Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
Kernel Score: 76% · 1,557 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Released: 1998-07-18
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch Pokémon: The First Movie
- Free with ads: Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokemon match like none before.
Pokémon: The First Movie parents' guide: ages 5+
Parents need to know that this Pokemon film includes fantasy battles and themes of cloning and revenge.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Pokemon battles and a revenge-driven villain, presented in family-friendly fantasy style.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Pokémon: The First Movie
If you liked Pokémon: The First Movie, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017) — 78%
- Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009) — 79%
- Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2013) — 79%
- Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013) — 76%
- Reign of the Supermen (2019) — 79%
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) — 88%
- Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) — 65%
Director
Kunihiko Yuyama
Cast
- Rica Matsumoto as Satoshi (voice)
- Ikue Otani as Pikachu (voice)
- Mayumi Izuka as Kasumi (voice)
- Satomi Korogi as Togepy (voice)
- Yuji Ueda as Takeshi (voice)
- Megumi Hayashibara as Musashi (voice)
- Shin-ichiro Miki as Kojirō (voice)
- Inuko Inuyama as Nyarth (voice)
- Ayako Shiraishi as Joy (voice)
- Chinami Nishimura as Junsar (voice)
Pokémon: The First Movie FAQ
Is Pokémon: The First Movie good?
Pokémon: The First Movie has a 76% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,557 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Pokémon: The First Movie?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Pokémon: The First Movie OK for kids?
Pokémon: The First Movie is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 5+. Parents need to know that this Pokemon film includes fantasy battles and themes of cloning and revenge.
What movies are like Pokémon: The First Movie?
If you liked Pokémon: The First Movie, try Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life, Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission and Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge.