There are over a thousand Pokemon since the release of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, and in that group are hundreds of beloved creatures based on all kinds of animals. Cats, rabbits, dogs, horses, there are tons of Pokemon based on the natural world and the animals within. Within that number, there are several iconic lines based on frogs. Nearly one for every generation, in fact!
Frogs are a species of amphibian that has become especially beloved in the internet era. Frog Pokemon are, as expected, typically pure Water or dual-type Water with another type, though there are some notable exceptions to the rule. Over the years, some of the most memorable and recognizable Pokemon have been frogs - from the very first Pokedex entry to a new Paldean fan favorite in the latest generation. Here is a definitive list of every single frog Pokemon in the franchise so far.
7 Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, & Venusaur
The first grass starter and Pokedex entry number one is Bulbasaur! An iconic mascot for the series, Bulbasaur and its evolutionary line are frogs with a floral twist. Bulbasaur is one of the first Pokemon players will have encountered in the 90s when playing Pokemon Red & Blue.
In particular, Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur are based on horned frogs, as suggested by their short legs, stout appearance, and ear-like protrusions on its head. The bulb on its back resembles an onion, but through its evolutionary stages, it blooms into a lily.
6 Poliwag, Poliwhirl, & Poliwrath
Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and Poliwratch are more Gen 1 Pokemon based on frogs. This evolutionary line is one of the most complex, especially for Gen 1, as Poliwag requires a Water Stone to evolve, and then has the option of evolving into Poliwrath or Politoed.
This evolutionary line is based on the life cycle of a frog. Poliwag is a tadpole, with a spiral pattern meant to resemble how the intestines of tadpoles are sometimes seen through their transparent skin. It then evolves into an adult frog!
5 Lotad
Frog Pokemon skip a generation, as there are no new entries in Gen 2. Gen 3's entry is also dubious. Lotad is a Gen 3 Pokemon based on a lily-pad that is debatably a frog Pokemon. While many have speculated, there are several key design features hinting at a frog inspiration for the Water Weed Pokemon.
Its stubby legs and aquatic nature give this Pokemon away as a frog. The last part of its name, 'tad', is also likely a reference to a tadpole, the early life stage of a frog. It's the only frog Pokemon in its generation, as its evolution takes on more of an ape-like stature.
4 Croagunk & Toxicroak
Croagunk and Toxicroak are some of the quintessential frog Pokemon. Known as the 'Toxic Mouth Pokemon', Croagunk and Toxicroak are Poison/Fighting types introduced in Pokemon Diamond & Pearl's Gen 4.
These two Pokemon, both designed by Takao Unno, are likely based specifically on the poison dart frog, a group of poisonous frogs native to tropical Central and South America. Their names are both clever combinations that play on their Poison typing, ('croa' = 'croak', 'gunk' referring to a poisonous substance, and 'toxi' = 'toxic').
3 Tympole, Palpitoad, & Seismitoad
This three-stage line of frog Pokemon was introduced in Pokemon Black & White's Gen 5. Tympole, another first-stage Tadpole frog Pokemon is a pure Water-type, and its evolutions are both dual-type Water/Ground types. Tympole shares its category, 'Tadpole Pokemon', with Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and Poliwrath.
Interestingly, Tympole and Palpitoad's designs were worked backward from Seismitoad's design. They all appear to be based on a combination of frogs and loudspeakers, which is an interesting combination, to say the least. Tympole's spherical bumps resemble headphones, while the protrusions on Palpitoad and Seismitoad resemble warts, more fitting of a frog.
2 Froakie, Frogadier, & Greninja
Froakie, Frogadier, and Greninja are an evolutionary line stemming from Gen 6's water starter, Froakie! Along with Chespin and Fennekin, Froakie is one of the first three Pokemon players will encounter in Pokemon X & Y. Froakie is a pure Water-type along with Frogadier, and Greninja gains the Dark-typing as the final evolution.
The bubbling white 'foam' around Froakie's neck is a reference to frog foam nests, created by species of frog such as the Tungara frog and grey foam-nest tree frog to protect eggs. In Generation 7, Greninja has the ability to transform into Ash-Greninja, a special form attainable thanks to the Battle Bond Ability.
1 Tadbulb & Bellibolt
Tadbulb and Bellibolt are the newest Pokemon on this list, as Gen 9 Pokemon introduced in the Paldea region for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Both Tadbulb and Bellibolt are dual Electric/Water-types, and Bellibolt is the signature Pokemon of Paldea's Electric Gym Leader Iono. Tadbulb evolves into Bellibolt when exposed to the Thunder Stone.
Both Pokemon are frog-based, perhaps specifically the Cuyaba dwarf frog, which has large 'false eyes' similar to the ones Bellibolt has. Bellibolt's belly-button sphere may also be based on a plasma ball, as well as potentially a 'Squishmallow', a popular stuffed toy brand.