Although best known for its amazing show, thePokémonanime franchise is also responsible for creating some of the most beloved films in history. These side adventures allow the writers and characters to explore themes and creatures that do not entirely align with the TV show’s premise, making them mostly non-canonical material.
In these movies, Ash and his friends travel to mythical lands, meet exciting new friends, and often encounter some of the rarest Legendary Pokémon in the franchise. Fans of these incredible and nostalgic entries in the series will be happy to hear that thefirst three movies will soon become available for free, albeit for a limited time.
Pokémon’s First Three Films Will Be Free
Fans Will Be Able To Enjoy Them on the Official YouTube Channel.
On June 14, 2025, the Pokémon franchise announced via their X (formerly Twitter) account that the first three films in the series would become available for free. Fans who wish to enjoy these fantastical adventures will be able to do so via the series' YouTube Channel, Pokémon TV, beginning withPokémon: The First Movieon Jul 13, 2025.
This seems to be a part of the Summer 2025 celebration that the franchise will be holding during the coming weeks. As such, fans will be able to once again enjoy the first appearance of the popular and powerful Mewtwo, the rise of Lugia, and the majestic arrival of Entei.Lamentably, these movies will not be available for long.
While the post did not disclose the duration of this promotion, it did explain that it would be time-limited. The films will likely become pay-to-stream once summer is over, so fans who wish to relive their childhood memories must do so before the time runs out and tune in to the officialPokémon YouTube Channel.
Why Are These Films So Beloved?
These Movies Marked an Entire Generation of Fans
One of the main reasons why the upcoming release of the first threePokémon movies is so excitingis because of what they mean to millions of fans. During the late 90s and early 2000s, Ash’s adventures were a constant in most anime fans' lives. It is not without reason that this franchise is among the best children’s anime in history.
The movies allowed fans to explore ideas and Pokémon that were never too important for the main show, such as the cloneMewtwo or the imposing Lugia, two of the most popular legendariesin the series. Even decades after their original release, these films are considered among the best the Pokémon franchise has ever released.
Fans who grew up enjoying these movies will have the unique opportunity to once again join the heroes on their quest to save the world. Newer fans can use this promotion to delve deeper into the beginnings of the Pokémon series and learn why these films are loved by hardcore viewers.
