Summary
If there’s one thing that anyone, even people who are not fans of the franchise, can say aboutPokemonis that it is a series full of wildly imaginative and unique monster designs. They are the kind of fictional creatures that spur people’s imaginations. They also make it easy for the fans to become attached to the shows, trading cards, and, especially, the games and shows. Everyone has their favorite Pokemon, and they can’t get enough to them.
But personal tastes aside, there are some Pokemon that go beyond the realm of being endearing. The creativity and at times beauty in the designs of some Pokemon are things that anyone should be able to admit are worth appreciating.
Updated March 6th, 2025, by Blaise Santi: To put it simply, there are too many well-designed Pokemon to name on this list, but the least we could do in preparation for whatever exciting new Pokemon and forms (and possibly Mega Evolutions?) await in this year’s Pokemon Legends Z-A is spread the love out to all Pokemon generations. This updated list includes a few of our favorite Pokemon designs from across the franchise’s history, from iconic creatures of the earliest generations to more recent designs that prove the series has still got it in terms of topping its previous work. Be warned, any readers who don’t like Dragon-type Pokemon: these latest additions to the list will not make you happy!
Fire/Flying, Fire/Dragon (Mega Charizard X)
Abilities
Blaze, Solar Power, Tough Claws (Mega Charizard X), Drought (Mega Charizard Y)
Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Gigantamax Charizard
Pokedex Entry
A Charizard flies about in search of strong opponents. It breathes intense flames that can melt any material. However, it will never torch a weaker foe.
For many fans,Charizardis their first introduction to thePokemonfranchise. It is the sixth Pokemon in the Pokedex and the mascot Pokemon for the first generation’sPokemon Red. Charizard is beyond popular in mainstream media, from Ash’s disrespectful partner in the anime to its ultra-rare holo card from the original trading card game series.
Charizard remains one of the most beloved and classic dragon designs in the series, so much so that it was given two Mega Evolutions, one of which being Fire/Dragon-type. Its bright orange scales, fire-coated tail, and fearsome facial expression are why thisamazing Fire/Flying-typehas set the standard for other Pokemon like it.
Mega Blastoise, Gigantamax Blastoise
Blastoise has water spouts that protrude from its shell. The water spouts are very accurate. They can shoot bullets of water with enough accuracy to strike empty cans from a distance of over 160 feet.
Although Charizard might be the most popular Gen 1 starter evolution,Blastoisestill maintains a special place in many fans’ hearts. Aside from being one of the strongest Water-type starters, Blastoise is also one of the most iconic Pokemon designs, as a hulking tortoise with cannons protruding from its shell.
Blastoise’s popularity allows it to benefit from multiple forms and designs. Both Mega Blastoise andGigantamax Blastoisetake the best aspects of the original’s look and build off of it. Despite having been around for over two decades, Blastoise is still relevant to the franchise, and its eye-grabbing design is a big reason why.
Static, Lightning Rod
Learned Moves
Thunderbolt, Electro Ball, Iron Tail, Agility, Charm, Nasty Plot, Quick Attack
Cap Pikachu, Gigantamax Pikachu
Its nature is to store up electricity. Forests where nests of Pikachu live are dangerous, since the trees are so often struck by lightning.
Easily the most recognizable Pokemon in the world,Pikachuis an Electric-type Pokemon that routinely appears in everyPokemongame, albeit finding it in the wild can be quite difficult. It first appeared inPokemonRedandBlue, where it can be caught in a number of locations, one example being the Viridian Forest.
Pikachu is the quintessential “cute” Pokemon and has been so for the entire span of the franchise’s history. Its small dimensions and mousey features, including its adorable ears, eyes, and almost constant smile, have made owning a Pikachu in real life the impossible dream for millions of people. It’s unfortunate its evolution, Raichu, doesn’t get the same love.
Mega Gengar, Gigantamax Gengar
Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow.
Sometimes, the most simplistic of designs are the most impactful. This is exceptionally true with Gastly’s evolutionary line, ending withGengar. As the first Ghost-type Pokemon introduced back in Generation 1, Gengar’s design has withstood the test of time. It helps that its pre-evolution, Haunter, is just as iconic with its menacing face and creepy hands.
Gengar has become an icon in its own right, appearing in a lot of Pokemon merchandise and media over the years. It’s even been given alternate forms through Mega Evolution and Gigantamaxing which have only made its design age better.
Water Absorb, Shell Armor, Hydration
Water Pulse, Brine, Ice Beam, Sheer Cold, Confuse Ray, Perish Song
Gigantamax Lapras
People have driven Lapras almost to the point of extinction. In the evenings, this Pokemon is said to sing plaintively as it seeks what few others of its kind still remain.
One of Gen 1’s most recognizable Pokemon,Lapras’ design has made an impression on plenty of trainers over the years. The Water/Ice-type resembles a plesiosaur, with its spiky grey shell and flippers standing out as its most recognizable traits.
There’s not a lot to Lapras’ design, though its simplicity has a certain charm to it. Gigantamax Lapras adds much more to the initial design, putting more focus on its shell while maintaining the aesthetic of the original. Of course, many Pokemon fans will fulfill their dreams of riding a Lapras inPokemon Sun & Moon, where they can use the Pokemon to surf across bodies of water.
Gigantamax Eevee
It can evolve into a variety of forms. Eevee’s genes are the key to solving the mysteries of Pokemon evolution.
Eeveeis a Pokemon from the first generation ofPokemongames. It is a small, canine-like, Normal-type Pokemon that notably has many potential evolutions, each with a differing type. Among the fan-favorites of the so-called “Eeveelutions” include Umbreon, Sylveon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon.
The Pokemon that Eevee evolves into depends on some different factors, including the location Eevee is evolved in, or the item used to evolve it. It’s been a fan topic for many years how Eeveelution designs would look for the rest of the types that have yet to be discovered, but hopefully, it won’t be long for Nintendo to unveil them.
Pressure, Unnerve, Steadfast (Mega Mewtwo X), Insomnia (Mega Mewtwo Y)
Psystrike, Future Sight, Aura Sphere, Ancient Power, Life Dew, Mist, Recover
Mega Mewtwo X, Mega Mewtwo Y
Mewtwo is a Pokemon that was created by genetic manipulation. However, even though the scientific power of humans created this Pokemon’s body, they failed to endow Mewtwo with a compassionate heart.
The second-to-last Pokemon in the original Pokedex inPokemon RedandBlue,Mewtwois one of the most powerful Pokemon in existence. However, it can only be caught after beating the main story. Once the player becomes the Pokemon Champion, they can travel to Cerulean Cave to seek out Mewtwo, but it’s best to save the Master Ball for this difficult fight.
What makes Mewtwo’s design impressive is how disconnected it is from the rest of the Pokemon in the series. Mewtwo is more “unnatural” than other Pokemon, to convey its artificial creation, and its demeanor is more purposefully savage than any other Pokemon. It also helps that the Pokemon has one of the most iconic anime appearances inMewtwo Strikes Back.
Synchronize, Inner Focus
Snarl, Dark Pulse, Moonlight, Confuse Ray, Guard Swap, Sand Attack, Covet
N/A
Umbreon evolved as a result of exposure to the moon’s waves. It hides silently in darkness and waits for its foes to make a move. The rings on its body glow when it leaps to attack.
TheEeveelutions don’t lack any creativityin their designs, with each one bringing some unique attributes to the table compared to other Pokemon of the same time. Gen 1 might have introduced the most at once, but Gen 2’s additions, the Dark-typeUmbreonand Psychic-type Espeon bring a lot to the table once players evolve them at nighttime or in the daytime, respectively.
Umbreon gets a slight edge over Espeon thanks to its sleek appearance. Its design is simple compared to its alternatives, but it stands out in how it’s able to do more with less. New Eeveelutions are bound to be introduced in future generations. Whether they can match Umbreon’s design is up in the air, though Gen 6’s Sylveon got pretty close.
Swarm, Technician, Light Metal, Technician (Mega Scizor)
Fury Cutter, X-Scissor, Bullet Punch, Iron Head, Wing Attack, Agility, Slash
Mega Scizor
Bulky pincers account for one third of Scizor’s body weight. A single swing of one of these pincers will crush a boulder completely.
Before Gen 2, Scyther was just a single-stage Bug/Flying-type Pokemon. However,Scizoris quite the upgrade as far as evolutions go. Although this Bug/Steel-type Pokemon isn’t the best bet against Fire-types, it’s one of the simplest, yet most unique designs in the franchise. Scyther’s blade-like arms transform into sharp pincers that, according to the Pokedex, are incredibly strong.
Walking Wake
Suicune embodies the compassion of a pure spring of water. It runs across the land with gracefulness. This Pokemon has the power to purify dirty water.
Suicuneis a member of the Legendary beast trio that first appeared inPokemon Gold & Silver, and was the mascot forPokemon Crystal. The Legendary Pokemon Ho-oh resurrected Suicune after it had died in a fire that destroyed the Brass Tower. As a roaming Pokemon, players may only get their chance to catch it once they randomly encounter it in the wild.
Suicune’s design is canine in origin and takes inspiration from wolves and other long-snouted breeds. However, Suicune only looks cooler with its Paradox form inScarlet & Violet, Walking Wake, which is more dinosaur-inspired and boasts a secondary Dragon-typing.
