The Pokémon series really isn't one that is shy about playing favorites. It's become clear over the years that the developers over at Game Freak have some Pokémon that they prefer over others, and like to put them in... everything. It isn't just Game Freak, though. This happens in just about every section of the Pokémon world, and today, we're going to go over ten that appear in the most throughout the franchise. And, spoiler alert, 90% of them will be from one generation.
10 Charizard
It's Generation One. That's where 9/10 of these entries are from. Charizard over here is one of the worst offenders on the list. Having four different forms (the most of any Pokémon that isn't solely cosmetic): regular, two Megas and a Gigantimax really proves how much Game Freak loves Charizard.
Charizard appears in almost every single game, and its line is actually the only Generation One starter line to make it into the roster for Sword and Shield, because of course it is.
9 Pikachu
Pikachu's overabundance in the franchise makes sense, it is the series mascot after all. Pikachu is a star of the anime, appears in just about every game in the series and is the center of most merch lines that The Pokémon Company releases. It was also the star of the Detective Pikachu game and film. While the rest of the Pokémon on this list could stand to calm down a bit, we're going to give Pikachu a break. He's the face of the series, so it's only natural that he appears in just about everything. He's got promo jobs to complete, let him live.
8 Meowth
Picture this, Meowth but L O N G. Well, that's what Game Freak decided they needed to do when they gave Meowth his third form in Sword and Shield. Look, it's absolutely fantastic and a necessary addition to the games, but let's not act like Meowth isn't an overused Pokémon at this point. He's kind of a mixture of the previous two Pokémon on the list. Star of the anime, too many forms, inserted into everything. He's even a standby in Pokémon Shuffle. This man is everywhere. The Pokémon Company just seems to love using him. Alolan Big Head Persian is the best cat in this line, by the way.
7 Mewtwo
Mewtwo is another member of the overused gang. Are you sensing a pattern here? This list is all of the big boys of the Kanto Region who have absolutely been done to death. Mewtwo's seen it all. A starring role in multiple anime movies, two Mega Evolutions, an armored form for some reason, the list goes on. He's treated as the final boss for most of the Kanto games in the series, except for the Let's Go! games, in which the final battle is Leaf, who relentlessly abuses you with Pokéballs. Now that's a challenge.
6 Squirtle
While Charizard grows up, the other two Kanto starters stay in their babby form for their promo spots. Actually, Charmander is overused as well... anyway, Squirtle is one of The Pokémon Company's many favorites.
Whether this Pokémon is out leading the Squirtle Squad, being handed out in X&Y with his Mega Evolution as Blastoise or simply being used in plushies and other merch, Squirtle seems to sell well, as he's around constantly. He's also a fighter in Smash, along with his buddies Charizard (again) and Ivysaur (ok somewhat refreshing).
5 Bulbasaur
While arguably the most ignored of the original starters (we love you so much), Bulbasaur still receives special attention from Game Freak and The Pokémon Company. It's the same story as Squirtle, Charmander and Charizard for this boy. He's also without a doubt the cutest Pokémon in all of Detective Pikachu, that isn't even a question. Give Bulbasaur more propaganda, he deserves it over the rest of the entries on this list. Keep stuntin' on em baby.
4 Eevee
Eevee is adorable in his own right, and being able to evolve into eight different Pokémon certainly isn't going to hurt your case for some favoritism. While Eevee has always been a favorite of The Pokémon Company, his biggest rise to prominence was in the Let's Go! games, in which he became the box starter for his version. Eevee is also incredibly marketable, which is seen from the thousands of plushies he has available to purchase everywhere.
3 Rattata
Rattata's overabundance isn't really by choice from The Pokémon Company... but by force from the Pokémon itself. Being the early route rodent in the first set of games, you're bound to be remembered for being completely unavoidable. Rattata also, unfortunately, crossed the border into many other regions, including Alola, where it received a brand new form that breathed some much-needed life into its evolutionary line. Until those two became a constant as well. It never ends with these ones, does it?
2 Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff is another favored Pokémon who deserves it. The balloon Pokémon is known for putting people to sleep through his singing (which makes him very mad), which was a running gag in the anime. Jigglypuff's presence on the anime ended up nabbing him a spot on the Super Smash Bros. roster, a position he has maintained in every subsequent entry (despite almost being removed constantly). He also made a fantastic appearance in Detective Pikachu. Jigglypuff's evolution is also notable for being the Guild Master in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky, giving Wigglytuff some well-deserved love as well.
1 Lucario
There were a few choices for the sole non-Generation One entry of the list, but Lucario takes the cake. Besides Generation One mons, he's around more than almost every Pokémon out there. He's a fighter in Smash and Pokkén Tournament, received a Mega Evolution, had his own movie and was a gift Pokémon in X and Y. It seems as if The Pokémon Company is constantly looking to remind you that, yes, Lucario exists, and yes, he's still awesome. He's a cool Pokémon, but calm down a bit, please.