10 Greatest Pokemon Anime Episodes Ever
4. Pokemon - I Choose You
You never forget your first, and the Pokemon pilot splashed down with a statement of intent, full of purpose, and enough iconic moments that you would happily see them reanimated into a feature length film twenty years later.
From the opening, which sees the legendary Red & Blue opening transition into fully realised animation, this episode invites viewers to come and enjoy the world of Pokemon like never before. Ash is the enthusiastic but clueless beginner, something many people could relate to in those early days. Key characters like Oak and Ash's mum make an immediate impact, but none more so than Misty and the absolute legend that is Gary Oak.
Best of all is Pikachu, who went from part of the pack to franchise mascot starting with this episode. He's a charming rascal, adorable and cheeky and set to be loved by millions from the first moment he shocks Ash. It's crazy to think there was ever another Pokemon that could have been the figurehead of this phenomenon. After this episode it was impossible that there ever could be.