35 Cutest Pokémon Of All Time

Pokémon is the biggest franchise in the world, and part of its appeal is in just how many incredibly cute creatures it has introduced. Currently, the series has introduced over 1,000 Pokémon, and though their designs range from scary to cool to purposefully gross, it’s difficult to deny just how many Pokémon are outright adorable.

Given the sheer number of Pokémon, it’s difficult to decide which are the most adorable. In addition to just how aesthetically appealing each ranked Pokémon is, there are also elements of considering their impact in both the game series as well as the anime. Ultimately, part of what makes Pokémon so special is how fans can pick and choose their favorites. Not every Pokémon can appeal to every fan, and that’s okay. However, the following Pokémon are so adorable and notable that it’s difficult not to rank them among the cutest Pokémon of all time.

35

Wooper – #194

Gold & Silver

Wooper is a second-generation Pokémon, which is capable of evolving into Quagsire. Wooper also has a regional variant, Paldean Wooper, which can evolve into Clodsire. Wooper lives in colder bodies of water, and often buries itself in the mud at the bottom of lake beds. It’s covered in a slimy film, which is both mildly toxic and helps keep it from dehydrating when on land. Paldean Wooper live primarily on land, in marshy areas, and are Poison/Ground-type, rather than Water-type.

Wooper appeared prominently in the Pokémon XY anime, where it was a friend of Ash’s Goodra back in Goodra’s home territory. It was seen in several episodes that revolved around Goodra. Wooper has also had many minor appearances in the anime, such as the episode “No Big Woop!”, where Ash and friends had to watch over a school of unruly Wooper.

34

Floette – #670

X & Y

Floette is one of the smallest Pokémon in existence, only 8 inches tall at most, and that’s including the flower. It’s said that the more beautiful Floette’s flower is, the more powerful it will be. Floette is unique in that it can be found in five varieties based on the color of flower it attaches to: red, orange, yellow, blue, and white. There’s also a secret variant, the Eternal Flower Floette, which has never been distributed in any Pokémon game, but appeared in cutscenes in X and Y and in Pokémon Generations.

Floette has had several minor appearances in the anime. Notably, Goh caught five Flabébé, Floette’s pre-evolved form, which would later evolve into Floette. Goh ended up releasing his White Flower Floette to allow it to cultivate more white flowers in the wild, as the white variant is the rarest form of Floette.

33

Buneary – #427

Diamond & Pearl

Buneary is a fourth-generation Pokémon that evolves into Lopunny when it has a strong bond with its trainer. Buneary is notable for having one ear bunched up at all times, looking a bit like a hair bun or fur cap, although it is capable of extending the ear. If both ears are bunched up, that’s a sign that Buneary is scared or feeling unwell, and should be addressed immediately. It actually relies heavily on its ears, using them to jump and attack, rather than its small and weak arms or legs.

Buneary was a common sight in the anime thanks to Dawn’s Buneary, which would sometimes dress up with her in cheerleader costumes to cheer on Ash during gym battles. It participated in Pokémon contests with Dawn and seemed to enjoy wearing costumes and accessories.

32

Horsea – #116

Red & Blue

Horsea is a Water-type Pokémon that evolves into Seadra, and then potentially Kingdra, if traded while holding a Dragon Scale. Horsea is known for its adorable eyes and trumpet-like mouth, with which it’s still able to smile. It’s also likely to play with other Horsea using its tail when it feels safe, and uses its tail to hold it in place when there’s strong currents. Horsea aren’t particularly strong, and take some effort to level up, but it can be quite worth the effort in some games.

In the anime, Horsea appeared prominently in Misty’s possession. Although Misty’s Horsea didn’t often fight, it was capable of using moves like Water Gun, which it would use to help put out fires. Horsea would also perform alongside Misty when she put on shows at the gym, and she eventually decided to leave it safely in the gym when it began to feel sick, giving it a chance to recover.

31

Pichu – #172

Gold & Silver

Pichu is the pre-evolution of Pikachu, and is classified as a “Baby Pokémon,” explaining its absolutely adorable nature. Pichu are still young, and haven’t learned to master their electricity yet, leading them to accidentally burn berries they attempt to eat. While it may not have the enduring popularity of Pikachu, Pichu is still a beloved Pokémon, and one of the few that managed to make an appearance in Super Smash Bros.

Pichu is known to have a special form that was only available in HeartGold and SoulSilver, the Spiky-eared Pichu. In the anime, Pichu has had plenty of time to shine, with the recurring presence of the Pichu Brothers. Ash’s Pikachu was also seen as a Pichu in a flashback episode at the start of Pokémon Journeys, where it lived with a Kangaskhan who took care of it like her own baby.

30

Torchic – #255

Ruby & Sapphire

Torchic is a Fire-type starter Pokémon commonly given to trainers beginning their journeys in the Hoenn region. Torchic are known for their downy coat of soft feathers, as well as an internal flame which causes Torchic to feel quite warm when hugged. Torchic often have a wobbly gait, as they’re not yet used to walking on their two little feet.

In the Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire anime, Torchic was the first partner Pokémon of May, Ash’s new female companion for the Hoenn region. May’s Torchic was very loyal and prone to getting into trouble, especially in the beginning when it didn’t really understand how to battle. May’s Torchic was also prone to jealousy, and would occasionally act out if it felt it wasn’t getting enough attention. It became more competitive as a Pokémon when it drew closer to its eventual evolution in Combusken.

29

Azurill – #298

Ruby & Sapphire

Azurill is a Normal/Fairy-type Pokémon, and the baby form of Marill, a Water/Fairy-type Pokémon. Azurill are known for their exceptionally cute appearance, and have a large floater on the end of their zig-zagged tails which contain all the nutrients they need to grow into a Marill. Azurill will sometimes spin their tails like lassos and throw them, launching themselves through the air for distances up to 33 feet.

In the Ruby and Sapphire era of the anime, Misty was revealed to have an Azurill, which she began carrying around in place of Togepi once Togepi evolved. Misty’s Azurill is actually the child of Tracey’s Marill, tying the two characters together. As a baby Pokémon, Misty doesn’t generally use Azurill in battle, although it did once get to fight alongside its parent in an attempt to ward off Team Rocket.

28

Oshawott – #501

Black & White

Oshawott is a Water-type starter Pokémon from the Unova region, and as such is generally considered easy to train. Oshawott keep a special shell on their belly, known as a Scalchop, which allows them to slice and dice things that get in their way. If the Scalchop becomes lost, Oshawott will begin to panic and search endlessly until it finds the missing shell. The Scalchop isn’t just handy in battle, but can also be used to break into hard nuts and berries.

In the Pokémon Black and White anime, Ash came to own an Oshawott. Ash’s Oshawott was highly clumsy and prone to falling in love with female Pokémon, regardless of type. These crushes would often lead Oshawott to get into trouble in attempts to impress the object of its affections, making it an endearing sort of goofball.

27

Fuecoco – #909

Scarlet & Violet

Fuecoco is the Paldea region’s Fire-type starter Pokémon, making it one of the first Pokémon a trainer is likely to encounter in Scarlet and Violet. Fuecoco is said to lie on warm rocks in the sun, absorbing energy which helps to power its flames. However, the energy often leaks out of the top of its head, giving it the distinctive puffs of hair-like fire at the top.

Fuecoco happens to be the first partner of Pokémon Horizons’ Roy, one of the main characters of the series, ensuring it receives plenty of screentime in the anime. Most Fuecoco (including Roy’s) are rather absent-minded Pokémon, often acting without thinking and getting into trouble as a result. Their cluelessness happens to be one of the species’ most endearing traits, however, and many fans find themselves adoring this easily bamboozled Pokémon.

26

Sprigatito – #906

Scarlet & Violet

Sprigatito is the Paldean Grass-type starter Pokémon, and as such is one of the first Pokémon most trainers will encounter in the ninth generation games. Sprigatito’s paws are said to emit a pleasant scent, and it absorbs energy by lying in the sun, like a plant would. Sprigatito are very demanding of their trainers’ attention, and can become a bit of a nuisance if not cared for properly.

Sprigatito has the honor of being the first partner of Pokémon Horizons‘ main character, Liko, making it the most prominent Pokémon in the series by a large margin. Liko and Sprigatito have a very cute relationship, and both support each other through difficult times, much like Ash and Pikachu. Sprigatito is also very competent in battle, able to use moves like Leafage and Magical Leaf to defeat opponents.

25

Jigglypuff – #39

Red & Blue

A favorite of many Pokémon fans, Jigglypuff is certainly considered a classic in terms of cuteness. With a round, ball-like shape, googly eyes, and pointy cat-like ears, it’s safe to say that Jigglypuff hits all the major determining factors for adorable. The Jigglypuff fandom extends well beyond the original series, as the character has also popped up as a playable character in Super Smash Bros and multiple side games.

Recently in Scarlet and Violet, Jigglypuff’s ancient ancestor Scream Tail was revealed.

Given Jigglypuff’s appearances in Smash Bros. and of course the anime, it’s no wonder the boisterous fairy type is so beloved.

24

Swinub – #220

Gold & Silver

An underrated Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon Gold & Silver, Swinub is the cross between a baby boar and a baby mammoth, meaning an adorable pig snout with shaggy hair. The creature looks like a sad, hairy balloon in the wild due to its hair concealing its legs when it walks. Swinub is an Ice-Ground type Pokémon that can use its stature and snout to inspect the ground for items, including discovering hot springs.

Swinub is an example of Generation II capturing that adorable magic of the original Pokémon in Kanto. However, its evolutions, Piloswine and Mamoswine, lose the cuteness factor as they become mammoths poised for a fight. The Swinub lives largely in icy spots, including caves and snowy terrain, and their keen sense of smell is used to track down the source of anything pleasant, akin to pigs sniffing out truffles.

23

Dratini – #147

Red & Blue

With a sleek snake-like shape and big eyes, Dratini is a Dragon Pokémon that’s simply too cute. Fans of aquatic Pokémon will appreciate the teeny white fins extending from either side of Dratini’s face, while a small rounded nub on its forehead adds even more whimsical charm.

Fans of the first, third, and fourth generation Pokémon games will experience waves of nostalgia from trying to snatch up a Dratini from the Safari Zone.

22

Shaymin – #142

Diamond & Pearl

One part Chia Pet, and another part hedgehog, Shaymin is an undeniably adorable Pokémon. Originally introduced during Generation IV, this Grass-type Pokémon has a sweet-looking design, looking like a hedgehog with flowers and leaves instead of spikes.

On-screen, Shaymin had its original debut during Giratina and the Sky Warrior, the second Diamond & Pearl series movie. In Sky Forme, the Pokémon’s shape alters drastically, almost resembling a small deer-like creature. Whether fans prefer the Pokemon’s hedgehog version or the Sky Forme, it’s pretty clear that the adorable Shaymin well deserves its slot among the cutest Pokémon.

21

Fidough – #926

Scarlet & Violet

One of the first Pokémon introduced in Generation IX’s Paldea region, Fidough is a fluffy, elastic, pastry-inspired dog, ideal for petting or kneading like biscuit dough. Its protrusions and growths are also pastry-shaped, including ears shaped like and positioned similarly to Princess Leia’s iconic buns from Star Wars. However, Fidough is also the Pokémon world’s most adorable cooking companion, as it is a natural source of yeast for baking.

What’s especially adorable about Fidough is that its evolution Dachsbun more closely resembles a dog, and more importantly, looks like a canine-shaped loaf of knotted challah bread. This fun detail indicates that Fidough is essentially the raw or unfinished form, but much like cookie dough, a large demographic of people may prefer one form over another. Fidough is the softest, cutest new Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in Paldea with rising popularity, though popular wisdom about its biology suggests it will only rise further with time.

20

Mareep – #179

Gold & Silver

Mareep is an electrifying addition to the Pokémon universe, originally introduced during the second generation games in Pokémon Gold and Silver. With puffy tufts of wool and a lightbulb-like tail, Mareep is undeniably cute.

A small little curly wave of wooly fur rests on the center of its forehead, making Mareep appropriately fluffy. As cute as this Pokémon might appear to be though, static electricity continuously builds up inside its body. As tempting as it might be to touch, Mareep’s fleece only amps up the volume of its static charge, and touching it will deliver a powerful electric blast. Though Mareep’s final evolution, Ampharos, removes the fluff that makes Mareep and Flaffy so iconic, its draconic Mega Evolution brings the fleece back with a glorious head of hair.

19

Lillipup – #506

Black & White

For any Pokémon trainer who is also a dog person, Lillipup is a dream come true. With face full of puffy fur, Lillipup resembles a sweet terrier puppy. With big brown eyes, a teeny tail, and fuzzy fur, the pup is undeniably cute. Lillipup’s fur is known for being used as a type of radar detection, and helps give the canine Pokémon additional information about its environment.

When viewed on the Pokédex 3D Pro, Lillipup has three toes per paw, and the bottom of its pads are actually blue. Lillipup looks cute in its naturally unevolved state, and continues to look adorable even when it starts to evolve. Trainers can evolve the Pokemon into Herdier, which resembles a tiny Miniature Schnauzer or Terrier, and later into Stoutland.

18

Sobble – #81

Sword & Shield

The Water-type starter from Galar may have some awkward evolutions until its suave, collected Inteleon form, but Sobble is a uniquely cute Pokémon from Generation VIII. Sobble is a small lizard similar to a chameleon, with a round, squishable face, but getting too close will intimidate it, setting off Sobble’s most endearing, cute, yet upsetting features; it will bawl uncontrollably if feeling threatened. Trainers who wish to bond with Sobble won’t see this as much of an issue, making it feel safe and secure while quietly dreading its awkward later phase as Drizzile.

As a defense mechanism, Sobble can disguise itself like a chameleon when touching water, appearing almost invisible to the naked eye. Despite being cute as a button, this Pokémon is an innately skilled sniper, able to shoot jets of water like bullets. This, combined with Sobble’s tears being significantly more potent than cutting onions, means trainers don’t want to mess with Sobble, but will also recognize how much of an asset it can be as a special attacker on their team.

17

Emolga – #589

Black & White

In the anime, fans were first introduced to the Pokémon in “Emolga the Irresistible!” when Iris caught a female Emolga. With round black eyes and bright yellow dots on its cheeks, Emolga is just one those Pokémon that was destined to rank among the cutest.

Trainers first got to add Emolga to the squad while playing the fifth generation games like Pokémon Black and White and Black and White 2. Classified as a Sky Squirrel Pokémon, Emolgas dwell in treetops and collect energy stores of electricity inside of their big cheeks. When they glide or attack, they can release a burst of electricity against an opponent. Some believe that Emolga is based on an actual Japanese dwarf flying squirrel.

16

Growlithe – #58

Red & Blue

With bold stripes and orange/cream-colored fur, Growlithe is an adorable Fire-type Pokémon. At first glance, Growlithe might seem to be some sort of tiger, but the Pokémon is more reminiscent of a wolf-like puppy. Originally introduced in the first generation Pokémon games, Growlithe can evolve into Arcanine with the use of a Fire Stone. Growlithe might look tough right off the bat, but the Pokémon is actually friendly and extremely loyal to its trainer. Don’t mistake its kindness for weakness, as Growlithe Pokémon are strongly protective of its territory.

Fans of the anime might recall that James of Team Rocket had a pet Growlithe in the series. Affectionately know as Growlie, James had the Pokémon as a pet when he was a child, but it remained behind when he ran away from home. Officer Jenny also worked with Growlithe and Arcanine Pokémon, which acted as police dogs in the series.