Throughout the Pokemon games and anime, Psychic-type Pokemon have been a staple. They're not the most common type — actually, they tend to be pretty rare to find. However, they can be one of the most powerful when used correctly and are always valuable assets to have on one's team in any Pokemon game.

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Based on intimidation, adorability, and sheer strength, there are a bunch of factors that determine which Kanto-based Psychic-type Pokemon is better than another. But taking everything into account, a trainer can have a pretty good idea. Here's how they stack up.

Updated October 4, 2023, by Ben Painter: Psychic-type Pokemon were way overpowered back in Generation 1, with the Dark-type introduced in Generation 2 as a way to weaken it. The original 151 Psychic types have a special place in the older fan's hearts as they remember the time when they were unstoppable. There are 14 of the original mystical Pokemon, two of those being Mythical and Legendary Pokemon. Generation 6 brought fans new versions of the original Pokemon, regional variants, although they are technically new Pokemon they are still classed as the same Pokemon when it comes to the Pokedex. This update adds the regional variant Pokemon that have been given the Psychic-type in later generations.

21 Abra

• HP: 25
• Attack: 20
• Defense: 15
• Sp. Atk: 105
• Sp. Def: 55
• Speed: 90

Abra is cute, but the reality is, this Pokemon just isn't powerful enough to warrant anything other than last place on a list of the Gen I Psychics. In the show, it doesn't seem to be able to do much until it evolves into Kadabra. This idea is present in the games too, with its only real move being Teleport.

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If the player wants any chance of catching this Pokemon, they need to put it to sleep or paralyze it pretty much immediately so it can't teleport away. It's worth catching for the evolutions, but since players can't really battle with it, they might want to attach an experience share.

20 Drowzee

• HP: 60
• Attack: 48
• Defense: 45
• Sp. Atk: 43
• Sp. Def: 90
• Speed: 42

Drowzee is far less cute than Abra but a decent range of attacks means it can be a good asset in battle. Drowzee is fairly common — it can be caught fairly early in some of the games (such as Gold & Silver) and it's very common in certain countries when it comes to Pokemon GO.

Ultimately, it'll serve players in battle if they need a Psychic-type Pokemon, but it's not a special one to chase after.

On the other hand, some fans have found Drowzee's mechanic quite enjoyable to mess around with in-game, especially if they have a handy Dream Eater TM stored away. Once Drozwee has sufficiently hypnotized its opponent, it can happily heal while the other Pokemon's HP is slowly depleted, creating an easy win for this underrated Psychic-type.

19 Slowpoke

• HP: 90
• Attack: 65
• Defense:65
• Sp. Atk: 40
• Sp. Def: 40
• Speed: 15

Slowpoke is a dual-type Pokemon, with both Water and Psychic features at its disposal. This can give it an advantage against Fire-type Pokemon, but a huge disadvantage against Grass or Electric-types. Unfortunately, the Water/Psychic typing doesn't do much to cover for either type's weaknesses. What's more, both the show and the stats demonstrate that this Pokemon is extremely slow, so the dual type isn't enough to rank it any higher.

However, Slowpoke certainly becomes more valuable from the 2nd Generation onwards, as the introduction of Slowking raises this pink Pokemon's coolness factor up a notch. Although it is not from a direct evolution, combining a Shellder with a Slowpoke or a Slowbro produces some interesting results.

18 Galarian Slowpoke

• HP: 90
• Attack: 65
• Defense:65
• Sp. Atk: 40
• Sp. Def: 40
• Speed: 15

What Slowpoke can do, slowly, Galarian Slowpoke can do better, removing its Water-type's Galarian cousin is pure Psychic which means it has less weakness to work with.

First found in Pokemon Sword & Shield, The Isle of Armor DLC, the only difference, visually is that this form has a yellow head and tip of the tail. It still evolves into Slowbro or Slowking but with a Galarian Cuff or Galarian Wreath, respectively. It is with its evolutions that things start to get interesting.

17 Exeggcute

• HP: 60
• Attack: 40
• Defense: 80
• Sp. Atk: 60
• Sp. Def: 45
• Speed: 40

Exeggcute is a dual type, which gives it some advantage. Otherwise, though it doesn't rank very highly in terms of Psychic-type power. What's more, its Grass/Psychic combination gives it a 4x weakness to Bug-Type attacks.

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Its move set isn't particularly impressive and, let's be honest, the Pokemon itself isn't too aesthetically pleasing. Exeggcute's stats are mediocre at best; however, this Pokemon improves drastically when it evolves into Exeggutor.

16 Galarian Mr. Mime

• HP: 50
• Attack: 65
• Defense: 65
• Sp. Atk: 90
• Sp. Def: 90
• Speed: 100

A very forgettable Pokemon this one, Galarian Mr. Mime was introduced in Sword & Shield and Mr. Mime did need something else added to it and this Ice/Psychic type was a decent addition, but it wasn't really too memorable.

What the Galar form has over the original is an evolution in Mr. Rime, who is a very distinguished gentleman. The Galar form just doesn't have the icon status that it originally had, this was mainly due to its appearances as Ash's stepdad in the anime. Galarian Mr. Mime's stats are more balanced than the original, but there isn't a killer stat which makes it stand out.

15 Galarian Ponyta

• HP: 50
• Attack: 85
• Defense: 55
• Sp. Atk: 65
• Sp. Def: 65
• Speed: 90

Galarian Ponyta is a Pokemon that is iconic, given the Psychic typing, along with the Fairy typing, the design of Ponyta is perfect and arguably suits it better than the original, and it looks something straight out of My Little Pony.

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It still evolves into Rapidash at level 40, but can learn a host of new moves, including the Psychic, Confusion, Psybeam and Psychic. It has a deserving spot among the Psychic types of Generation 1, despite the fact it is more associated with being a Fairy-type 'mon.

14 Hypno

• HP: 85
• Attack: 73
• Defense: 70
• Sp. Atk: 73
• Sp. Def: 115
• Speed: 67

Drowzee's evolution, Hypno, isn't that uncommon but can be very powerful. It can learn some awesome status attacks such as Hypnosis, which can be really handy when struggling against another Pokemon. There's nothing special needed to evolve Drowzee into Hypno; simply raise it to level 26.

While Hypno’s offensive capabilities are somewhat lacking when compared to the likes of those higher on this list, its solid Special Defense can withstand an opponent’s Special Attack-focused offense. This psychic Pokemon can be a good asset to any team, but it's not necessarily worth a trainer's time to go out of their way to get it.

13 Slowbro

• HP: 95
• Attack: 75
• Defense: 110
• Sp. Atk: 100
• Sp. Def: 80
• Speed: 30

Fans are told that Slowbro is a peaceful Pokemon, but that doesn't mean it can't pack a punch when it needs to. Considerably more powerful than Slowpoke, Slowbro is an asset to have on any team. It's a dual Water/Psychic-type and has some interesting lore to it too. With usually defense stats and some powerful moves, it's worth having, especially against a fire Pokemon. Just avoid those grass and electric moves, because they'll take it down quickly.

Competitively, one of the biggest selling points to Slowbro is its mega evolution, which is an incredible physical wall. This form boasts 180 defense and access to the Shell Armor ability, which prevents it from suffering damage from critical hits.

12 Mr. Mime

• HP: 40
• Attack: 45
• Defense: 65
• Sp. Atk: 100
• Sp. Def: 120
• Speed: 90

For those who've watched the show, Mr. Mime has a special place in the hearts of fans. Ash Ketchum's mother owned a Mr. Mime who seemed to do her housework and, well, everything else she needed, so he's been a permanent fixture in the hearts of fans. In the games, he boasts decent Special Attack and Special Defense and has access to some good Psychic-type moves.

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Mr. Mime is pretty rare in Pokemon GO too (an exclusive to the continent of Europe), so if players can get their hands on one, he's pretty special. Sadly, he's not the most powerful, but he's a lovely novelty nonetheless.

11 Galarian Slowbro

• HP: 95
• Attack: 100
• Defense: 95
• Sp. Atk: 100
• Sp. Def: 70
• Speed: 30

The evolved form of Slowpoke, the yellow on its body is now purple, which is a reference to its new typing, Poison/Psychic. Unlike its Kantonian form the Shellder is no longer on its tail but on its arm, acting more of a cannon which is an interesting take on its design.

The OG Slowbro has five weaknesses, but the Galarian form has three which is an improvement on it in that regard. A lot of people have a preference for nostalgia but in this case, this Pokemon has been improved, it even has more balanced stats with a lot more physical attacks.

10 Starmie

• HP: 60
• Attack: 75
• Defense: 85
• Sp. Atk: 100
• Sp. Def: 85
• Speed: 115

Starmie catches many unsuspecting trainers off guard, as this mystical Water-Type has some secret Psychic-type moves tucked up its... sleeves? This Mysterious Pokemon is believed to draw its esoteric powers from the gem residing at the center of its body, which can also conveniently change colors depending on the situation.

Starmie's bulky physique makes defense a breeze while its speed is almost unparalleled, along with a selection of intimidating attacks that make it a worthy foe. Apart from the unexpected Psychic-type abilities, Starmie also has a Poison-type attack to add to its aquatic selection. This top-tier starfish is the perfect counter to many opponents, and, although it may have been slightly nerfed, Starmie has maintained a respectable reputation over the years.

9 Kadabra

• HP: 40
• Attack: 35
• Defense: 30
• Sp. Atk: 120
• Sp. Def: 70
• Speed: 105

Kadabra is the evolution of Abra, and is considerably more useful than its unevolved form. It's a powerful Psychic type that, even though it hasn't reached its final evolution yet, can be tough to beat. Ash and company certainly have trouble fighting it in the show.

Although most Kadabras that players come across in the games won't be as all-powerful as Sabrina's in Saffron City, this Pokemon definitely isn't to be taken lightly. Its Special Attack is decently high, and it has plenty of Special moves to use.

8 Exeggutor

• HP: 95
• Attack: 105
• Defense: 85
• Sp. Atk: 125
• Sp. Def: 75
• Speed: 45

A powerful Grass/Psychic type with different variations as the generations go on, this is a Pokemon worth having — especially if players can use the types to their advantage. It has a more powerful move set than its previous evolution and has pretty high stats that make it a tough battle. It's still not the cutest Pokemon, but it'll serve a trainer well.

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Through its Grass/Dragon typing and high Special Attack, Alolan Exeggutor can be a solid offensive addition to a team as well. This powerhouse can break through an opponent’s defenses with the likes of Draco Meteor and Leaf Storm.

7 Jynx

• HP: 65
• Attack: 50
• Defense: 35
• Sp. Atk: 115
• Sp. Def: 95
• Speed: 95

While the Pokemon’s usefulness has fallen by the wayside in recent generations, Jynx was a potent Ice/Psychic type threat in Gen I. With a unique (at the time) dual typing, Jynx could deal serious damage with both Blizzard and Psychic, covering a wide variety of weaknesses that players encounter.

Additionally, with access to its signature move, Lovely Kiss, Jynx can reliably put opposing Pokemon to sleep. This makes excellent use of its comparably high speed and allows it to attack without receiving damage in return.

6 Galarian Rapidash

• HP: 65
• Attack: 100
• Defense: 70
• Sp. Atk: 80
• Sp. Def: 80
• Speed: 105

The evolved form of Galarian Ponyta, Rapidash is a majestic unicorn, and it is an improvement on its original Fire-type design, now becoming the subject of this list, a Psychic-type, and it joins the roster of Generation 1 psychics.

As with its pre-evolved form, the typing just fits it better as a magical unicorn with psychic powers. Although the stats are the same, it makes use of its high attack with the physical move Psycho Cut which it learns upon evolving.

5 Alolan Raichu

• HP: 60
• Attack: 85
• Defense: 50
• Sp. Atk: 95
• Sp. Def: 85
• Speed: 110

Pikachu has gotten so much love as the franchise's mascot Raichu is almost forgotten, but in Pokemon Sword & Shield, the electric mouse’s evolved form received a new form.

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This came in Alolan Raichu which uses its tail to surf, gamers would think that this would be a Water-type, but it is actually a Psychic-type, along with being Electric, and it uses its psychic powers to surf on its tail using telekineses. This is a reference to the surfing Pikachu in the anime and the roundness of its design is also a throwback to Raichu and Pikachu's original Generation 1 design.

4 Galarian Articuno

• HP: 90
• Attack: 85
• Defense: 85
• Sp. Atk: 125
• Sp. Def: 100
• Speed: 85

All three of the original legendary trio, the Legendary Birds got a new Galarian form in The Crown Tundra DLC of Sword & Shield each with a new typing, In Articuno's case it received the Psychic typing along with keeping the Flying-type.

With a sleek new Purple look with piercing green eyes which it emits its psychic blasts from, it really works, and the design is an improvement, Although there is still a lot of love for its original. With a big improvement on its Sp. Atk it can make use of powerful special Psychic moves including the combo of Hypnosis and Dream Eater to do some real damage.

3 Mew

• HP: 100
• Attack: 100
• Defense: 100
• Sp. Atk: 100
• Sp. Def: 100
• Speed: 100

The 151st Pokemon of the first Generation of Pokemon games, Mew is incredibly well-rounded, is capable of learning every move, and boasts a 100 in every stat. In the first-gen games, despite what truck-related rumors may have said, it was impossible to acquire Mew through traditional means without the use of an exploit. When battling, Mew’s flexibility allows it to serve whatever role a player may need in their team. Still, it is far from the most overpowered Psychic-type Pokemon to appear in the series, or even in Gen I.

Mew can essentially mimic the abilities of its opponent, which it is capable of doing due to its unique genetic structure that encompasses the DNA of every type of Pokemon. Much like a Ditto on steroids, Mew can replicate the necessary move set to overpower its foe (or just play around a bit for amusement's sake).

2 Alakazam

• HP: 55
• Attack: 50
• Defense: 45
• Sp. Atk: 135
• Sp. Def: 95
• Speed: 120

It can be a pain to get Kadabra to evolve into Alakazam. Most of the games required Kadabra to be traded, so it's not as simple as leveling up the Pokemon. But when it does evolve and gets those higher stats, it's one of the most powerful Psychic-types. Just wait until Kadabra has learned some awesome movies to trade it and evolve it — and make sure that players get the Pokemon back.

Within the first generation of Pokemon, Alakazam was an absolute menace, dealing absurd amounts of damage and doing so quickly through its high speed stat. Even in recent generations, Alakazam is still quite useful. It gained even more power in the form of a Mega Evolution, which grants it a stellar combination of 175 Special attack and 150 Speed.