Last reviewed on 2026-06-12
Pikachu Electric
#025 — Mouse PokemonThe world's most iconic Pokemon and mascot of the entire franchise. Ash's beloved partner. Stores electricity in its cheek pouches and uses Thunderbolt as its signature move.
Charizard Fire
#006 — Flame PokemonOne of the most beloved Pokemon of all time. Evolved form of Charmander and Charmeleon. Has two Mega Evolutions and a Gigantamax form. Known for its power, pride, and iconic design.
Mewtwo Psychic
#150 — Genetic PokemonGenetically engineered from Mew's DNA. One of the most powerful Pokemon ever created. Deeply philosophical, struggles with its identity. Has two Mega forms: Mega Mewtwo X and Y.
Bulbasaur Grass
#001 — Seed PokemonThe very first entry in the Pokedex. A dual Grass/Poison type starter. Carries a seed on its back that grows as it gains experience. Evolves into Ivysaur and then Venusaur.
Squirtle Water
#007 — Tiny Turtle PokemonBeloved Water-type starter with a tough shell that deflects attacks. Can shoot pressurized water from its mouth. Part of the iconic Squirtle Squad in the anime.
Eevee Normal
#133 — Evolution PokemonThe Evolution Pokemon with an unstable genetic code, allowing it to evolve into eight different Eeveelutions depending on conditions. A fan favourite for its adorable design and versatility.
Gengar Ghost
#094 — Shadow PokemonThe original Ghost-type powerhouse. Hides in shadows and lowers the temperature of rooms it inhabits. Has a Mega Evolution and Gigantamax form. Always grinning mischievously.
Mew Psychic
#151 — New Species PokemonSaid to contain the genetic code of all Pokemon. A mythical Pokemon that can learn any move. Playful and curious by nature. Considered the ancestor of all Pokemon.
Lucario Fighting
#448 — Aura PokemonCan sense auras to understand the feelings of others. A fan-favourite Fighting/Steel type introduced in Gen 4. Has a Mega Evolution. Featured prominently in movies and Super Smash Bros.
Dragonite Dragon
#149 — Dragon PokemonThe first Dragon-type evolution line in Pokemon. Can fly around the world in 16 hours. Despite its fearsome power, it has a kind heart and rescues people lost at sea.
Ash Ketchum
Pokemon TrainerThe iconic protagonist who dreams of becoming a Pokemon Master. Journeys across all regions with his Pikachu. Eventually becomes World Pokemon Champion. Known for his never-give-up attitude.
Misty
Cerulean Gym LeaderCerulean City Gym Leader specialising in Water-type Pokemon. One of Ash's original companions. Aspires to be the world's greatest Water Pokemon trainer.
Team Rocket (Jessie & James)
Team RocketThe bumbling but iconic villains who persistently try to steal Ash's Pikachu. Along with their Meowth, they blast off again and again. Fan-loved for their dramatic entrances and comedic failures.
Garchomp Dragon
#445 — Mach PokemonThe signature Pokemon of Champion Cynthia and one of the most feared in competitive play. Can fly at jet speed. Dragon/Ground type with excellent stats. Has a Mega Evolution.
Rayquaza Dragon
#384 — Sky High PokemonThe legendary sky guardian that lives in the ozone layer. Rules over Kyogre and Groudon. Can Mega Evolve without holding a Mega Stone. One of the most powerful Dragon-types ever.
Umbreon
#197 — Moonlight PokemonThe Dark-type Eeveelution obtained through high friendship at night. Its yellow rings glow in darkness and repel opponents. A fan favourite for its sleek, mysterious design and solid defensive stats.
Charmander Fire
#004 — Lizard PokemonThe beloved Fire-type Kanto starter. The flame on its tail shows its life force and emotions. Evolves into Charmeleon and then the mighty Charizard.
Snorlax Normal
#143 — Sleeping PokemonA giant Pokemon that eats around 400 kg of food a day and then falls asleep. Famous for blocking roads in the games until woken with a Poke Flute. Surprisingly strong in battle.
Jigglypuff Normal
#039 — Balloon PokemonThe round pink Balloon Pokemon whose lullaby puts anyone to sleep. A recurring star of the anime, where it doodles on the faces of sleeping audiences, and a Super Smash Bros. veteran.
Greninja Water
#658 — Ninja PokemonThe ninja-frog final evolution of Froakie from Gen 6. A Water/Dark type that creates throwing stars from water. Won the official Pokemon of the Year fan vote in 2020.
Sylveon Fairy
#700 — Intertwining PokemonThe Fairy-type Eeveelution introduced in Gen 6. Its ribbon-like feelers emit a soothing aura that calms fights. One of the most popular Eevee evolutions among fans.
Mimikyu Ghost
#778 — Disguise PokemonA lonely Ghost/Fairy Pokemon from Gen 7 that hides under a handmade Pikachu costume so people will love it. Its tragic backstory made it an instant fan favorite.
Lugia Psychic
#249 — Diving PokemonThe legendary guardian of the seas and mascot of Pokemon Silver. A Psychic/Flying type said to sleep at the bottom of the ocean because its power is too great. Starred in the second Pokemon movie.
Arceus Normal
#493 — Alpha PokemonThe mythical creator of the Pokemon universe, said to have shaped the world with its thousand arms. Introduced in Gen 4 and central to the game Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Gardevoir Psychic
#282 — Embrace PokemonAn elegant Psychic/Fairy type from Gen 3 that will protect its trainer with its life, even creating small black holes. Has a Mega Evolution and a devoted fanbase.
Brock
Pewter Gym LeaderThe Pewter City Gym Leader who specializes in Rock-type Pokemon like Onix and Geodude. One of Ash's longest-running travel companions in the anime, dreaming of becoming a Pokemon Doctor.
Professor Oak
Pokemon ProfessorThe famous Kanto Pokemon Professor who gives new trainers their first starter Pokemon and Pokedex. Grandfather of rival Gary Oak and the researcher who set Ash on his journey.
Red
Original ProtagonistThe silent protagonist of the original Pokemon Red and Blue games. Later appears as a legendary secret boss at the top of Mt. Silver with his iconic Pikachu-led team.
Cynthia
Sinnoh ChampionThe Sinnoh region Champion, widely considered the toughest Champion battle in Pokemon history. Her signature Garchomp has ended countless playthroughs. Calm, scholarly, and beloved by fans.
Leon
Galar ChampionThe undefeated Champion of the Galar region in Pokemon Sword and Shield, famous for his Charizard and his terrible sense of direction. Older brother of rival Hop.
Giovanni
Team Rocket BossThe ruthless leader of Team Rocket and secretly the Viridian City Gym Leader in Gen 1. Commands Ground-type Pokemon like Nidoking and Rhydon, and created Mewtwo in his lab.
N
Team Plasma KingThe enigmatic king of Team Plasma in Pokemon Black and White who can hear the voices of Pokemon. Raised to believe Pokemon should be freed from humans, he is one of the series' most sympathetic antagonists.
About Pokemon Characters
Pokemon (Pocket Monsters) was created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, first launched by Nintendo and Game Freak in 1996. The franchise spans video games, anime, trading cards, movies, and merchandise — making it the highest-grossing media franchise of all time.
With 1,025 Pokemon species across nine generations and nine regional Pokedexes, from the Kanto classics to the Paldea newcomers, there is a Pokemon for everyone. Trainers, Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champions add rich human characters to the world of Pokemon.
Pokemon by Generation (Gen 1–9)
All 1,025 Pokemon species are grouped into nine generations, each tied to a region and a set of mainline games. Here is the complete breakdown:
- Generation 1 — Kanto (Red, Blue, Yellow · 1996): 151 new Pokemon, including Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo.
- Generation 2 — Johto (Gold, Silver, Crystal · 1999): 100 new Pokemon, including Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Typhlosion.
- Generation 3 — Hoenn (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald · 2002): 135 new Pokemon, including Rayquaza, Blaziken, and Gardevoir.
- Generation 4 — Sinnoh (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum · 2006): 107 new Pokemon, including Lucario, Garchomp, and Arceus.
- Generation 5 — Unova (Black, White, B2W2 · 2010): 156 new Pokemon, including Reshiram, Zekrom, and Zoroark.
- Generation 6 — Kalos (X, Y · 2013): 72 new Pokemon, including Greninja, Sylveon, and Xerneas.
- Generation 7 — Alola (Sun, Moon, Ultra versions · 2016): 88 new Pokemon, including Mimikyu, Incineroar, and Solgaleo.
- Generation 8 — Galar/Hisui (Sword, Shield, Legends: Arceus · 2019): 96 new Pokemon, including Zacian, Dragapult, and Hisuian forms.
- Generation 9 — Paldea (Scarlet, Violet + DLC · 2022): 120 new Pokemon, including Koraidon, Miraidon, and Tinkaton.
Total: 1,025 Pokemon species in the National Pokedex as of Generation 9 (Scarlet and Violet's The Indigo Disk DLC).
All Pokemon Character Names (A–Z)
Quick alphabetical reference of every Pokemon and human character featured in this guide:
Arceus, Ash Ketchum, Brock, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Charmander, Cynthia, Dragonite, Eevee, Garchomp, Gardevoir, Gengar, Giovanni, Greninja, Jigglypuff, Leon, Lucario, Lugia, Mew, Mewtwo, Mimikyu, Misty, N, Pikachu, Professor Oak, Rayquaza, Red, Snorlax, Squirtle, Sylveon, Team Rocket (Jessie & James), Umbreon
The full National Pokedex contains 1,025 species — this list covers the most iconic Pokemon plus the key trainers, champions, and villains fans search for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pokemon characters are there?
There are 1,025 Pokemon species in the National Pokedex as of Generation 9 (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with The Indigo Disk DLC). On top of that, the franchise features hundreds of human characters, including trainers, gym leaders, champions, professors, and villain team leaders.
What are the original 151 Pokemon?
The original 151 Pokemon are the Generation 1 species from Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, set in the Kanto region. The list runs from Bulbasaur (#001) to Mew (#151) and includes icons like Pikachu, Charizard, Squirtle, Eevee, Snorlax, and Mewtwo.
How many generations of Pokemon are there?
There are nine generations of Pokemon, each introducing a new region and new species: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and Paldea. Generation 9 began with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in 2022.
Who is the most popular Pokemon?
Pikachu is the franchise mascot and the most recognizable Pokemon worldwide. In the official Pokemon of the Year fan vote held in 2020, Greninja took first place, followed by Lucario and Mimikyu, with Charizard also a perennial favorite.
Who are the main human characters in Pokemon?
In the anime, the main characters are Ash Ketchum and his companions like Misty and Brock, opposed by Team Rocket's Jessie, James, and Meowth. In the games, famous humans include the protagonist Red, Professor Oak, champions like Cynthia and Leon, and villain bosses like Giovanni.
Is Pokemon the biggest media franchise in the world?
Yes. Pokemon is widely reported as the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, spanning video games, the trading card game, the long-running anime, movies, mobile games like Pokemon GO, and a massive merchandise business.