The Complete List of Pokemon Characters From Generation 1

One of the reasons why the Pokemon franchise is so universally beloved is because of its vibrant cast of characters. The first wave of the original 151 Pokemon that debuted in 1996 set the tone for the entire series. These Pokemon made the series what it is today, and it’s about time they got the recognition that they deserve.

We’re going to be showcasing every Pokemon in Generation 1 and explain why they’re so special. Although this article won’t be as catchy as the PokeRap, hopefully, you’ll learn some interesting new facts about your favorite Pokemon. To make this as streamlined as possible we’ll be grouping the Pokemon together with their evolution lines. Let’s dive right into the OG Pokemon of Generation 1.

Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, & Venusaur

Bulbasaur is the very first Pokemon to appear in the Pokedex. The Bulbasaur evolution line is also the only Starter Pokemon that has the Poison typing. The Bulbasaur evolution line is all inspired by frogs. Bulbasuar, Ivyasuar, & Vensuasaur all make appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series.

Charmander, Charmeleon & Charizard

All three of these Pokemon are based on lizards and mythical fire salamanders. The small flame at the end of Charmander’s tail indicates its health and mood. That flame only gets brighter and hotter as it evolves. The Fire Starter Pokemon are basically the unofficial secondary mascots of Pokemon. In the Pokemon of the Year, Poll Charizard was voted the most popular Generation I Pokemon.

Squirtle, Wartortle & Blastoise

Quite obviously, this family of Water Pokemon is based on turtles. The cute and friendly designs of Squirtle and Wartortle take a much more aggressive turn once they evolve into Blastoise. The final evolution in the line is equipped with military hardware that lets it shoot powerful jets of water. Blastoise’s Mega Evolution is the only Mega Evolved starter Pokemon that is not a dual-type.

Caterpie, Metapod, & Butterfree

Caterpie and its evolution line are easily the most iconic bug Pokemon in the game. Both in the game and the anime, Caterpie evolves very quickly, which helps compensate for its lack of strength. This Pokemon family mimics the life cycle of a caterpillar with its evolutions. Butterfree found a home in all our hearts after the tearjerker episode in the anime when Ash released his Butterfree.

Weedle, Kakuna, & Beedril

This evolution line of Bug Pokemon is basically the spikey counterpart to Caterpie’s line. While Caterpie is a soft caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly, Weedle is a pointy larva turning into a stinging bee. Interestingly, Weedle is the only Pokemon incapable of learning any Normal-type moves legitimately.

Pidgey, Pidgeotto, & Pidgeot

When Pokemon fans think of Flying-type Pokemon, the first thing to come to mind is often the Pidgey evolution line. The Tiny Bird Pokemon, Pidgey has the shortest cry in the game. This family of birds each has a unique base stat total that isn’t shared by any other Pokemon. Pidgey’s is 251, Pidegeotto’s is 349, and Mega Pidgeot’s is 579.

Rattata & Raticate

Although Rattata isn’t a particularly strong Pokemon, its spunk has made it a fan favorite. Rattata holds the title of having the lowest base HP out of all Normal-type Pokemon. A notorious NPC that appears in Generation II only exclusively uses Rattata and later its evolution, Raticate, in battle. A fun fact about this evolution line is that Rattata evolves into Raticate at level 20, which is it’s same number in the Pokedex.

Spearow & Fearow

While the Pidegy family grows into majestic birds, Spearow and Fearow are much more predatory. Fearow, especially, was designed after vultures and condors. Fearow is also the only Pokemon with a 442 base stat total.

Ekans & Arbok

These snakelike Pokemon were one of the first Pokemon used by the infamous Team Rocket in the anime. Jessie forms a strong bond with her Ekans, which later evolved into an Arbok just to please her. Despite appearing in many episodes of the anime, Ekans has never been scanned by a Pokedex. The face pattern on Arbok’s chest changes between Generations.

Pikachu & Raichu

Pikachu’s popularity has transcended past Pokemon. The Pokemon mascot has appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and has a unique protein named after it called pikachurin. Pikachu also appears in the most cards in the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Although Raichu often gets overshadowed by its pre-evolution, Raichu is still special in its own way. Raichu is the most common Pokemon used by rivals in the game.

Sandshrew & Sandslash

This evolution line of Pokemon is inspired by a number of burrowing animals like armadillos, pangolins, and hedgehogs. Sandslash’s original name in the beta of Pokemon Red and Blue was “Sandstorm”.

Nidoran, Nidorina, Nidorino, Nidoking & Nidoqueen

These Poison Pokemon are the very first Pokemon to display a gender difference. The males of the species are purple and have more prominent spikes, while the females are blue with softer spikes. Nidorino in particular is one of the first Pokemon to appear in the game, because of the opening battle cut scene when you first turn on the game.

Clefairy & Clefable

It’s a widely known fact that Pikachu stole Clefairy’s spot as the mascot for the Pokemon anime. Did you know that in the original Pokemon manga, Clefairy was the protagonist’s first and main Pokemon? Bizarrely, both the anime and the game indicate that Clefairy and Clefable are extraterrestrial Pokemon.

Vulpix & Ninetales

Both these Pokemon are based on a Japanese fox spirit called a kitsune. Vulpix was a favored Pokemon of Brock’s in the anime. According to the Pokedex, Ninetales is capable of cursing people who mistreat it for 1,000 years.

Jigglypuff & Wigglytuff

Jigglypuff’s iconic song that puts listeners to sleep was a common gag in the anime. This ability is also Jigglypuff’s signature move in the Super Smash Bros. series. Wigglytuff is no slouch, either. This Pokemon has the highest base HP of any Fairy type.

Zubat & Golbat

The vampire bat-inspired Pokemon are the bane of any Trainer traveling through caves. Zubat and Golbat are the only Poison/Flying type Pokemon in any of the games.

Oddish, Gloom, & Vileplume

Oddish is one of only two Pokemon that have an official scientific name. In Pokemon FireRed, Oddish is called Oddium Wanderus. Strangely, Gloom is a dual-type Pokemon that can evolve into a single-type Pokemon. No other Pokemon does this. The flower on Vileplume’s head is based on a corpse flower.

Paras & Parasect

In Generation I, Paras and Parasect were the only Pokemon to have three 4x weaknesses. The fungus that grows on these Pokemon is based on a real-life parasitic fungus that zombifies the brains of insects.

Venonat & Venomoth

Sadly, Venonat and Venomoth are two of the most forgotten Pokemon. The two of them are the Pokemon that have gone the longest without appearing in a regional Pokedex. For 22 years, Venonat and Venonmoth had only appeared in the regional Pokedex for Pokemon Crystal.

Diglett & Dugtrio

These strange mole-like Pokemon have been the center of many mysterious and fan theories. No one knows what their full body looks like since they hide underground. The evolution into Dugtrio is equally as mysterious. The game inconsistently claims that Dugtrio is the merging of three Diglett and that it is a single Diglett that has been split into three.

Meowth & Persian

Both Meowth and Persian hold special places in the Pokemon anime. Meowth is the third member of Team Rock and one of the few Pokemon who can speak in a human language. Persian was also the primary Pokemon of Team Rocket’s leader, Giovanni.

Psyduck & Golduck

Psyduck constant headaches result in powerful backlashes of psychic energy. This was a common gag in the anime with Misty’s Psyduck. Once Psyduck evolves it learns to control its psychic powers and becomes a master of both the water and the mind.

Mankey & Primeape

Both Mankey & Primeape draw clear inspiration from a variety of real-world monkeys like the pig-taled macaque, baboon, and snub-nosed monkey. In the anime, a Mankey stole Ash’s hat and then evolved into Primeape. Ash would go on to catch the Primeape, who went on to be a beloved member of his team.

Growlithe & Arcanine

These two Fire Pokemon are another set of fan favorites. Growlithe managed to be a permanent part of most players’ teams. Arcanine is considered one of the most loyal Pokemon in the Pokedex. Although Arcanine is known as the Legendary Pokemon, it is not officially a Legendary Pokemon.

Poliwag, Poliwhirl, & Poliwrath

Although these tadpole-like Pokemon have very unassuming designs they also became some of the most important Pokemon. Poliwhirl was in the running for the Pokemon anime mascot until Pikachu secured the spot. Poliwhirl’s popularity was so high that it was on the cover of TIME magazine.

Abra, Kadabra, & Alakazam

Abra is a notoriously difficult Pokemon to catch. In the it will immediately attempt to Teleport away once in battle. In Pokemon Go, it has the highest flee rate at 99%. Kadabra is one of the few Pokemon that have faced legal trouble. A man named Uri Geller attempted to sue Kadabra because he believed the Pokemon’s ability to bend spoons with its mind was a parody of him. According to the Pokedex, Alakazam has an IQ well past 5,000, making it easily one of the smartest Pokemon.

Machop, Machoke, & Machamp

These Fighting Pokemon are a cross between a bodybuilder and a reptile. Machamp’s iconic design and fighting power earned it a prime spot in Pokken Tournament, a Pokemon fighting game.

Bellsprout, Weepinbell, & Victreebel

All three of these Pokemon had their design based on the carnivorous pitcher plant. This is another group of Pokemon that reached stardom because of Team Rocket. In the anime, James had a Weepinbell that evolved into Victreebel.

Tentacool & Tentacruel

These two Pokemon share design elements from both jellyfish and squids. Many of Tentacruel’s Pokedex entries claim that it has 80 tentacles, but most artwork only shows it with 14.

Geodude, Graveler, & Golem

Geodude is the first Gym Leader Pokemon that players will face in Generation 1. In the anime, Geodude was also one of Brock’s primary Pokemon. In Generation I, Golem could only be seen through trading since it didn’t appear naturally in the game.

Ponyta & Rapidash

Ponyta and Rapidash are two of the reasons why Fire-type Pokemon are so popular. In the anime, it’s shown that these Pokemon can control their flame manes so that their riders don’t get burned.

Slowpoke & Slowbro

Slowpoke has the ability to regrow its tail, which is useful since it uses it like a fishing lure. Lore wise, Slowpoke only evolves into Slowbrow when a Shellder bites its tail. In the game, it evolves at level 37.

Magnemite & Megneton

Just like Diglett, Magnemite is one of the few Pokemon that evolve when they form a group. Megneton is composed of three Magnemites that are stuck together.

Farfetch’d

Farfetch’d is the first Pokemon in the Pokedex that isn’t a part of an evolution line. Before the final release of Pokemon God and Silver Farfetch’d did have an evolution. This evolution was scrapped, leaving Farfetch’d a rather mundane Pokemon.

Doduo & Dodrio

Doduo and Dodrio are two of the few Flying-type Pokemon that don’t have visible winds. Also, according to the Pokedex, Doduo actually gets slower once it evolves as its running speed goes from 60 mph to 40 mph. In the games, Dodrio actually has a higher Speed stat.

Seel & Dewgong

Despite not being an Ice-type Pokemon, Seel can have the Ice Body Ability. Both Seel and Dewgong share many similarities to earless seals and walruses.

Grimer & Muk

Both Grimer and Muk are made of living poisonous slime. In the anime, Ash did catch a Muk, which he sent to Professor Oak. Since then, Muk has grown very attached to Professor Oak and tries to smother him. Muk has one of the shortest English names out of any Pokemon.

Shellder & Cloyster

Shellder has a strong appetite for the tails of Slowpoke. When it attaches to a Slowpoke, Shellder will transform into a spiral cone shape and grow sharp teeth. Even after it evolves, Cloyster doesn’t lose its hunger for Slowpoke tails.

Gastly, Haunter, & Gengar

Despite all three of these Pokemon being Poison-type Pokemon, none of them can learn Poison-type moves through leveling. Haunter weighs the exact same as Gastly. Gengar is one of the first Pokemon to appear in-game and in the anime.

Onix

Onix is another Pokemon that doesn’t have an evolution in Generation I. In both the anime and the game, Onix was Brock’s ace Pokemon. Onix manages to be both the tallest and heaviest unevolved Pokemon.

Drowzee & Hypno

Drowzee and Hypno are two of the creepier Pokemon, according to the lore. The Pokedex states that both of these Pokemon eat the dreams of sleeping people. Hypno goes a step further and hypnotizes children to steal them away.

Krabby & Kingler

Krabby and Kingler are both powerful crablike Pokemon. In the anime, Ash had both of these Pokemon as a part of his team. The Pokedex states that Kingler has 10000 horsepower of crushing force.

Voltorb & Electrode

Both of these Pokemon bear a striking resemblance to Pokeballs. Despite being an Electric-type Pokemon Electrode’s signature move is Explosion, which is a Normal-type move.

Exeggcute & Exeggutor

Exeggcute is made of six eggs, each of which has a separate identity. The size and crack pattern of the eggs determine which one is the leader of the group. All six of these identities merge into one when they evolve into Exeggutor.

Cubone & Marowak

Cubone is possibly the saddest Pokemon in Generation I. This Pokemon wears the skull of its dead mother. Cubone only evolves into Marowak when it overcomes the grief of its mother’s death.

Hitmonlee

Hitmonlee’s name is a reference to the famous movie star and martial arts master, Bruce Lee. This Pokemon’s design is also based on the kickboxing fighting style.

Hitmonchan

Hitmonchan is an elite boxer who is always ready for a challenge. This Pokemon’s name is also a reference to another action movie star. The Chan in Hitmonchan is a reference to Jackie Chan.

Lickitung

As the name suggests, Lickitung’s massive tongue is its most prominent feature. According to the Pokedex, it’s over 6 and a half feet long.

Koffing & Weezing

In the beta for Pokemon Red & Blue, both Koffing and Weezing were named after famous American cities known for their polluted air. Koffing was named “Ny” for New York, while Weezing was named “La” for Los Angeles.

Rhyhorn & Rhydon

Rhyhorn and Rhydon are massive Pokemon known for their power. Rhydon has the honor of being the very first Pokemon. Rhydon was the first Pokemon designed by Ken Sugimori, the character designer for Pokemon.

Chansey

Chansey is a Pokemon that doubles as a caretaker. In the anime, Chansey is often seen assisting the many Nurse Joys as they heal Pokemon.

Tangela

Tangela is another mysterious Pokemon. No one knows what Tangela looks like under its many vines.

Kangaskhan

Every Kangaskhan in the species is female. Each one also carries a baby Kangaskhan in their pouch.

Horsea & Seadra

These seahorse Pokemon are both adorable as they are powerful. Seadra is the only non-Poison-type Pokemon with the Poison Point Ability. Both of these Pokemon are based on a myth that a seahorse that lives for a hundred years will become a dragon.

Goldeen & Seaking

In Generation I, Goldeen and Seaking were the only Pokemon that could learn Waterfall.

Staryu & Starmie

In the anime, Staryu and Starmie were the stars of Misty’s Pokemon team. Despite having unknown genders, Staryu and Starmie are able to learn Attract. When they use this move it has no effect on other Pokemon.

Mr. Mime

For a long time in the anime, Ash’s mom has lived with Mr. Mime, who helps her with housework. Even though Mr. Mime has a masculine title in its name there are females in the species.

Scyther

Scyther is a popular Bug-type Pokemon that is based on a mantis. Scyther and both of its later evolutions all have a base stat total of 500.

Jynx

Jynx is a controversial Pokemon, to say the least. This Pokemon’s original design had to be changed because it too closely resembled negative stereotypes of African Americans.

Electabuzz

Electabuzz’s design is based on the mythical Japanese oni. This creature is an orge that wears tiger skin and often has thunder and lightning powers.

Magmar

According to the Pokedex, Magmar’s body temperature is close to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Magmar shares similarities with ducks and mythical fire salamanders.

Pinsir

Pinsir is a beetle-like Pokemon with powerful pincers that it uses to crush enemies. Pinsir also has a powerful attraction to the color green, which causes it to go into a rage.

Tauros

Although Tauros has a rather basic bull-like design, it is still a special Pokemon. In a banned episode of Pokemon, Ash caught a herd of 30 Tauros. This episode was banned because of the guns used in it.

Magikarp & Gyarados

Magikarp is a Pokemon that goes from zero to hero. Before it evolves, Magikarp can only use the moves Splash, Tackle, and Flail, making it one of the weakest Pokemon in the game. Once Magikarp reaches level 20, it evolves into Gyarados. This mimics a Japanese legend about a carp becoming a dragon.

Lapras

Lapras is another Pokemon that was designed very early in the game’s creation. In Generation II, whenever a Pokemon uses the move Surf, the player appears to ride on a Lapras.

Ditto

Just like Farfetch’d, Ditto had a scrapped evolution that was going to be introduced in Generation II. Despite being the number one Pokemon for breeding, you can’t get a Ditto through breeding.

Eevee, Vaporeon, Jolteon, & Flareon

Eevee and its Eeveelutions are some of the most beloved Pokemon in the game. As of right now, Eevee has a total of eight different evolution branches.

Porygon

Porygon is another Pokemon whose anime appearance caused controversy. In Porygon’s only major appearance, there is a sequence of flashing lights which caused over 600 seizures in children in Japan. Soon after that, the episode was banned and never aired again.

Omanyte & Omastar

The Pokedex number for Omanyte may be a reference to the Fibonacci Sequence/golden spiral, which is 137.5 degrees. Both Omanyte and Omastar are two of the first fossil Pokemon to be introduced in the game.

Kabuto & Kabutops

These Pokemon are inspired by the horseshoe crab. Just like Omanyte Kabuto can be resurrected from a fossil. Kabutops is the only other Pokemon with a scientific name besides Oddish. Kabutops maximus.

Aerodactyl

Aerodactyl is the only Generation I fossil Pokemon that doesn’t have an evolution. It is also the only fossil Pokemon with a Mega Evolution.

Snorlax

Snorlax’s biggest claim to fame is body-blocking paths in multiple games. In the anime, Snorlax is tied for the most Pokedex entries at 7.

Articuno, Zapdos, & Moltres

Although these Pokemon aren’t a part of the same evolution line, they are all known as the Legendary birds of Kanto. These three Pokemon also represent the three different teams in Pokemon GO.

Dratini, Dragonair, & Dragonite

Dratini and Dragonair are based on powerful sea serpents. Dragonite is the first pseudo-legendary Pokemon to appear in the series.

Mewtwo & Mew

Although Mewtwo and Mew are connected through evolution, they are related to one another. Mewtwo is an artificial Pokemon created from Mew’s DNA. Both Mewtwo and Mew star in the first Pokemon Movie. Mew holds the DNA of every single Pokemon inside of its body, making it incredibly powerful.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ash and his starter Pokemon appear in this screenshot from the anime..