One of the world’s most popular franchises of all time, Pokémon has amassed multiple avenues—from a beloved anime to a gaming phenomenon to the most adorable merchandise, including Funko Pop Vinyls and plushies. From the well-anticipated release of <em>Pokémon Scarlet & Violet</em> to the iconic news that Ash Ketchum finally reached his goal of becoming the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer, the support for Pokémon is eternal. Captured in the memories of original viewers and players to newcomers to the Pokémon world through the globally successful launch of the mobile app Pokémon GO, the franchise shows no signs of disappearing into a void of distant memories.
Over 900 Pokémon make up the Pokédex entries, ranging across nine generations of the game series. Of that, there are 18 types of Pokémon, ranging from elemental properties of Fire and Ice to more paranormal Ghost and Psychic-types, each having its own strengths and weaknesses. With the franchise’s humble beginning in 1996, fans have each developed their favorite Pokémon for reasons of nostalgia, for their abilities, or for their looks. From Pikachu—the metonym for Pokémon—to the fan-favorite fluff ball Eevee, here are some Pokémon so cute, you’ll never want them to evolve!
35
Clefairy
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 62 – “Clefairy Tales”
Originally slated to be the overarching mascot of the Pokémon franchise before the mantle was instead given to Pikachu, Clefairy’s cutesy demeanor and distinct pink color scheme have been a core asset since the beginning. The Pokémon have only grown more in touch with their inner cuteness in the years after their debut, as they were eventually changed from a traditional normal type to the then-new fairy type. While the Pokémon would also receive an even smaller baby pre-evolution in Cleffa, Clefairy still stands as an icon of cuteness in Pokémon.
In the anime series, Clefairy’s most prominent appearances are easily in the original series, where a group of Clefairy frequently appear throughout the series and create all sorts of mischief in various parts of the region. However, Clefairy has continuously appeared in smaller roles throughout the series, always being sure to maximize the emphasis on its inherent cuteness as well as its deeper connection to the moon.
34
Drifloon
First Appearance: Season 11, Episode 43 – “Playing the Leveling Field”
Pokémon as a franchise has continuously found inspiration from everyday items and concepts for designs ever since the beginning, with Drifloon being an unexpectedly adorable balloon Pokémon. While the Pokémon has become largely infamous in specific contexts with Pokédex entries alluding to the species kidnapping children, the design itself fully lives up to the cutesy charm of a child’s balloon. There’s just an inherent innocence and simplistic nature to the design that makes it so cute.
In the anime series, Drifloon’s shining moment is easily as a part of Gym Leader Fantina’s team, where the Pokémon manages to evolve into Drifblim while battling Ash’s Pikachu. However, as a Pokémon designed after a classic decoration, Drifloon is constantly appearing in small roles throughout the series, whether in the hands of a competent trainer or simply making the background more memorable. While the Pokédex entries may remove its cuteness factor for some people, the design is so effective and overwhelming in cuteness that it’s hard not to love this goofy balloon.
33
Togedemaru
First Appearance: Season 20, Episode 1 – “Alola to New Adventure!”
Every generation of Pokémon proves to have its own signature Pikachu parallel that emphasizes cuteness and charm while giving a twist on the classic electric rodent. The Alola region’s signature Pikachu clone is Togedemaru, an electric and steel-type mouse whose design is more focused on being spherical as well as much shorter than other Pikachu clones. A lot of strengths that make Pikachu such a cute Pokémon also apply to Togedemaru, yet it has its own distinct charm, such as its small ears and fur decals that turn into spikes.
Togedemaru gets a lot of appearances in the anime, being Sophocles’ signature Pokémon—one of Ash’s primary friends who accompanies him on his journey through Alola. Throughout the entire Sun and Moon series,Togedemaru has consistently funny interactions with Pikachu and all other Pokémon they encounter during their adventures. Its inherent cute factor and playful personality have helped it become one of the most beloved Pikachu clones over time.
32
Cubone
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 9 – “The School of Hard Knocks”
Cubone is perhaps aPokémon with a strange and bizarre origin story. While there’s no clear explanation for it, Cubone is often seen carrying its deceased mother’s skull. Because of its demeanor,players and viewers can’t help but get attached to this small dinosaur-like creature with its cream-colored belly and bone helmet.
Despite its cute and cuddly appearance, Cubone has a lot of potential when it comes to battling. Ceremoniously wielding a bone as a weapon,Cubone demonstrates surprising agility and power in both games and anime. As a Ground-type Pokémon,Cubone’s moveset includes powerful attacks like Bonemerang and Dig. Cubone has plenty of memorable appearances in anime but its first appearance in games where it inhabits Lavender Town’s Pokémon Tower while crying for its mother always tugs at heartstrings.
31
Vulpix
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 28 – “Pokémon Fashion Flash”
One of many iconic cuties from first generation Pokémon,the fire-type fox Pokémon Vulpix has been a fan favorite ever since release. With its adorable bundle of tails and hazel eyes giving it limitless charm and cute factor. In anime,Vulpix is most prominently showcased when Brock adds it to his team for portion group’s ventures Kanto before returning it original trainer near end original series.
Being highly iconic from original 151,Vulpix has received various special treatments over years even receiving equally cute alternate Ice-type form in Pokémon Sun &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&.
