The very first episode of Pokémon aired in Japan on April 1st, 1997. 1,300 episodes and roughly 650 hours of content later, this long-running anime remains stronger than ever before. Now, as we stand at the brand’s 30th anniversary, what better time to turn back the clock and revisit where it all began with the Indigo League? Sure, the animation is dated, and the translations aren’t always accurate, but I’d argue that those original 82 episodes delivered some of the most memorable moments of all. Within these early adventures are standouts celebrated for their inventive storytelling, their respect for established lore, and the groundwork they lay for larger journeys across both the big and small screen. From countless run-ins with Team Rocket to the debut of the mysterious Mewtwo, these are just some of the stories that set Satoshi Tajiri’s Pocket Monsters on course to becoming the largest intellectual property on the planet.
So, grab those rubber gloves and don’t forget to change your underwear, because we’re heading back to Pallet Town for a look at my picks for The 10 Best Episodes of Pokémon: Indigo League…
10. "The Punchy Pokémon" (1x28)
On the road to Fuchsia City, Ash and his friends meet Anthony, a trainer so obsessed with winning the P1 Grand Prix that he’s neglected his family. At the urging of his daughter Rebecca, Ash enters Primeape in the tournament, joined by Brock and even Team Rocket, who arrive with a stolen Hitmonlee. After battling some fierce competition, Primeape emerges victorious. Humbled and reminded of what truly matters, Anthony asks to train Primeape, and Ash agrees, leaving it behind with a promise to reunite one day. In addition to embracing a number of classic underdog tropes, this episode shines for boldly redefining what a Pokémon battle could be — and, if ask me, the end result is a total knockout!
9. "Who Gets To Keep Togepi?" (1x47)
The group stops at a Pokémon Center, where Ash updates his Pokédex with data on newly discovered Pokémon. Soon after, Team Rocket swipes the mysterious egg from Grandpa Canyon — only for it to hatch into Togepi, sparking a humorous dispute over who should get to raise it. Ash, Misty, Brock, and even Meowth settle the matter with a tournament. Though Ash wins, Togepi ultimately bonds with Misty, the first face it sees upon hatching. While not the most thrilling episode on this list, it earns its place by introducing one of the first Gen II Pokémon and further developing the lighthearted rivalry between our heroes and Team Rocket.
8. "Battle Of The Badge" (1x63)
Ash and his friends return to Viridian City so Ash can compete for an Earth Badge. At the gym, his rival Gary challenges Giovanni — who also happens to lead Team Rocket — but is swiftly defeated by a mysterious armored Pokémon that no Pokédex can identify. With Giovanni forced to leave on urgent business, Ash faces Jessie and James for his final Kanto badge, winning after Togepi inadvertently sends them flying. While the side plot is somewhat forgettable, “Battle Of The Badge” makes this list for not only foreshadowing one of the most popular Pokémon in franchise history, but laying the groundwork for the show’s big leap to the silver screen.
7. "Mystery At The Lighthouse" (1x13)
After catching a Krabby, Ash and his friends make their way to a lighthouse perched atop a cliff. Here, they meet Bill, a Pokémon researcher who's eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new Pokémon never before seen by humans. Soon, a massive shadow begins to emerge from the mist, though Team Rocket’s meddling threatens to spoil the moment as they try to capture it for their boss. Brimming with suspense and wonder, this episode presents the Pokémon world as a place of endless mystery — one where the next big discovery could be just around the corner and encountering the unknown is always a thrilling adventure.
6. "Electric Shock Showdown" (1x14)
Arriving in Vermilion City, Ash and Pikachu challenge Lt. Surge for a Thunder Badge but are swiftly defeated by his powerful Raichu. At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy offers Ash a Thunder Stone to evolve Pikachu, but it refuses. After training, Ash and Pikachu return to the gym and defeat Raichu using strategy and speed, much to Lt. Surge's surprise. Beyond marking Ash’s first battle against a truly formidable gym leader, “Electric Shock Showdown” holds its own by showcasing the skill, preparation, and strategy behind Pokémon training, while also reminding viewers that there is often more to winning then brute strength.
5. "Attack Of The Prehistoric Pokémon" (1x43)
The Great Fossil Rush has overtaken Grandpa Canyon, drawing budding paleontologists from far and wide. Passing through on their way to Cinnabar Island, Ash and his friends foil a Team Rocket scheme but wind up trapped deep underground alongside a pack of prehistoric Pokémon — including a particularly surly Aerodactyl that sets its sights on Ash and makes a break for the surface. Featuring the long-awaited debut of Charizard and an eleventh-hour rescue by Jigglypuff, this classic Indigo League adventure is anything but extinct.
4. "Volcanic Panic" (1x59)
When Team Rocket’s plan to capture Blaine’s Magmar backfires, Ash and his friends join forces with the Cinnabar Island gym leader to prevent an imminent volcanic eruption. In the aftermath, Ash and Blaine face off atop the mountain for the Volcano Badge, where Charizard steps in, eager to prove its strength against Magmar. Delivering one of the most exciting gym battles of the entire series, while spotlighting one of Ash’s most powerful — and unpredictable — Pokémon, this white-hot showdown is an episode that never disappoints!
3. "Pikachu's Goodbye" (1x36)
In one of the series’ most emotional episodes, Ash considers leaving Pikachu behind after seeing how happily it fits in with a group of wild Pikachu. Wanting only what’s best for his partner, Ash resolves to say goodbye. But when Team Rocket swoops in hoping to capture the entire group, the strength of their bond is put to the test. Heartfelt and guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye, this Season 1 standout beautifully highlights just how far Ash and Pikachu have come since the beginning, proving that their friendship is stronger than any temptation to separate.
2. "Charmander, The Stray Pokémon" (1x11)
Travelling through the forest, Ash, Misty, and Brock discover an injured Charmander perched on a rock, faithfully waiting for its owner to return. At the Pokémon Center, they soon encounter Damien, a callous trainer who boasts about abandoning it. Outraged, the trio rush back into a raging storm to rescue Charmander and bring it to safety. Confronting themes of neglect and abandonment, this powerful early episode reveals the darker side of Pokémon training while paving the way for Charmander to join Ash’s team — marking the beginning of one of the show's most iconic partnerships.
1. "Pokémon, I Choose You!" (1x01)
The one that started it all! Ash Ketchum leaves Pallet Town to begin his Pokémon journey with a less-than-thrilled Pikachu at his side. Disobedient and openly defiant, Pikachu refuses to trust its new trainer — until a flock of fearsome Spearows attack, leaving it badly injured. With danger closing in, Ash risks everything to protect Pikachu, proving just how much he cares and forging an unbreakable bond between them. Setting the stage for 30 years worth of adventure and featuring arguably the coolest opening in franchise history, “Pokémon, I Choose You!” is the perfect stepping stone to a legendary journey.
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