The original Japanese theatrical version of Pokémon: The First Movie runs for 75 minutes.
The feature is centered on Mewtwo’s attempt to prove its superiority over naturally born Pokémon. Ash, Pikachu, and other Trainers are invited to New Island, where Mewtwo stages a confrontation involving cloned Pokémon and a battle with Mew.
The film’s structure is more than a simple tournament story. Its themes include cloning, genetic engineering, personal identity, and whether a creature’s origin determines its worth. Ash’s response to the conflict becomes the emotional turning point of the movie.
Some releases contain additional material, which can create confusion about the runtime. The extended Japanese television presentation included “The Uncut Story of Mewtwo’s Origin,” a prologue with extra scenes. The 75-minute figure refers to the original theatrical feature itself, not every version or accompanying short.