10 Greatest Pokemon Anime Episodes Ever
6. Island Of The Giant Pokemon
Instantly one of the most iconic installments of the Pokemon anime, this episode was also unique for one simple twist; Pokemon subtitles.
Concluding a three episode arc, Ash's team get split from their trainer and end up stuck with Team Rocket's Meowth, Koffing and Ekans on an island inhabited by kaiju sized Pocket Monsters (later revealed to be animatronic tourist attractions). While the imagery and premise and heavy inclusion in the opening theme make it stand out already, it's the unique peak into how Pokemon think that sets it apart. The lost Pokemon hold nothing back, debating good and evil for their kind, showing intelligence the show had only ever been able to hint at before.
No episode did as much for representing the Pokemon as actual characters themselves to this point as Island Of The Giant Pokemon. Built on backstory shown in their introductory episodes, it pivoted Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle into characters first and mascots second, whilst continuining to demonstrate the unbreakable bond of Ash and Pikachu.