10 Best Pokémon Appearances In Detective Pikachu

10. Aipom

Aipom are one of the few non-Kanto Pokémon to be given a role of any significance, and it’s a good choice because Mankey might well have taken their place if they were going for the safer option. Aipom is definitely less well known, but the choice turned out to be inspired.

Aipom gives the audience their first encounter with the R gas, a serum derived from Mewtwo which makes Pokémon wild, ruthless and rabid. After opening a vial and nearly choking on it, Tim wafts it out the window, where the Aipom are sitting. Minutes later, he’s attacked by them.

He meets Pikachu as he’s running too, so the Aipoms play a key role in forming this dynamic. The manic craziness of the monkeys added to Reynolds’ over the top voicing means they set up some great one liners as well.

With a hand on the tip of their tails, Aipoms can create more carnage than most other Pokémon, especially when in swarms. The contrast between the rage driven creatures and their sweet and docile nature when the R gas wears off illustrates how powerful it is without asking you to understand any complex science too; wonderful storytelling for a children’s movie.