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Cover of Pokémon: The First Movie

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Pokémon: The First Movie

1999

Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokémon match like none before.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy action is frequent, with peril, frightening storms, combat, implied laboratory deaths, a character’s apparent death, and strong grief. The themes and emotional intensity may suit older elementary-age viewers better than very young children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

The film is a prominent entry in a major toy, game, and media franchise, though the plot itself is not primarily an advertisement for specific products.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A child’s cloned consciousness and other clones die, scientists are killed, and Ash appears to die before being revived. Grief is emotionally prominent.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No blood or graphic injuries. Characters are petrified into stone rather than wounded.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults or shouting typical of children's animation.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy danger is frequent: a storm and shipwreck, mind control, threatening experiments, psychic destruction, and intense battles. The tone can be frightening, though it is animated and ultimately reassuring.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Repeated Pokémon battles, psychic attacks, destruction, and a storm-related shipwreck drive the plot. Violence is fantastical but central, and the film ultimately condemns senseless fighting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face storms, powerful opponents, captivity, and apparent death. Ash’s intervention is brave and compassionate, though also dangerous.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative world, invented creatures, cloning premise, psychic powers, and ethical thought experiments strongly encourage fantasy and curiosity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The story gives distinct agency to humans, Pokémon, clones, and a range of creatures, but it offers limited human cultural or identity diversity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It introduces accessible ideas about cloning, genetic modification, identity, ethics, and existential questions, but is primarily an adventure story.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, empathy, reconciliation, and concern for suffering are central, especially in Ash’s sacrifice and the refusal of Pikachu and Meowth to fight.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages emphasize accepting others beyond their origins, rejecting exploitation and violence, valuing life, and judging people by their choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ash shows empathy and self-sacrifice; Pikachu and Meowth resist pointless fighting. Some adults exploit living beings, providing a clear negative contrast.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Pokémon: The First Movie would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Pokémon: The First Movie, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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