In July 2016, Pokémon Go was released, and the world went crazy. Nostalgia-chasing people of all ages downloaded the app in order to catch their own Pokémon for the first time.
These top ten episodes from the Pokémon: Indigo League series will remind you why you fell in love with Ash, Brock, Misty and Pikachu in the first place!
Grab some popcorn and turn off the lights, or put it on in the background while you study, as long as you sing along: I want to be the very best, like no one ever was!
10 The Flame Pokémon-athon
This episode introduces Lara Laramie, from the Laramie Ranch. Her family breeds and raises wild Pokémon, and she meets Ash when preventing him from catching a Tauros.
She invites the gang to watch her compete in a Pokémon race the next day but is incapacitated by her main competitor, Dario. Ash takes her place on Ponyta after finally gaining her trust. In one of the most memorable moments from early Pokémon seasons, Ponyta evolves into Rapidash, securing the win.
Check the background of the episode to see Pikachu riding Squirtle throughout the race—it’s hilarious.
9 Bye Bye Butterfree
While traveling toward Saffron city, Ash and gang run into a group of trainers with hot air balloons. Brock explains that it is Butterfree breeding season.
The Pokémon find mates and cross the ocean together. Naturally, Ash lets his Butterfree join, and he begins to court a pink Butterfree who originally rejects him. After showing his love during a battle against Team Rocket, his courting is reciprocated.
This episode requires tissues, especially when Ash remembers catching his first Pokémon, back when Butterfree was still Caterpie, and their journey together. This is a classic, heart-jerking Pokémon episode.
8 Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village
While trying to capture a Pokémon, Ash and Misty are confronted by a Bulbasaur who stops them.
They discover that he protects a small village of Pokémon cared for by a girl named Melanie. She has dedicated herself to treating and caring for the injured Pokémon who live in the forest. Her home acts as a refuge, or hidden village, so that other Pokémon or trainers can’t take advantage of their injuries.
When Ash saves the village from Team Rocket, Melanie asks Ash to take Bulbasaur on his journey.
7 Charmander — the Stray Pokemon
Ash finds a lone Charmander sitting on a rock, and it refuses to be caught.
After seeking shelter from a turbulent storm at the Pokémon center, Ash and his companions overhear a trainer saying he abandoned the Charmander, and he was probably still waiting for the trainer to return.
The heroes immediately run to rescue the Charmander and Ash used his rain jacket to prevent Charmander’s tail flame from extinguishing. After saving his life, Charmander chooses Ash as his trainer.
It is the beginning to a long relationship with this spunky Pokémon.
6 Here Comes the Squirtle Squad
While Ash, Brock, and Misty were traveling, they fell into a large hole in the ground.
It was a trap left by a group of surrendered Squirtle, bent on causing mischief. Team Rocket learns of these trouble-makers and enlist them to capture the gang of heroes and Pikachu.
Pikachu is injured in the process, and Ash must convince the Squirtle Squad that he should be released, because he will come back with medicine.
After realizing what a great trainer Ash is, the Squirtle Squad leader decides to continue with Ash on his journey.
5 Snow Way Out!
On the way to the next town, Ash and his companions take a supposed shortcut through the mountains.
Pikachu escapes during a passing blizzard, and Ash runs after him, quickly becoming lost. In an attempt to create shelter, Ash calls out his Pokémon to make a cave in the ice. Before he returns the Pokémon, a hole appears, which Ash blocks with his body.
His Pokémon understand what he is doing, and all surround him to share warmth. This is another episode that may require some tissues.
4 Volcanic Panic
This episode takes place on Cinnabar Island, where Ash is fighting for his seventh gym badge against Blaine.
After Team Rocket fails to capture Magmar, they make the volcano gym highly unstable and it begins to erupt. It takes everyone’s Pokémon working together to prevent the volcano from exploding. After proving himself, Ash is given a second chance to fight Blaine, and this time Charizard is willing to fight.
This episode represents the first time Charizard began to listen to Ash during battles. If you’re looking for epic battles, watch this one!
3 Pikachu’s Goodbye
While Ash is traveling, he and his companions come across a field full of wild Pikachu.
Ash begins to believe that his Pikachu may be happier without him. Team Rocket tries to steal all the Pikachu as a present for their boss, but are quickly thwarted.
When Ash sees his Pikachu run to celebrate with his wild brethren, Ash assumes he would be happier without him and runs away. Misty and Brock catch up to Ash, followed later by a very confused Pikachu.
No one has a dry eye at the end of this episode.
2 Showdown in Pewter City
This episode is hard to forget with the introduction of Ash’s first companion, Brock.
It is also Ash’s first gym battle, and with only a few Pokémon, he didn’t stand a chance. After being defeated once, Ash meets a weird old man hanging around town who mentions a way to make his Pikachu much stronger.
By powering a water wheel, Ash generates electricity to power up Pikachu’s abilities. This is on the list because it is the episode that transforms Pikachu into the super powerful Pokémon that Team Rocket is always attempting to steal.
It’s all thanks to Brock’s (weird) dad.
1 Pokémon — I Choose You
It isn’t hard to guess why this episode is at the top of our list.
This first episode introduced us to the world of Pokémon through the eyes of Ash Ketchum — a ten year old who dreams of being a Pokémon master. On the first day of his journey to collect badges, he oversleeps (sound familiar?) and is given Pikachu, an electric mouse Pokémon.
Pikachu has an attitude and a problem accepting Ash as his master.
This episode is a great reminder of how far their relationship has come over all the years of the show!
Do you agree with our lists? Which is your favorite episode?? Let us know in the comments!