- 6 months ago
From glowing transformations to epic power-ups, these evolution moments changed everything! Join us as we count down the most unforgettable Pokémon evolutions from the anime series. Our list includes Charizard, Greninja, Infernape, Lucario, and many more iconic transformations that defined their trainers' journeys!
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00:00Welcome to WatchMojo and today we're revisiting some of the most dazzling scenes from the
00:11anime where a Pokemon unlocked its full potential.
00:1950.
00:21Treasured Evolution In the episode, Mystery on a Deserted Island,
00:26Ash and company journey to the deserted Frond Island on a treasure hunt with Alexa after
00:31she shows them a mysterious map.
00:34After fending off multiple wild Pokemon, the group finally discovers the chest inside a
00:38statue and it's full of evolution stones.
00:44Suddenly a group of three wild Eevees appear and they each touch a stone to turn into their
00:49iconic Generation 1 evolutions.
00:51This dazzling display makes them realize that the wild Pokemon had actually been using these
01:07stones to protect the island for generations, and they all agreed to wipe away all the evidence
01:13in order to protect them.
01:2049.
01:25Parasect's Unexpected Appearance Perhaps the funniest case of evolution on this
01:30list has to go to this feeble little Paris.
01:33In order to make it evolve so that its trainer Cassandra can use its mushroom to make powerful
01:39potions, the crew opt to help it gain experience in battles.
01:43Unfortunately, Paris is initially so pathetic that it can't handle the weakest of attacks.
01:53Later in the episode, after Team Rocket helps Paris out, they take another crack at it, but Charmeleon
02:03once again won't go easy on Paris.
02:06That's when he suffers some of the worst aura loss in the franchise history by cornering
02:10it and getting lethally poked in the stomach.
02:23That's more than enough experience to become Parasect.
02:25Thankfully, Parasect is much more capable than its prior form and is able to put the bratty
02:31Charmeleon to sleep with Spore.
02:3848.
02:39Donphan Rolls to Victory We have to give Ash's fan fee credit, taking
02:44on Team Rocket's Mecha Golem that is about 100 times its size is incredibly brave.
02:51The tiny ground-type Pokemon even takes the direct punch from the oversized robot sending
02:56it flying.
03:03Amazingly, this wasn't enough to knock Fan fee out, as it brushes off the attack entirely
03:10and evolves into the mighty Donphan.
03:17Donphan's evolution is a gritty, powerful moment that highlights its sheer determination
03:23and physical might.
03:3247.
03:33Kilo Watrell's Lightning Fast Save
03:36Watrell's growth has come a long way in Horizons, especially considering the fact that it initially
03:41had a fear of heights, something that its trainer Roy helped overcome.
03:46This would all culminate in the episode, Watrell's High Wind Warning, when Roy loses his grip and
03:52begins to fall off a cliff.
03:58In order to save his partner, Watrell evolves out of sheer instinct and grabs him just in
04:03the nick of time.
04:11Kilo Watrell not only saves Roy, but proceeds to give him the ride of a lifetime.
04:1746.
04:18Glalie emerges During May's battle against Harley in the
04:25Grand Festival, Team Rocket kidnaps the coordinator, Roberts, in order for Jesse to impersonate
04:31him and sneak into the competition.
04:33Fortunately, Ash catches them in the act, and a battle ensues.
04:37When Jesse's dust ox attempts to use Psybeam on Pikachu, Snow Run sacrifices itself to protect
04:44him, resulting in an explosion.
04:54As the smoke starts to clear, beams of light shine through it, eventually revealing that
05:00Snow Runs has evolved into Glalie.
05:04The newly evolved Pokemon makes quick work of Team Rocket, blasting them off with a powerful
05:10ice beam.
05:1145.
05:12Slowbro's Very Unique Evolution Rare is it that Team Rocket actually catches
05:24a new Pokemon.
05:25And unfortunately for Jesse, she just so happened to catch a Shellder in an episode about Slowpoke.
05:38Why is that unfortunate?
05:40Well, it just so happens that Slowpoke's evolution into Slowbro is initiated when a Shellder clamps
05:46down on its tail.
05:48We know.
05:49Jessie sends out her newly captured Pokemon to test its battling prowess against Misty's
05:54Psyduck.
05:55Alas, it's woefully unprepared for Psyduck's psychic abilities and ends up chomping on the
06:00Slowpoke Professor Westwood is researching.
06:09You'd think since it was Jesse's Shellder that fused into Slowbro that it would follow
06:13her commands.
06:14But instead, the dastardly trio gets a face full of Mega Punch.
06:2544.
06:27Primarina To The Rescue After Kyogre is poisoned by the evil Pokemon
06:32hunters, Lana takes matters into her own hands in order to save the legendary Pokemon.
06:37With a fishing rod and bait laced with antidotes, she manages to cure Kyogre, but unfortunately
06:44is dragged underwater in the process.
06:55Her Pokemon, Breon, attempts to save her, but is completely outmatched by Kyogre's speed.
07:01This doesn't deter Breon, however, and their unmatched determination leads them to evolving
07:06into the majestic Primarina.
07:12This evolution perfectly captures the growth of the water-type Pokemon, making it one of
07:17the most visually appealing moments in the series.
07:2343.
07:28An Eeveelution Mishap When Ash and Go win a lottery prize to guest star
07:33in a Pokemon circus, they find out that the trapeze artists, Billy and Harmony, have yet
07:39to evolve their Eevees for the show.
07:42Just as the two are about to evolve their Eevees, the evolution stones accidentally slip
07:46out of their hands, resulting in hilarious consequences.
07:53Billy's Toril evolves into Flareon, and Harmony's Bernice evolves into Jolteon.
08:06What makes this whole situation worse for them is that the two performers specialize in the
08:11opposite type, throwing the whole circus act into potential disaster.
08:24Early on in the episode, battling with elegance and a big smile, Serena has a falling out with
08:29her Pokemon, Fennekin and Pancham.
08:32After leaving in a huff, she's convinced to apologize to them by a disguised Pokemon performer
08:37calling themselves Ariana.
08:39When everything is made up, Ariana, who is actually Aria, surprisingly challenges Serena
08:45to a Pokemon battle.
08:47The battle doesn't go well for Serena, but after reassuring her Pokemon everything will
08:51be okay, Fennekin suddenly evolves into Braixen.
08:58Not only was this one of the hardest scenes in the show, but a pivotal moment in Serena's
09:02journey as a Pokemon performer.
09:1041.
09:12Primick Goes Bananas
09:14Let's face it, Team Rocket wound up a lot of people and Pokemon over their travels, but
09:19perhaps none were quite as irate by their actions as this little Mankey.
09:24After a capture attempt by Ash goes wrong, Mankey puts the boots to the Pallet Town native,
09:30and then steals his precious hat.
09:39Leave it up to Team Rocket to get in the middle of his attempt to get it back and make things
09:43a whole lot worse via a swift kick from James.
09:48This then triggers the monkey to burst into a rage and become his even more fearsome evolution,
09:54prime ape.
10:03His first order of business?
10:05To beat the stuffing out of Team Rocket.
10:08While this new rage-filled form has a boatload more power, one thing that stays the same is
10:13that it still loves Ash's hat for whatever reason.
10:2240.
10:23Dragonite Takes the Sky
10:25When Ash first met Dragonair, it had a lot of trouble learning how to fly.
10:29So, it's very fitting that its evolution to Dragonite was triggered during this scene.
10:34After Wailord sends Ash flying into the air, Dragonair attempts to save Ash before he crashes
10:39into the sea.
10:40Unfortunately, due to its long serpent-like shape, Ash has nothing to grab onto.
10:53This results in Dragonair evolving into the iconic Dragonite and saving Ash at the last
10:58second.
10:59Not only did Ash survive, but he got a huge boost to his team with a pseudo-legendary.
11:04The battle between Ash Ketchum and Sabrina terrified kids across the globe, and it's
11:18for reasons like this.
11:20The eerie psychic gym leader opens up the battle by choosing Abra to take on Ash's Pikachu.
11:26But it's hard to call this an actual battle when it's simply Abra teleporting around the
11:30arena to dodge Pikachu's attacks.
11:39As if that wasn't a flex enough, Sabrina and Abra take things to the next level with
11:44an evolution out of nowhere.
11:50Now becoming its middle stage of Kadabra, the spoon-bending psychic type utterly trounces
11:56our favorite electric mouse.
11:58It's no wonder Ash had to duck out and find another way to overcome this menace.
12:10Pig Night fires up Ash's Tepic had a challenging past, abandoned by its previous trainer, Sheamus,
12:17but its evolution into Pig Night was a triumphant declaration of overcoming adversity.
12:29After a reunion with Sheamus, a series of events lead to Ash taking him on in a double battle.
12:35Tepic is initially reluctant to battle against his former trainer, but after seeing Snivy take
12:40on two fire Pokemon despite the huge type disadvantage, Tepic finds their resolve and evolves into
12:47Pig Night.
12:48Despite Sheamus' Emboar being one evolutionary stage above, Pig Night takes both Id and
12:54Heatmor down in one incredibly fiery blaze.
12:5737.
12:59Starraptor Scores the Win
13:01Nash's journey with his regional bird in Sinnoh was a true testament to growth, and the moment
13:06his Starravia finally evolved into Starraptor in pursuing a lofty goal was a culmination
13:13of that dedication.
13:18Occurring during the final round of the PokéRinger competition against Paul's Honchcrow, this evolution
13:24wasn't just a power-up, it was a visible leap in confidence and skill for the flying type.
13:32With new moves such as close combat, Ash's Starraptor was able to get his ring onto the
13:37pole, giving Ash his first proper victory against his rival Paul.
13:4636.
13:51Giant Tentacruel
13:53An evolution so catastrophic, it caused the episode to be taken out of circulation for a
13:58while.
13:59The next episode is Tentacruel and Tentacruel, in which a school of these jellyfish becomes
14:04the target of a wealthy property owner who looks to build a luxury resort on the ocean.
14:15While Misty and the crew reject the hack's offer, Jesse, James and Meowth are more than
14:20happy to oblige.
14:22Their attempt to wipe out the water Pokémon sees them accidentally drop a barrel of stun-sauce
14:27on one's head, triggering a titanic evolution.
14:36The creature wastes no time, annihilating everything in its path with its newfound strength.
14:43Liko's Florigato blossomed into the elegant and enigmatic Meowth-Garada in a truly magical
14:54fashion in the episode, The Earth-Shaking White Zygarde.
14:58While Florigato fends off Gibeon's Zygarde's attacks, Liko backs up her partner and vows to
15:03protect all of her friends.
15:09This rallying cry deepens Florigato's determination and causes it to evolve into Meowth-Garada,
15:15shocking everyone in the process.
15:23It's a stylish and fitting evolution for Liko's starter, cementing its role as a key member
15:28of her team with undeniable flair and mystique.
15:44In the episode, The Fleeing Tower of Sunnyshaw, Ash's battle against the gym leader Volkner
15:50is suddenly interrupted when the power is cut off.
15:53Turns out Team Rocket is once again up to no good, and is trying to steal the Sunnyshaw
15:58Tower.
16:06This leads to a battle against Team Rocket, where Grotl must take on both Seviper and
16:11Carnivine due to Pikachu's electric powers being drained.
16:15After holding its own in this two-on-one battle, Grotl evolves into the awesome Torterra, and
16:21quickly puts a stop to Team Rocket's scheme.
16:31This evolution marked a complete shift in its battling style, embracing its role as a rounded
16:36powerhouse with the powerful move Leaf Storm.
16:4833.
16:49Inteleon sneaks in From shy to sleek, Goh's Drizzle had one
16:54of the most dramatic character arcs in the Pokémon anime.
16:58When Drizzle's battle against Gizmo's Kecleon turns south, Goh steps in to protect his partner
17:03from its attacks.
17:09This act of bravery causes a huge flow of emotion in the water-type Pokémon, triggering its evolution
17:16into Inteleon.
17:17The transformation shed the Pokémon's reclusive shell, revealing a sleek, sophisticated secret
17:23agents with pinpoint accuracy and an air of quiet confidence.
17:35Goh Sobble had a journey defined by shyness and a reluctance to engage, making its evolution
17:41into Inteleon, one of the most satisfying character arcs in the whole series.
17:5432.
17:55Electabuzz doesn't give up In the Hot Home City tag battle tournaments, Ash
18:00gets randomly paired with his rival Paul, and eventually has to duke it out against his
18:05friend Dawn in the finals.
18:07Due to Paul's unwillingness to work together with Ash, his Elekid takes a whole lot of
18:12damage from the opposing Pokémon.
18:19But Elekid refuses to give up, even ignoring Chimcha's concerns, and evolves into Electabuzz
18:25in order to put the odds in their favour.
18:34Electabuzz and Chimcha then both strike their opponents with super-effective attacks, resulting
18:39in their victory, and Ash and Paul crown the tournament champions.
18:4531.
18:50Pikachu's Past Revealed For years, Pikachu's past had been a quietly
18:55kept secret.
18:57In the original series, Pikachu not wanting to evolve into Raichu was always a big thing.
19:01But with the introduction of Pichu in the gold and silver era, it showed that he had in fact
19:10previously gone through evolution at some points.
19:14Fast forward over 20 years later, and we finally got to see the days of Ash's Pikachu as a Pichu.
19:20An outcast, Pichu is completely on his own until he befriends a Kangaskhan and its baby, quickly
19:26becoming a part of the family.
19:35After some time passes, Pichu realizes that its adoptive mother can no longer care for
19:40both him and its baby, and tearfully leaves.
19:44Pikachu's gratitude to the Kangaskhan results in it evolving into the Pikachu we all know
19:49and love today.
20:0130.
20:02Rapidash's Trailblazing Entrance When its trainer injures her arm, Ponyta must rely on
20:08Ash to ride with it in the Big P Pokemon Race.
20:20They had a rough start, but Ponyta learned to trust Ash, and they saddled up for the main
20:25event.
20:26Unfortunately, Team Rocket's meddling hinders their chances of winning.
20:30After sending the Three Stooges flying, Ash and Ponyta sprint to the finish line, and in
20:35a blinding light, Ponyta gallops to victory as a majestic Rapidash.
20:53The scene is nothing short of inspiring, from Ponyta trusting a stranger to race with it,
20:59to its dazzling, burning finish as it evolves into a racing champion, leaving old cheetahs
21:04in the dust.
21:0629.
21:07Florigato Stands Against Rayquaza
21:18When she enrolled in the Indigo Academy, Liko was given a feisty Sprigatito as her starter
21:24Pokemon.
21:25The best kitten's independent attitude meant that she didn't warm up to Liko at first,
21:29but Liko eventually won her over, and Sprigatito became a loyal member of the team, if a little
21:36possessive at times.
21:38This bond comes to a head when the two confront a shiny Rayquaza.
21:42Despite staring down the barrels of a literal legend, Sprigatito is determined to hold her
21:48round, which kickstarts her evolution into Florigato.
21:57While not strong enough to defeat Rayquaza, she did manage to land a hit on the titanic beast,
22:03and that alone is worth celebrating both Florigato and Liko's progress.
22:1428.
22:15Bonsly Grows Up
22:17Even before deciding to become a doctor, Brock knew a thing or two about taking care of Pokemon.
22:22He even formed a father and son bond with little Bonsly.
22:26Being an infant, it was extremely sensitive and needy, craving Brock's attention almost
22:32constantly.
22:37However, by the time they arrived in Sinnoh, Bonsly showed signs that he was finally growing
22:45up.
22:46This newfound maturity came to a head when Bonsly freed himself from a cage and grew into a Sudowoodo.
23:04No longer a needy crybaby, Sudowoodo is a loyal and upbeat Pokemon, always eager to help the
23:11surrogate father who looked after him for so long.
23:14He even gives Brock a cheerful salute whenever it leaves its Pokeball.
23:2027.
23:21Cyndaquil Evolves 10 Seasons Later
23:24Fans joke about how Ash barely evolves his starter Pokemon, but when it happens, we take
23:30notice.
23:31For example, his Cyndaquil he caught all the way back in Johto.
23:34It had trouble getting its flame started during a battle, but it stood by his side whenever
23:39he needed it.
23:40It spent over 500 episodes as the sleepy Fire Mouse.
23:54Ash considered evolving it earlier, but didn't want to force it.
23:58However, in Season 13, Cyndaquil is backed into a corner by Team Rocket, only to finally
24:04evolve into Quilava and send the crooks flying.
24:09Ash did the right thing by waiting for it to evolve on its own, and now Quilava is an energized
24:19powerhouse.
24:24The story of Serena's Sylveon is actually pretty inspirational.
24:34We first meet her as a tiny Evie with a love for dancing.
24:38Unfortunately, she was also extremely shy and too timid to try and take the stage.
24:50And yet, Serena welcomed her onto her team with open arms, offering comfort and encouragement
24:57whenever she could.
24:58Slowly but surely, Serena helped her timid partner out of her shell, and their unbreakable
25:03friendship allowed little Evie to unleash her full potential as a beautiful, graceful
25:09Sylveon.
25:20While she still has her doubts from time to time, Sylveon is much more confident than when
25:25we first met her, and ready to join her trainer on the stage like the star she is.
25:31Number 25 – Polly Toad's Surprise Entrance
25:34When Ash and Tracy fell ill, Misty searched for a cure and found a friendly little Pollywag.
25:41It helped her find the medicine and later became a part of her team.
25:52It later evolved into Pollywag and became a powerhouse on Misty's team, but its confidence
25:57waned after some heated battles.
26:00Misty considered evolving it into Pollywrath, but Pollywag found a King's Rock and held
26:06onto it while it was in its Pokeball.
26:08When it returned, a big surprise was waiting for Misty.
26:12Instead of her Pollywurl, she now had a Pollytoad.
26:23A stark contrast to Pollywurl, this green frog would rather clap and cheer from the sidelines
26:29than battle.
26:30But its cheerful demeanour is too infectious.
26:35Number 24 – Pikachu's Voluntary Evolution
26:40Don't get too excited, it's not the one you're thinking of.
26:48Go!
26:49Nash's travelling companion during journeys caught a female Pikachu, a friendly peacemaker who
26:55will offer berries to anyone in need whether they want it or not.
26:59The same day, they discover a thunderstone and nearly gave us a heart attack thinking
27:04Ash's Pikachu finally evolved.
27:07Later, when her friends are captured by Team Rockets, Ghost Pikachu willingly evolves herself
27:13into Raichu, giving her the strength to set her brethren free.
27:21It's heartwarming to see a Pokemon willingly change themselves to save their fellow kind.
27:30And at least we can say a main character actually owns a Raichu, just not the one we were expecting.
27:40Number 23 – Pidgeotto Takes Charge
27:44Near the very start of his Pokemon career, Ash managed to capture a Pidgeotto in the Viridian
27:50Forest.
27:59While not the most developed, Pidgeotto was a loyal member of Ash's crew, serving as his
28:04eyes in the sky or aerial defense when needed.
28:07Its bravery enabled it to evolve into a large Pidgeot at the start of the next season, where
28:13it protected a flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto from an aggressive Fearow and its gang.
28:26Ash released Pidgeot so it could protect its flock, promising to come back for it someday.
28:32Our eyes watered when Pidgeot finally returned in the journey's finale, instantly reminding
28:37us how it was one of Ash's most dependable Pokemon.
28:41Number 22 – Combusken Kicks Into Gear
28:52At the start of her journey, May was given Torchic as her starter Pokemon.
28:57Unfortunately, May's inexperience was reflected in the Fire Chicken as it struggled to focus
29:06during battle.
29:07Over time, both Trainer and Pokemon helped each other grow and develop, and Torchic became
29:13a bruiser when it evolved into Combusken.
29:24Eventually Combusken rose to the challenge as Blaziken and demonstrated its newfound might
29:30by effortlessly taking out Team Rocket with a devastating Blaze Kick.
29:36May and Torchic were made for each other, starting out with no experience and gradually gaining
29:46some along the way.
29:48Its final evolution into Blaziken perfectly reflected May's growth as a trainer and coordinator.
29:54Number 21 – Ekans and Koffing grow for their trainers
29:58Even though they're incompetent crooks, no one can say that Team Rocket doesn't care for
30:03their Pokemon.
30:04Jessie's Ekans and James' Koffing were devoted to their respective trainers, but getting
30:10defeated by Ash's Pikachu almost every week started to get annoying after a while.
30:24Jessie and James considered evolving the two, but were hesitant out of fear that they wouldn't
30:29be the same Pokemon they loved.
30:31However, the choice wasn't theirs to make, as Ekans and Koffing evolved right there into
30:36Arbok and Weezing.
30:43Outside of their power levels, not much had changed post-evolution.
30:47Arbok and Weezing still remained loyal to their trainers and, unfortunately, still got their
30:53butts kicked regularly.
30:56Number 20 – Gyarados's High Seas Retribution
31:03With a swift kick to the rear, James' hasty purchase went from Floundering Fish Sticks to
31:09Oceanic Titan.
31:11While any trainer worth their stuff could have told him that Magikarp's useless base form
31:20paves the way to the much improved Gyarados, he had to learn the hard way.
31:25Ash and the others were there to watch it too, although all it did was nearly push them to
31:33the bottom of the sea.
31:35Despite its ferocity, there's something oh so memorable about watching Magikarp evolve right
31:40in the nick of time to show James who's who.
31:43If only so, the Team Rocket grunt never makes that mistake again.
31:49Number 19 – Hariyama flexes on the competition
31:53No one said earning a gym badge was supposed to be easy, but this just feels unfair.
31:58Brawly's Makuhita delivered enough arm thrusts to nearly clean up Ash's whole team on its own.
32:03Then, things went from bad to worse when all the experience helped it grow into a bonafide
32:13punching maniac, also known as Hariyama.
32:16Triko tried to stand its ground, but all it did was prolong the inevitable.
32:28Brawly's Hariyama finished the match and Ash's poor grass type without breaking a sweat.
32:33Even though Ash claimed the knuckle badge in their rematch, Hariyama's devastating debut
32:43isn't easy to forget.
32:48You should get Triko to a Pokemon center.
32:51Number 18 – Crocodile grounds the enemy
32:53Determined or not, Ash's Crocorock had a major hurdle to overcome if it wanted to come
32:58out on top of Iris' Dragonite.
33:00It wasn't fully evolved.
33:02However, after raising it from a little sand isle, there wasn't anything left stopping Ash
33:07and his Unovan Ace from going all the way to Crocodile.
33:11Now, final form against final form, the battle blazed so bright it's a wonder Ash didn't
33:22steal his Pokemon shades for himself.
33:24Dragonite's wings didn't make it easy, but Crocodile put its new power to work with a match-winning,
33:30super-effective Stone Edge.
33:36The rubble left a clear message – don't mess with a Pokemon in sunglasses.
33:45Number 17 – Butterfree breaks the mold
33:48It just feels right that Ash's very first capture, like ever, was also his first to reach its final stage.
33:54Of course, we're talking about Butterfree.
34:00The bug type started out as a puny Caterpie, but through a few ups and downs, Ash learned
34:06how to nurture a Pokemon from pet to friend to partner.
34:10As exciting as it is to see Butterfree quite literally spread its wings, the moment only lands
34:16because Ash had to first own up to his past mistakes.
34:21This evolution is as much for him as it is for his Pokemon, as Beedrill never stood a chance
34:31against a Bond like that.
34:34Number 16 – Goodra's Gooey Welcome
34:40In contrast to most of Ash's other companions, Goomy had a major role to serve before it ever
34:47joined the team.
34:51It wanted to protect its native wetlands.
34:53From there, Ash's diligent support helped it break through into Sliggoo.
34:57But it was the Pokemon's own memories of its habitat that gave it the final push too.
35:02Do we even need to say it?
35:04Ash's Kalos team was absolutely stacked, but there's no way to discuss the arc without mentioning
35:09a certain emotional dragon type.
35:15By framing this evolution as part of Sliggoo's own personal journey, Goodra's unveiling is
35:20just as empowering as all his future victories combined.
35:24Ash's Gligar spent most of its Sinnoh days sticking out its tongue and having a good time.
35:45That doesn't mean it couldn't get serious though.
35:47And after a royal butt-whooping by Gligscore, it was determined to level up.
35:57There was just the nagging issue of its crippling fear of battle.
36:01Thankfully, it overcame its worries, grabbed a Razor Fang, and showed everyone what a real
36:06Gligscore can do.
36:16It's damn cool, but it doesn't lose the playfulness that made Gligar a fan-favorite.
36:21Plus, Gligscore gets the rare distinction of being Ash's only Pokemon to evolve via an item.
36:28No matter how you look at it, this moment rocks.
36:40Leave it to Ash to catch a Pokemon just as it gets a shiny new evolution.
36:44Farfetch'd had been around since the very first generation, but it was mostly ignored
36:49by both Ash and the wider anime until its Galar variants came along.
36:54When it finally evolved into Surfetch'd, it made up for lost time and then some.
37:02Really, its whole storyline felt like a long-winded build-up to this one moment where it could
37:08finally joust with Gallade.
37:14It's a fight unlike anything we'd seen before, and single-handedly justified every single minute
37:20Ash spent training the flying type.
37:22If that's not the hallmark of a fantastic evolution scene, nothing is.
37:3413.
37:35Caterpie's Cocoon
37:36Remember how we said Butterfree was Ash's first Pokemon to reach its final stage?
37:41Well, it lost the title of first-ever evolution to its prior form.
37:45And although Metapod's Harden attack won't be winning Ash any gym badges, the momentous
37:50impact of this turn of events is too great to pass up.
37:59Caterpie's glowing transformation is a firm validation of everything Ash is striving for.
38:09After all, with enough grinding, any trainer can catch them all, but only the elite few
38:14can raise the ones they already have.
38:17Toss out the Pokedex, Metapod's glorious appearance is what it really means to be the very best like
38:23no one ever was.
38:2612.
38:27Noiwurn makes some noise
38:32Friendship is the catalyst for a lot of Pokemon evolutions, but in this case, Noibat didn't
38:38go full power just for Ash.
38:40No, he was also up against a freaking Zapdos and about to watch Horlucha plummet to an early
38:47grave.
38:48Things were looking dire, but then Noiwurn decided to make his grand entrance.
38:59Not only did he save his ally, but he even fended off the legendary bird with a jaw-dropping
39:05boom burst.
39:10If you can make a rampaging Zapdos respect your power, you know you've raised your Pokemon
39:16right.
39:17So take it from us, when in doubt, find a friend like Noiwurn.
39:2811.
39:29Igniting Talonflame Another day, another Kalos flying type evolving against a Kanto legendary
39:35bird.
39:36Man, there must be something in the water over there.
39:38Or maybe it's in their fire, considering Fletchinder totally brings the heat against
39:43Moltres.
39:44So much so that it rises like a phoenix into the almighty Talonflame.
39:52Handily enough, the Pokemon also picks up the move Brave Bird, and uses it to show Moltres
39:57it's not the only fire-flying type in town anymore.
40:04Even though Ash and Talonflame can't quite clinch the win, this smouldering battle is a
40:10welcome reminder that nothing burns hotter than a flame-filled evolution scene, especially
40:16one with a legendary.
40:2110.
40:22Lycanroc Howls What Ash's Rockruff lacked in size, it made up for with its temper.
40:28Luckily, it channeled that rage into something constructive, befriending Tapu Lele.
40:33Then, after a few rocky spars, Rockruff earned some of the legendary's power and finally
40:38grew out of its first stage.
40:43Instead of mirroring Ash's growth, the episode smartly frames this evolution as the culmination
40:52of Rockruff's own journey.
40:54Sure, this wouldn't be the last time Ash's Rock-type lost control, but seeing Rockruff's
40:59efforts manifest in a slick new transformation is still a step in the right direction.
41:05Plus, it doesn't hurt that it comes in the shape of the effortlessly cool Dusk form.
41:16That epic howl to the sky is very well deserved.
41:239.
41:24Cinderace shoots and scores There's always something special about a starter's
41:30final evolution, and Goh's is no different.
41:37It couldn't have come at a better time either.
41:41It's innitess is waking up, Goh's losing ground against Milotic, and his Raboot only
41:46wants to fight with its ineffective Ember attack.
41:49But after Goh learns to embrace his partner's unorthodox style, the newly minted Cinderace completely
41:55tears up the turf.
41:57Type advantages be damned.
42:02That final striking pyro ball is as good an endpoint for their journey as you could ask
42:07for.
42:08In fact, if this were any other match, we'd say Cinderace deserves a red card.
42:12But something tells us there's no ref in all of Galar who could doubt this pair anymore.
42:188.
42:21Kingler Unleashed Ash's Krabby spent most of Kanto warming a spot on the
42:27bench.
42:28So when it finally got a chance to shine in the Indigo League, it didn't sink, it swam.
42:34As a matter of fact, it swam all the way to its next form, Kingler.
42:43Then with a hyper beam, a crab hammer, and a few stomps, Ash's novice partner 3-0'd Mandy
42:49out of the entire tournament.
42:51Victory goes to the team of Ash and Kingler.
42:54Ironically, this victory is so unforgettable that it almost makes you forget this is Kingler's
43:00first ever fight.
43:01If this is what it's capable of without any real experience, then Kingler is no mere bench
43:07warmer.
43:08It's a total star player.
43:09We actually did it Kingler!
43:10You were unbelievable!
43:11Number 7.
43:12Septile Blooms.
43:13S-Septile!
43:14All right!
43:15Awesome!
43:16Grovile's evolved into Septile.
43:17This evolution works for all the wrong reasons.
43:30On paper, Grovile's star-crossed love affair with a meganium is a great motivator for its
43:35ascendance into Septile.
43:37The only thing is, Septile doesn't get the girl, and it doesn't get a power boost either.
43:42Instead, Grovile's evolution isn't able to use any of its old moves.
43:50Having Septile learn, grow, and adapt to its new form added a weight to this evolution
43:55that we'd never gotten before.
43:57And yet, it's precisely because of that struggle that Septile's debut is so gratifying.
44:02Yes, Septile completely falls on its face, but it's all in service of a much greater character.
44:08The end result even makes this embarrassing showcase feel worthwhile.
44:13There are all sorts of different ways a Pokemon evolves.
44:16And when you find yourself in a bind, you learn from it and grow like Septile's doing.
44:22Number 6.
44:23Infernape blazes to life.
44:25From an abandoned Chimchar to a moody Monferno, this Sinnoh firetype developed one of the greatest
44:31storylines of any of Ash's partners.
44:34But the best part is that it didn't stop there.
44:37When Monferno's Blaze ability sets it off on yet another fiery rampage, Ash becomes the first trainer capable of quelling its flames.
44:49After everything Monferno went through, there's just nothing better than seeing it finally evolve into the proud Infernape.
44:56Especially since it christens the new form by sending Team Rocket flying off again.
45:07This moment works because it understands that neither Infernape or Ash got here alone.
45:12They did it as partners.
45:15Monferno controlled Blaze.
45:17And it turned it into a new power.
45:19Number 5.
45:20Togetic spreads its wings.
45:22It doesn't matter whether it came out hard boiled, scrambled or sunny side up.
45:27The fact of the matter is that Togepi finally spread its wings.
45:31Literally.
45:32It had some help from a colony of Togepi.
45:41But really, this moment is more about Misty's efforts as a trainer.
45:46After all, she spent most of her time in the series holding Togepi close to her chest.
45:51So, seeing it finally take flight feels like the visualization of everything Misty brought to the show.
45:56It's a shame Misty and Togepi part ways at the end of the episode.
46:07But at least they ended things on one hell of a high note.
46:10Number 4.
46:13Incineroar's Knockout.
46:15Most of the time, last minute evolutions turn exciting moments into extraordinary ones.
46:21That still happens here, just not in the way most expected.
46:25Rest assured, the showdown between Ash's Torokat and Kukui's Incineroar is still incredible.
46:30And given the matchup, it's only natural that it ends with Ash's partner evolving into Incineroar itself.
46:45The only issue is that, by the time Torokat shapes up, it's already been KO'd.
46:50Amazing!
46:51With its victory, Torokat evolved!
46:55Incineroar, that's awesome!
46:56Let's keep going!
46:59Even though this marked a disappointing end to Torokat's fight, this scene strikes the perfect balance of hilarious and heartfelt.
47:06If anything, it gets props for delivering one of the most unexpected evolutions in the whole series.
47:12And that's saying something.
47:13What a shocking turn of events!
47:15After winning against Professor Kukui's Incineroar and evolving, Ash's Incineroar is out too!
47:24Number 3.
47:25Greninja Awakens.
47:26One of Ash's best partners ever deserved an equally iconic debut.
47:31Thankfully, the show delivered and then some.
47:33against a group of rogue shinobi, Ash's Frogadier decides to show them what a real water shuriken looks like.
47:52But Greninja's slick entrance isn't even the most epic part.
47:56The twist of this episode is that it's two evolutions for the price of one.
48:01Just as soon as Greninja appears, he and Ash awaken to their battle-bond form.
48:05Well, we're gonna be stronger!
48:07Let's go!
48:09As the first time anything like this ever happened in Pokemon, the hype is impossible to resist.
48:19After a debut like this, it's really no surprise Greninja became the de facto scene-stealer of the Kalos Ark.
48:28Number 2.
48:29Lucario bulks up.
48:31Ash has caught plenty of Pokemon in his day, but none of them compared to the one he actually
48:36raised.
48:37He nurtured Riolu from an egg to a baby to a trusted member of his team.
48:42In return, Riolu leapt into battle to protect its trainer from Chairman Rose.
48:51Along the way, it also happened to unlock a jaw-dropping evolution into Lucario.
49:00The aura Pokemon wraps things up with plenty of style, but the fight's not the point of
49:05this scene.
49:06The real heart of it all is the culmination of Ash and Riolu's bond.
49:10Seeing their relationship reach such an epic climax is easily representative of Pokemon
49:15at its very best.
49:17Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified
49:24about our latest videos.
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49:30If you're on your phone, make sure to go into your settings and switch on notifications.
49:35Number 1.
49:36Charizard Takes Flight
49:38Whoa!
49:39Charizard!
49:40Amazing!
49:41It evolved into Charizard!
49:43Charmeleon's final evolution is rightfully a big deal.
49:47Just not for Ash.
49:49See, the fire-type was in the middle of a rebellious heart streak.
49:53And instead of growing out of it, Charizard was more disobedient than ever before.
49:58I was right.
49:59Looks like the only reason Charizard evolved was to battle Aerodactyl.
50:04In the whole franchise, this might be the only one of Ash's partners to evolve without
50:09him doing anything.
50:10And yet, it's because Charmeleon grows on its own that it makes this moment feel so monumental.
50:16It chose to evolve just like it chose to save Ash from becoming a splat on the ground.
50:22In doing so, this one scene emphasized everything that Ash and Charizard would eventually become.
50:27And you just can't get any better than that.
50:29What's a Pokemon you desperately wanted to evolve in the anime?
50:36Let us know in those comments below!
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