Pokémon Heroes
Pokémon Heroes
Ash, Pikachu and the rest of the Pokemon gang try and stop a pair of thieves hiding out in the canals and alleyways of Alto Mare, the water capital of the world. Joining the adventure are two new Pokémons, a brother/sister pair named Latias and Latios who are protecting the Droplet of the Heart - a valuable treasure.
Manuel Frangis reviewedMarch 9, 2025
I just watched Pokémon Heroes again, and honestly, it’s a solid entry in the early Pokémon movies, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of the first few. It has its moments, and if you’re a fan of Pokémon, there’s still a lot to enjoy, but it’s not the most exciting or memorable movie in the series.
The setting is one of the best parts of the movie. Alto Mare is a beautifully designed city that feels like a mix of Venice and classic European architecture. The animation does a great job of bringing it to life, and it’s one of the more unique locations in the Pokémon movies. The water-based theme works well, especially with Latios and Latias as the central legendary Pokémon.
The plot is a little more relaxed compared to previous Pokémon movies. Instead of a huge, world-ending event, it’s more of a contained story about Latios and Latias protecting their home from a pair of thieves. While I appreciate that they tried something different, it doesn’t have the same emotional impact or high stakes that Pokémon: The First Movie or Pokémon 2000 had. That said, the bond between Latios, Latias, and Ash is pretty well done, and there are some nice heartfelt moments.
The villains, Annie and Oakley, are stylish but not that memorable. They’re not bad, but they don’t have the same presence as Mewtwo or even Entei from Pokémon 3. Their plan is simple, and while it makes sense in the story, it doesn’t feel as grand or threatening as the villains from other Pokémon films.
The battle sequences are fun, especially the chase scenes through the canals of Alto Mare. Seeing Ash and Pikachu working alongside Latias to protect the city is a cool dynamic. The final battle has some emotional weight, but it still feels like it could have been built up better.
One of the most talked-about parts of this movie is the ending with Latias and Ash. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say it’s one of those moments that still has fans debating to this day. It’s a cute and mysterious scene, but it also leaves a lot unanswered.
Final thoughts? Pokémon Heroes is a fun and visually impressive movie, but it doesn’t quite have the impact of the first few films. It’s worth watching if you’re a Pokémon fan, especially for the gorgeous setting and the unique dynamic between Ash and the legendary Pokémon. Not the best, not the worst, just a solid adventure that has its moments.