The Indigo League served as an introduction to the Pokemon anime for many fans. The beginning of Ash’s adventures established series favorites, and brought Kanto to life in a way that the games didn’t. The anime’s first season was filled with different Pokemon and plenty of memorable catches.
The Indigo League saw Ash and company catch all kinds of Pokemon around Kanto. Some of Ash, Brock & Misty’s most iconic companions were caught during the original series, making for some memorable moments in the process. Here’s each Pokemon the main characters caught during the season and who caught them.
15 Pikachu – Ash
One of the most iconic moments from the series, Ash and Pikachu’s first meeting wasn’t without some hiccups. Despite receiving it from Professor Oak as his starter, it took some time for Ash to earn Pikachu’s trust. The two eventually saw eye-to-eye and continue to carry the anime after all these years.
14 Caterpie – Ash
Perhaps mirroring the games, Ash’s first catch following the acquisition of his starter was a Caterpie. Having found it during his adventures in the Viridian Forrest, Ash was quick to add the meek little Pokemon to his party. Caterpie had one of the more memorable character arcs for a Pokemon in the series, culminating in its release later on in the season.
13 Pidgeotto – Ash
After failing to catch a Pidgey, Ash lucked out and nabbed himself a Pidgeotto. Another Pokemon found in the Viridian Forrest, Ash was able to catch the iconic Flying-type with the help of his Pikachu. It would eventually evolve into Pidgeot and was also released later on in the series.
12 Zubat – Brock
The first Pokemon Brock was shown to have caught in the anime; Zubat deviated from his party composition at the time. Brock caught his Zubat within the caverns of Mt. Moon and it’s been with him ever since. Brock’s Zubat was around for nearly 160 episodes before evolving into Golbat and finally Crobat later on.
11 Bulbasaur – Ash
Ash didn’t get any of the Gen I starters by traditional means and he’d start things off with Bulbasaur before encountering the other two. The gang found Bulbasaur in the Hidden Village, where it used its strength to protect weaker Pokemon. Like Pikachu, Bulbasaur wasn’t technically caught but followed Ash after having been won over by the charismatic trainer.
10 Charmander – Ash
Ash’s Charmander would go on to be the most prominently featured Kanto starter in the anime, and had the most development of any Pokemon in the original series save for Pikachu. Charmander joined Ash after overcoming an abusive owner, and went on to become one of his strongest Pokemon.
9 Squirtle – Ash
The last of the Kanto starters, Squirtle was yet another unique addition to Ash’s party. Ash encountered Squirtle while it was serving as the leader of the Squirtle Squad and eventually convinced it to join him on his adventures. Squirtle would only be a temporary addition to the party however, and would return to the Squirtle Squad later on.
8 Krabby – Ash
Ash’s second Water-type caught during his Kanto adventures, Krabby was caught near Bill’s Lighthouse and was soon after sent to Professor Oak’s Lab.
Though fairly small compared to other Krabby, Ash’s Krabby would evolve into Kingler later on in the series and contributed on Ash’s adventures every so often.
7 Horsea – Misty
Misty’s Horsea was the first Pokemon she was shown to have caught in the series, becoming a staple of her party for a time after. Misty caught it in Porta Vista when the group took on a giant Tentacruel. Horsea would contribute ton may of the Kanto adventures and is currently at Cerulean Gym.
6 Primeape – Ash
Ash always had a knack for winning over peculiar Pokemon in the anime, and his Primeape was one of the most eccentric Pokemon he’d meet during his Indigo League journey. Ash encountered it on Route 7 while it was still a Mankey, but it evolved and was subsequently caught shortly after a tense interaction with Team Rocket.
5 Psyduck – Misty
Psyduck is one of Misty’s most well known Pokemon, and has been a part of her party for years. The second Pokemon Misty caught while accompanying Ash on his adventures, Psyduck played the comic relief role most of the time.
Psyduck was technically Brock’s catch, but he passed it over to Misty after finding out that the Pokemon suffered from chronic headaches. Though it hasn’t always been easy, Misty and Psyduck make a great team.
4 Vulpix – Brock
Vulpix wasn’t technically a catch for Brock, as he received the Fire-type from Pokemon Breeder Suzie after it took a liking to him. Vulpix would accompany Brock on many of his adventures throughout Kanto and eventually Johto as well. Brock eventually returned it to Suzie during their Johto adventures.
3 Muk – Ash
Muk was found in the aptly named Gringy City while Ash and his friends were investigating a power failure in the area.
It served as the leader of a hoard of Grimer responsible for5 causing the issue. Muk has had its fair share of memorable moments as a member of Ash’s team, and has always been shown to be fond of its trainer.
2 Tauros – Ash
Ash has never been scared to do things his own way. Most trainers don’t typically horde the same kind of Pokemon, but Ash accidentally ended up catching 30 Tauros in the Safari Zone when trying to catch as many Pokemon as possible. The Tauros have made several appearances throughout Ash’s adventures, but are kept in Oak’s lab for the most part.
1 Togepi – Misty
Togepi was acquired during the gang’s Kanto adventures, making it the first Gen II Pokemon to be caught by one of the main cast. Togepi was given to Misty as an egg, and was part of Misty’s party for quite a bit of time. It stayed in its egg form for a handful of episodes before hatching, and would stay alongside Misty for over 270 episodes before evolving into Togetic and leaving to protect the Togepi Paradise.