Top 10 best Pokémon opening themes, ranked from catchy to iconic

The Pokémon anime had many theme songs in its 26 years. But now that Ash Ketchum’s story is over, the tunes that have been heard are cemented as representations of each season he has participated in. As a result, the Pokemon themes now carry greater weight for the fanbase who are already enthralled by the variety of these tracks.

The tracks always carry a message that generally summarizes what the seasons are supposed to be about. Some talk about the power of friendship while others address the combat aspect of the anime. No matter what the underlying theme, they all carry a real sense of fun and wholesome quality to them. It’s worth looking back at the best songs to remember how Pokémon delights fans before each episode, and to that end, these are our picks for the top 10 best Pokémon opening themes, ranked from catchy to iconic .

10. Pokémon Johto (Johto Journeys)

Pokémon Johto sets a happy tone with its theme song.

Ash and friends happily explore the Johto region on an upbeat and cheerful theme that focuses on the fun that comes with traveling with friends. The Pokémon Johto theme also inspires a sense of wonder in the listener, as the lyrics promise a whole new world with new Pokémon.

It might not evoke the most intense atmosphere, but the song captures the family-friendly vibe that Pokémon is so known for. Even those who aren’t die-hard fans of the Pokémon anime series will be curious to see how the track pans out.

9. Journey to Your Heart (Master Journeys)

Pokémon Master Journeys has an enhanced track that introduces Ash’s penultimate story in the anime.

It offers an innocent atmosphere, with lyrics that talk about the power of friendship. But the good-hearted vibe works, especially as the title track has a hard-hitting style.

Ash and Goh enjoy the Pokémon world and all it has to offer, with the track picking up a fast pace towards the end. The song hammers that home by assuring listeners that there may be many challenges in the Pokémon world, but it’s all about enjoying the ride along the way.

8. Black and White (Black and White)

Unlike other themes, Pokémon Black and White takes risks in its opening by using 3D visuals alongside its opening song.

The idea is to show that all Pokemon happily coexist with each other, even if they are of different types. As the music increases, so does the video, and all the Pokémon find their place.

The title track itself has a heartwarming quality, with the music carrying a smooth composition even as it speeds up. Black and White’s lyrics back it all up, talking about how difficult it is to maintain friendships, but how the journey is worth walking with people by your side.

7. Believe in me (master quest)

Previous Pokémon themes have been more aligned with the idea of ​​victory, which Master Quest beautifully embraces.

The song isn’t that different from previous ones as it starts, but the ending kicks things into high gear. The video’s visuals help convey this, as several Legendary Pokemon make an appearance.

Since this season is the last of the original series, Master Quest’s theme carries a certain finality. The idea is for Ash and fans of the anime to remember the journey so far while preparing for the climax of the story.

6. Unbeatable (Advanced Combat)

Pokémon Advanced Battle comes with a catchier beat that fans can get excited about.

The theme rocks from start to finish with no dips or pauses in between. The video highlights all of the enemies Ash must encounter in his quest, perfectly complementing the adrenaline pumping music.

It lacks the warm hearted vibe that certain others thrive on, but Advanced Battle nonetheless succeeds in setting the right tone for the season. The chorus also has the potential to stick in the listener’s head due to its catchy melody, which contributes to the fact that the fans will not soon forget it.

5. Get up! (Galactic Battles)

The Pokémon Galactic Battles theme song combines the fun element of the series with the overview of completing challenges.

The lyrics are a bit more serious as they relate to moving through adversity, but the performance and music remain upbeat throughout. The accompanying video is uplifting too, as the characters race toward their goals as Ash, Dawn, and Brock conquer every challenge that comes their way.

It’s a great track for understanding what the Pokémon experience is supposed to be like. There’s a great sense of combat as this season focuses on Ash and his friends finding their feet in Sinnoh, and the Galactic Battles theme encapsulates why Ash, Dawn, and Brock are one of the better trios of traveling companions in the broader series.

4. With you (Ultimate Journeys)

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys is the final theme song in Ash’s story and has an appropriately soothing style.

There is a real sense of love and friendship here as the song talks about the strength of the bonds Ash has formed. The video on the topic shows Ash and Goh with their other acquaintances through the Pokémon world and ends with the boys jumping for joy.

With its melodic beat it seems like a declaration of love to the listener. The song is like a warm hug for the fans who can feel a sense of belonging thanks to the lyrics. It doesn’t resemble the fighting atmosphere of some other openings, but its warm nature makes it easy to miss.

3. It’s Always You and Me (Adventures in Unova and Beyond)

Pokémon Adventures in Unova and Beyond is the last season Ash has with Iris and Cilan and has a note of completeness.

Supported by the lyrics, there’s an underlying theme of keeping fighting even when things get tough. It touches on friendship as a major aspect of the series, but also contains a great sense of camaraderie thanks to its upbeat music.

The song is a marriage of the best parts of the Pokémon anime. Listeners can’t help but feel more positive and happier from this one, especially as it builds energetically to the end.

2. We Will Be Heroes (Diamond and Pearl)

Diamond and Pearls We Will Be Heroes is an ideal example of a Pokémon theme, selling the series’ core ideas of friendship and camaraderie, but not without a touch of melancholy.

The theme is meant to make fans feel emotional as Ash and his friends stick together on their journey, and firmly hammer on how important they were to each other’s success and their enjoyment of their adventures together. The emotional surge continues as the song progresses, weaving in and out with its upbeat high notes. The singer’s voice is apt to deliver the heartwarming rendition that is also this theme, with a tone that’s equal parts happy and nostalgic.

The Pokemon Diamond and Pearl video also shows how wide-ranging the Pokemon world is, which goes great with the track. This season, Dawn has also fully settled in as Ash and Brock’s companion, so the wholesome style of the song and graphics suits the dynamic the friends have established appropriately.

1. Gotta Catch Them All (Indigo League & XY)

While the quality of all songs is subjective, there’s no doubt that the original Pokémon theme is the most iconic. It represents the Pokémon anime as a whole to the world and remains the song that will be recognizable to millions.

Additionally, the lyrics capture what Ash’s quest is about and how Pokemon work in general. It manages to strike a perfect balance between intensity and positivity, with rocking instruments and lyrics that convey the importance of teamwork between Trainer and Pokémon. This is matched by the graphics, which offer everything from scenes of Ash with his Pokémon and friends to explosions and flashy attacks from battles.

The opening is meant to enliven the spirits of the listening fans and gradually raise the tone to the absolute climax. The song is so effective that even a remix was used for the Pokemon XY season, while an instrumental version was used for the final arc of Pokemon Journeys.