Without a doubt, Pikachu is the most popular Pokémon in the entire Pokémon franchise. Thanks to its adorable design and powerful roster of moves, the Mouse Pokémon acts as the star in all sorts of Pokemon-related media. Some games will even have Pikachu as the player’s starter Pokémon, such as the Pokémon Yellow and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! titles.

Because Pikachu is such a popular Pokémon, it is only natural that several Trainers wish to have one of their own. However, some Pikachu Trainers are shown to be especially fantastic working alongside their Electric-type Pokémon in battle. Some Trainers may even choose to evolve their Pikachu, though many appear to be content staying as they are.

10

Goh Catches a Pikachu for His Own Team

Goh Later Evolves Her Into a Raichu

In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, a brand-new secondary protagonist was introduced as Ash’s traveling partner. A Trainer from Kanto’s Vermillion City, Goh was determined to one day catch Mew and make it his partner Pokémon. However, Goh soon realized that his plan may not work out exactly as he thought, for a wild Scorbunny wished to be his partner Pokémon instead. As such, Goh found himself catching several Pokémon before he would ever catch the elusive New Species Pokémon.

One day, while traveling in Kanto, Goh decided that he wanted to catch a Pikachu. He soon met a wild female Pikachu living in a horde with other Electric-type Pokémon, one that immediately appeared to get along with Ash’s Pikachu. Goh would thus capture Pikachu and train alongside her, but Pikachu would not spend a lot of time in her initial form. Not too long after being caught, Pikachu evolved into Raichu in order to save her friends, officially beginning Goh’s period of time as a Raichu Trainer instead.

9

Ayumi and Her Pikachu Learn How To Battle Together

Pikachu Works on Her Thunderbolt Attack

In the roster of episodes for Pokémon the Series: Black & White, there were several special episodes that never aired outside of Japan. One of these episodes, translated as “Dent and Takashi! Gyarados’s Imperial Rage!” stars Cilan and Brock. During the events of the special episode, Cilan and his Pokémon are in the Johto region when he and Pansage come across a wild Gyarados. However, Cilan fails to catch the oddly powerful Pokémon, and Pansage is injured in the process.

Thankfully, Nurse Joy and Brock are able to help the injured Grass-type Pokémon. Right afterward, however, a young girl and her Pikachu arrive at the Pokémon Center. Ayumi, Pikachu’s Trainer, is concerned that her Electric-type is apparently unable to use her Thunderbolt attack. As it turned out, Ayumi and her Pikachu just needed to practice more, and did so in a Pokémon battle against Cilan.

8

Jimmy and His Pokémon Battle Against Serena & Ash’s Pikachu

Serena Dresses up as Ash While the Other Trainer Is Sick

All sorts of Trainer classes exist in the Pokémon franchise, from Fishermen to Bird Keepers. One class, the Guitarist class, debuted in Generation II. As expected from the name, the Guitarist class is made up of Trainers that happen to be musicians as well, and often appear to play rock music. Since many carry electric guitars, it is only natural that many Guitarist Trainers have a roster of Electric-type Pokémon.

In the Pokémon the Series: XY episode “Battling at Full Volume!”, the audience is introduced to the young Guitarist Jimmy. The Guitarist wishes to become the greatest Pikachu Trainer ever, and is usually shown alongside Spike, his own Pikachu. Hearing about Ash, Jimmy decided that he wanted to battle the other Pikachu Trainer. However, as Ash had a cold, Serena disguised herself as her friend in his place, and decided to battle Jimmy alongside Pikachu.

7

Ritchie Has a Distinctive Pikachu Named Sparky

Ritchie and Sparky Act as Rivals for Ash and Pikachu

Ritchie is introduced in the original Pokémon anime, and is even seen later on in Pokémon Journeys: The Series at the climax. The Trainer is from Frodomar City in the Kanto region, an anime-only location. Ash first meets Ritchie via the Indigo Plateau Conference as his rival, though the Trainer from Pallet Town arrives late. Just like Ash, Ritchie is also a Pikachu Trainer, though his Pikachu is a bit different from Ash’s own.

Ritchie’s Pikachu, Sparky, is distinctive from other Pikachu thanks to the tuft of fur on its head. Unlike Ash’s Pikachu, Sparky appeared to be fine with being kept in a Poké Ball, though it was seen outside its Poké Ball more often after meeting Ash. Sparky and Ritchie are shown to get along very well, especially as the Mouse Pokémon is Ritchie’s ace Pokémon. Over time, Sparky becomes a much more steadfast opponent as well, working with a plethora of Electric-type moves.

6

Frank Has a Whole Team of Cosplay Pikachu

Frank Creates a Film Starring Each of the Cosplay Pikachu

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, the player is given the opportunity to take part in Pokémon Contest Spectacular events throughout the Hoenn region. After trying one out, an NPC gives the player a special female Pikachu that is able to change into different outfits. This special Mouse Pokémon, known as Cosplay Pikachu, has five different outfits to wear for Contests, ranging from cute to cool.

While in the Kalos region, Ash and his friends meet Frank, a movie director who simply adores Pikachu. As a child, Frank was often ill, yet being around Pikachu always made him smile. Frank is shown directing a movie starring Pikachu, with his five Cosplay Pikachu as the film’s stars. The Pikachu are all shown using the special moves as seen in the games during the film, acting as an adorable nod to the Pokémon Contest Spectacular scenes.

5

Mewtwo Commanded a Cloned Version of Pikachu

The Cloned Pikachu Grew Distraught as Ash’s Pikachu Refused To Fight

The very first Pokémon movie remains a staple in the overall franchise, and for good reason. The film works with a surprisingly complex storyline, one that revolves around the Genetic Pokémon Mewtwo. Created by Team Rocket from the DNA of the Mythical Pokémon Mew, Mewtwo grew bitter towards humanity due to how it was treated. After escaping Giovanni’s clutches, Mewtwo vowed to rid the world of humans and any Pokémon who remained loyal to their Trainers.

As the self-proclaimed greatest Pokémon Trainer, Mewtwo stole the Pokémon of several Trainers visiting its castle, and cloned them. One of these clones was a Pikachu, based off of Ash’s own Mouse Pokémon. This Pikachu was born only knowing fighting, and thus tried to battle against Ash’s Pikachu as Mewtwo had ordered. However, Ash’s Pikachu understood that this battle was a senseless one, causing the clone Pikachu to break down in tears.

4

Victor Has a Special Pikachu Who Loves To Surf

Puka Is Able To Sense When a Big Wave Is Approaching

In Pokémon Yellow, players can partake in a variety of minigames with their partner Pikachu. One of these games involves teaching Pikachu how to surf, a staple of the franchise that remains iconic over a decade later. This was also referenced in Pokémon Adventures, specifically with Red’s Pikachu. While battling alongside Yellow, Pika learns how to transform his Substitute move into a surfboard, becoming able to use the move Surf alongside his friend.

In the original Pokémon anime, Ash and friends meet a special Pikachu in the episode “The Pi-Kahuna”. Years before the events of the episode, the surfer Victor found a lost Pikachu while navigating the waves. This Pikachu, known as Puka, was distinctive due to its unique blue eyes. When Puka’s eyes glowed, it meant that the Mouse Pokémon was sensing that a colossal wave was approaching.

3

Pikala Looks After a Whole Valley of Pikachu

Pikala Also Has a Special Shiny Pikachu

Though there are many Trainers in the Pokémon world who showcase their love for Pikachu, the Pokémon Trainer Pikala appears to be the biggest Pikachu fan of all. Pikala is always shown wearing a Pikachu-themed costume, complete with a Pikachu-ear headband and even a Pikachu tail. Pikala loves Pikachu so much that she even likes to talk in “Pika-speak”, a manner of speech where she inserts “Pika” into all of her sentences. The Pikachu fan is also the caretaker of Pikachu Valley, home to all sorts of Pikachu.

Pikala has the unusual ability to tell what region a Pikachu is from, simply by touching its fur. In the midst of her horde of Pikachu, the audience is introduced to three especially distinctive ones. One, Curly, is known for her adorable bangs, while another, Bolt, was used in the Manalo Conference. Acting as the leader of the Pikachu, however, is a Shiny Pikachu called Boss, who is able to use the Z-Move Catastropika.

2

Friede Leads the Rising Volt Tacklers Alongside Captain Pikachu

The Two Leaders Are Unflinchingly Loyal to Their Crew

When Liko finds herself as the newest member of the Rising Volt Tacklers, she is first introduced to Friede, the crew’s commander. However, Friede is not leading the Rising Volt Tacklers alone, as one of his main Pokémon is actually known as the ship’s captain. This Pokémon, Captain Pikachu, is never shown without his distinctive hat. Captain Pikachu is shown to be very diligent in his role as one of the crew’s leaders, and, like Friede, is very loyal to the Rising Volt Tacklers.

As captain, Captain Pikachu is also a powerful fighter. Alongside Volt Tackle, Captain Pikachu and Friede are able to work in tandem with all sorts of moves, from Thunderbolt to Double Team. The two are an especially difficult duo to reckon with in combat, yet are also great teachers for Liko and Roy as they learn more about battling. However, one must make sure not to ever call Captain Pikachu “cute”, as he is actually allergic to the phrase.

1

Ash and His Pikachu Are Sure To Remain the Very Best

An Iconic Duo That Will Never Be Forgotten

Though all sorts of Trainers are introduced in the Pokémon anime, it is likely that no animated character in the series will ever be as popular as Ash Ketchum. The spirited Trainer is almost never seen without his best friend, Pikachu, who also acts as his partner Pokémon. In the beginning, Ash was introduced to Pikachu thanks to Professor Oak, who decided to give the Mouse Pokémon to the rookie Trainer as he wished to have a starter Pokémon. However, Pikachu was initially not happy in the slightest to work with Ash.

After a frightening encounter with a horde of Spearow, Ash and Pikachu finally become friends. Their friendship is a constant throughout the series, even as Ash travels to regions beyond Kanto. No matter what, Pikachu is always learning alongside Ash, and growing more powerful in the process. Because of the time they have spent together, Pikachu and Ash were able to win their legendary battle against Leon, allowing Ash to become a Monarch after a long journey.

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  Created by

  Satoshi Tajiri

  First Film

  Pokemon: The First Movie

  Latest Film

  Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle

  First TV Show

  Pokémon

  Latest TV Show

  Pokémon Horizons

  First Episode Air Date

  
  April 1, 1997
  

  Expanding across a multitude of media, including TCGs, video games, manga, live-action movies and anime, the Pokémon franchise is set in a shared world of humans and creatures with a wide variety of special abilities. 

  
  

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  Pokémon
  
  

  Release Date

  1997 – 2023

  Network

  TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC

  Directors

  Shigeru Omachi, Koji Ogawa, Fumihiro Ueno, Hideki Hiroshima, Maki Kodaira, Makoto Ooga, Ayumi Moriyama, Keitaro Motonaga, Shigeru Ueda, Fumihiro Yoshimura, Minoru Ohara, Yoshitaka Makino, Kiyoshi Egami, Makoto Sokuza, Bjarne Heuser, Naoki Murata, Kenichi Nishida, Tomoe Makino, Masahiko Watanabe, Hiroaki Takagi, Tazumi Mukaiyama, Ryohei Horiuchi, Yoshihiro Oda, Hiromichi Matano

  
  

  • Rica Matsumoto

    Satoshi (voice)

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    Ikue Otani

    Pikachu (voice)