A sad Pikachu with a tear coming down his eye and sad Misty from the Pokémon anime.
By
Hannah Diffey
Published 35 minutes ago
Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.
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Pokémon may be marketed as a lighthearted adventure full of colorful creatures and upbeat battles, but longtime fans know the franchise has always carried an emotional depth that’s impossible to ignore. Beneath the bright visuals and upbeat music lie themes of loss, sacrifice, trauma, and growing up that resonate long after childhood ends. It’s this emotional complexity that keeps the series relevant to audiences of all ages.
Across its movies, generations, and evolving cast of characters, Pokémon has delivered some of the most unexpectedly mature storytelling in modern anime. Whether exploring harsh realities, confronting sacrifice, or showcasing the bittersweet pain of letting go, these moments prove that Pokémon is far more than Saturday-morning fare for kids. Here are ten scenes that demonstrate the franchise’s surprising emotional weight.
The Pokémon Think Their Trainers Died in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
Pikachu looking sad on a dark background.
Few Pokémon movies hit as hard as Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, particularly the sequence where several Pokémon become convinced that their trainers have died. The raw panic and grief that ripple through the group are unexpectedly intense, highlighting how deeply bonded Pokémon are to their human partners. It’s an unsettling moment that’s far more somber than most people expect from the franchise.
Watching familiar Pokémon break down conveys a sense of loss that mirrors human emotion. Their reactions show they aren’t just sidekicks, they’re companions capable of fear, sorrow, and devotion. While the film eventually offers relief, the scene leaves a lasting impression about the emotional intelligence of Pokémon and the heavy stakes they sometimes face.
Sabrina’s Disturbing Psychic Backstory
Sabrina from the original Pokémon anime stands out as one of the darkest characters introduced early in the series. Her backstory, rooted in her overwhelming psychic power and fractured sense of self, feels more like something pulled from psychological horror than a kids’ show. The eerie doll, the unsettling tone, and the emotional alienation set her apart from more straightforward Gym Leaders.
Her storyline digs into themes of isolation and the consequences of power, touching on how deeply loneliness can affect a child’s development. Sabrina’s emotional detachment and the fear she inspires show that Pokémon isn't afraid to explore darker territory. It's a moment that reminds older viewers that the show can be surprisingly layered when tackling human struggles.
Pikachu Choosing to Stay With Ash Rather Than Live Free
One of the series’ earliest emotional punches comes when Pikachu must choose between staying with Ash or joining a wild Pikachu colony. The moment forces both characters to acknowledge how much their bond has grown. Pikachu’s decision, made without hesitation, proves that their partnership goes beyond convenience, it’s family.
What makes this scene powerful is the maturity of the choice. Pikachu isn’t choosing adventure over comfort; he’s choosing loyalty and connection over what seems like an easy, carefree life. For a franchise that often focuses on catching Pokémon, this moment redefines partnership by showing a Pokémon actively choosing love and companionship.
Ash Saying Goodbye to Charizard
Ash’s farewell to Charizard marks one of the most bittersweet partings in the franchise. Despite their rocky beginnings, the two built a relationship founded on respect and mutual growth. Leaving Charizard at the Charicific Valley wasn’t just a tactical decision, it was a painful acknowledgment that Charizard needed a different environment to reach his full potential.
This moment resonates because it captures what growing up really feels like: recognizing when to let go of someone you love for their own benefit. Ash’s quiet sadness and Charizard’s acceptance elevate the scene into one of the series’ most mature explorations of responsibility and emotional sacrifice.
The Beginning of Riko and Roy’s Journey in Pokémon Horizons
Pokemon: Liko and Roy from Pokemon Horizons Key Art.
For fans who grew up with Ash Ketchum, Pokémon Horizons marks a turning point unlike anything the franchise has attempted before. The start of Riko and Roy’s journey is filled with excitement, but there’s an unmistakable layer of nostalgia and melancholy. For the first time in decades, we’re exploring a world without Ash as the central figure.
This shift forces the audience to confront change and welcome a new era. Riko and Roy represent the next generation, but their beginnings are tinged with the legacy Ash left behind. Their early episodes capture the bittersweet feeling of moving forward, proving Pokémon can juggle growth and nostalgia with surprising emotional depth.
Charmander Being Abandoned
Pokemon's Ash crying in front of Charmander in the rain.
Charmander’s abandonment remains one of the most heartbreaking scenes in early Pokémon history. Seeing him waiting faithfully in the rain for a trainer who never intended to return shocked many viewers. It’s a harsh reminder of the cruelty some trainers can inflict, and it highlights the vulnerability of Pokémon who rely on humans for care.
The emotional weight intensifies when Ash and his friends rescue the weakened Charmander. The contrast between neglect and genuine compassion gives the story a powerful message about empathy and responsibility. Charmander’s gratitude and eventual happiness make the moment hopeful, but the sting of his original abandonment never fully fades.
Misty’s Goodbye From the Pokémon Series
Pokemon: Ash and Misty's final goodbye.
Misty’s departure from the main series hits especially hard for fans who grew up with the original trio. Her goodbye is quiet, sincere, and tinged with the kind of emotional honesty that often accompanies childhood friendships drifting into new phases. It’s not dramatic, it’s simply real, which is why it’s so memorable.
What gives the moment lasting impact is how it reflects personal growth. Misty isn’t leaving because of conflict; she’s moving on to fulfill responsibilities and pursue her own goals. The mutual respect between her and Ash proves the show’s ability to portray friendships evolving, even when it means going separate ways.
Pikachu Speaking in Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
Ash tries to reason with Pikachu in Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You!
Pikachu’s unexpected line of dialogue shocked audiences across the world. Hearing him speak, even briefly, breaks the familiar rules of Pokémon storytelling and reveals the depth of his feelings for Ash. His voice conveys a level of emotional intimacy that’s rarely made explicit, making the moment profoundly affecting.
The scene works because it’s not played as a gimmick. Instead, it highlights the bond between trainer and Pokémon in a raw, vulnerable way. For many viewers, Pikachu speaking served as a cathartic acknowledgment of the connection they had grown up watching for years. It’s strange, divisive, and unforgettable.
Ash Releasing Butterfree
pokemon anime ash and butterfree
Ash releasing his beloved Butterfree remains one of the most iconic emotional scenes in the entire franchise. Watching Butterfree say goodbye after everything the two endured together is a lesson in selflessness. Ash realizes that holding on would only limit Butterfree’s happiness, even though letting go tears him apart.
This scene resonates because it’s a direct reflection of real-life relationships. Sometimes, love means stepping aside so someone else can thrive. Butterfree’s gentle goodbye hints at how deep their bond truly is, making the moment bittersweet but full of warmth. It’s no wonder the scene is still referenced decades later.
Ash Turning to Stone
Perhaps no Pokémon moment is more famous, or more traumatizing, than Ash turning to stone in the first movie. The shock of watching the franchise’s cheerful protagonist fall lifeless left an entire generation stunned. It’s a bold, emotionally intense scene that set a precedent for future movies exploring darker themes.
What truly elevates the moment is Pikachu’s anguished reaction. His desperate attempts to revive Ash show pure, unfiltered grief. When the tears of surrounding Pokémon bring Ash back, it transforms the scene into a story about compassion and emotional unity. It's dramatic, haunting, and far beyond what most expect from a “kids’” series like Pokémon.
Pokemon
Created by
Satoshi Taijiri, Ken Sugimori, Junichi Masuda
First Film
Pokemon: The First Movie
Latest Film
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
First TV Show
Pokémon
First Episode Air Date
April 1, 1997
Current Series
Pokémon
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