What is the title of the first Pokémon theatrical movie?

The first Pokémon theatrical movie is titled Pokémon: The First Movie.

Its full English title is Pokémon: The First Movie—Mewtwo Strikes Back, while the Japanese title translates as Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back. The film was directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and produced by OLM for theatrical distribution by Toho.

The story centers on Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon created from research involving Mew. Mewtwo challenges the meaning of identity and strength while confronting the human scientists and trainers connected to its creation.

The movie first opened in Japan on July 18, 1998. It reached North America in 1999, where its release was paired with the short film Pikachu’s Vacation. Later films, including Pokémon 2000 and Pokémon 3: The Movie, followed it in the theatrical series.