Introduction
Pok\u00e9mon is an iconic anime series that has introduced equally iconic characters to the world. As the protagonist, Ash Ketchum travels throughout the different regions, he is joined by many characters who support him on his journey. While some companions only join him for a short time, others remain for multiple seasons of the anime.
Ash Ketchum becoming the champion and number one Pokémon trainer.
The concept of Pok\u00e9mon first originated in 1996 as a pair of role-playing games for the Game Boy but quickly expanded to include manga, trading cards, and anime, since becoming a fixture of popular culture. The anime's story follows a boy named Ash Ketchum as he encounters many friends and foes on his quest to become a Pok\u00e9mon Master.
With the series ending after more than two decades, it's often nostalgic to remember Ash's most memorable companions.
10. Goh Has a Good Relationship With Ash Despite His Flaws
Goh is the last companion from the main series and is considered a controversial character by many fans. Part of this stems from the way he is depicted as a prodigy, who, despite his lack of training, is seen as being superior to Ash despite the latter being more experienced as a trainer. Regardless of Goh's character, however, he has a good friendship with Ash, and they share many similarities that bring them closer. He admires his friend and learns from him on several occasions, but the story quickly sets him up as a deuteragonist whose adventures exist separately from Ash. This is different from other companions who, despite having their own goals, are seen more as supporting characters.
Two boys jump in the air to high five while a yellow mouse-like creature jumps as well, and a rabbit-like creature stands on the ground.
9. Lana Has a Calm Energy That Compliments Ash
Lana first meets Ash while riding a Lapras, and fishes him out of the water. The two soon become classmates at the Pok\u00e9mon School when they take Professor Kukui's class on Alolan Pok\u00e9mon. As a water Pok\u00e9mon trainer, Lana is often seen doing water-based activities and spending time with her partner Popplio. Although calm most of the time, she will lose her cool when she sees Pok\u00e9mon being mistreated. She has a good relationship with Ash, showing great respect for him and cheering him on during his battles, while he does the same for her. However, the two friends occasionally show irritation towards each other.
A blue-haired girl kneels down to smile at a boy in a red hat.
8. Lillie Learns To Overcome Her Fear With Ash's Help
Lillie is another one of Ash's classmates from the Pok\u00e9mon School. She is terrified of Pok\u00e9mon due to a traumatic attack from her childhood, but still works towards her dream of becoming a researcher. After adopting an Alolan Vulpix, Lillie starts to overcome her fear with the support of her classmates. While much of her story revolves around her relationship with her mother, she has plenty of great moments with her friends. Lillie develops a close friendship with Ash, taking inspiration from him and admiring his love for Pok\u00e9mon. She also uses her knowledge to help him and reassure him when he's down. Their bond is shown during Lillie's departure when she gives Ash a heartfelt goodbye.
A girl with blonde hair holds a white fox-like creature and smiles while a boy wearing a red hat with a yellow mouse-like creature smiles as well.
7. Kiawe Is Both a Rival And Friend For Ash
Kiawe is a fire Pok\u00e9mon trainer who attends school with the rest of his friends, while also making deliveries for his family's farm. He first meets Ash when the two battle against Team Skull, becoming impressed with the other boy's efforts. As the series progresses, the two develop both a rivalry and a friendship, often training together and having heart-to-heart conversations. As the most experienced trainer among his classmates, Kiawe appears calm and confident in his abilities but is actually an emotional person who frequently serves as comic relief. Despite this, however, he sometimes shows a serious side when he acts as a supportive older brother figure for Ash.
A boy with red and black hair and a boy with a red hat look into the distance.
6. Clemont And Ash Say Goodbye With a Battle
Despite being the fourth companion who is a Gym Leader, Clemont has quirks that make him just as memorable as the rest. Specializing in electric-type Pok\u00e9mon, he is a brilliant inventor forced out of his gym by one of his inventions, a robot he calls Clembot. He and his sister, Bonnie, find Ash thrown out of Lumiose City Gym, and later decide to join him on his travels across Kalos. Clemont has great admiration for Ash, who in turn has a deep respect for his friend. The two are shown as equals who are constantly learning from each other and helping each other grow. They finish their time together with a symbolic battle, ending their journey exactly the way it started.
A boy with yellow hair and glasses stands next to a boy with a red hat and a yellow mouse-like creature on his shoulder.
