Lugia is the Legendary Pokémon central to Pokémon the Movie 2000.
The film's Japanese title refers to Lugia's explosive birth, and the story follows Ash, Misty, and Tracey as they visit Shamouti Island. A collector named Lawrence III seeks the three Legendary birds—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—and his actions awaken Lugia. Lugia then becomes central to the effort to restore balance among the legendary Pokémon.
The film was released in Japan on July 17, 1999, and its English-language version arrived in the United States on July 21, 2000. Its English promotional title, Pokémon the Movie 2000, reflects the year of the North American release rather than the Japanese theatrical date.
Lugia was introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver as a Psychic/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon associated with the ocean. The movie also features the Legendary birds from the original generation, which is why viewers sometimes mistake one of them for the film's main Legendary.