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Cover of Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!

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Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!

2017

Ash Ketchum wakes up late one morning after having broken his alarm clock in his sleep. He eventually makes it to Professor Oak's lab, but is told that the three starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, have already been taken by Trainers who were on time. However, Oak reveals that he has one more Pokémon, an Electric-type named Pikachu. Despite its volatile and feisty personality, as well as its refusal to get inside a Poké Ball, Ash happily takes Pikachu for his journey.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy battles and peril are generally adventure-oriented, but a Pokémon is violently defeated and Ash apparently dies, causing intense grief before he is restored. Younger children may find these scenes upsetting. 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 character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Products & advertising3/5

Strongest positives

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

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What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

The film is part of a major Pokémon entertainment and merchandise franchise, though the plot is not primarily an advertising narrative.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Ash Ketchum briefly dies and fades away, causing significant emotional distress to Pikachu before he is brought back.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild name-calling (e.g., 'weak'). No profanity.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Includes legendary figures treated with reverence, bordering on mythic or pseudo-religious themes.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Children and Pokémon face storms, pursuit, threatening creatures, possession-like corruption, and an emotionally frightening apparent death.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy battles involving creatures using elemental attacks like lightning, flames, and razor leaves.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters frequently face dangerous situations to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative alternate world, Pokémon ecology, legendary quest, inventive battles, and problem-solving strongly encourage fantasy play and curiosity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse human cast in terms of personality and roles, though standard for the genre.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on social skills and emotional intelligence.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness to Pokémon is a central theme and the key to the protagonist's growth.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the importance of friendship, empathy, and learning from mistakes.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ash and friends show loyalty, bravery, and growth, though Ash makes impulsive choices and Cross initially mistreats a Pokémon.

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 Movie: I Choose You! would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, 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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