Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
The legendary clash between Ash, Pikachu, and the genetically engineered Mewtwo arrives in a landmark animated adventure.
Pokémon: The First Movie - Movie Information
- Original Title: 劇場版ポケットモンスター ミュウツーの逆襲
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Kunihiko Yuyama
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, Action
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 18, 1998 (Japan - G), November 10, 1999 (United States - G), April 13, 2000 (United Kingdom - PG), April 13, 2000 (Germany - 6), April 5, 2000 (France - U), December 16, 1999 (Australia - G), April 5, 2000 (Italy - T), April 14, 2000 (Spain - APTA), December 23, 2000 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Pokémon 1 - Mewtwo contre Mew (FR), Покемон: Мьюту против Мью (RU), פוקימון: מיו נגד מיוטו (IL), Pokemon la pelicula (MX), Pokémon: Le premier Film (CA), Pokémon 1 - Mewtwo tegen Mew (NL), Pokemon film pierwszy - Zemsta Mewtwo (PL), Pokémon - Filmen (SE)
- Production Companies: OLM, Shogakukan Production, TV Tokyo, Pikachu Project '98, Media Factory, Creatures, Nintendo, GAME FREAK, jeki, Shogakukan, Tomy
- Production Countries: Japan
Pokémon: The First Movie - Plot
Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokemon match like none before.
Pokémon: The First Movie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the ultimate Pokémon showdown unfold:
The Pokémon match of all time is here.
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Pokémon: The First Movie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kunihiko Yuyama
Main Cast
- Rica Matsumoto
- Ikue Otani
- Mayumi Izuka
- Satomi Korogi
- Yuji Ueda
- Megumi Hayashibara
- Shin-ichiro Miki
- Inuko Inuyama
- Ayako Shiraishi
- Chinami Nishimura
Writers
- Takeshi Shudo
Producers
- Choji Yoshikawa
Pokémon: The First Movie - FAQs
Is Mewtwo the villain in Pokémon: The First Movie?
Mewtwo is the primary antagonist of Pokémon: The First Movie, but the film portrays him with genuine depth and sympathy. Created through genetic experimentation, Mewtwo's rage stems from existential pain and a desire for identity, making him one of the franchise's most compelling and morally complex characters.
What is Pokémon: The First Movie about?
Pokémon: The First Movie follows Ash, Pikachu, and their friends as they are lured to a remote island by Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon seeking revenge on humanity. The film explores themes of identity, creation, and the ethics of cloning through an epic Pokémon battle.
What does Ash's sacrifice mean in the film?
When Ash throws himself between Mewtwo and Mew to stop their destructive clash, he is turned to stone. His selfless act moves both cloned and original Pokémon to tears, and their combined grief restores him to life — a pivotal emotional moment that underscores the film's message about compassion over conflict.
Where can I watch Pokémon: The First Movie?
Pokémon: The First Movie is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local platform listings is recommended.
Is Pokémon: The First Movie based on a true story?
No, Pokémon: The First Movie is not based on a true story. It is an original animated film inspired by the Pokémon video game franchise developed by Game Freak and Nintendo, expanding on characters and lore from the Pokémon anime series that began in 1997.
Who are the main voice actors in Pokémon: The First Movie?
The Japanese cast features Rica Matsumoto as Satoshi (Ash), Ikue Otani as Pikachu, Masachika Ichimura as Mewtwo, and Koichi Yamadera as Mew. Megumi Hayashibara, Shin-ichiro Miki, and Inuko Inuyama voice Team Rocket's Musashi, Kojirō, and Nyarth respectively.
What is the age rating for Pokémon: The First Movie?
Pokémon: The First Movie is rated G in the United States, making it suitable for all audiences. International ratings vary slightly — it received a PG in the United Kingdom and a U classification in France, reflecting minor differences in regional content standards.
Did Pokémon: The First Movie win any awards?
Pokémon: The First Movie was a massive commercial success, grossing over $163 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. While it did not win major film awards, it became a cultural milestone for an entire generation and remains one of the highest-grossing anime films released in North America.
More About Pokémon: The First Movie
Explore further details about this iconic animated film through these authoritative resources.