When Pokémon: The First Movie was released, it changed lives. The swell of excitement across the schoolyard for Pokémon and the announcement that it was about to hit the big screen was immense. The anime even led into the Mewtwo plot, showcasing the Legendary pocket monster as a bridge for the movie two months later, which made the hype swell even more.

Mewtwo first appears in Pokémon episode #63 (#61 in the English dub), The Battle of the Badge, where the final gym leader, Giovanni, uses Mewtwo to crush Ash’s rival, Gary Oak, in a Viridian Gym battle. Giovanni later takes Mewtwo on a secret mission. Mewtwo briefly reappears in the following episode, still clad in advanced armor that conceals its identity. Fans had never seen a Pokémon like this—one controlled by humans for their purposes. This made Mewtwo’s emotional journey in the film, where it grapples with its traumatic past and questions its existence, even more impactful and unforgettable for viewers.

Pokémon: The First Movie Broke the Mold for '90s Kids

For Many, It Was Their First Movie Theater Cry

Pokémon: The First Movie was a massive box office success. It grossed approximately $172.7 million worldwide. In the U.S., it earned about $85.7 million, while in Japan, it made around $85 million. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film was a major financial hit, especially considering its relatively low production budget of about $5 million. For a lot of kids, Pokémon: The First Movie was their first experience watching anime in a theater. And despite it being for children, the film was starkly more mature than the television show.

The film explores themes of humanity, the value of life, identity, and existentialism. Mewtwo, created through genetic manipulation, struggles with its purpose, and its embryo-like design and unnatural ability convey its artificialness to younger audiences. The emotional weight intensifies when Ash appears to die after attempting to stop Mewtwo’s battle. For many young fans, it was their first heartbreak and first time crying in a theater. Mewtwo’s speech during the ending credits solidifies the film’s message, as it realizes the meaning of life through Ash’s selfless act to halt the violence between Mewtwo’s army of Pokémon clones and their originals.

Mewtwo Has the Best Quote in the Entire Franchise

He Learns One of Life's Most Valuable Lessons Alongside the Audience

After witnessing Ash’s selfless act, Mewtwo tells Mew, “I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It’s what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” While its depth may be lost on young viewers, it’s a quote that resonates over time. Movies like this, along with other anime like Dragon Ball Z, instilled in many ’90s kids the idea that identity isn’t defined by origins—one’s actions and choices shape who they become. These stories inspired a generation to believe they could be whoever or whatever they aspired to be.

this one stands out as the most profound, offering a deeper message and a touch of wisdom that continues to resonate over time.