10 Times Pokémon Actually Died In The Franchise
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In the Pokémon universe, the sad reality is that Pokémon, like their human trainers, carry the heavy burden of mortality and are susceptible to death.
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In the Pokémon universe, the sad reality is that Pokémon, like their human trainers, carry the heavy burden of mortality and are thus susceptible to death. Though the implications are bleak, it undoubtedly provides trainers an opportunity to appreciate the time they have with their Pokémon.
In Pokémon video games, players learn that their lovable companions can never be killed, but instead knocked unconscious, to be revived at a Pokémon Center. However, the anime adaptations prove to be more closely based on reality, occasionally exploring the concept of a Pokémon’s death.
10 Pikachu And Ash Temporarily Die In “Tower of Terror”
A particularly memorable episode of the original anime, “Tower of Terror” features both the death of a Pokémon and a primary character as well. Admittedly, Ash and Pikachu’s deaths are only temporary, but their brief demise still shocked many unsuspecting fans upon the episode’s release.
In the episode, Ash and Pikachu set out to capture a “Ghost” Pokémon in Lavendar Town to defeat the gym leader, Sabrina. While in pursuit of Gengar and Haunter, Ash and Pikachu fall on the ground, shaking a hanging chandelier loose. The chandelier falls on the pair, resulting in Gengar removing their spirits from their lifeless bodies.
9 Latios Sacrifices Themselves In “Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias”
In Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias, one of the titular characters, Latios, dies in a heroic yet heartbreaking attempt to save an entire city. The movie revolves around a mystical item called a “Soul Dew,” which is capable of raising the water levels in Alto Mare, effectively drowning the inhabitants.
Throughout the movie, Team Rocket tries to steal the Soul Dew for nefarious means. In a climactic scene, Latios sacrifices itself, becoming the new “Soul Dew.” Thankfully, the city is saved from annihilation, but at the cost of Latios’ life.
8 Lucario Sacrifices Himself After Viewing His Trainer Do The Same In “Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew”
Lucario, a universal fan-favorite Pokémon, is also the victim of a tragic death resulting from a sacrificial act. In Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, Ash wins a staff, once belonging to an ancient hero, that contains Lucario.
Towards the end of the movie, it’s revealed that Lucario’s previous owner, Sir Aaron, sacrificed himself in order to stop the war at the Tree of Beginning. After witnessing Sir Aaron’s emotional memories from a “time flower,” Lucario decides to follow in his trainer’s footsteps and sacrifice himself to protect the Tree of Beginning.
7 Meowth Drops Dead After Seeing Mimikyu’s True Form In “Pokémon Sun and Moon: The Series”
Fans of the older Pokémon anime may not know that Meowth, Jessie and James’ iconic talking companion, actually died in an episode of Pokémon Sun and Moon: The Series. Perhaps even more disturbing than Meowth’s death is the terrifying and unsettling Mimikyu that indirectly causes it.
Mimikyu, a ghost Pokémon, is significantly more demonic in the anime iterations than the video games, continually threatening Pikachu and Meowth. After seeing Mimikyu’s “true form,” Meowth immediately drops dead and floats lifelessly in the ocean.
6 Marowak Lost Their Life Trying To Protect Their Child In “Pokémon Red & Blue”
Marowak has perhaps one of the most well-known Pokémon deaths in the original series. As part of the original games, Red & Blue, players are required to put Marowak’s ghost to rest in Lavender Town’s haunted Tower.
Once the cause of Marowak’s death is revealed, the game begins to takes a notably darker turn. It turns out Team Rocket raided the Tower to collect Cubone skulls. In an attempt to protect her child, the Marowak confronts Team Rocket. Though ultimately successful, Marowak tragically died as a result of the battle.
5 Luxray Freezes To Death In Order To Protect Their Young Trainer In “I Choose You!”
In the anime adaptions, there’s a recurring theme of Pokémon heroically sacrificing themselves for their trainers. Audiences are again exposed to a somber death scene in Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You! involving a courageous Luxray.
During a scene in the movie, Ash’s friend Sorrel recounts a tragic story from his youth, where he and his Luxray became lost during a blizzard. In order to keep his trainer warm, Luxray covers Sorrel through the night, effectively saving the young boy’s life. Sadly, after the blizzard clears, Sorrel finds Luxray’s lifeless body frozen to death.
4 Sharpedo Are Nearing Extinction Due To Overfishing In “Pokémon Third Generation”
The near-extinction of Sharpedo parallels many real-world issues, particularly poaching and overfishing. Sharks being hunted for their “prized fins,” though prohibited, is not only something that still occurs today but was also the cause of death for countless Sharpedos in the Alola region.
The Sharpedos’ near-extinction serves as a continued reminder to the Pokémon world of the consequences of overfishing. It also provides a rather morbid confirmation that inhabitants in the Pokémon universe do, in fact, hunt and eat certain Pokémon.
3 Stoutland Passes Away Due To Natural Causes In “That’s Why the Litten is a Scamp!”
The Pokémon episode, “That’s Why the Litten is a Scamp!,” deals with every dog lover’s worst fear, the death of a beloved canine. The episode introduces an elderly Stoutland, who has taken a young Litten under its wing. The Stoutland trains the Litten to reach its true potential; however, the Stoutland continually grows weaker as the episode progresses.
Towards the end of the episode, the Litten has a dream where its beloved mentor, the Stoutland, slowly begins to disappear until it’s gone completely. When Litten awakes the next morning, the Stoutland is no longer around, indicating it has since died. In an incredibly emotional scene, the Litten sees the spirit of its former friend in the sky.
2 Darkrai Loses Its Life When Trying To Stop A War In “The Rise of Darkrai”
Darkrai is a powerful, mythical Pokémon able to invade dreams and cause nightmares (though never intentionally). In The Rise of Darkrai, the titular Pokémon has an emotional death as it attempts to prevent the destruction of Alamos.
The movie begins with two ancient Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia, engaged in a neverending war of epic proportions. Darkrai, realizing that it is the only being able to contend with Dialga and Palkia, takes it upon itself to stop the fighting. Unfortunately, Darkrai’s actions ultimately result in its death at the hands of the two Pokémon.
1 Volcarona Died Due To An Illness In “Pokémon Black 2 & White 2”
In Pokémon Black & White, players are introduced to a “Pokémon Champion” named Alder. It’s revealed that Alder’s starter Pokémon, Volcarona, died from an illness, which profoundly impacted Alder. Disheartened by his inability to save Volcarona, Alder decided to wander around the regions of Unova.
Interestingly, Alder does not mention the type of Pokémon who he was unable to save in Black & White, but rather a “starter Pokémon.” However, in Pokémon Black 2 & White 2, it’s confirmed that his former companion was a Volcarona.
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