When was Pokémon: The First Movie released in Japanese cinemas?

Pokémon: The First Movie was released in Japanese cinemas on July 18, 1998.

Its full English title is Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back. The film follows Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon who challenges the meaning of identity and existence while confronting humans and cloned Pokémon.

The movie was released in Japan during the franchise's rapid expansion from video games into animation, merchandise, and cards. It became the first theatrical Pokémon feature and established a long-running tradition of Pokémon films released alongside the television series.

North American audiences saw the film later, on November 12, 1999. That date is frequently mistaken for the original release date because the English-language launch became a major event during the height of Pokémania. The Japanese title and release timing belong to the film's original theatrical debut.