Top 10 Ash legendary Pokémon: Most iconic encounters

Ash legendary Pokémon are among the most unforgettable highlights of the anime, showcasing Ash’s courage, compassion, and unique ability to connect with the rarest creatures in the Pokémon world. From his first awe-inspiring glimpse of Ho-Oh to battling alongside Eternatus, these legendary encounters shaped his journey and captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 Ash legendary Pokémon moments, exploring why each encounter was so iconic and how they influenced Ash’s path as a trainer. If you’re a true Pokémon fan and love collecting pieces of this legendary history, don’t miss the exclusive figures and collectibles available now at  Japan Figure.

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1. Top 10 Ash legendary Pokémon: Most iconic encounters

Ash has met many rare and powerful Pokémon throughout his journey, but only a handful stand out as truly legendary. These encounters shaped his growth, inspired fans, and created unforgettable moments in Pokémon history. Below is a list of the top 10 Ash legendary Pokémon, starting with his very first sighting.

1. Ho-Oh
2. Lugia
3. Mewtwo
4. Latios & Latias
5. Solgaleo
6. Zygarde (Squishy)
7. Meltan / Melmetal
8. Shaymin
9. Reshiram/Zekrom
10. Eternatus (brief battle aid)

1.1 Ho-Oh

Among all Ash legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh holds a truly special place because it was the very first legendary he ever saw. Appearing in the opening episode of the anime, Ho-Oh’s rainbow flight set the stage for Ash’s lifelong adventure as a trainer. Its sudden appearance not only amazed Ash but also gave him hope that his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master was within reach.

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For fans, this moment was iconic because it linked Ash’s personal story to a Pokémon that was almost never seen in the games or anime at that time. Ho-Oh became a symbol of destiny and endless possibilities, making it one of the most memorable legendary encounters in the entire series.

• Debut episode: Pokémon: I Choose You! (Episode 1)
• Connection with Ash: Inspired Ash to pursue his dream without fear.
• Role in the story: A guiding figure that symbolized Ash’s future with legendary Pokémon.
• Rarity level: Extremely rare, appearing only to chosen trainers.

1.2 Lugia

Lugia was one of Ash’s first direct experiences with the power and responsibility of dealing with legendaries. In Pokémon the Movie 2000, Ash found himself in the middle of a catastrophic event involving the legendary birds, and it was Lugia who guided him through it. This was a turning point where Ash proved he could rise to legendary-level challenges.

The encounter showed how Ash’s courage and compassion allowed him to communicate with even the most powerful Pokémon. Lugia’s trust in him not only saved the world but also emphasized Ash’s role as the “Chosen One,” someone destined to play an important part in legendary Pokémon stories.

• Debut episode: Pokémon the Movie 2000
• Connection with Ash: Trusted Ash to calm the chaos caused by the legendary birds.
• Role in the story: Guardian of the Sea who maintained balance between Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno.
• Rarity level: One-of-a-kind, rarely appearing outside extraordinary events.

1.3 Mewtwo

When it comes to Ash legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo is perhaps the most complex and thought-provoking. Unlike other encounters, Mewtwo wasn’t just about strength or rarity, it represented questions of existence, identity, and freedom. In Pokémon: The First Movie, Ash stood face-to-face with a Pokémon that challenged the very meaning of life and ownership.

Ash’s selflessness during this battle, even risking his life to protect Pokémon, deeply moved Mewtwo. This encounter highlighted Ash’s pure heart, proving that his bond with Pokémon went far beyond battles. For fans, the Mewtwo encounter remains one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments in the franchise.

• Debut episode: Pokémon: The First Movie
• Connection with Ash: Tested Ash’s belief in equality between humans and Pokémon.
• Role in the story: A powerful clone struggling with its purpose in the world.
• Rarity level: Artificially created legendary; uniquely powerful and unmatched.

1.4 Latios & Latias

The Eon twins, Latios and Latias, brought a mix of mystery and emotion to Ash’s legendary Pokémon encounters. Their appearance in Pokémon Heroes introduced fans to a hidden city, Alto Mare, where Ash played a crucial role in protecting both Pokémon and humans. The movie showed a rare side of Ash’s compassion, as he connected deeply with Latias in particular.

What makes this encounter so memorable is the bond formed between Ash and Latias, who even disguised herself as a human girl to interact with him. This unique connection set the Latios and Latias story apart from other legendaries, blending adventure, sacrifice, and heartfelt moments that fans still talk about today.

• Debut episode: Pokémon Heroes (Movie 5)
• Connection with Ash: Formed a close emotional bond, especially with Latias.
• Role in the story: Guardians of Alto Mare, protectors of the city’s Soul Dew.
• Rarity level: Extremely rare, appearing only in special locations.

1.5 Solgaleo

Solgaleo became one of the most personal legendary companions Ash ever had. Nicknamed “Nebby” in the Pokémon Sun & Moon series, Ash found and cared for Cosmog before it eventually evolved into Solgaleo. This wasn’t just a chance encounter, it was a relationship that grew from friendship, trust, and shared experiences.

Fans loved how Nebby added humor and warmth to the series before transforming into the majestic Solgaleo. Once it evolved, Solgaleo played a vital role in guiding Ash and his friends to Ultra Space, proving that Ash’s bond with legendaries could go beyond fleeting encounters and grow into true partnership.

• Debut episode: Pokémon Sun & Moon (Cosmog’s debut, later evolving into Solgaleo)
• Connection with Ash: Raised from a Cosmog, trusted Ash deeply.
• Role in the story: Helped Ash enter Ultra Space to rescue Lusamine.
• Rarity level: Legendary guardian of Alola, tied to cosmic lore.

1.6 Zygarde (Squishy)

Zygarde, affectionately called “Squishy,” became a traveling companion of Ash and his friends during the Pokémon XY&Z series. Unlike most legendaries that appear briefly, Squishy spent significant time with Ash, creating a stronger emotional bond. Fans enjoyed seeing Ash protect this small but powerful core form, showing once again how much Pokémon trust him.

The encounter turned especially dramatic during the Team Flare crisis, when Squishy revealed its true power as part of the legendary Zygarde. With Ash’s help, it played a central role in saving Kalos, proving that Ash’s bond with legendaries could influence entire regions.

• Debut episode: Pokémon XY&Z (Zygarde Core form introduction)
• Connection with Ash: Traveled with Ash and friends, trusted their protection.
• Role in the story: Key to defeating Team Flare and restoring balance in Kalos.
• Rarity level: Rare legendary Pokémon with multiple forms, rarely seen with humans.

1.7 Meltan / Melmetal

Meltan marked a groundbreaking moment for Ash, as it became one of the first mythical Pokémon he officially caught. In Pokémon Sun & Moon, Ash encountered a group of Meltan, eventually catching one that later merged with others to evolve into Melmetal. This was a historic milestone since Ash rarely captures legendaries.

Melmetal became a powerhouse on Ash’s team, particularly during the Alola League. Its sheer strength and unique Steel-type abilities made it one of his most formidable partners. For fans, seeing Ash not only befriend but also battle with a legendary Pokémon brought immense excitement and pride.

• Debut episode: Pokémon Sun & Moon (Meltan’s debut)
• Connection with Ash: Caught and trained, later evolved into Melmetal.
• Role in the story: Key fighter in the Alola League, symbol of Ash’s growth.
• Rarity level: Mythical Pokémon, rarely owned by trainers.

1.8 Shaymin

Shaymin brought a softer, more heartfelt encounter into Ash’s legendary Pokémon journey. In Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior, Ash helped guide a timid Shaymin on its way to the Gracidea Flower Field. Unlike some of the more battle-heavy encounters, this story focused on kindness, gratitude, and the gentle bond Ash created with this mythical Pokémon.

For fans, Shaymin’s transformation into its Sky Forme added extra magic to the adventure. Ash’s patience and care showed once again that his strength as a trainer is rooted in compassion. This encounter reminded viewers that legendary Pokémon aren’t just about power, they also symbolize important values and emotions.

• Debut episode: Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (Movie 11)
• Connection with Ash: Ash escorted and protected Shaymin on its journey.
• Role in the story: Key to restoring balance alongside Giratina.
• Rarity level: Mythical Pokémon, extremely elusive and rarely seen.

1.9 Reshiram/Zekrom

In the Unova region, Ash came face-to-face with two legendaries representing opposing ideals: Reshiram, the dragon of truth, and Zekrom, the dragon of ideals. Zekrom tested Ash early in his journey, showcasing the immense challenges ahead. Later, Reshiram appeared during the climax of the region’s storyline, adding weight to Ash’s role in Unova.

These encounters highlighted the theme of balance and the struggle between truth and ideals, core elements of the Unova saga. While Ash didn’t form lasting bonds with Reshiram or Zekrom like he did with other legendaries, their presence elevated his journey, proving once again that he was destined to cross paths with the rarest Pokémon in existence.

• Debut episode: Pokémon Black & White (Zekrom), later in the Unova arc (Reshiram)
• Connection with Ash: Tested Ash’s strength and resolve.
• Role in the story: Represented truth (Reshiram) and ideals (Zekrom) in Unova’s lore.
• Rarity level: Legendary dragon duo, central to the mythology of the region.

1.10 Eternatus (brief battle aid)

Ash’s encounter with Eternatus in Pokémon Journeys was brief but intense. During the “Darkest Day” crisis in the Galar region, Ash teamed up with Leon to face the overwhelming power of Eternatus. Although Ash never caught it, the fact that he stood alongside champions in such a world-defining battle showed how far he had come as a trainer.

For fans, Eternatus represented the high stakes of Ash’s later journeys. Even without ownership, Ash’s courage and ability to cooperate with Ash's strongest Pokemon left a strong impression. This moment reinforced the theme that legendary Pokémon respect Ash not for his titles, but for his heart and determination.

• Debut episode: Pokémon Journeys (Darkest Day Arc)
• Connection with Ash: Teamed up briefly during the battle against Eternatus.
• Role in the story: Catalyst of the Darkest Day, threatening Galar’s future.
• Rarity level: Unique legendary tied exclusively to the Galar region.

2. How to identify Ash’s legendary Pokémon?

Ash’s legendary Pokémon are not just the rare creatures he happened to meet; they are the ones that shaped his growth as a trainer and left lasting marks on his story. Unlike other characters who may seek legends for power, Ash’s connections stand out because of their heart and meaning.

To identify the legendary Pokémon of Ash, fans usually look at:

• Strong bonds: Pokémon that trusted Ash or fought alongside him, even without being captured.
• Key roles in the story: Legendary encounters that directly influenced the outcome of movies or series arcs.
• Rare emotional impact: Pokémon that revealed Ash’s compassion, courage, or selflessness in a memorable way.
• Symbolic meaning: Encounters that are tied into larger themes, such as destiny, truth, or balance.

These qualities explain why Ash legendary Pokémon feel unique compared to other trainers’ experiences. They are not trophies, but living symbols of his journey.

3. FAQs - People also ask about legendary Pokémon of Ash

Fans of Ash legendary Pokémon often wonder about the details of his rare encounters. While some moments are clear in the anime, others raise questions about which Pokémon he truly caught, befriended, or simply met. Let’s clear up the most common doubts below.

Does Ash catch a Legendary in Pokémon Journeys?

In Pokémon Journeys, Ash doesn’t permanently capture any legendary, but he does team up with Eternatus during the Darkest Day crisis in Galar. While not an official capture, this moment showed Ash’s ability to gain the trust of even the most powerful Pokémon and fight alongside them.

Is Meltan considered Ash’s first Legendary Pokémon?

Yes, Meltan and its evolved form Melmetal are considered Ash’s first official mythical Pokémon capture. Unlike most of his encounters, Ash actually trained and used Meltan in battles, making this one of the rare occasions where a legendary-level Pokémon became part of his permanent team.

Did Ash catch Rayquaza?

No, Ash never caught Rayquaza in the anime. Although Rayquaza has appeared in movies and games as one of the most powerful dragon legendaries, Ash has only encountered it indirectly through stories and regional legends. His bond with other legendaries, however, makes his journey just as remarkable.

Does Ash ever catch Lugia?

Ash did not officially catch Lugia, but in Pokémon Journeys, he briefly formed a bond with a baby Lugia and its parent. This connection showed his natural kindness and ability to earn the trust of even the rarest Pokémon, though Lugia ultimately returned to the wild.

What was Ash's first legendary?

The first legendary Pokémon Ash ever encountered was Ho-Oh in Episode 1, Pokémon: I Choose You!. Seeing Ho-Oh fly across the rainbow sky gave Ash the inspiration to begin his journey. This legendary appearance set the tone for his destiny as someone connected to rare and powerful Pokémon.

From Ho-Oh’s legendary rainbow to Melmetal’s powerful victories, the journey of Ash legendary Pokémon has given fans some of the most emotional and iconic moments in anime history. These encounters weren’t just about battles, they were about trust, destiny, and Ash’s unshakable bond with the rarest Pokémon of all.