Top 50 Iconic Pokemon Evolution Scenes

#30: Rapidash’s Trail-Blazing Entrance

When its trainer injures her arm, Ponyta must rely on Ash to ride with it in the Big P Pokémon Race. They had a rough start, but Ponyta learned to trust Ash and they saddled up for the main event. Unfortunately, Team Rocket’s meddling hinders their chances of winning. After sending the three stooges flying, Ash and Ponyta SPRINT to the finish line, and in a blinding light, Ponyta gallops to victory as a majestic Rapidash. This scene is nothing short of inspiring – from Ponyta trusting a stranger to race with it, to its dazzling, burning finish as it evolves into a racing champion, leaving all cheaters in its dust.

#29: Floragato Stands Against Rayquaza

When she enrolled in the Indigo Academy, Liko was given a feisty Sprigatito as her starter Pokemon. The grass kitten’s independent attitude meant that she didn’t warm up to Liko at first, but Liko eventually won her over, and Sprigatito became a loyal member of the team –if a little possessive at times. This bond comes to a head when the two confront a Shiny Rayquaza. Despite staring down the barrels of a literal legend, Sprigatito is determined to hold her ground for Liko, which kickstarts her evolution into Floragato. While not strong enough to defeat Rayquaza, she did manage to land a hit on the titanic beast, and that alone is worth celebrating both Floragato’s and Liko’s progress.

#28: Bonsly Grows Up

Even before deciding to become a doctor, Brock knew a thing or two about taking care of Pokemon. He even formed a father-and-son bond with a little Bonsly. Being an infant, Bonsly was extremely sensitive and needy, he craved Brock’s attention almost constantly. However, by the time they arrived in Sinnoh, Bonsly showed signs that he was finally growing up. This newfound maturity came to a head when Bonsly freed himself from a cage and grew into a Sudowoodo. No longer a needy crybaby, Sudowoodo is a loyal and upbeat Pokemon, always eager to help the surrogate father who looked after him for so long. He even gives Brock a cheerful salute whenever it leaves its Pokeball.

#27: Cyndaquil Evolves Ten Seasons Later

Fans joke about how Ash barely evolves his starter Pokémon, but when it happens, we take notice. For example, his Cyndaquil he caught all the way back in Johto. It had trouble getting its flame started during a battle, but it stood by his side whenever he needed it. It spent over 500 episodes as the sleepy fire mouse. Ash considered evolving it earlier but didn’t want to force it. However, in season 13, Cyndaquil is backed into a corner by Team Rocket, only to finally evolve into Quilava and send the crooks flying. Ash did the right thing by waiting for it to evolve on its own, and now Quilava is an energized powerhouse.

#26: Eevee Becomes a Star

The story of Serena’s Sylveon is actually pretty inspirational. We first meet her as a tiny Eevee with a love for dancing. Unfortunately, she was also extremely shy and too timid to try and take the stage. And yet, Serena welcomed her onto her team with welcomed arms, offering comfort and encouragement whenever she could. Slowly but surely, Serena helped her timid partner out of her shell, and their unbreakable friendship allowed little Eevee to unleash her full potential as a beautiful, graceful Sylveon. While she still has her doubts from time to time, Sylveon is much more confident than when we first met her, and ready to join her trainer on the stage like the star she is.

#25: Politoed’s Surprise Entrance

When Ash and Tracey fell ill, Misty searched for a cure and found a friendly little Poliwag. It helped her find the medicine and later became a part of her team. It later evolved into Poliwhirl and became a powerhouse on Misty’s team, but its confidence waned after some heated battles. Misty considered evolving it into Poliwrath, but Poliwhirl found a King’s Rock and held onto it while it while in its Pokeball. When it returned, a big surprise was waiting for Misty – instead of her Poliwhirl, she now had a Politoed. A stark contrast to Poliwhirl, this green frog would rather clap and cheer from the sidelines than battle, but its cheerful demeanor is too infectious.

#24: Pikachu’s Voluntary Evolution

Don’t get too excited, it’s not the one you’re thinking of. Goh, Ash’s traveling companion during “Journeys”, caught a female Pikachu – a friendly peacemaker who’ll offer berries to anyone in need whether they want it or not. The same day, they discovered a Thunder Stone and nearly gave us a heart attack thinking Ash’s Pikachu finally evolved. Later, when her friends are captured by Team Rocket, Goh’s Pikachu willingly evolves herself into Raichu, giving her the strength to set her brethren free. It’s heartwarming to see a Pokemon willingly change themselves to save their fellow kind, and at least we can say a main character actually owns a Raichu... just not the one we were expecting.

#23: Pidgeotto Takes Charge

Near the very start of his Pokemon career, Ash managed to capture a Pidgeotto in the Viridian Forest. While not the most developed, Pidgeotto was a loyal member of Ash’s crew, serving as his eyes in the sky or aerial defense when needed. Its bravery enabled it to evolve into a large Pidgeot at the start of the next season, where it protected a flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto from an aggressive Fearow and its gang. Ash released Pidgeot so it could protect its flock, promising to come back for it someday. Our eyes watered when Pidgeot finally returned in the “Journeys” finale, instantly reminding us how it was one of Ash’s most dependable Pokemon.

#22: Combusken Kicks Into Gear

At the start of her journey, May was given Torchic as her starter Pokémon. Unfortunately, May’s inexperience was reflected in the fire chicken as it struggled to focus during battle. Over time, both trainer and Pokémon helped each other grow and develop, and Torchic became a bruiser when it evolved into Combusken. Eventually, Combusken rose to the challenge as Blaziken and demonstrated its newfound might by effortlessly taking out Team Rocket with a devastating Blaze Kick. May and Torchic were made for each other, starting out with no experience and gradually gaining more experience either way. Its final evolution into Blaziken perfectly reflected May’s growth as a trainer and coordinator.

#21: Ekans & Koffing Grow for Their Trainers

Even though they’re incompetent crooks, no one can say that Team Rocket doesn’t care for their Pokémon. Jessie’s Ekans and James’ Koffing were devoted to their respective trainers, but getting defeated by Ash’s Pikachu almost every week started to get annoying after a while. Jessie and James considered evolving the two but were hesitant out of fear that they wouldn’t be the same Pokémon they loved. However, the choice wasn’t theirs to make, as Ekans and Koffing evolved right there into Arbok and Weezing. Outside of their power levels, not much had changed post-evolution. Arbok and Weezing still remained loyal to their trainers, and -unfortunately- still got their butts kicked regularly.

#20: Gyarados’ High Seas Retribution

With a swift kick to the rear, James’ hasty purchase went from floundering fish sticks to oceanic titan. While any trainer worth their stuff could have told him that Magikarp’s useless base form paves the way to the much-improved Gyarados, he had to learn the hard way. Ash and the others were there to watch it, too. Although, all it did was nearly put them at the bottom of the sea. Despite its ferocity, there is something oh-so memorable about watching Magikarp evolve right in the nick of time to show James who’s who. If only so the Team Rocket grunt never makes that mistake again.

#19: Hariyama Flexes on the Competition

No one said earning a Gym Badge was supposed to be easy, but this just feels unfair. Brawly’s Makuhita delivered enough arm thrusts to nearly clean up Ash’s whole team on its own. Then, things went from bad to worse when all that experience helped it grow into a bonafide punching maniac. Also known as Hariyama. Treecko tried to stand its ground, but all it did was prolong the inevitable. Brawly’s Hariyama finished the match, and Ash’s poor grass type, without breaking a sweat. Even though Ash claimed the Knuckle Badge in their rematch, Hariyama’s devastating debut isn’t easy to forget.

#18: Krookodile Grounds the Enemy

Determined or not, Ash’s Krokorok had a major hurdle to overcome if it wanted to come out on top of Iris’ Dragonite - it wasn’t fully evolved! However, after raising it from a little Sandile, there wasn’t anything left stopping Ash and his Unovan ace from going all the way to Krookodile. Now final form against final form, the battle blazed so bright, it’s a wonder Ash didn’t steal his Pokemon’s shades for himself. Dragonite’s wings didn’t make it easy, but Krookodile put its new power to work with a match-winning, super-effective Stone Edge. The rubble left a clear message; don’t mess with a Pokemon in sunglasses.

#17: Butterfree Breaks the Mold

It just feels right that Ash’s very first capture - like, ever - was also his first to reach its final stage. Of course, we’re talking about Butterfree. The bug-type started out as a puny Caterpie. But, through a few ups and down, Ash learned how to nurture a Pokemon from pet to friend to partner. As exciting as it is to see Buterfree quite literally spread its wings, the moment only lands because Ash had to first own up to his past mistakes. This evolution is as much for him as it is for his Pokemon. Those Beedrill never stood a chance against a bond like that.

#16: Goodra’s Gooey Welcome

In contrast to most of Ash’s other companions, Goomy had a major role to serve before it ever joined the team. It wanted to protect its native wetlands. From there, Ash’s diligent support helped it breakthrough into Sliggoo, but it was the Pokemon’s own memories of its habitat that gave it the final push to… do we even need to say? Ash’s Kalos team was absolutely stacked, but there’s no way to discuss the arc without mentioning a certain, emotional dragon type. By framing this evolution as part of Sliggoo’s own, personal journey, Goodra’s unveiling is just as empowering as all his future victories combined.

#15: Gliscor & His Razor Fangs

Ash’s Gligar spent most of its Sinnoh days sticking out its tongue and having a good time. That doesn’t mean it couldn’t get serious, though, and after a royal butt-whopping by a Gliscor, it was determined to level up. There was just the nagging issue of its crippling fear of battle. Thankfully, it overcame its worries, grabbed a Razor Fang, and showed everyone what a real Gliscor can do. It’s damn cool, but it doesn’t lose the playfulness that made Gligar a fan-favorite. Plus, Gliscor gets the rare distinction of being Ash’s only Pokemon to evolve via an item. No matter how you look at it, this moment rocks.

#14: Sirfetch'd Raises Its Leek

Leave it to Ash to catch a Pokemon just as it gets a shiny, new evolution. Farfetch’d had been around since the very first generation, but it was mostly ignored by both Ash and the wider anime until its Galar variant came along.When it finally evolved into Sirfetch’d, it made up for lost time, and then some. Really, Farfetch’d’s whole storyline felt like a long-winded buildup to this one moment where it could finally joust with Gallade. It’s a fight unlike anything we’d ever seen before, and singlehandedly justified every single minute Ash spent training the flying type. If that’s not the hallmark of a fantastic evolution scene, nothing is.

#13: Caterpie’s Cocoon

Remember how we said Butterfree was Ash’s first Pokemon to reach its final stage? Well, it lost the title of first ever evolution to its own prior form. And, although Metapod’s Harden attack won’t be winning Ash any Gym Badges, the momentous impact of this turn of events is too great to pass up. Caterpie’s glowing transformation is a firm validation of everything Ash is striving for. After all, with enough grinding, any trainer can catch ‘em all. But, only the elite few can raise the ones they already have. Toss out the Pokedex; Metapod’s glorious appearance is what it really means to be the very best like no one ever was.

#12: Noivern Makes Some Noise

Friendship is the catalyst for a lot of Pokemon evolutions. But, in this case, Noibat didn’t go full-power just for Ash. No, he was also up against a freaking Zapdos, and about to watch Hawlucha plummet to an early grave. Things were looking dire. But, then, Noivern decided to make his grand entrance. Not only did he save his ally, but he even fended off the Legendary Bird with a jaw-dropping Boomburst. If you can make a rampaging Zapdos respect your power, you know you’ve raised your Pokemon right. So, take it from us: when in doubt, find a friend like Noivern.

#11: Igniting Talonflame

Another day, another Kalos flying type evolving against a Kanto Legendary Bird. Man, there must be something in the water over there! Or, maybe it’s in their fire, considering Fletchinder totally brings the heat against Moltres. So much so, it rises like a phoenix into the almighty Talonflame. Handily enough, the Pokemon also picks up the move Brave Bird, and uses it to show Moltres it’s not the only fire-flying type in town anymore. Even though Ash and Talonflame can’t quite clinch the win, this smoldering battle is a welcome reminder that nothing burns hotter than a flame-filled evolution scene. Especially one with a Legendary.

#10: Lycanroc Howls

What Ash’s Rockruff lacked in size, it made up for with its temper. Luckily, it channeled that rage into something constructive: befriending Tapu Lele. Then, after a few rocky spars, Rockruff earned some of the legendary’s power and finally grew out of its first stage. Instead of mirroring Ash’s growth, the episode smartly frames this evolution as the culmination of Rockruff’s own journey. Sure, this wouldn’t be the last time Ash’s rock-type lost control. But, seeing Rockruff’s efforts manifest in a slick new transformation is still a step in the right direction. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it comes in the shape of the effortlessly cool Dusk form. That epic howl to the sky is very well deserved.

#9: Cinderace Shoots & Scores

There’s always something special about a starter’s final evolution, and Goh’s is no different. It couldn’t have come at a better time, either. Eternatus is waking up, Goh’s losing ground against Milotic, and his Raboot only wants to fight with its ineffective ember attack. But, after Goh learns to embrace his partner’s unorthodox style, the newly-minted Cinderance completely tears up the turf. Type-advantages be damned. That final, striking Pyro Ball is as good an endpoint for their journey as you could ask for. In fact, if this were any other match, we’d say Cinderance deserves a red card. But, something tells us there’s no ref in all of Galar who could douse this pair anymore.

#8: Kingler Unleashed

Ash’s Krabby spent most of Kanto warming a spot on the bench. So, when it finally got a chance to shine in the Indigo League, it didn’t sink, it swam. As a matter of fact, it swam all the way to its next form, Kingler. Then, with a hyper-beam, a crab-hammer, and a few stomps, Ash’s novice partner 3-0’d Mandi out of the entire tournament. Ironically, this victory is so unforgettable that it almost makes you forget this is Kingler’s first ever fight. If this is what it’s capable of without any real experience, then Kingler is no mere benchwarmer. It’s a total star-player.

#7: Sceptile Blooms

This evolution works for all the wrong reasons. On paper, Grovyle’s star-crossed love-affair with a Meganium is a great motivator for its ascendance into Sceptile. The only thing is, Sceptile doesn’t get the girl, and it doesn’t get a power-boost, either. Instead, Grovyle’s evolution is unable to use any of its old moves. Having Sceptile learn, grow, and adapt to its new form added a weight to this evolution that we’d never gotten before. And yet, it’s precisely because of that struggle that makes Sceptile’s debut so gratifying. Yes, Sceptile completely falls on its face, but it’s all in service of a much greater character. That end-result even makes this embarrassing showcase feel worthwhile.

#6: Infernape Blazes to Life

From an abandoned Chimchar to a moody Monferno, this Sinnoh fire-type developed one of the greatest storylines of any of Ash’s partners. But, the best part is that it didn’t stop there. When Monferno’s blaze ability sets it off on yet another fiery rampage, Ash becomes the first trainer capable of quelling its flames. After everything Monferno went through, there’s just nothing better than seeing it finally evolve into the proud Infernape. Especially since it christens the new form by sending Team Rocket flying off again. This moment works because it understands that neither Inferape or Ash got here alone; they did it as partners.

#5: Togetic Spreads Its Wings

It doesn’t matter whether it came out hard-boiled, scrambled, or sunny side up; the fact of the matter is that Togepi finally spread its wings. Literally. It had some help from a colony of Togepi, but really, this moment is more about Misty's efforts as a trainer. After all, she spent most of her time in the series holding Togepi close to her chest. So, seeing it finally take flight feels like the visualization of everything Misty brought to the show. It’s a shame Misty and Togetic part ways at the end of the episode, but at least they ended things on one hell of a high note.

#4: Incineroar’s Knockout

Most of the time, last-minute evolutions turn exciting moments into extraordinary ones. That still happens here, just not in the way most expected. Rest assured, the showdown between Ash’s Torracat and Kukui’s Incineroar is still incredible. And, given the matchup, it’s only natural that it ends with Ash’s partner evolving into Incineroar itself. The only issue is that, by the time Torracat shapes up, it’s already been K.O.’d. Even though this marked a disappointing end to Torracat’s fight, this scene strikes the perfect balance of hilarious and heartfelt. If anything, it gets props for delivering one of the most unexpected evolutions in the whole series, and that’s saying something.

#3: Greninja Awakens

One of Ash’s best partners ever deserved an equally iconic debut. Thankfully, the show delivered, and then some. Against a group of rogue shinobi, Ash’s Frogadier decides to show them what a real Water Shuriken looks like. But, Greninja’s slick entrance isn’t even the most epic part. The twist of this episode is that it’s two evolutions for the price of one. Just as soon as Greninja appears, he and Ash awaken to their battle bond form. As the first time anything like this ever happened in “Pokémon,” the hype is impossible to resist. After a debut like this, it’s really no surprise Greninja became the de-facto scene-stealer of the Kalos arc.

#2: Lucario Bulks Up

Ash has caught plenty of Pokémon in his day, but none of them compare to the one he actually raised. He nurtured Riolu from an egg to a baby to a trusted member of his team. In return, Riolu leapt into battle to protect its trainer from Chairman Rose. Along the way, it also happened to unlock a jaw-dropping evolution into Lucario. The aura Pokémon wraps things up with plenty of style, but the fight’s not the point of this scene. The real heart of it all is the culmination of Ash and Riolu’s bond. Seeing their relationship reach such an epic climax is easily representative of “Pokémon” at its very best.

#1: Charizard Takes Flight

Charmeleon’s final evolution is rightfully a big deal. Just not for Ash. See, the fire-type was in the middle of a rebellious hot-streak, and instead of growing out of it, Charizard was more disobedient than ever before. In the whole franchise, this might be the only one of Ash’s partners to evolve without him doing anything. And yet, it’s because Charmeleon grows on its own that makes this moment feel so monumental. It chose to evolve, just like it chose to save Ash from becoming a splat on the ground. In doing so, this one scene emphasized everything that Ash and Charizard would eventually become, and you can’t get any better than that.

What’s a Pokemon you desperately wanted to evolve in the anime? Let us know in the comments below!