On what date was Pokémon: The First Movie first released?
Answer
July 18, 1998
Pokémon: The First Movie was first released in Japan on July 18, 1998.
The Japanese film is known as Mewtwo Strikes Back and centers on Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon who challenges the nature of identity, creation, and power. Ash, Pikachu, and their friends are invited to a battle on New Island, where Mewtwo reveals its plan.
Kunihiko Yuyama directed the film, while Takeshi Shudo wrote the screenplay. It was produced by OLM and distributed in Japan by Toho. The movie became the first theatrical feature in the Pokémon anime film series.
The English-language version reached North America in November 1999 through Warner Bros. Pictures. International versions differed from the original Japanese film, including changes to dialogue and Mewtwo’s backstory. A computer-animated remake, Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, was released in 2019.