Ash Ketchum's best moments in the Pokemon anime

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are approaching their last-ever adventure, so we thought we'd look back at some of their best moments

It’s no secret that Ash Ketchum has made more than his fair share of dumb decisions over his 25-year run on the Pokémon anime. However, with his final chapter in sight now it’s been announced that Ash and Pikachu are leaving the Pokémon anime, we thought it’d be nice to put the mockery of this eternal 10-year-old to one side and instead look at some of his best moments.

Say what you will about Ash using Thunderbolt against Ground-types at least once a year, but there are plenty of times when Ash has shone through as a true hero, bringing out the best in himself, his Pokémon, and his friends. Be it through a triumphant victory, an act of true bravery, or a show of maturity beyond his years, Ash can (sometimes) be an inspiration to us all.

Protecting Pikachu

Ash was a hero right from day one, and this is all you need to see as proof. His relationship with Pikachu was frosty at first, with the electric mouse shocking Ash at every opportunity and generally refusing to obey his commands. That all changed though when Ash showed his true colors, shielding a wounded Pikachu from a horde of wild Spearow with nothing but his body.

This gave Pikachu the strength to defend them both and the rest is history.

Bye Bye Butterfree

One of the most shared images from the recent episode is that of Ash finally reuniting with his beloved Butterfree. This moment which taught many children to cry for the first time is perhaps one of Ash’s most mature decisions ever. When his Butterfree falls in love with a pink Butterfree he must make the heartbreaking decision to release his Pokémon and let it live the life it wants. It’s one of the anime’s best moments and has stuck in the memories of everyone who watched it as a child.

Defeating Raichu

Ash has already suffered his fair share of losses by the time he faced off with Lt Surge, but perhaps none hit harder than Pikachu’s defeat to the powerful Raichu. This wouldn’t be the only time in the series Ash would consider evolving Pikachu, but it was perhaps the only time fans could seriously believe it might happen. His eventual decision not to evolve his partner and still overcome the tougher opponent is another example of Ash’s unrivaled determination.

Sacrificing himself to stop Mew and Mewtwo

It would eventually become a trope that either Ash or Pikachu would “sacrifice” themselves at the climax of almost every Pokémon movie, but the first time still hits the hardest. After seeing the pointlessness of Pokémon and their clones fighting he gets in the middle of Mew and Mewtwo’s battle and ends up dead. Cue crying Pikachu and another wave of tears from kids worldwide.

Although he would manage to cheat death for the first of many times, the fact that he was willing to put himself in harm’s way like that is a truly heroic act.

Defeating Gary at long last

Ash has had many rivals over the years, but none gave him quite as much trouble as Gary Oak. Back in the good old days when rivals in Pokémon games were actually hostile toward the player, Blue took the form of Gary in the anime. As a kid, this guy was the biggest jerk you’ve ever seen and was several steps ahead of Ash at all times.

In a show of great restraint from those behind the anime, Ash didn’t get to have his full 6-on-6 final battle with Gary until the end of Johto arc, as they clashed in the first round of the Johto league. This battle was a great summary of how far Ash had come over the course of the original series, able to finally shut his rival up for good in a fierce fight.

Battling May in a contest final

With Ruby and Sapphire introducing Pokémon contests, May’s story was all about conquering that side of the Pokémon world. It wasn’t something Ash was particularly good at, but he still tried his hand at competing in one every now and then. As it happened, Ash made it to the finals of the Terracotta contest, where he had to face off against May in battle.

The two put up a fierce competition and it was cool to see these two friends go at each other with no holds barred. Plus, we got to see Blaziken and Sceptile face off at full strength. The battle may end in a draw, but both trainers come away better for it and the episode ends triumphantly as they share the contest ribbon.

Defeating Paul with Infernape

Gary may be an obnoxious jerk, but Paul was a genuinely nasty trainer. Someone who only values a Pokémon for their strength, he lost all hope of redemption when he abandoned his starter, Chimchar, because it was “pathetic”. Ash took Chimchar in and, by the time the two faced off in the quarter-finals of the Sinnoh league, he was a fully-powered Infernape.

The battle is one of the best in series history, with both trainers showing the best of their training styles. Ultimately though, what you’ll remember is the finale where the Infernape that Paul abandoned goes Super Saiyan and obliterates Paul’s Electavire to get the win.

Ash kissed a girl (and he liked it?)

One of the stranger aspects of the Kalos arc is Serena’s not-so-subtle crush on Ash. Naturally, Ash is completely oblivious to this for the years they spend traveling the region together, but it had to come to a conclusion somehow. Serena waits until the last possible moment, running up and stealing a kiss moments before they kiss to the blushing shock of Pikachu and their friends. Ash doesn’t react for a second before waving Serena a smiley farewell, which is certainly a more mature reaction than any of us would’ve had at that age.

Alola Champion

After coming second place in the Kalos league, everyone was hoping and praying that Ash would come out on top when the time for the Alola league came about. Ash’s IQ was a little all over the place during the Alola arc, but it all came together right at the end. After a thrilling battle with Gladion, Ash took on Kukui at full strength, putting arguably his all-around strongest team to good use. The final battle between Pikachu and Tapu Koko is a sight to behold and it earned Ash his first regional championship.

World Champion

Ash’s goal wasn’t to be the best of one region though, it was to be the very best, so the world championship was the next step. After spending the entire Journeys arc working his way up to champion rank, the Master's Eight tournament was the toughest challenge Ash would ever face.

While seeing Ash beat powerful champions like Steven and Cynthia made video game fans like us cry salty tears, it was undoubtedly the kid’s greatest accomplishment, channeling everything he’s ever learned into one incredible battle against Leon.

When it was all said and done, no one could say Ash didn’t deserve it, just like he thoroughly deserves his upcoming retirement. If only we could all retire at 10 years old…