30. Haunter
It’s a weird design transition going from Gastly to Haunter, but I guess it works. Haunter’s personality in the anime is more prankster than it is scary, but I like that, too. The name is a bit boring, but he’s a strong Pokemon in game.
Name – 6
Design – 8
Video Game – 7
Trading Card – 4
TV Show – 4
X Factor – 9
Total – 38
29. Vaporeon
I actually used Vaporeon in my most recent playthrough of Pokemon Leaf Green, and he’s good! Jolteon is the obvious choice for Eevee evolutions, but Vaporeon has a ton of health and the ability to learn Ice type moves. However, he’s definitely the least cool looking of the three.
Name – 8
Design – 7
Video Game – 8
Trading Card – 3
TV Show – 4
X Factor – 8
Total – 38
28. Moltres
Moltres is obviously a rare catch in the Pokemon games, with only one opportunity to get one. While the flame bird design idea is awesome, the end result isn’t as cool as it could have been. Still, it’s a very strong Fire type option.
Name – 7
Design – 8
Video Game – 9
Trading Card – 4
TV Show – 2
X Factor – 8
Total – 38
27. Golem
I’m really not a fan of the Golem design when compared to the original Geodude. There’s no real through line there. He also loses some usability points because he can only be obtained through trading a Graveler. All that being said, he’s still the absolute best Rock type Pokemon in the game.
Name – 7
Design – 7
Video Game – 10
Trading Card – 4
TV Show – 4
X Factor – 6
Total – 38
26. Alakazam
Besides the two famous legendary Psychic types, Alakazam is easily the best in the game. His moveset is absurd and his special attack stat is off the charts. As I’ve said, I’m back and forth on the magical pun names of these three. There is no spoon.
Name – 6
Design – 8
Video Game – 10
Trading Card – 4
TV Show – 2
X Factor – 8
Total – 38
25. Machamp
Machamp is a powerhouse of a Fighting Pokemon. While I’m not a fan of the name as an obvious reflection of the boxing/wrestling design influence, his four arms are pretty insane. He’s also only available through trading a Machoke, which sucks.
Name – 6
Design – 8
Video Game – 9
Trading Card – 5
TV Show – 4
X Factor – 7
Total – 39
24. Charmeleon
Charmeleon’s dark red coloring is awesome. He’s a more aggressive looking Charmander, and has more of that dragon/dinosaur look, which helps the transition to Charizard. He’s super good in the game, too, considering when you have access to him.
Name – 8
Design – 9
Video Game – 6
Trading Card – 3
TV Show – 4
X Factor – 9
Total – 39
23. Raichu
A lot of people don’t like Raichu in the games, and I’ll admit that he’s not the strongest Electric type. But I really like his huge electric tail and his coloring, and thanks to Pikachu, he’s well known as part of the Pokemon brand.
Name – 8
Design – 7
Video Game – 7
Trading Card – 4
TV Show – 4
X Factor – 9
Total – 39
22. Magmar
Magmar is one of my favorite dark horse Pokemon for this list. He’s vastly underrated, in no small part due to the fact that he can only be caught in the late game and only in Pokemon Blue. He learns some useful Poison moves, too, which is cool.
Name – 8
Design – 7
Video Game – 7
Trading Card – 4
TV Show – 5
X Factor – 8
Total – 39
21. Jigglypuff
Another of the most popular Pokemon, Jigglypuff is all over the place in the anime, and is a strong option in Super Smash Bros. Its Sing move is insanely helpful for catching strong Pokemon or beating gym leaders, and the design is simple but adorable, with the little hair-like curl in the front.
Name – 7
Design – 9
Video Game – 7
Trading Card – 3
TV Show – 5
X Factor – 9
Total – 40