In 25 seasons, Ash and Pikachu have experienced an adventure full of twists and turns, but also punctuated by heartbreaking moments. This is an opportunity to compile a top seven of the most memorable sequences, which have made every fan's tear ducts work. We'll spare you Ash's petrification in the film Mewto Strikes Back, which has been widely discussed.
#6 Buttercup Takes Flight for Good
Caterpillar is the very first Pokémon Ash captures in season 1 of the animated series. The Pokémon subsequently evolves into Steelstem, then Buttercup, the ultimate form that now allows it to fly. In episode 21 of the first season, the creature meets a female Butterflies and falls in love. She initially rejects him, before being seduced by the support of Ash, Brock, and Misty. In the midst of a dilemma, Ash's Pokémon then chooses to continue his life with his other half and return to the wild. Loving the first Pokémon he captured and watched grow up, our hero decides to accept this choice. A first painful farewell staged in a melancholic way made of flashbacks retracing their relationship. All this to very sad music, ending with a final, touching look from Butterfree.
#5 Litten and Thumper
In the Pokémon Sun and Moon season, Ash meets a Litten. Seeing it stealing in the markets, he chases after it, before realizing that the creature has no choice but to commit its thefts to feed its dying friend Thumper. Touched by the situation, Ash helps Litten by bringing him food so he can heal the Pokémon who took him in. Unfortunately, that won't be enough. The episode shows the slow deterioration of Juggernaut, until the inevitable, leaving the little Pokémon orphaned. The story ends happily, however, as he agrees to join Ash in his adventures. #4 Greninja's Farewell During his epic journey, Ash had to say goodbye to several Pokémon: Butterfree, Pidgeot, and then Greninja, at the end of the saga. A different farewell from that of the Bug/Flying-type Pokémon, but no less moving. Having to cut the cord and live his life alone to strengthen himself, Greninja modestly shakes Ash's hand before the two embrace. A respectful goodbye to this fighting Pokémon that Ash took in when he was just a little Frog.
#3 "Goodbye and See You Soon" Misty
After 5 whole seasons of accompanying Ash on his adventures, Misty takes her leave in episode 65 of season 5, titled "Goodbye and See You Soon". After the Johto Pokémon League, Ash, Brock, and Misty return home. Brock leaves first and returns to his gym in Argenta. But the goodbyes between Ash and Misty are more heartbreaking, set to a kitsch and nostalgic soundtrack, as the anime does so well to move its audience. Indeed, Misty will be replaced in season 6 by Flora, as Pokémon wants to renew its cast.
#2 Charizard's release
The deaths or major departures of Pokémon are undoubtedly the most heartbreaking thing to experience for the young Pokémon fanbase. So when Charizard leaves Ash to go live in a valley with his family, it's a real tragedy. First, because Charizard is one of the most badass and beloved Pokémon, across all generations. Second, because its bond with its trainer is special. Ash saved Charmander from certain death at the beginning of the anime, then evolved it into Dracule Miyuki and Charizard. Despite his stubborn nature, Ash always believed in his Pokémon, which led to some epic victories (the battle against Magmar comes to mind). It's therefore a very difficult separation for both parties, but necessary for Charizard to progress.
#1 The End of Ash's Adventures
It had to be said. 26 years after his on-air debut, Ash has fulfilled his goal of becoming the best trainer. In the finale of season 25 (Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys), we see the trainer from Pallet Town and Pikachu walking toward the horizon, satisfied and nostalgic for a job well done. No heartbreaking goodbyes or tearful scenes, but a very sober sequence magnified by the franchise's musical theme. Enough, in any case, to bring a tear to the eyes of fans who have followed Ash and his faithful Pokémon since their debut. A final episode that also serves as a passing of the torch to the next series Pokémon Horizons, which features two new protagonists, Liko and Roy, in a brand new adventure.
Want to continue reading? Discover these 10 Pokémon that died in the anime.
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