ThePokémonanime is rather unique for reinventing itself every few years, a trend which helped to give the series such incredible longevity. These changes involved not only new characters and a new setting, but a revamp for Ash as well, changing his appearance and, to some extent, his personality as well.
Fans have endlessly debated which versions of Ash are the best, and they often align with which series have the best writing in general. To rank these different versions of Ash Ketchum, several factors are being considered, such as his design and appearance, his likability, and his performance in battle. This will hopefully reflect the different criteria by which fans have judged these iterations over the years, and provide a single combined ranking that accommodates all of them.
8Unova Ash
Pokémon: Black and White
In last place is the version of Ash seen in theBlack and Whiteanime series. This version of Ash was almost a reboot, causing him to lose a lot of the skills and knowledge he had picked up over previous seasons.This iteration of Ash infamously lost to a brand-new trainer’s Snivy in the second episode, although there were mitigating circumstances. This is also the only series where Ash performed worse in the league tournament than he did previously, finishing in the top eight after hitting the final four in Sinnoh.
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Unova’s Ash was also saddled with some of the least popular companions of his entire journey with Iris and Cilan, who many felt were inferior knock-offs of Misty and Brock, respectively.Ash and Iris’s relationshipstarts off quite rocky, with the two fighting often, and it never really develops as well as it probably should have. The main complaint about Cilan is that he’s boring, and his relationship to Ash would seem to bear that out.
7Alola Ash
Pokémon: Sun & Moon
PokémonSun & Moonwas controversial for a few reasons, but by far the biggest was the change in art style. Ash was given a more cartoony design to fit this new style, with exaggerated expressions and movements that many fans didn’t like. Ash is also not traveling in this series, but rather is attending aPokémonschool, which fans felt like he didn’t need to do after all his experience.Sun & Moondoes have some good features, though, as this was the series which finally allowedAsh to win a league championship.
Ash does have some really great relationships with some of his Alolan classmates, such as Lillie, and his ties to Professor Kukui made for a great watch.
Rather than one or two traveling companions, Ash has several classmates, giving a much larger cast for him to interact with. Ash does have some really great relationships with some of his Alolan classmates, such as Lillie, and his ties to Professor Kukui made for a great watch. Ash’s progression was not done through badges, but instead Z-Crystals, which allowed him to power up his Pokémon and felt very earned.
6Hoenn Ash
Pokémon: Ruby and Sapphire
Ruby and Sapphirewas the first time that Ash underwent a major revision, and as such some of the kinks still needed to be worked out. Ash’s new design garnered some complaints at first, mostly just for being different, but fans gradually grew used to his new look. UnlikeBlack and White, Ash’s arrival in Hoenn didn’t result in him forgetting all he had learned, and so this version of Ash was a more refined, slightly more mature version of the character seen in the original series.
Ash was boosted by the continued presence of Brock, with whom he already had a strong relationship.
He was additionally joined by Max and May, two siblings on their own journey. Ash would occasionally bethoughtless in his interactions with May, skipping her performances to train, butthe two mostly had a strong relationship, with Ash coaching the girl on how to be a Pokémon trainer, much like how Brock and Misty had guided him early on.
5Kanto/Johto Ash
Pokémon the Original Series
The very first version of Ash, and the one fans are most familiar with.This is an Ash who has just started out on his journey, and still had a lot to learn. As a result, Ash underwent quite a bit of character development throughout the series. Ash’s embarrassing failure in the Indigo League proved that he still had a lot to learn, however. Ash kept learning and growing throughout his travels into the Johto region, and ultimately became a much more skilled battler, tothe point of defeating Gary, even if he didn’t win the league.
The design of this version of Ash is absolutely iconic, and it’s the one most people think of when they imagine Ash.Ash’s traveling companions, Misty and Brock, were interesting and had good relationships with him, even if he and Misty fought often. Ash’s rivalry with Gary is one of the better executed rivalries in the series, and pushes him to new heights unlike any other rival.
4Sinnoh Ash
Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl
Diamond and Pearlis a fan-favorite series for a lot of reasons.It carried over much of Ash’s character development from the previous series, and saw him improving in ways that could hardly be imagined before.Ash invented new moves, such as the Counter Shield technique, and applied clever strategies in his battles, rather than just trying to power through. Ash’s continued improvement was reflected in his league placement, putting him in the top four of the Sinnoh League.
Ash’s relationship with Dawn is arguably one of his best, as he and Dawn are very supportive of one another.
Brock remained Ash’s constant companion, although this was the last series for him as a regular.Ash’s relationship with Dawn is arguably one of his best, as he and Dawn are very supportive of one another. Of course, one can’t mentionDiamond and Pearlwithout talking about Ash’s greatest rival, Paul, whose methods of Pokémon training set him apart.Ash’s rivalry with Paulis one of the strongest in the entire series, and it culminates in a supremely satisfying battle.
3Journeys Ash
Pokémon Journeys
Journeyswas Ash’s final series as the lead protagonist of the anime, and as such saw the peak of his character growth and development.Ash’sJourneysteam is perhaps the strongest he’s ever assembled, and he clearly worked hard training with each of them to help them improve, something that can’t be said of every previous series. Ash’s strategies and battle skills are on point, and that’s ultimately proven byhis success in the World Coronation Series, defeating the undefeated Leon.
Ash only had one traveling companion this time around, Goh, although there was also a cast of supporting characters, including both new and old, such as Chloe and Gary, now a researcher.While Goh can be a controversial character, his relationship with Ash is a very strong friendship, and one certainly can’t fault Ash for people’s complaints about Goh.Ash’sJourneysdesign feels like an appropriate modern take on the character, with elements that hint back at the past.
2Alternate Universe Ash
Pokémon the Movie:I Choose You!,The Power of Us,andSecrets of the Jungle
An oft-overlooked iteration of Ash is the alternate universe version, seen in thethree most recentPokémonanime movies. However, this version of Ash may actually be one of the best. Retelling much of Ash’s origin before going in a new direction, theI Choose You!Ash is a compacted take on the series, cutting out much of the silliness, which hasthe net effect of making Ash look like a far more competent trainer in this story than the original series.
This Ash has different companions in each movie, as he travels alone and only meets these people as events begin to occur.As such, it’s hard to talk about his relationships with other characters besides Pikachu, who is as close as ever. Still, Ash’s characterization sees some growth across movies, and he’s generally quite likable, if lacking the edge of his original series counterpart.
1Kalos Ash
Pokémon: XY
Finally, there’s the Kalos version of Ash, seen inPokémon XY.Ash’s design was updated and made to look a bit older, although he was still officially just 10 years old. It gives him a more mature look, and one that was a good fit forXY’s new tone, which was more shonen in nature. Ash’s behavior was similarly more mature, and he once again took on a mentor-like role towards Serena. This was also the only series with any hint of romance, something some fans had been clamoring for, although it remained very tame.
This Ash traveled with Clemont, his sister Bonnie, and Serena, all of whom he got along with quite well. Ash was always impressed with Clemont’s new inventions, andwas very supportive of Serena’s questto become a Pokémon Performer. Most notably, Ash’s battle skills and strategies were among the best they’ve ever been, as is reflected in his second-place finish in the Kalos League. Even his bonds with his Pokémon seem stronger, like with Greninja, with whom he shared a special phenomenon. For these reasons, the Kalos version of Ash is undoubtedlyPokémon’s greatest iteration to date.
Pokémon
Cast
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
