Pikachu ranked second in Time’s annual “Person of the Year” list, with the magazine calling it “the most beloved animated character since Hello Kitty.”
In other words, Pikachu isn’t just a Pokémon but a global brand, instantly recognizable everywhere it goes. This yellow mouse-like creature has the world at its feet, and its popularity remains at an all-time high, even 25 years after its debut.
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