Throughout his journey spanning regions, generations, and the hearts of millions of fans, Ash Ketchum has become one of the most iconic protagonists in the world of anime. Always accompanied by his creatures, he grew up, matured, and starred in unforgettable battles that marked the childhood and adult lives of those who followed his trajectory. And, among so many partners, some stood out in a special way, but do you know which are Ash's best Pokémon?
So today we're going to revisit Ash's best Pokémon, ranked from least to most important, to understand why each one of them marked the trainer's journey so much. Now, get ready to relive epic battles, exciting evolutions, and farewells that still bring tears to fans' eyes. Let's go?
6th Place: Buizel
Opening our list is Buizel, perhaps one of the most underrated Pokémon in Ash's journey, but definitely one of the most consistent. Introduced during the Diamond & Pearl saga, Buizel delivers a rare combination of speed, stamina, and a fiercely competitive personality. Although it doesn't have the same popular appeal as other classic partners of the trainer, its presence in battles was almost always a guarantee of total commitment.
Buizel stood out especially for how it faced more powerful opponents without losing confidence, a direct reflection of Ash's own determination. Battles like its confrontation against Crasher Wake, the Gym Leader specializing in Water-type Pokémon, showed that Buizel was always prepared to overcome obstacles.
His aggressive style and quick movements made him a key player in the battles of Sinnoh, securing him a place among Ash's best Pokémon, even if only in sixth place.
5th Place: Sceptile
In fifth place, we find the powerful and imposing Sceptile, a Pokémon that grew up alongside Ash during his journey through Hoenn. From its earliest moments as Treecko, it was clear that it possessed a strong, almost indomitable personality that caught the attention of fans. As it evolved into Grovyle, its abilities became even more impressive, culminating as Sceptile, a real threat on the battlefield.
What truly sets Sceptile apart as one of the best on Ash's team isn't just its strength, but its ability to deliver intense moments. It had one of the most interesting emotional arcs, particularly in episodes involving its devotion and heartbreak, demonstrating that Pokémon also experience deep emotions.
But nothing surpasses its legendary battle against Darkrai in the Sinnoh League, when Sceptile did the impossible and defeated a legendary Pokémon that had been effortlessly sweeping away opponents. That feat alone would guarantee its place on Ash's list of best Pokémon and justifies every word said about its importance.
4th Place: Greninja
In fourth place is Greninja, one of the most beloved Pokémon of the modern era and protagonist of one of the most exciting arcs in the entire franchise. Even as Froakie, it demonstrated something special: loyalty, courage, and above-average dedication. But it was in its final form (and especially in its unique transformation, the Ash-Greninja form) that it truly became legendary.
Greninja forged such a deep bond with Ash that it transcended the rules established in the games and anime. Its special transformation, which drastically increased its power and speed, made it a key player in decisive battles.
The peak of this bond occurred during the battle against Team Flare, one of the most intense moments in the series, when Greninja proved to be more than just a simple Pokémon: it was an extension of Ash's willpower. Despite the sad farewell, when Greninja remained in Kalos to protect the region, it continues to be remembered as one of Ash's best Pokémon, both in power and narrative importance.
3rd Place: Charizard
We now enter the top 3, and taking that position is Charizard, the Pokémon that symbolizes, like few others, Ash's emotional evolution as a trainer. Charizard was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult partners to handle: rebellious, untamed, and often indifferent to Ash's orders. This behavior resulted in several humiliating defeats, but also in some of the funniest and most iconic scenes in the anime.
The turning point came when Ash demonstrated his affection by risking his own safety to save Charizard from a cold night. From that moment on, the bond between them changed definitively. Once an ally, Charizard became a devastating force, capable of winning high-level battles. The Orange League, for example, brought one of its most memorable victories, when it defeated Drake's powerful Dragonite.
Charizard could easily occupy an even higher spot on this list of Ash's best Pokémon, not only for its strength but for the cultural impact it has had. Its legacy has expanded beyond the anime and it has become a global symbol of the franchise.
2nd Place: Infernape
Secondly, we have one of the Pokémon with the most emotional story in the entire franchise: Infernape. Few Pokémon have gone through such an intense journey, marked by abandonment, pain, and overcoming adversity. Initially rejected by its former trainer, Paul, the little Chimchar found in Ash a home, a friend, and the chance to finally show its true potential.
The Infernape arc remains one of the best-written in the Pokémon series to this day. Its inner flame, both literal and metaphorical, grew throughout the episodes, resulting in some of the most exciting battles of the Sinnoh League. The final confrontation against Electivire, Paul's Pokémon, is often considered one of the anime's best moments, a truly perfect closure to the arc.
Thus, Infernape represents the essence of the Pokémon journey: growing up, believing in oneself, and finding strength where it seemed to have none left. It is, without a doubt, one of Ash's best Pokémon, and its second-place ranking is more than deserved.
1st Place: Pikachu
At the top of the list, there could be no other: Pikachu, the Pokémon Pikachu, who has accompanied Ash since the first episode and become the face of the franchise worldwide, is more than just Ash's mascot; he is his heart. He has been present in every victory, every defeat, every farewell, and every reunion that has shaped the protagonist's journey.
In terms of battles, Pikachu has an impressive resume: he has defeated legendary Pokémon like Regice and Tapu Koko, conquered extremely powerful Pokémon, and starred in unforgettable scenes, such as the initial clash with Spearow that sparked his friendship with Ash. This bond is so deep that it transcends the logic of the anime: Pikachu is not just by Ash's side; he is part of the trainer's soul.
No other Pokémon could take this place. Pikachu is, and always will be, the greatest of Ash's best Pokémon!
Conclusion
Revisiting the best Pokémon Ash's journey is like opening a memory album that marked different phases of the lives of millions of fans around the world. Each of these creatures represented a unique stage in the trainer's journey, whether through exciting battles, arcs of overcoming challenges, or bonds so deep that they transcended the screen.
