Summary
- Ash's battles in the Pokémon anime are significant moments for his character and show his growth as a trainer over the years.
- The best Pokémon battles showcase dazzling animation, non-stop action, and emotionally driven character moments.
- From battling gym leaders and champions to facing rivals and old friends, these battles leave a lasting impact on Ash and resonate with fans.
The Pokémon anime has featured plenty of exciting battles over its 25-year history, but the best Pokémon battles aren't just memorable--they represent significant moments for Ash as a character. Ash's journey to be the best has had some fans invested for a long time, and yet still these battles from years ago are talked about and beloved by the fandom.
Ash's skill as a trainer has increased considerably since he first began his journey, and that's because of the battles he's fought with his strongest Pokémon in the series. With Pikachu at his side, Ash has battled against champions, in regional tournaments, and even competed in the World Coronation Series to become the best trainer in all the land. Out of all his many battles, a few stand out as the best in the anime. These matches showcase the best aspects of the franchise: dazzling animation, non-stop action, and emotionally driven character moments.
15 Ash Vs. Olympia
XY Episode 93: All Eyes on the Future!
Olympia is a Psychic-type gym leader and the seventh that Ash faces in the Kalos region. The battle stands out for being a Double Battle, where both Ash and Olympia used two Pokémon. For Ash, that was Frogadier and Talonflame, while Olympia used two Meowstic. Despite not being in the battle, Pikachu still provides some essential help, counting off the time it takes for Meowstic's Future Sight to hit, which helps Ash devise a strategy, causing Olympia's Pokémon to hit themselves with their own attack. Ash's cleverness in this battle makes it highly entertaining to watch, and Olympia is certainly an opponent who's not to be underestimated.
14 Ash Vs. Misty
Sun & Moon Episode 43: When Regions Collide!
Misty, of course, was Ash's first traveling companion, so it's already great to see her return to the series. However, her reappearance in Sun & Moon showcases how much the young Water-type trainer has grown. In her reunion match with Ash, Misty shows off that she's obtained the ability to Mega Evolve her Pokémon, and does so with Gyarados. Ash uses Pikachu, but finds that Misty is a far more challenging opponent than the last time they battled. The match comes to a climactic finish when Ash and Pikachu use a Z-move, giving the battle a flashy end worthy of an old friend's return.
13 Ash Vs. Korrina
Journeys Episode 25: A Festival Reunion!
Korrina isn't Ash's rival per se, but the show does treat her as such whenever the two cross paths. After their encounters in Kalos, Ash met her again during the World Coronation Series, when the two faced each other in battle to advance to the Great Class. Ash leads with Gengar, but Korrina's Lucario easily overpowers it. He then sends his powerful Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, Dragonite, who easily defeats Korrina's Mienshao. In the end, it comes down to her Mega Lucario against his Dragonite, and the lovable orange dragon claims victory. It's a tense but entertaining battle that features the return of Mega Evolution and provides the perfect showcase for Ash's Dragonite.
12 Ash Vs. Lieutenant Surge
Original Series Episode 14: Electric Shock Showdown
Ash's journey throughout Kanto was full of highs and lows. The anime did a great job portraying his inexperience in Pokémon battles, which led him to over-rely on Pikachu. Ash learned a valuable lesson when he faced the ruthless Lieutenant Surge, Vermilion City's Electric-type Gym Leader. Surge's main Pokémon is Raichu, and the two easily defeat Ash and Pikachu during their first battle. Pikachu again struggles on the re-match, but the yellow mouse remains determined to win. The encounter is action-packed and features an unforgettable moment when Raichu uses his electricity to destroy the Gym's lights and windows. In the end, Pikachu comes out on top, making every fan cheer alongside the mouse and its Trainer.
Why Pikachu Never Evolved in Pokémon
Pokémon’s Pikachu has not evolved over the franchise’s history in order to push himself as a Pikachu and to remain the face of the franchise.
11 Ash Vs. Harrison
Original Series Episode 271: Playing With Fire!
Harrison was a recurring character during the Johto season. He was an older and more experienced Trainer from Hoenn who acted as a mentor to Ash. The two shared a friendly rivalry that led to their match at the Silver Conference. The battle is pretty even and features Ash's Bayleef defeating Harrison's Houndoom, providing a much-needed moment under the spotlight for the underrated Starter. The match is also significant for being the debut of Blaziken, one of the best Fire Starters in Pokémon. Blaziken lives up to its reputation and defeats Ash's strongest Pokémon, Charizard, after a grueling fight. It's a thrilling and unforgettable battle, and even though Ash loses, fans were still proud of him and his team.
10 Ash Vs. Clemont
XY Episode 67: The Moment Of Lumiose Truth!
Clemont is one of Ash's most intelligent companions, a sweet and slightly clumsy boy who gets easily embarrassed. He also has some confidence issues, and audiences see him dealing with them throughout the X & Y season. In his role as the Lumiose City Gym Leader, Clemont battles Ash in a three-against-three encounter. The most memorable moment comes when Clemont's Luxray faces Ash's Goodra. However, despite a brilliant performance, Luxray isn't a match for Ash's Pseudo-Legendary. The battle serves as a breakthrough moment for Clemont, who finally gains some confidence in his abilities. It's also one of Goodra's finest moments in the anime, making it even more special.
9 Ash Vs. Brandon -
Ruby & Sapphire Episdoe 189 & 190: Gathering the Gang of Four! & Pace - The Final Frontier!
Brandon is the head of the Battle Frontier and the final challenge that trainers must overcome in order to be declared victors. The battle is exciting for being one of the few where Ash decides to call upon his old Pokémon for help, bringing up Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charizard off the bench for the first time in ages. Brandon is a formidable opponent, with Legendary Pokémon under his command (in this battle, he uses Regice) and the skill to match. The battle is a rousing last hurrah for Ash's core Kanto team , and it's only become more fun to watch as a blast of nostalgia as the years go by.
8 Ash Vs. Kukui
Sun & Moon Episode 144: From Z To Shining Z!
Ash's exhibition match against Professor Kukui during the Alola League is one of the Pokémon's longest and most rule-breaking battles. It goes on for a whopping five episodes and features Ash and the Professor pulling every trick from their bags to claim victory. Near the end, the Legendary Pokémon Tapu Koko s Kukui against Ash. The young Trainer brings out his Ultra Beast, Naganadel, and the battle reaches new and epic heights. However, fans' jaws dropped when Naganadel fell, forcing Ash to send his last Pokémon, Pikachu. Seeing the franchise's mascot take on a Legendary Pokémon is not uncommon, but this time was extra remarkable. Pikachu got to use everything it had learned up to that point, and when it claimed the victory, it felt earned.
7 Ash Vs. Paul
Diamond & Pearl Episode 188: Battling A Thaw In Relations!
Paul is one of those season-long rivalry that ranks as one of Ash's best. The battle itself is exhilarating, but it's the history behind the two Trainers that makes it iconic.
6 Ash Vs. Iris
Journeys Episode 65: Thrash Of The Titans!
Iris is Ash's former traveling companion. The two shared a contentious relationship during their time in Unova, but there was genuine appreciation behind their actions. The two had massive respect for each other, and fans knew that if they ever met again, the battle would be off the charts. The two friends meet each other when Iris, now Unova's Champion, challenges Ash for the chance to ascend to the Ultra Class. Ash's Dracovish bests Iris' Dragonite, but the real showdown is between her Haxorus and his Dragonite. Both dragons give it their all, but Dragonite proves why it is one of Ash's strongest Pokémon ever and defeats Haxorus with Draco Meteor. The battle perfectly balances nostalgia and excitement, resulting in a riveting encounter that proves how much these two Trainers have grown since they last saw each other.
