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Movies like

Pokémon: The First Movie

Loved the vibe? Here are ten films that hit similar notes—with match scores, reasons to watch, and where to stream in the US.

Pokémon: The First Movie poster

Why people love it

Pokémon: The First Movie (1998) stuck because it commits to its animation premise without apologizing—viewers remember set pieces and momentum as much as plot. Kunihiko Yuyama's control of tone keeps the ride coherent. The animation and family blend is the engine: it lets the film shift registers without feeling like two different movies stitched together.

animationfamilyadventurefantasyrewatchable

Runtime 1h 36m · ★ 7.0

Your 10 recommendations

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  1. 96match

    1.Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019)

    6.8 · Animation · Adventure · Fantasy · 1h 38m

    Why you'll love it

    The animation appeal of Pokémon: The First Movie — that uplifting edge, the family — translates cleanly into Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2019). Different setting, same essential satisfaction.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
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  2. 94match

    2.Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2001)

    6.7 · Animation · Family · Action · 1h 3m

    Why you'll love it

    The filmmakers behind Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2001) clearly understood what makes animation work — the same quality that keeps Pokémon: The First Movie rewatchable. Expect the same uplifting rhythm, executed with a fresh angle.

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  3. 92match

    3.Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015)

    6.8 · Family · Adventure · Animation · 1h 13m

    Why you'll love it

    Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages (2015) is the kind of film Pokémon: The First Movie fans discover and immediately send to their group chat. The animation overlap is real, but it's the uplifting emotional pull that seals the recommendation.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    • YouTube(Buy)
    + Save for later
  4. 90match

    4.The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)

    6.7 · Action · Adventure · Animation · 1h 47m

    Why you'll love it

    The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part shares Pokémon: The First Movie's gift for animation — the 2019 film delivers family without overstaying its welcome. Consider it required viewing once you've finished rewatching your first pick.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Spectrum On Demand(Rent)
    • Plex(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
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  5. 88match

    5.James and the Giant Peach (1996)

    6.6 · Adventure · Animation · Family · 1h 19m

    Why you'll love it

    Much of what makes Pokémon: The First Movie compelling — the animation, the family — shows up in James and the Giant Peach (1996) in a slightly different form. Both films understand that uplifting storytelling works best when it trusts the audience.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  6. 86match

    6.Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017)

    7.1 · Family · Animation · Adventure · 1h 38m

    Why you'll love it

    The animation energy of Pokémon: The First Movie is alive in Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017), filtered through a different story but the same emotional register. It earns its place on this list with a uplifting payoff that rivals the original pick.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    • YouTube(Buy)
    + Save for later
  7. 84match

    7.Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)

    7.1 · Family · Animation · Adventure · 1h 35m

    Why you'll love it

    Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009) operates in the same animation as Pokémon: The First Movie, but with its own distinct voice and pacing. The uplifting payoff will feel satisfyingly familiar without retreading the same ground.

    Watch on

    • Hulu
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    + Save for later
  8. 82match

    8.Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)

    6.6 · Family · Adventure · Animation · 1h 38m

    Why you'll love it

    Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004) belongs to the same conversation as Pokémon: The First Movie — both anchor their animation in family emotion that doesn't let go. The uplifting undercurrent connects them more than any plot summary would suggest.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    • YouTube(Buy)
    + Save for later
  9. 80match

    9.Moana (2016)

    7.6 · Adventure · Comedy · Family · 1h 47m

    Why you'll love it

    If Pokémon: The First Movie's animation stayed with you, Moana (2016) delivers the same sensation through an entirely different story. The family through-line is the real common thread between them.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  10. 78match

    10.Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

    7.2 · Family · Animation · Comedy · 1h 52m

    Why you'll love it

    Where Pokémon: The First Movie excels in animation, Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) doubles down on family to comparable effect. The tonal similarities run deep enough that watching both back-to-back feels intentional.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later

FAQ

What should I watch after Pokémon: The First Movie?
Try Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution, Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns, Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages—each shares DNA with Pokémon: The First Movie while changing the setting enough to feel fresh.
What genre is Pokémon: The First Movie?
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998) is best described as Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Action. Stores and algorithms use different labels, but that mix is what fans actually recognize on a rewatch.
Is Pokémon: The First Movie part of a franchise?
Yes—it's part of the "Pokémon Collection" storyline. You can enjoy it standalone, but sequels and tie-ins build on characters and continuity established here.

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