10 Greatest Pokemon Anime Episodes Ever

A battle 270 episodes in the making, ending the most iconic rivalry in all of Pokemon with a clash of two of its most iconic creatures. The payoff here is real, and shows how Ash Ketchum is not the same goof who left Pallet Town in marigolds, but neither is Gary Oak the same conceited hashtag lad that drove off in a sports car with actual cheerleaders on that same day.

With the weight of an entire generation's Pokemmania resting on it, Ash and Gary's first full battle lives up the hype, as both throw their best tactics at one another, never underestimating their opponent. Ash shows respect for Gary's natural skill, while Gary in turn respects Ash's ability to use unorthodox tactics to pull out the win. As Ash's best monsters from nearly 300 episodes of travels topple Gary's, it all comes down to Blastoise, Gary's first Pokemon, and Charizard, Ash's mightiest.

Even at a clear disadvantage, Ash fights on and comes out victorious, marking his first victory over Gary. The two ended their rivalry after this, becoming true friends at last, and setting Ash's character arc on a new path as he would continue to become a more skilled and competent trainer starting with his Hoenn journeys. Effectively the finale of the anime's golden age, it was the perfect high to conclude years of story and character one, closing the back on the unmatched splendor of the original series run.