Every Pokémon Series of the Last 10 Years, Ranked Worst to Best

The Pokémon anime has seen more changes in the past 10 years than at any other point since it began in 1997. Fans watched Ash Ketchum finally achieve his dream before the anime entered a new era with a fresh cast of heroes.

From the action of Kalos to the mystery of Horizons, every Pokémon anime series contributed something great in its own right. Thus, these are all the main Pokémon anime series of the past decade, ranked from worst to best.

4 Pokémon Horizons: The Series

A still from Pokémon Horizons: The Series. | Credit: Studio OLM

Pokémon Horizons had the difficult job of following Ash Ketchum after more than 25 years. Rather than attempt to recreate what has been done before, they went on by introducing Liko and Roy, focusing on Terapagos mysteries, Six Hero Pokémon, and the Search for Laqua.

While the series deserves praise for its stronger story and world-building, it earns a spot at fourth place due to its incomplete legacy thus far. It certainly has plenty of potential, but it has yet to deliver the iconic moments and battles that made the previous series so memorable, which is why it ranks fourth.

3 Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

A still from Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon. | Credit: Studio OLM

Sun & Moon surprised many fans when it arrived with a completely different art style and a school-life setting in the Alola region. The change was controversial at first, but the series gradually won viewers over through its focus on character growth.

The anime gave more attention to characters like Lillie, Kiawe, Lana, and Mallow than most previous Pokémon companions ever received. Ash’s victory in the Manalo Conference also finally earned him his first regional championship.

It ranks third because, while its character work was excellent, its lighter tone and comedy-focused approach did not reach the same level of excitement and consistent high-stakes storytelling as the top two entries.

2 Pokémon Journeys: The Series

A still from Pokémon Journeys: The Series. | Credit: Studio OLM

Journeys felt like a celebration of everything Pokémon had built over the years. Rather than keeping Ash in one region, the series allowed him and Goh to travel across the entire Pokémon world and revisit familiar faces and locations.

Its biggest strength was the World Coronation Series. Fans finally got to see dream battles involving champions like Cynthia, Steven Stone, and Leon. Ash’s victory over Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament completed one of the longest journeys in anime history, while To Be a Pokémon Master gave him a touching farewell.

It ranks second because, despite these incredible moments, some of its episodic adventures lacked the focus and consistency that made XYZ so special.

1 Pokémon the Series: XYZ

A still from Pokémon the Series: XYZ. | Credit: Studio OLM

For many fans, XYZ remains the best Pokémon anime ever made. It took everything that worked in the XY era and pushed it to a higher level through stronger animation, bigger battles, and more mature storytelling.

The Ash-Greninja storyline remains one of the franchise’s most memorable ideas, while the Lumiose Conference featured some of Ash’s greatest battles. The Team Flare Arc then raised the stakes even further with a region-wide crisis involving Zygarde and Lysandre.

Although Ash lost the Kalos League to Alain, XYZ consistently delivered exciting action and emotional moments. That is why it takes the top spot and continues to be the standard against which modern Pokémon anime is judged.

Other Pokémon Series Released Over the Last 10 Years

The last decade also gave fans several excellent Pokémon web series and mini-series. Pokémon Generations (2016) recreated famous moments from the games, while Pokémon Twilight Wings (2020) explored the lives of people living in Galar.

Pokémon Evolutions (2021) celebrated the franchise’s history through short stories set across different regions. Pokémon: Hisuian Snow (2022) expanded the world of Hisui, while Pokémon Concierge (2023) offered a relaxing and charming stop-motion experience. Pokémon: Paldean Winds (2023) also impressed fans by exploring student life in the Paldea region.

Here is a quick overview of all the main Pokémon series we have mentioned above –

Now the big question – Which Pokémon series from the last decade is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.