Pokémon: The First Movie

On a secluded island, a bio engineered Pokemon named Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and a few friends into a spectacle that promises to settle for all which creature is superior. It presents a grand tournament, but the apparent contest hides a deeper agenda about power, control and what makes a life worth protecting. The travelers are drawn into battles featuring familiar pocket monsters, watched by scientists and fans alike, all while Mewtwo questions the ethics of cloning and the role of trainers. As the battles unfold, the crew grapples with questions of trust, destiny and the meaning of friendship. The story uses action and wonder to explore how far loyalty can stretch when power tempts you to doubt yourself today.

Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, the film arrived in 1998 as the first feature length Pokémon movie. It draws on the long running video game franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri, with story material from Takeshi Shudo, bringing anime lore to cinema.

With a budget of 30,000,000 dollars, it earned 163,644,940 worldwide, demonstrating solid profitability for a family oriented anime feature. The success supported the expansion of the Pokémon film series and helped bring more adventures to the screen in theaters worldwide.

Pokémon: The First Movie cemented Pokémon as a cultural juggernaut beyond its TV show. The film helped popularize the franchise globally, fueling demand for toys, cards, and merchandise while introducing memorable visuals and a cinematic tone that fans still reference. The character Mewtwo became an enduring symbol for generations worldwide.

Critics greeted the movie as a solid bridge between kid friendly action and heavier ideas. Reviewers noted its themes of identity, creation, and responsibility, alongside the thrill of battle. The film balances spectacle with character moments, and its spirit aligns with the franchise's emphasis on friendship and teamwork in particular.