Sep 11, 2022 7:08 AM
Pokemon Series filler guide
Anime Relations:
Pokemon, Pokemon Movie 01: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu, Pokemon Movie 02: Maboroshi no Pokemon Lugia Bakutan, Pokemon Movie 03: Kesshoutou no Teiou Entei, Pokemon Movie 04: Celebi Toki wo Koeta Deai, Pokemon Movie 05: Mizu no Miyako no Mamorigami Latias to Latios, Pokemon Movie 06: Nanayo no Negaiboshi Jirachi, Pokemon Movie 07: Rekkuu no Houmonsha Deoxys, Pokemon Movie 08: Mew to Hadou no Yuusha Lucario, Pokemon Advanced Generation, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Pokemon Movie 10: Dialga vs. Palkia vs. Darkrai, Pokemon Movie 11: Giratina to Sora no Hanataba Sheimi, Pokemon Best Wishes!, Pokemon Movie 22: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu Evolution
In this guide, I will tag every pokemon episode there is, if it is to have significance importance, or not. and by those it will be called "filler.
The tags are those:
1. Plot - though essentially every character and pokemon development is kind part of the plot, this tag is for the most of the "story" that the series coming for. Meaning for most - Gym Battles, League, and the important "story" arc in the series.
Though new character introduction should be more referred with Character tag as follow, or even Pokemon tag at times, in episode tagged Plot might have those too without referring if it's have those or not, since those are part of the plot.
2. Character - this tag is only for important character development of the main characters, or rather new character the will be recruited later on the series. not one-of-a-time character.
3. Pokemon - same as Character tag, this tag will tell 3 things: 1. one of the main character pokemon catching 2. evolving pokemon 3. pokemon development, starting with training movements to maturity.
4. Battle - since pokemon is about battling pokemon, and every episode might have team rocket battle, this tag is referred only at more significance and main and big battles, rather than popping team rocket ballon and such. Insuring good and interesting battles won't be missed.
5. Game - since the anime is based mostly on the games, the anime is mostly adapting characters or locations of the game, and make some story around it. The episodes tagged as Game, won't be one where it's important to the plot, but where the anime took some game materials and made an original story not related to the plot, it will be tagged as Game.
Though this means this is "pure" filler, since the anime is based on the games, it's hard to call them that way. Notice that some of those episodes have (optional) tag, sometimes with explaining below, so you can just skip them if you really want.
6. Travel - those are essentially filler episodes with not relevant basis at all. But when two eventfull episodes are coming after another, this could be an "air to breath" episode. So though they are tagged this way, they are entirely skippable.
Note that those are coming very rare.
7. [none] - if the episode isn't tagged, it is filler.
Way of watching
Those who will want to follow this guide, should know that they can choose the way to watch Pokemon without fillers.
While the perfect way is just following the tags, there's still a lot of episode for Pokemon for those who wants quick-watching marathon without wasting too much time.
There's essentially 2 ways, or maybe three:
1-2-3 tags way - this way you will never miss any plot, character or Pokemon development. while you might missing some heat tense battles and materials from the games. it is sure making the Pokemon anime much more eventful.
But even while watching in this way, you might want to add your watching list every time in a while Battle or Game tag, to make your Pokemon experience better.
1-2-3-4 or 1-2-3-5 - you can just choose what you prefer more, more battles or more adventures. the 1-2-3-4 way is way for more battles, and 1-2-3-5 is way for more game locations and adventures.
1 tag way - while i'm not highly recommending of this, because it's just skipping a lot of development along the series. still, those who interested in rewatching only the important parts of the seasons, it can be good way for shortcut.
Pokemon Filler Guide
List mentions:
JN - Japanese numbering
IN - International numbering
* - check below for notes
** - for special occasions, notice the beforehand notes for those
(optional) - though not to be filler, it's not must see and skippable
m - since I'm generous enough, I pointed where the movies should be watched. this mark is for the movies
Original Series
(the episode numbers are based on the Wikipedia page)
JN IN Tag
1. 1. Plot
2. 2. Plot
3. 3. Pokemon
4. 4. Battle, Pokemon
5. 5. Plot
6. 6. Pokemon
7. 7. Plot
8. 8. Battle
9. 9. Game (optional)*1
10. 10. Pokemon
11. 11. Pokemon
12. 12. Pokemon
13. 13. Pokemon, Game*2
14. 14. Plot
15. 15. Pokemon/Game*3
16. 16. *3
17. 17. Character*3
18. 18.
19. 19. Pokemon
20. 20.
21. 21. Pokemon
22. 22. Plot*4
23. 23. Plot*4
24. 24. Plot*4
25. 25. Pokemon
26. 26. Plot
27. 27. Pokemon
28. 28. Character, Pokemon
29. 29. Pokemon, Game*5
30. 30. Pokemon
31. 31. Character, Pokemon
32. 32. Plot
33. 33.
34. 34.
35. --- Pokemon, Game
36. 35. Game
37. 36.
38 ---
39. 37. Pokemon (optional)
40. 38. Game (optional)*6
41. 39. Game
42. 40.
43. 41. Pokemon
44. 42. Pokemon
45. 43. Pokemon*7
46. 44. Character, Pokemon
47. 45.
48. 46. Character
49. 47.
50. 48. Pokemon
51. 49. Pokemon
52. 50. Battle, Character (optional)
53. 51.
54. 52. Character (optional)
55. 53. Character/Game*8
56. 54. Battle
57. 55. Character, Pokemon
58. 56. Plot
59. 57. Plot
60. 58. Travel
61. 59. Character, Pokemon
62. 60.
63. 61. Plot
64. 62. Pokemon, Plot*9/
65. 63. *10
66. 64. Character/Pokemon (optional)*10
67. 65. Character, Plot*11
68. 66. Pokemon, Game*12
69. 67. *12
70. 68.
71. 69. Character (optional)*13
72. 70. Character*13
73. 71. Character (optional)*14
74. 72.
75. 73. Plot/Travel*15
76. 74. Plot*16
77. 75. Plot*16
78. 76. Plot*16
79. 77. Plot*16
80. 78. Plot*16
81. 79. Plot*16
82. 80. Character/Plot
*Notes:
1. Mentioning and introducing the level systems from the game.
2. While the episode starts with catch, the rest is based on Bill character from the games, though explaining thoroughly the Transfer system.
3. Though the events in the following episode aren't Plot important, but ep15 starting 3-episodes arc for 15-16-17 episodes.
4. 3-episode arc.
5. Probably based on Saffron City non-official fighting gym
6. Presenting the evolution stones
7. Jigglypuff starting to follow the gang from this episode
8. Introducing Tod Snap, who is based on the Pokemon Snap game
9. While not entirely Plot character, Ash getting back to Pallet Town is essential landmark in the timeline.
10. Occurring in much earlier timeline of the series.
11. Essential plot story for the 1st movie.
12. Pokemon - Jessie captures a Pokemon, though to dump it. Game - This episode starts mini-arc on the Seafom Island from the games (episodes 68-69.
13. This is essentially filler, but since it connects to Mewoth episode in the next, but also referring the movie director who's recurring for episode 71. So I tagged episode 70 as optional referring the movie director, and episode 71 Character tag is referring Mewoth development, and isn't optional.
14. This episode featuring Bruno from the Elite Four. While he is somehow important character, he isn't essential to the Plot, so I tagged it as optional.
15. While the main story in this one is Filler, it's actually where Ash starting taking the route to the Pokemon league.
16. The Pokemon League arc.
Orange Islands season
Note:
The Orange Islands arc isn't based on the games, and by that it's considered total filler.
But, since it's do contains some developments that effects the Johto season, I will still make the filler list for this, while make special note where those episodes are, tagged with - **, So those who just wants to skip this season but still not miss a thing, can watch those tagged episode and continue to Johto.
JN IN Tag
83. 81. Plot**
m - Pokemon The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back
m - Pokémon Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution
84. 82. Character
85. 83. Plot**
86. 84. Pokemon, Character**
87. 85. Plot
88. 86. Character, Pokemon
89. 87.
90. 88.
91. 89.
92. 90.
93. 91. Pokemon (optional)
94. 92
95. 93. Plot
96. 94. Pokemon**
97. 95.
98. 96.
99. 97. Pokemon
100. 98.
101. 99. Character, Battle
102. 100.
103. 101.
104. 102.
105. 103. Plot
106. 104.
107. 105. Battle, Pokemon**
108. 106.
109. 107.
m -Pokemon The Movie 2000 - The Power Of One
110. 108. Plot
111. 109
112. 110. Pokemon
113. 111. Plot*1
114. 112. Plot*1
115. 113. Pokemon**
116. 114.
117. 115. Plot**
118. 116. Plot**
Notes:
1. The Orange Championship Battle arc
The Johto Journeys season
Note:
This and the rest of Johto seasons are based on a guide I already made once, but more expanded, and maybe some edition while making the list.
JN - IN - Tag
119. 117. Plot
120. 118. Character
121. 119. Pokemon
122. 120.
123. 121. Character
124. 122.
125. 123. Character (optional)*1
126. 124. Pokemon*2
127. 125. Character (optional)*3
128. 126. Pokemon
129. 127.
130. 128.
131. 129. Character
132. 130. Plot (optional)*4
133. 131. Plot
134. 132. Travel (optional)*5
135. 133. Travel (optional)*5
136. 134. Pokemon
137. 135. Pokemon (optional)*2
138. 136. Pokemon (optional)
139. 137.
140. 138.
141. 139.
142. 140. Battle
143. 141. Pokemon, Battle
144. 142. Plot*6, Game
145. 143. Plot
146. 144. Plot
147. 145. Game
148. 146.
149. 147. Pokemon
150. 148.
151. 149. Pokemon*2
152. 150.
153. 151. Battle
154. 152. Pokemon, Battle
155. 153.
156. 154. Pokemon
157. 155.
m - Pokemon the Movie 3- Spell of the Unown
158. 156.
159. 157. Character
Notes
1. Officer Jenny in this episode is the sister of the Officer Jenny from episode 119, and by that she knows Ash and his friends to help her solving crime. Other than that, apart from being somehow mystery story. this episode is totally skippable.
2. Snubull following Team Rocket's Mewoth "arc".
3. Brock showing his breeding skills. Not much development much otherwise.
4. Arriving to Violet City episode, where Ash gonna challenge the Gym next episode. Either than that, totally skippable.
5. Those who watching the travel episodes, can choose between 134 to 135, before next Charizard episode.
6. Arriving to Azalea Town. The rest based on plot from the games.
Johto League Champions season
JN - IN - Tag
160. 158. Plot*1
161. 159. Plot*1
162. 160. Game
163. 161. Character, Pokemon
164. 162. Game*2
165. 163. Game*3
166. 164.
167. 165. Pokemon
168. 166. Battle
169. 167.
170. 168. Battle
171. 169. Pokemon
172. 170. Character
173. 171. Character
174. 172.
175. 173.
176. 174. Character
177. 175. Pokemon*4
178. 176. Character
179. 177.
180. 178. Battle
181. 179.
182. 180.
183. 181. Plot
184. 182. Plot
185. 183. Battle, Character
186. 184.
187. 185.
188. 186.
189. 187. Pokemon*5
190. 188. Character*6
191. 189. Character*6
192. 190.
193. 191.
194. 192.
195. 193. Character (optional)*7
196. 194. Battle, Pokemon*8
197. 195.
198. 196. Pokemon
199. 197.
200. 198. Character (optional)*9
201. 199. Pokemon
202. 200. Pokemon
203. 201.
204. 202.
205. 203.
206. 204.
207. 205.
m - Pokemon 4Ever- Celebi- Voice of the Forest
208. 206.
209. 207.
210. 208. Plot
211. 209. Plot
Notes:
1. 2-arc episodes
2. Partly based on the game events, partly based on the PokeDex entry
3. This episode is based on the Ruins of Alphs from the game. Though not in the same map location.
4. End of the Snubull Following arc (see note 2 for the Johto Journeys season)
5. Though the evolution of Sunkern, is someone else's Pokemon, its evolving using Ash's Sun Stone.
6. Tod returning for 2-arc episodes.
7. Episode where Ash and Misty learns to appreciate Brock. Though to be somehow "character development", it's still skippable.
8. Though temporarily, Ash bringing back Snorlax to his team.
9. Only those who wanted to know what will happen when one girl will love Brock back should watch it. Otherwise, totally skipabble.
Master Quest season
JN - - IN - Tag
212. 210. Plot*1
213. 211. *1
214. 212. *1
215. 213. Character, Pokemon*1
216. 214. Plot*1
217. 215. Plot*1,2
218. 216. Plot*1,2
219. 217. Plot*1,2
220. 218. Plot*1
221. 219. Plot*1
222. 220. Plot*1,3
223. 221. Plot*1,3
224. 222. Plot*1,3
225. 223. Plot*4
226. 224. Plot
227. 225. Pokemon
228. 226. Character
229. 227. Plot
230. 228. Character
231. 229. Pokemon
232. 230. Pokemon
233. 231. Character/Pokemon
234. 232.
235. 233.
236. 234.
237. 235. Plot*5
238. 236. Plot*5
239. 237. Plot
240. 238. Plot
241. 239. Game (optional)*6
242. 240
243. 241. Character (optional)*7
244. 242. Character (optional)*7
245. 243.
246. 244.
247. 245. Character (optional)*8
248. 246. Character*9
249. 247. Pokemon
250. 248. Battle*10
251. 249.
252. ----- Game
253. 250. Plot*11
254. 251. Plot*11
255. 252. Plot*11
256. 253. Plot*11
257. 254. Plot*11 (optional)*12
258. 255. Battle
m - Pokemon Heroes
259. 256. Character, Pokemon
260. 257. Pokemon*13
261. 258, Pokemon*13
262, 259. *13
263. 260. Character*13
264. 261. Character*13
265. 262. Pokemon*13
266. 263. Pokemon*13
267. 264. Plot*14
268. 265. Plot*14
269. 266. Plot*14
270. 267. Plot*14
271. 268. Plot*14
272. 269. Plot*14
273. 270. Plot*14
274. 271. Plot*14
275. 272. Plot
276. 273. Plot
Notes:
1. The Whirl Islands arc
2. The Whirl Cup tournament arc
3. Lugia arc
4. Though most of it does't developing the plot much, it's start and end is part of the next Gym battle.
5. Red Gyarados arc
6. Episode that based on Gloom evolving methods
7. Ash "becomes" Pikachu in 243 and returning himself in the start of 244. Otherwise nothing new. Totally skippable. (though, 244 featuring Zapdos)
8. Featuring James disguising as Prof. Oak and Prof. Oak himself. But it's still skippable episode, you won't miss a thing.
9. Featuring PMC group. Though they kind of one-of-a-time characters, they are returning characters in the future of the anime.
10. Though this is Team Rocket battle, for once the battle is kind of serious as they held different Pokemon. And it's also on battle park.
11. Blackthorn City arc.
12. Essentially, this is part of the Blackthorn City arc, since Ash hasn't left the town yet 'till this episode end. However this is total filler episode where Team Rocket steal Ash's badges, so it's kinda skippable. It's still kind ending this arc though. It's up to your choice.
13. Part of Larvitar arc
14. Johto League arc
Advanced season
JN - - IN - Tag
277, 274. Plot
278. 275. Plot
279. 276. plot
280. 277. Pokemon, Character
281. 278. Character
282. 279. Pokemon
283. 280. Pokemon
284. 281. Pokemon
285. 282.
286. 283. Battle (optional)*1
287. 284. Character (optional)*2
288. 285. Pokemon
289. 286. Plot
290. 287. Pokemon
291. 288. Plot*3
292. 289. Plot*3
293. 290. Plot*3
294. 291. Plot
295. 292. Plot (optional)*4/Character (optional)*5
296. 293. Plot
297. 294.
298. 295. Character, Game*6
299. 296. Pokemon
300. 297. Pokemon
301. 298. Pokemon
302. 299. Game (optional)*6
303. 300. Plot
304. 301. Pokemon
305. 302. Pokemon (optional)
306. 303. Character
307. 304. Plot
308. 305. Game/Plot (optional)*7
309. 306. Character
310. 307. Character (optional)*8
311. 308. Plot
312. 309. Plot
313. 310.
m - Jirachi wish maker
314. 311. Character (optional)*9
315. 312. Plot (optional)*10 / Game
316. 313. Plot
Notes:
1. Though the episode featuring Ash battling a good battle, the battle itself doesn't considered legit. So while it might be interesting idea, it's not must-see.
2. Max have some "development" on his character, but the filler story doesn't make it that important. So it's skippable.
3. Rustboro City arc
4. While it's important to the plot that Ash getting to Dewford city at the end of the episode, it's total filler. Those who don't care to know how they arrived to the Island, can skip ahead.
5. Brock showing his breeding skills. But it's not something new that we don't know already.
6. Episode 298 and 302 are adapting the Granite Cave from the games. But while 298 features Steven and based more on the games, 302 have more original story, so its tagged optional.
7. For those who skipping the Game episodes, might wanna watch it as in the end Ash arriving at Slateport City. Other than that, the episode is based purely on the game Abandoned Ship at route 108.
8. This episode story is totally skippable, but it have some Brock past.
9. The character in this episodes are reprising in episode 328, who have some basis on the games. Other than that, it's skippable.
10. Ash arriving at Mauvile city. Other than that, the episode is based on the Trick House from the games.
Advanced Challenge season
JN - - IN - Tag
317. 314. Pokemon
318. 315.
319. 316. Game (optional)*1
320. 317. Character*2
321. 318. Character, Pokemon*2
322. 319. Game, Battle
323. 320. Pokemon
324. 321. Character
325. 322.
326. 323. Character
327. 324. Plot
328. 325. Character (optional)*3, Game (optional)*4
329. 326. Pokemon
330. 327. Plot
331. 328. Plot
332. 329. Plot
333. 330. Plot (optional)*5
334. 331. Pokemon
335. 332. Character
336. 333. Pokemon
337. 334. Character*6
338. 335. Plot*6
339. 336. Pokemon
340. 337. Character (optional)*7
341. 338.
342. 339. Pokemon
343. 340. Pokemon (optional)*8, Battle
344. 341.
345. 342. Plot
346. 343. Plot
347. 344. Character
348. 345. Game*9, Battle
349. 346. Pokemon
350. 347. Pokemon (optional)10
351. 348. Game (optional)*11
352. 349. Game*12
353. 350. Plot
354. 351. Plot
355. 352. Pokemon (optional)*13
356. 353. Pokemon
357. 354.
358. 355. Pokemon
359. 356. Plot
360. 357. Plot
361. 358. Plot
362. 359.
m - Destiny Deoxys
363. 360. Character*14
364. 361. Game (optional)*15
365. 362.
366. 363. Pokemon
367. 364. Plot
368. 365. Battle
Notes:
1. Original story that based on the PokeDex entry in the game.
2. Misty comeback arc
3. See note 9 in the Advance season.
4. Original story based on the PokeDex entry in the game.
5. Except for the start of the episode, where they decide going back to Petalburg city, it's total filler. You can just watch the start and skip for the next episode.
6. Verdanturf Town Pokémon Contest arc
7. Don't know how to define this episode, It's not officially May character development, but it's kind of building her character. So I tagged this as optional.
8. Those who don't care Corphis growing comedy (like episode 305). Otherwise, it contains some nice battle.
9. Based on double battle couple from the game.
10. Though Ash brings back Bulbasaur, it is only temporarily and have very little effect on the overall story.
11. The episode featuring the MasterBall, a PokeBall that have 100% success rate. Other than that this episode is total filler, Ash losing his badges style.
12. This episode is probably a loose adaption of the ruins of the Desert in route 111 from the games.
13. The Spoink that featured in this episode, is returning in episode 369. Both of them are skippable, though.
14. PMC group returns. See note 9 in the Master Quest season.
15. Original story based on Vigoroth Vital Spirit ability in the game.
Advanced Battle season
JN - - IN - Tag
369. 366. Pokemon (optional)*1, Game (optional)*2
370. 367.
371. 368. Game (optional)*3
372. 369. Battle
373. 370. Plot
374. 371. Plot
375. 372. Plot
376. 373. Plot
377. 374. Character*4
378. 375.
379. 376. Character
380. 377.
381. 378. Pokemon
382. 379.
383. 380. Game (optional)*5
384. 381. Pokemon
385. 382. Character
386. 383. Plot
387. 384. Plot
388. 385. Game (optional)*6
389. 386. Game
390. 387. Character, Pokemon
391. 388. Plot
392. 389. Plot
393. 390. Pokemon
394. 391. Character
395. 392. Character
396. ----
397. 393. Plot*7
398. 394. Plot*7
399. 395. Plot*7
400. 396. Travel
401. 397. Plot*8
402. 398. Plot*8
403. 399. Plot*8
404. 400. Plot*8
405. 401. Plot*8
406. 402. Plot*8
407. 403. Plot*8
408. 404. Plot*9
409. 405. Plot*9
410. 406. Character, Pokemon
m - Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
411. 407. Plot
412. 408. Plot
413. 409. Battle (optional)*10
414. 410. Game (optional)*11
415. 411. Character
416. 412.
417. 413.
418. 414.
419. 415. Plot
420. 416. Plot
421. 417. Game (optional)*12
Notes:
1. See note 13 in the Advance Challenge season.
2. Original Story based on Clamperl "pearl" as its holding item.
3. Original Story based on the evolution methods for Clamperl.
4. This episode featuring Drake of the elite four, but though to be somehow unimportant character to the overall story, adding some Ash character development here is making it up.
5. Original Story based on Absol PokeDex entry from the game.
6. Original Story based on Linoone's Pickup ability.
7. The Grand Festival ar
8. The Hoen Pokemon Legaue arc
9. Start of the Battle Frontier arc
10. Though it's featuring a battle, it's against wild Onix. Not must-see battle.
11. Original Story based on Loudred Soundproof ability, and as well as Jigglypuff Cute Charm ability.
12. Original Story that probably based on Saffron City unofficial fighting gym. See Note 5 on the Original Series list.
Battle Frontier season
JN - - IN - Tag
422. 418.
423. 419. Pokemon, Character
424. 420. Pokemon
425. 421. Plot
426. 422. Pokemon
427. 423. Plot
428. 424. Battle
429. 425. Plot
430. 426. Pokemon
431. 427. Character*1, Game*2
432. 428. Pokemon
433. 429. Pokemon
434. 430. Plot
435. 431. Travel/Plot*3
436. 432. Plot
437. 433. Pokemon
438. 434. Plot
439. 435. Pokemon, Character
440. 436. Plot
441. 437.
442. 438. Battle
443. 439. Pokemon
444. 440.
445. 441. Plot
446. 442. Plot
447. 443. Character*1, Plot*4
448. 444. Character*1
449. 445.
450. 446. Plot
451. 447. Plot
452. 448. Character
453. 449. Battle/Character
454. 450. Plot*5
455. 451. Pokemon
456. 452. Plot*6
457. 453. Plot*6
458. 454. Plot*6
459. 455. Pokemon (optional)
m - Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
460. 456.
461. 457.
462. 458. Plot*5
463. 459. Character*5
464. 460. Character/Plot*5 (optional)*7
465. 461. Plot*5
466. 462. Plot*5
467. 463. Plot
468. 464. Plot
Notes:
1. Solona Pokemon Ranger Episodes.
2. Adapting loosely the Pokemon Ranger spin-off game, with Solona acting as the female playable character.
3. Except that in the end of the episode May hears where she will got to her next contest, this is total filler.
4. Reference to Destiny Deoxys movie
5. Battle Pyramid arc
6. Kanto Grand Festival arc
7. Scott is arriving at this episode, and at the end of it there's message from Brendan, so it isn't entirely filler, but it still contains filler story that can be skippable.
Diamond and Pearl season
Note for all DP seasons: Due Paul large influence over the DP season, his "arc" episodes are marked: **
This mark is to ensure, that though some of those episodes aren't related strongly to the plot, you won't miss them, as they are large part of the series.
While DP also contains other "Character arc", those will be tagged in the notes, while Paul have more influence to DP story. So those who's watching only Plot episodes, should watch those too.
JN - - IN - Tag
469. 465. Plot*1
470. 466. Plot*1
471. 467. Plot*1/**
472. 468. Character
473. 469. Pokemon
474. 470. Battle**
475. 471. Pokemon
476. 472. Pokemon
477. 473. Pokemon
478. 474. Game
479. 475. Plot
480. 476. Plot
481. 477. Pokemon
482. 478. Pokemon
483. 479. Plot**
484. 480. Plot
485. 481. Game/Character*2
486. 482. Plot
487. 483. Pokemon
488. 484. Character*3
489. 485. Battle, Character (optional)*4
490. 486. Pokemon, Character (optional)*5
491. 487.
492. 488.
493. 489. Plot*6 / Game
494. 490. Plot
495. 491. Plot
496. 492. Game
497. 493. Battle
498. 494. Game/Character*7
499. 495. Game/Character*7, Character
500. 496. Game/Character*7
501. 497. Pokemon
502. 498. Pokemon
503. 499. Pokemon, Character*8
504. 500. Character
505. 501. Plot
506. 502. Pokemon
507. 503. Travel
m - The Rise Of Darkrai
508. 504. Character*9/**
509. 505. Character/Plot*10
510. 506.
511. 505.
512. 507.
513. 508. Character*2
514. 510. Game**
515. 511. Game*11
516. ----
517. 512. Plot
518. 513. Battle*12/**
519. 514. Battle*12/** , Pokemon
520. 515. Battle*12/** , Pokemon
Notes:
1. 3-arc opening episodes. Originally long hour special opening season.
2. While this episode is expanding on Roark basing on his game speciality, his Pokemon are evolving too.
3. J Hunter arc
4. Featuring the Magikarp salesman at the start of the episode. Except that this episode is a Battle one.
5. While this episode features unofficial Contest, Jessie is using Ash's Aipom in her participation, though to return to Ash in the end of the episode. It's also noteworthy for Jessie winning.
6. Beside the fact the gang arriving at Floaroma town, this episode is based on the puffing making in the game.
7. Start of 3-arc episodes, featuring Cheryl, who's based on the NPC form the game that escorting the Player through Eterna forest. Though the plot for this arc is questionable as optional, since the next Gym Leader is appearing in the next episode, it is not.
8. Episode featuring Lucian, one of the Elite Four.
9. Except for being part of Paul arc, this is Cynthia debut in the anime.
10. This is solely episode revolves Zoey, but it's also contains important details on the upcoming contest.
11. Very loose adaption of Mira story of the game.
12. 3-arc Tag Tournament episodes. Do not miss it, as it part of Paul arc, and also some of the biggest changes in Ash's team.
Battle Dimension season
JN - - IN - Tag
521. 516. Pokemon
522. 517. Character, Pokemon
523. 518. Character, Pokemon
524. 519. Game
525. 520.
526. 521. Game*1
527. 522. Game*2
528. 523. Plot
529. 524. Plot
530. 525. Game/Character*3
531. 526. Pokemon, Character (optional)/Battle*4
532. 527. Pokemon**
533. 528. Character
534. 529. Character, Pokemon*5/**
535. 530. Character*5
536. 531. Plot*5
537. 532. Plot
538. 533. Battle
539. 534. Character*6,7
540. 535. Character*6,7
541. 536. Pokemon
542. 537. Battle**
543. 538. Plot*8
544. 539. Plot*8
545. 540. Plot*8
546. 541. Plot*8
547. 542. Plot*8
548. 543. Pokemon
549. 544. Pokemon**
550. 545. Character/Game*9
551. 546. Plot
552. 547. Pokemon
553. 548. Pokemon, Character
554. 549. Character
555. 550. Game*10
m - Giratina And The Sky Warrior
556. 551. Character*11
557. 552. Character*11
558. 553. Character*11
559. 554. Character*11
560. 555. Character (optional)
561. 556. Pokemon
562. 557. Character (optional)*12
563. 558. Plot
564. 559. Plot
565. 560. Plot
566. 561. Character
567. 562. Character*13
568. 563. Character*13
569. 564. Character
570. 565. Plot
571. 566. Character*14
572. 567. Plot
Notes:
1. Episode based on Nosepass evolution method.
2. Loosely Original Story based on the Pokemon Mansion on route 212, and Luxray PokeDex entry.
3, This episode is mixed. On the whole, it contains original story based on the Cafe Hut in route 210 that could be skippable, but also Dawn has her own development that makes this episode worth it.
4. This episode is kind of a mix. It presents Dawn's childhood friend, but not one that important that much to the plot. Ash also training Turtwig Energy Ball, but it's not going anywhere. On the other hand, it got some good battle that isn't Team Rocket one.
5. Veilstone City Gym arc
6. J Hunter arc
7. 2-episodes revolving Pokemon Ranger
8. May's Comeback/Wallace Cup arc
9. Though this episode presenting the Gym Leader Crasher Wake, most of it is based on the Great March from the game with original story.
10. Loosely based on the Psyduck roadblock from the game.
11. Summer Acadamy arc
12. See Note 7 for the Johto League Champions season
13. 2-episodes arc
14. While the plot for this episode is almost filler, Berry is still with the group and Mewoth have his own "hesitates". While the latter could be tagged optional, it's still part of Berry introduction somehow. So took this note as as possible for optional.
Galactic Battles season
JN - - IN - Tag
573. 568. Game
574. 569. Pokemon
575. 570. Plot
576. 571. Plot
577. 572.
578. 573. Plot
579. 574. Plot
580. 575. Pokemon (optional)*1
581. 576. Pokemon (optional)*1
582. 577. Plot
583. 578.
584. 579.
585. 580. Character (optional)*2
586. 581. Pokemon**
587. 582. Pokemon
588. ---
589. 583. Pokemon
590. 584. Pokemon
591. 585. Plot
592. 586. Pokemon
593. 587. Battle
594. 588. Character
595. 589. Plot**
596. 590. Character**
597. 591. Character*3
598. 592. Plot
599. 593. Battle**
600. 594. Battle**
601. 595. Character
602. 596. Pokemon
603. 597.
604. 598. Plot
605. 599. Character (optional)*4
606. 600. Character*5
607. 601. Character*5
608. 602. Character*5
609. 603. Character/Battle*5
610. 604.
611. 605. Character, Pokemon*6
612. 606. *6
613. 607. Pokemon*6
614. 608. Plot*6
615. 609. Battle*6
616. 610. Game*7
617. 611.
618. 612. Plot*8
619. 613. Plot*8
620. 614. Plot*8
621. 615. Character
622. 616. Pokemon
623. 617. Character**
624. 618, Pokemon
625. 619. Pokemon
Notes:
1. For those who loves Legendaries appearance in the anime.
2. Team Rocket focused episode. While not permeant development for them, it's still not entirely filler.
3. J Hunter arc
4. Except for the episode ending, total filler. Make sure to watch only that if you don't want to be surprised.
5. Twinleaf Festival arc
6. Lyra and Khoury arc
7. Original Story based on the Dusk Stone
8. Last arc of Team Galactic and J Hunter.
Sinnoh League Victors season
JN - - IN - Tag
626. 620.
627. 621. Battle, Pokemon
628. 622. Game*1
629. 623. Character
630. 624. Plot
631. 625. Character, Pokemon**
632. 626. Pokemon
633. 627. Plot*2
634. 628. Pokemon*2
635. 629. Character
636. 630. Pokemon (optional)*3
637. 631. Game*4 / Pokemon*3
638. 632. Character
639. 633. Pokemon
640. 634. Pokemon
641. 635. Battle/Plot*5
642. 636. Plot*6
643. 637. Plot*6
644. 638. Plot*6
645. 639. Plot*6
646. 640. Character (optional)
647. 641. Plot*2
648. 642. Character, Battle
649. 643. Game, Character*7
650. 644. Pokemon, Plot*8
651. 645. Plot*8
652. 646. Plot*8
653. 647. Plot*8
654. 648. Plot*8
655. 649. Plot*8
656. 650. Plot*8
657. 651. Plot*8
658. 652. Plot*8
659. 653. Plot
Notes:
1. Based on mini-game feature in the Heart Gold and Soul Silver games.
2. Sunyshore city arc
3. See note 1 in Galactic Battle season
4. Pokemon Ranger game episode
5. The end of the episode is starting the Grand Festival arc.
6. Grand Festival arc
7. Original story based on the post game story and character
8. Sinnoh League arc
Best Wishes/Black & White season
Note: I will remind here that, the numbering is following Wikipedia numbering. so if the episode number is more than MAL number, it's because the international numbering changed the seasons in the BW series. Be aware.
Also, couple of new tags for the BW series:
** - as with Paul arc in DP, this will mark Trip arc in BW, since he is recurring rival to Ash as in DP.
*** - those tags will mark Team Rocket special appearance. since they got different theme in the BW series. This tag will only appear when Ash story is total filler, but Team Rocket still have significance appearance. So just look for Team Rocket in those episodes, and skip the other content if you want filler-free watching.
JN - - IN - Tag
660. 654. Plot**
661. 655. Character, Pokemon
662. 656. Pokemon
663. 657. Pokemon
664. 658. Plot
665. 659. Plot, Game*1
666. 660. Pokemon
667. 661. ***
668. 662. Character, Pokemon
669. 663. Battle**
670. 664. Pokemon
671. 665. ***
672. 666. Character, Pokemon
673. 667. Character*2
674. 668. Plot*2
675. 669. Plot*2
676. 670. Pokemon
677. 671. Character, Pokemon
678. 672. Character
679. 673. Pokemon*3
680. 674. Game*4
681. 675. Character*5
682. 676. Plot*5
683. 677. Pokemon
684. 678. Pokemon
685. 679.
686. 680. Character*6
687. 681. Character
688. 682.
689. 683. Pokemon (optional)*7
690. 684. Battle**
691. 685. Pokemon
692. 686. Character
693. 687. Pokemon
694. 688.
695. 689. Character
696. 690. Character
697. 691. Character
698. 692. Battle*8/**
699. 693. Battle*8/**
700. 694. Battle*8/**
701. 695. Battle*8/**
702. 696. Plot*9
703. 697. *9/***
704. 698. *9/***
705. 699. *9/***
706. 700. Plot*10
707. 701. Plot*10
Notes:
1. While this episode ending Striaton Gym battle, once it ended it's featuring original story based on the Dreamyard.
2. Nacrene City arc
3. This episode featuring Sandile whose evolves to Krokorok, that will reappear.
4. While this episode story is total filler, it features Skyarrow Bridge. So consider this as 90% filler while watching, only if you care for canon material.
5. Castelia City arc
6. Iris Character development episode.
7. This episode based on the PokeDex entry for Elgyem
8. Nimbasa Town Tournament arc
9. Mewoth Fallout arc
10. Nimbasa Subway arc
Rival Destinies season
Note: While the numbering is both for the Japanese an the international, the season division is by the international one. And thus, this list is for the Rival Destinies season list of the english Wikipedia.
JN - - IN - Tag
708. 702. Character*1
709. 703. Plot*1
710. 704. Game
711. 705. Character**
712. 706.
713. 707.
714. 708. Battle
715. 709. Character (optional)*2
716. 710. Character/Game*3
717. 711. Character, Battle
718. 712. Plot*4
719. 713. Plot*4
720. 714. Plot
721. 715. Game, Character, Pokemon*5
722. 716. Game, Character *5
723. 717. Character/Plot
724. 718. Pokemon*6
725. 719.
726. 720. Plot*7
727. 721. Plot*7
Notes:
1. Nimbasa City Gym Battle arc
2. See Note 7 for Advanced Challenge season, basically the same but for Iris.
3. While the episode presenting Gym Leader Clay, the rest is loose adaption of the game events.
4. Tornadus vs Thundurus arc
5. Chargestone Cave arc
6. See Note 3 for Black and White season.
7. Mistralton City arc
The tags are those:
1. Plot - though essentially every character and pokemon development is kind part of the plot, this tag is for the most of the "story" that the series coming for. Meaning for most - Gym Battles, League, and the important "story" arc in the series.
Though new character introduction should be more referred with Character tag as follow, or even Pokemon tag at times, in episode tagged Plot might have those too without referring if it's have those or not, since those are part of the plot.
2. Character - this tag is only for important character development of the main characters, or rather new character the will be recruited later on the series. not one-of-a-time character.
3. Pokemon - same as Character tag, this tag will tell 3 things: 1. one of the main character pokemon catching 2. evolving pokemon 3. pokemon development, starting with training movements to maturity.
4. Battle - since pokemon is about battling pokemon, and every episode might have team rocket battle, this tag is referred only at more significance and main and big battles, rather than popping team rocket ballon and such. Insuring good and interesting battles won't be missed.
5. Game - since the anime is based mostly on the games, the anime is mostly adapting characters or locations of the game, and make some story around it. The episodes tagged as Game, won't be one where it's important to the plot, but where the anime took some game materials and made an original story not related to the plot, it will be tagged as Game.
Though this means this is "pure" filler, since the anime is based on the games, it's hard to call them that way. Notice that some of those episodes have (optional) tag, sometimes with explaining below, so you can just skip them if you really want.
6. Travel - those are essentially filler episodes with not relevant basis at all. But when two eventfull episodes are coming after another, this could be an "air to breath" episode. So though they are tagged this way, they are entirely skippable.
Note that those are coming very rare.
7. [none] - if the episode isn't tagged, it is filler.
Way of watching
Those who will want to follow this guide, should know that they can choose the way to watch Pokemon without fillers.
While the perfect way is just following the tags, there's still a lot of episode for Pokemon for those who wants quick-watching marathon without wasting too much time.
There's essentially 2 ways, or maybe three:
1-2-3 tags way - this way you will never miss any plot, character or Pokemon development. while you might missing some heat tense battles and materials from the games. it is sure making the Pokemon anime much more eventful.
But even while watching in this way, you might want to add your watching list every time in a while Battle or Game tag, to make your Pokemon experience better.
1-2-3-4 or 1-2-3-5 - you can just choose what you prefer more, more battles or more adventures. the 1-2-3-4 way is way for more battles, and 1-2-3-5 is way for more game locations and adventures.
1 tag way - while i'm not highly recommending of this, because it's just skipping a lot of development along the series. still, those who interested in rewatching only the important parts of the seasons, it can be good way for shortcut.
Pokemon Filler Guide
List mentions:
JN - Japanese numbering
IN - International numbering
* - check below for notes
** - for special occasions, notice the beforehand notes for those
(optional) - though not to be filler, it's not must see and skippable
m - since I'm generous enough, I pointed where the movies should be watched. this mark is for the movies
Original Series
(the episode numbers are based on the Wikipedia page)
JN IN Tag
1. 1. Plot
2. 2. Plot
3. 3. Pokemon
4. 4. Battle, Pokemon
5. 5. Plot
6. 6. Pokemon
7. 7. Plot
8. 8. Battle
9. 9. Game (optional)*1
10. 10. Pokemon
11. 11. Pokemon
12. 12. Pokemon
13. 13. Pokemon, Game*2
14. 14. Plot
15. 15. Pokemon/Game*3
16. 16. *3
17. 17. Character*3
18. 18.
19. 19. Pokemon
20. 20.
21. 21. Pokemon
22. 22. Plot*4
23. 23. Plot*4
24. 24. Plot*4
25. 25. Pokemon
26. 26. Plot
27. 27. Pokemon
28. 28. Character, Pokemon
29. 29. Pokemon, Game*5
30. 30. Pokemon
31. 31. Character, Pokemon
32. 32. Plot
33. 33.
34. 34.
35. --- Pokemon, Game
36. 35. Game
37. 36.
38 ---
39. 37. Pokemon (optional)
40. 38. Game (optional)*6
41. 39. Game
42. 40.
43. 41. Pokemon
44. 42. Pokemon
45. 43. Pokemon*7
46. 44. Character, Pokemon
47. 45.
48. 46. Character
49. 47.
50. 48. Pokemon
51. 49. Pokemon
52. 50. Battle, Character (optional)
53. 51.
54. 52. Character (optional)
55. 53. Character/Game*8
56. 54. Battle
57. 55. Character, Pokemon
58. 56. Plot
59. 57. Plot
60. 58. Travel
61. 59. Character, Pokemon
62. 60.
63. 61. Plot
64. 62. Pokemon, Plot*9/
65. 63. *10
66. 64. Character/Pokemon (optional)*10
67. 65. Character, Plot*11
68. 66. Pokemon, Game*12
69. 67. *12
70. 68.
71. 69. Character (optional)*13
72. 70. Character*13
73. 71. Character (optional)*14
74. 72.
75. 73. Plot/Travel*15
76. 74. Plot*16
77. 75. Plot*16
78. 76. Plot*16
79. 77. Plot*16
80. 78. Plot*16
81. 79. Plot*16
82. 80. Character/Plot
*Notes:
1. Mentioning and introducing the level systems from the game.
2. While the episode starts with catch, the rest is based on Bill character from the games, though explaining thoroughly the Transfer system.
3. Though the events in the following episode aren't Plot important, but ep15 starting 3-episodes arc for 15-16-17 episodes.
4. 3-episode arc.
5. Probably based on Saffron City non-official fighting gym
6. Presenting the evolution stones
7. Jigglypuff starting to follow the gang from this episode
8. Introducing Tod Snap, who is based on the Pokemon Snap game
9. While not entirely Plot character, Ash getting back to Pallet Town is essential landmark in the timeline.
10. Occurring in much earlier timeline of the series.
11. Essential plot story for the 1st movie.
12. Pokemon - Jessie captures a Pokemon, though to dump it. Game - This episode starts mini-arc on the Seafom Island from the games (episodes 68-69.
13. This is essentially filler, but since it connects to Mewoth episode in the next, but also referring the movie director who's recurring for episode 71. So I tagged episode 70 as optional referring the movie director, and episode 71 Character tag is referring Mewoth development, and isn't optional.
14. This episode featuring Bruno from the Elite Four. While he is somehow important character, he isn't essential to the Plot, so I tagged it as optional.
15. While the main story in this one is Filler, it's actually where Ash starting taking the route to the Pokemon league.
16. The Pokemon League arc.
Orange Islands season
Note:
The Orange Islands arc isn't based on the games, and by that it's considered total filler.
But, since it's do contains some developments that effects the Johto season, I will still make the filler list for this, while make special note where those episodes are, tagged with - **, So those who just wants to skip this season but still not miss a thing, can watch those tagged episode and continue to Johto.
JN IN Tag
83. 81. Plot**
m - Pokemon The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back
m - Pokémon Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution
84. 82. Character
85. 83. Plot**
86. 84. Pokemon, Character**
87. 85. Plot
88. 86. Character, Pokemon
89. 87.
90. 88.
91. 89.
92. 90.
93. 91. Pokemon (optional)
94. 92
95. 93. Plot
96. 94. Pokemon**
97. 95.
98. 96.
99. 97. Pokemon
100. 98.
101. 99. Character, Battle
102. 100.
103. 101.
104. 102.
105. 103. Plot
106. 104.
107. 105. Battle, Pokemon**
108. 106.
109. 107.
m -Pokemon The Movie 2000 - The Power Of One
110. 108. Plot
111. 109
112. 110. Pokemon
113. 111. Plot*1
114. 112. Plot*1
115. 113. Pokemon**
116. 114.
117. 115. Plot**
118. 116. Plot**
Notes:
1. The Orange Championship Battle arc
The Johto Journeys season
Note:
This and the rest of Johto seasons are based on a guide I already made once, but more expanded, and maybe some edition while making the list.
JN - IN - Tag
119. 117. Plot
120. 118. Character
121. 119. Pokemon
122. 120.
123. 121. Character
124. 122.
125. 123. Character (optional)*1
126. 124. Pokemon*2
127. 125. Character (optional)*3
128. 126. Pokemon
129. 127.
130. 128.
131. 129. Character
132. 130. Plot (optional)*4
133. 131. Plot
134. 132. Travel (optional)*5
135. 133. Travel (optional)*5
136. 134. Pokemon
137. 135. Pokemon (optional)*2
138. 136. Pokemon (optional)
139. 137.
140. 138.
141. 139.
142. 140. Battle
143. 141. Pokemon, Battle
144. 142. Plot*6, Game
145. 143. Plot
146. 144. Plot
147. 145. Game
148. 146.
149. 147. Pokemon
150. 148.
151. 149. Pokemon*2
152. 150.
153. 151. Battle
154. 152. Pokemon, Battle
155. 153.
156. 154. Pokemon
157. 155.
m - Pokemon the Movie 3- Spell of the Unown
158. 156.
159. 157. Character
Notes
1. Officer Jenny in this episode is the sister of the Officer Jenny from episode 119, and by that she knows Ash and his friends to help her solving crime. Other than that, apart from being somehow mystery story. this episode is totally skippable.
2. Snubull following Team Rocket's Mewoth "arc".
3. Brock showing his breeding skills. Not much development much otherwise.
4. Arriving to Violet City episode, where Ash gonna challenge the Gym next episode. Either than that, totally skippable.
5. Those who watching the travel episodes, can choose between 134 to 135, before next Charizard episode.
6. Arriving to Azalea Town. The rest based on plot from the games.
Johto League Champions season
JN - IN - Tag
160. 158. Plot*1
161. 159. Plot*1
162. 160. Game
163. 161. Character, Pokemon
164. 162. Game*2
165. 163. Game*3
166. 164.
167. 165. Pokemon
168. 166. Battle
169. 167.
170. 168. Battle
171. 169. Pokemon
172. 170. Character
173. 171. Character
174. 172.
175. 173.
176. 174. Character
177. 175. Pokemon*4
178. 176. Character
179. 177.
180. 178. Battle
181. 179.
182. 180.
183. 181. Plot
184. 182. Plot
185. 183. Battle, Character
186. 184.
187. 185.
188. 186.
189. 187. Pokemon*5
190. 188. Character*6
191. 189. Character*6
192. 190.
193. 191.
194. 192.
195. 193. Character (optional)*7
196. 194. Battle, Pokemon*8
197. 195.
198. 196. Pokemon
199. 197.
200. 198. Character (optional)*9
201. 199. Pokemon
202. 200. Pokemon
203. 201.
204. 202.
205. 203.
206. 204.
207. 205.
m - Pokemon 4Ever- Celebi- Voice of the Forest
208. 206.
209. 207.
210. 208. Plot
211. 209. Plot
Notes:
1. 2-arc episodes
2. Partly based on the game events, partly based on the PokeDex entry
3. This episode is based on the Ruins of Alphs from the game. Though not in the same map location.
4. End of the Snubull Following arc (see note 2 for the Johto Journeys season)
5. Though the evolution of Sunkern, is someone else's Pokemon, its evolving using Ash's Sun Stone.
6. Tod returning for 2-arc episodes.
7. Episode where Ash and Misty learns to appreciate Brock. Though to be somehow "character development", it's still skippable.
8. Though temporarily, Ash bringing back Snorlax to his team.
9. Only those who wanted to know what will happen when one girl will love Brock back should watch it. Otherwise, totally skipabble.
Master Quest season
JN - - IN - Tag
212. 210. Plot*1
213. 211. *1
214. 212. *1
215. 213. Character, Pokemon*1
216. 214. Plot*1
217. 215. Plot*1,2
218. 216. Plot*1,2
219. 217. Plot*1,2
220. 218. Plot*1
221. 219. Plot*1
222. 220. Plot*1,3
223. 221. Plot*1,3
224. 222. Plot*1,3
225. 223. Plot*4
226. 224. Plot
227. 225. Pokemon
228. 226. Character
229. 227. Plot
230. 228. Character
231. 229. Pokemon
232. 230. Pokemon
233. 231. Character/Pokemon
234. 232.
235. 233.
236. 234.
237. 235. Plot*5
238. 236. Plot*5
239. 237. Plot
240. 238. Plot
241. 239. Game (optional)*6
242. 240
243. 241. Character (optional)*7
244. 242. Character (optional)*7
245. 243.
246. 244.
247. 245. Character (optional)*8
248. 246. Character*9
249. 247. Pokemon
250. 248. Battle*10
251. 249.
252. ----- Game
253. 250. Plot*11
254. 251. Plot*11
255. 252. Plot*11
256. 253. Plot*11
257. 254. Plot*11 (optional)*12
258. 255. Battle
m - Pokemon Heroes
259. 256. Character, Pokemon
260. 257. Pokemon*13
261. 258, Pokemon*13
262, 259. *13
263. 260. Character*13
264. 261. Character*13
265. 262. Pokemon*13
266. 263. Pokemon*13
267. 264. Plot*14
268. 265. Plot*14
269. 266. Plot*14
270. 267. Plot*14
271. 268. Plot*14
272. 269. Plot*14
273. 270. Plot*14
274. 271. Plot*14
275. 272. Plot
276. 273. Plot
Notes:
1. The Whirl Islands arc
2. The Whirl Cup tournament arc
3. Lugia arc
4. Though most of it does't developing the plot much, it's start and end is part of the next Gym battle.
5. Red Gyarados arc
6. Episode that based on Gloom evolving methods
7. Ash "becomes" Pikachu in 243 and returning himself in the start of 244. Otherwise nothing new. Totally skippable. (though, 244 featuring Zapdos)
8. Featuring James disguising as Prof. Oak and Prof. Oak himself. But it's still skippable episode, you won't miss a thing.
9. Featuring PMC group. Though they kind of one-of-a-time characters, they are returning characters in the future of the anime.
10. Though this is Team Rocket battle, for once the battle is kind of serious as they held different Pokemon. And it's also on battle park.
11. Blackthorn City arc.
12. Essentially, this is part of the Blackthorn City arc, since Ash hasn't left the town yet 'till this episode end. However this is total filler episode where Team Rocket steal Ash's badges, so it's kinda skippable. It's still kind ending this arc though. It's up to your choice.
13. Part of Larvitar arc
14. Johto League arc
Advanced season
JN - - IN - Tag
277, 274. Plot
278. 275. Plot
279. 276. plot
280. 277. Pokemon, Character
281. 278. Character
282. 279. Pokemon
283. 280. Pokemon
284. 281. Pokemon
285. 282.
286. 283. Battle (optional)*1
287. 284. Character (optional)*2
288. 285. Pokemon
289. 286. Plot
290. 287. Pokemon
291. 288. Plot*3
292. 289. Plot*3
293. 290. Plot*3
294. 291. Plot
295. 292. Plot (optional)*4/Character (optional)*5
296. 293. Plot
297. 294.
298. 295. Character, Game*6
299. 296. Pokemon
300. 297. Pokemon
301. 298. Pokemon
302. 299. Game (optional)*6
303. 300. Plot
304. 301. Pokemon
305. 302. Pokemon (optional)
306. 303. Character
307. 304. Plot
308. 305. Game/Plot (optional)*7
309. 306. Character
310. 307. Character (optional)*8
311. 308. Plot
312. 309. Plot
313. 310.
m - Jirachi wish maker
314. 311. Character (optional)*9
315. 312. Plot (optional)*10 / Game
316. 313. Plot
Notes:
1. Though the episode featuring Ash battling a good battle, the battle itself doesn't considered legit. So while it might be interesting idea, it's not must-see.
2. Max have some "development" on his character, but the filler story doesn't make it that important. So it's skippable.
3. Rustboro City arc
4. While it's important to the plot that Ash getting to Dewford city at the end of the episode, it's total filler. Those who don't care to know how they arrived to the Island, can skip ahead.
5. Brock showing his breeding skills. But it's not something new that we don't know already.
6. Episode 298 and 302 are adapting the Granite Cave from the games. But while 298 features Steven and based more on the games, 302 have more original story, so its tagged optional.
7. For those who skipping the Game episodes, might wanna watch it as in the end Ash arriving at Slateport City. Other than that, the episode is based purely on the game Abandoned Ship at route 108.
8. This episode story is totally skippable, but it have some Brock past.
9. The character in this episodes are reprising in episode 328, who have some basis on the games. Other than that, it's skippable.
10. Ash arriving at Mauvile city. Other than that, the episode is based on the Trick House from the games.
Advanced Challenge season
JN - - IN - Tag
317. 314. Pokemon
318. 315.
319. 316. Game (optional)*1
320. 317. Character*2
321. 318. Character, Pokemon*2
322. 319. Game, Battle
323. 320. Pokemon
324. 321. Character
325. 322.
326. 323. Character
327. 324. Plot
328. 325. Character (optional)*3, Game (optional)*4
329. 326. Pokemon
330. 327. Plot
331. 328. Plot
332. 329. Plot
333. 330. Plot (optional)*5
334. 331. Pokemon
335. 332. Character
336. 333. Pokemon
337. 334. Character*6
338. 335. Plot*6
339. 336. Pokemon
340. 337. Character (optional)*7
341. 338.
342. 339. Pokemon
343. 340. Pokemon (optional)*8, Battle
344. 341.
345. 342. Plot
346. 343. Plot
347. 344. Character
348. 345. Game*9, Battle
349. 346. Pokemon
350. 347. Pokemon (optional)10
351. 348. Game (optional)*11
352. 349. Game*12
353. 350. Plot
354. 351. Plot
355. 352. Pokemon (optional)*13
356. 353. Pokemon
357. 354.
358. 355. Pokemon
359. 356. Plot
360. 357. Plot
361. 358. Plot
362. 359.
m - Destiny Deoxys
363. 360. Character*14
364. 361. Game (optional)*15
365. 362.
366. 363. Pokemon
367. 364. Plot
368. 365. Battle
Notes:
1. Original story that based on the PokeDex entry in the game.
2. Misty comeback arc
3. See note 9 in the Advance season.
4. Original story based on the PokeDex entry in the game.
5. Except for the start of the episode, where they decide going back to Petalburg city, it's total filler. You can just watch the start and skip for the next episode.
6. Verdanturf Town Pokémon Contest arc
7. Don't know how to define this episode, It's not officially May character development, but it's kind of building her character. So I tagged this as optional.
8. Those who don't care Corphis growing comedy (like episode 305). Otherwise, it contains some nice battle.
9. Based on double battle couple from the game.
10. Though Ash brings back Bulbasaur, it is only temporarily and have very little effect on the overall story.
11. The episode featuring the MasterBall, a PokeBall that have 100% success rate. Other than that this episode is total filler, Ash losing his badges style.
12. This episode is probably a loose adaption of the ruins of the Desert in route 111 from the games.
13. The Spoink that featured in this episode, is returning in episode 369. Both of them are skippable, though.
14. PMC group returns. See note 9 in the Master Quest season.
15. Original story based on Vigoroth Vital Spirit ability in the game.
Advanced Battle season
JN - - IN - Tag
369. 366. Pokemon (optional)*1, Game (optional)*2
370. 367.
371. 368. Game (optional)*3
372. 369. Battle
373. 370. Plot
374. 371. Plot
375. 372. Plot
376. 373. Plot
377. 374. Character*4
378. 375.
379. 376. Character
380. 377.
381. 378. Pokemon
382. 379.
383. 380. Game (optional)*5
384. 381. Pokemon
385. 382. Character
386. 383. Plot
387. 384. Plot
388. 385. Game (optional)*6
389. 386. Game
390. 387. Character, Pokemon
391. 388. Plot
392. 389. Plot
393. 390. Pokemon
394. 391. Character
395. 392. Character
396. ----
397. 393. Plot*7
398. 394. Plot*7
399. 395. Plot*7
400. 396. Travel
401. 397. Plot*8
402. 398. Plot*8
403. 399. Plot*8
404. 400. Plot*8
405. 401. Plot*8
406. 402. Plot*8
407. 403. Plot*8
408. 404. Plot*9
409. 405. Plot*9
410. 406. Character, Pokemon
m - Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
411. 407. Plot
412. 408. Plot
413. 409. Battle (optional)*10
414. 410. Game (optional)*11
415. 411. Character
416. 412.
417. 413.
418. 414.
419. 415. Plot
420. 416. Plot
421. 417. Game (optional)*12
Notes:
1. See note 13 in the Advance Challenge season.
2. Original Story based on Clamperl "pearl" as its holding item.
3. Original Story based on the evolution methods for Clamperl.
4. This episode featuring Drake of the elite four, but though to be somehow unimportant character to the overall story, adding some Ash character development here is making it up.
5. Original Story based on Absol PokeDex entry from the game.
6. Original Story based on Linoone's Pickup ability.
7. The Grand Festival ar
8. The Hoen Pokemon Legaue arc
9. Start of the Battle Frontier arc
10. Though it's featuring a battle, it's against wild Onix. Not must-see battle.
11. Original Story based on Loudred Soundproof ability, and as well as Jigglypuff Cute Charm ability.
12. Original Story that probably based on Saffron City unofficial fighting gym. See Note 5 on the Original Series list.
Battle Frontier season
JN - - IN - Tag
422. 418.
423. 419. Pokemon, Character
424. 420. Pokemon
425. 421. Plot
426. 422. Pokemon
427. 423. Plot
428. 424. Battle
429. 425. Plot
430. 426. Pokemon
431. 427. Character*1, Game*2
432. 428. Pokemon
433. 429. Pokemon
434. 430. Plot
435. 431. Travel/Plot*3
436. 432. Plot
437. 433. Pokemon
438. 434. Plot
439. 435. Pokemon, Character
440. 436. Plot
441. 437.
442. 438. Battle
443. 439. Pokemon
444. 440.
445. 441. Plot
446. 442. Plot
447. 443. Character*1, Plot*4
448. 444. Character*1
449. 445.
450. 446. Plot
451. 447. Plot
452. 448. Character
453. 449. Battle/Character
454. 450. Plot*5
455. 451. Pokemon
456. 452. Plot*6
457. 453. Plot*6
458. 454. Plot*6
459. 455. Pokemon (optional)
m - Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
460. 456.
461. 457.
462. 458. Plot*5
463. 459. Character*5
464. 460. Character/Plot*5 (optional)*7
465. 461. Plot*5
466. 462. Plot*5
467. 463. Plot
468. 464. Plot
Notes:
1. Solona Pokemon Ranger Episodes.
2. Adapting loosely the Pokemon Ranger spin-off game, with Solona acting as the female playable character.
3. Except that in the end of the episode May hears where she will got to her next contest, this is total filler.
4. Reference to Destiny Deoxys movie
5. Battle Pyramid arc
6. Kanto Grand Festival arc
7. Scott is arriving at this episode, and at the end of it there's message from Brendan, so it isn't entirely filler, but it still contains filler story that can be skippable.
Diamond and Pearl season
Note for all DP seasons: Due Paul large influence over the DP season, his "arc" episodes are marked: **
This mark is to ensure, that though some of those episodes aren't related strongly to the plot, you won't miss them, as they are large part of the series.
While DP also contains other "Character arc", those will be tagged in the notes, while Paul have more influence to DP story. So those who's watching only Plot episodes, should watch those too.
JN - - IN - Tag
469. 465. Plot*1
470. 466. Plot*1
471. 467. Plot*1/**
472. 468. Character
473. 469. Pokemon
474. 470. Battle**
475. 471. Pokemon
476. 472. Pokemon
477. 473. Pokemon
478. 474. Game
479. 475. Plot
480. 476. Plot
481. 477. Pokemon
482. 478. Pokemon
483. 479. Plot**
484. 480. Plot
485. 481. Game/Character*2
486. 482. Plot
487. 483. Pokemon
488. 484. Character*3
489. 485. Battle, Character (optional)*4
490. 486. Pokemon, Character (optional)*5
491. 487.
492. 488.
493. 489. Plot*6 / Game
494. 490. Plot
495. 491. Plot
496. 492. Game
497. 493. Battle
498. 494. Game/Character*7
499. 495. Game/Character*7, Character
500. 496. Game/Character*7
501. 497. Pokemon
502. 498. Pokemon
503. 499. Pokemon, Character*8
504. 500. Character
505. 501. Plot
506. 502. Pokemon
507. 503. Travel
m - The Rise Of Darkrai
508. 504. Character*9/**
509. 505. Character/Plot*10
510. 506.
511. 505.
512. 507.
513. 508. Character*2
514. 510. Game**
515. 511. Game*11
516. ----
517. 512. Plot
518. 513. Battle*12/**
519. 514. Battle*12/** , Pokemon
520. 515. Battle*12/** , Pokemon
Notes:
1. 3-arc opening episodes. Originally long hour special opening season.
2. While this episode is expanding on Roark basing on his game speciality, his Pokemon are evolving too.
3. J Hunter arc
4. Featuring the Magikarp salesman at the start of the episode. Except that this episode is a Battle one.
5. While this episode features unofficial Contest, Jessie is using Ash's Aipom in her participation, though to return to Ash in the end of the episode. It's also noteworthy for Jessie winning.
6. Beside the fact the gang arriving at Floaroma town, this episode is based on the puffing making in the game.
7. Start of 3-arc episodes, featuring Cheryl, who's based on the NPC form the game that escorting the Player through Eterna forest. Though the plot for this arc is questionable as optional, since the next Gym Leader is appearing in the next episode, it is not.
8. Episode featuring Lucian, one of the Elite Four.
9. Except for being part of Paul arc, this is Cynthia debut in the anime.
10. This is solely episode revolves Zoey, but it's also contains important details on the upcoming contest.
11. Very loose adaption of Mira story of the game.
12. 3-arc Tag Tournament episodes. Do not miss it, as it part of Paul arc, and also some of the biggest changes in Ash's team.
Battle Dimension season
JN - - IN - Tag
521. 516. Pokemon
522. 517. Character, Pokemon
523. 518. Character, Pokemon
524. 519. Game
525. 520.
526. 521. Game*1
527. 522. Game*2
528. 523. Plot
529. 524. Plot
530. 525. Game/Character*3
531. 526. Pokemon, Character (optional)/Battle*4
532. 527. Pokemon**
533. 528. Character
534. 529. Character, Pokemon*5/**
535. 530. Character*5
536. 531. Plot*5
537. 532. Plot
538. 533. Battle
539. 534. Character*6,7
540. 535. Character*6,7
541. 536. Pokemon
542. 537. Battle**
543. 538. Plot*8
544. 539. Plot*8
545. 540. Plot*8
546. 541. Plot*8
547. 542. Plot*8
548. 543. Pokemon
549. 544. Pokemon**
550. 545. Character/Game*9
551. 546. Plot
552. 547. Pokemon
553. 548. Pokemon, Character
554. 549. Character
555. 550. Game*10
m - Giratina And The Sky Warrior
556. 551. Character*11
557. 552. Character*11
558. 553. Character*11
559. 554. Character*11
560. 555. Character (optional)
561. 556. Pokemon
562. 557. Character (optional)*12
563. 558. Plot
564. 559. Plot
565. 560. Plot
566. 561. Character
567. 562. Character*13
568. 563. Character*13
569. 564. Character
570. 565. Plot
571. 566. Character*14
572. 567. Plot
Notes:
1. Episode based on Nosepass evolution method.
2. Loosely Original Story based on the Pokemon Mansion on route 212, and Luxray PokeDex entry.
3, This episode is mixed. On the whole, it contains original story based on the Cafe Hut in route 210 that could be skippable, but also Dawn has her own development that makes this episode worth it.
4. This episode is kind of a mix. It presents Dawn's childhood friend, but not one that important that much to the plot. Ash also training Turtwig Energy Ball, but it's not going anywhere. On the other hand, it got some good battle that isn't Team Rocket one.
5. Veilstone City Gym arc
6. J Hunter arc
7. 2-episodes revolving Pokemon Ranger
8. May's Comeback/Wallace Cup arc
9. Though this episode presenting the Gym Leader Crasher Wake, most of it is based on the Great March from the game with original story.
10. Loosely based on the Psyduck roadblock from the game.
11. Summer Acadamy arc
12. See Note 7 for the Johto League Champions season
13. 2-episodes arc
14. While the plot for this episode is almost filler, Berry is still with the group and Mewoth have his own "hesitates". While the latter could be tagged optional, it's still part of Berry introduction somehow. So took this note as as possible for optional.
Galactic Battles season
JN - - IN - Tag
573. 568. Game
574. 569. Pokemon
575. 570. Plot
576. 571. Plot
577. 572.
578. 573. Plot
579. 574. Plot
580. 575. Pokemon (optional)*1
581. 576. Pokemon (optional)*1
582. 577. Plot
583. 578.
584. 579.
585. 580. Character (optional)*2
586. 581. Pokemon**
587. 582. Pokemon
588. ---
589. 583. Pokemon
590. 584. Pokemon
591. 585. Plot
592. 586. Pokemon
593. 587. Battle
594. 588. Character
595. 589. Plot**
596. 590. Character**
597. 591. Character*3
598. 592. Plot
599. 593. Battle**
600. 594. Battle**
601. 595. Character
602. 596. Pokemon
603. 597.
604. 598. Plot
605. 599. Character (optional)*4
606. 600. Character*5
607. 601. Character*5
608. 602. Character*5
609. 603. Character/Battle*5
610. 604.
611. 605. Character, Pokemon*6
612. 606. *6
613. 607. Pokemon*6
614. 608. Plot*6
615. 609. Battle*6
616. 610. Game*7
617. 611.
618. 612. Plot*8
619. 613. Plot*8
620. 614. Plot*8
621. 615. Character
622. 616. Pokemon
623. 617. Character**
624. 618, Pokemon
625. 619. Pokemon
Notes:
1. For those who loves Legendaries appearance in the anime.
2. Team Rocket focused episode. While not permeant development for them, it's still not entirely filler.
3. J Hunter arc
4. Except for the episode ending, total filler. Make sure to watch only that if you don't want to be surprised.
5. Twinleaf Festival arc
6. Lyra and Khoury arc
7. Original Story based on the Dusk Stone
8. Last arc of Team Galactic and J Hunter.
Sinnoh League Victors season
JN - - IN - Tag
626. 620.
627. 621. Battle, Pokemon
628. 622. Game*1
629. 623. Character
630. 624. Plot
631. 625. Character, Pokemon**
632. 626. Pokemon
633. 627. Plot*2
634. 628. Pokemon*2
635. 629. Character
636. 630. Pokemon (optional)*3
637. 631. Game*4 / Pokemon*3
638. 632. Character
639. 633. Pokemon
640. 634. Pokemon
641. 635. Battle/Plot*5
642. 636. Plot*6
643. 637. Plot*6
644. 638. Plot*6
645. 639. Plot*6
646. 640. Character (optional)
647. 641. Plot*2
648. 642. Character, Battle
649. 643. Game, Character*7
650. 644. Pokemon, Plot*8
651. 645. Plot*8
652. 646. Plot*8
653. 647. Plot*8
654. 648. Plot*8
655. 649. Plot*8
656. 650. Plot*8
657. 651. Plot*8
658. 652. Plot*8
659. 653. Plot
Notes:
1. Based on mini-game feature in the Heart Gold and Soul Silver games.
2. Sunyshore city arc
3. See note 1 in Galactic Battle season
4. Pokemon Ranger game episode
5. The end of the episode is starting the Grand Festival arc.
6. Grand Festival arc
7. Original story based on the post game story and character
8. Sinnoh League arc
Best Wishes/Black & White season
Note: I will remind here that, the numbering is following Wikipedia numbering. so if the episode number is more than MAL number, it's because the international numbering changed the seasons in the BW series. Be aware.
Also, couple of new tags for the BW series:
** - as with Paul arc in DP, this will mark Trip arc in BW, since he is recurring rival to Ash as in DP.
*** - those tags will mark Team Rocket special appearance. since they got different theme in the BW series. This tag will only appear when Ash story is total filler, but Team Rocket still have significance appearance. So just look for Team Rocket in those episodes, and skip the other content if you want filler-free watching.
JN - - IN - Tag
660. 654. Plot**
661. 655. Character, Pokemon
662. 656. Pokemon
663. 657. Pokemon
664. 658. Plot
665. 659. Plot, Game*1
666. 660. Pokemon
667. 661. ***
668. 662. Character, Pokemon
669. 663. Battle**
670. 664. Pokemon
671. 665. ***
672. 666. Character, Pokemon
673. 667. Character*2
674. 668. Plot*2
675. 669. Plot*2
676. 670. Pokemon
677. 671. Character, Pokemon
678. 672. Character
679. 673. Pokemon*3
680. 674. Game*4
681. 675. Character*5
682. 676. Plot*5
683. 677. Pokemon
684. 678. Pokemon
685. 679.
686. 680. Character*6
687. 681. Character
688. 682.
689. 683. Pokemon (optional)*7
690. 684. Battle**
691. 685. Pokemon
692. 686. Character
693. 687. Pokemon
694. 688.
695. 689. Character
696. 690. Character
697. 691. Character
698. 692. Battle*8/**
699. 693. Battle*8/**
700. 694. Battle*8/**
701. 695. Battle*8/**
702. 696. Plot*9
703. 697. *9/***
704. 698. *9/***
705. 699. *9/***
706. 700. Plot*10
707. 701. Plot*10
Notes:
1. While this episode ending Striaton Gym battle, once it ended it's featuring original story based on the Dreamyard.
2. Nacrene City arc
3. This episode featuring Sandile whose evolves to Krokorok, that will reappear.
4. While this episode story is total filler, it features Skyarrow Bridge. So consider this as 90% filler while watching, only if you care for canon material.
5. Castelia City arc
6. Iris Character development episode.
7. This episode based on the PokeDex entry for Elgyem
8. Nimbasa Town Tournament arc
9. Mewoth Fallout arc
10. Nimbasa Subway arc
Rival Destinies season
Note: While the numbering is both for the Japanese an the international, the season division is by the international one. And thus, this list is for the Rival Destinies season list of the english Wikipedia.
JN - - IN - Tag
708. 702. Character*1
709. 703. Plot*1
710. 704. Game
711. 705. Character**
712. 706.
713. 707.
714. 708. Battle
715. 709. Character (optional)*2
716. 710. Character/Game*3
717. 711. Character, Battle
718. 712. Plot*4
719. 713. Plot*4
720. 714. Plot
721. 715. Game, Character, Pokemon*5
722. 716. Game, Character *5
723. 717. Character/Plot
724. 718. Pokemon*6
725. 719.
726. 720. Plot*7
727. 721. Plot*7
Notes:
1. Nimbasa City Gym Battle arc
2. See Note 7 for Advanced Challenge season, basically the same but for Iris.
3. While the episode presenting Gym Leader Clay, the rest is loose adaption of the game events.
4. Tornadus vs Thundurus arc
5. Chargestone Cave arc
6. See Note 3 for Black and White season.
7. Mistralton City arc
Posted by
User-Name
| Sep 11, 2022 7:08 AM |
4 comments
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User-Name | Nov 10, 2024 1:55 PM
10/11/24 - fixed major issues on the Battle Dimensions season, and included the movie location.
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User-Name | May 15, 2023 3:57 AM
15/5/2023 - BW season had been added
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User-Name | May 14, 2023 7:05 AM
14/5/2023 - Sinnoh League Victors season had been added
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Tsunamii_ | May 14, 2023 4:48 AM
This guide is so cool, thanks !
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Catalano | Sep 13, 2022 2:46 AM
Impressive guideI only saw the first generation anime |