Which film was the first theatrical Pokémon movie?

Pokémon the First Movie was the first theatrical Pokémon movie. Its full English title is Pokémon: The First Movie—Mewtwo Strikes Back, and it was released in Japan in 1998.

The film follows Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Pokémon who questions its identity and place in the world. Ash, Pikachu, and their friends are invited to a mysterious island, where they become involved in Mewtwo’s plan.

The movie was released internationally in 1999 and became a major commercial event for the franchise. Its release was supported by trading cards, merchandise, and promotion connected to the wider Pokémon phenomenon.

Pokémon the First Movie is distinct from later animated films such as Pokémon 2000 and Pokémon 3: The Movie. It is also separate from the live-action film Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, which arrived in 2019 and uses a different story and format.