There’s been plenty of unique Pokémon projects released both in the gaming and entertainment space, but an collaboration with Aardman looks like it could be the weirdest, and possibly even best. 6y5i1t

Aardman is an iconic stop-motion animation studio that has become a sensation for its productions which include Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Shaun the Sheep. Now the team is taking those talents into a new world: Pokémon.

On Dec. 11, 2024, it was announced that The Pokémon Company is teaming up with Aardman on an project. While the project was giving the mysterious monicker “special project,” no further details were shared. All we know is that it’s currently scheduled to land in 2027.

The Pokémon Company International VP of Marketing Taito Okiura shared a statement regarding the new partnership with Variety, calling it a “dream” and sharing respect for everything that the iconic animation studio has accomplished.

“This is a dream partnership for Pokémon. Aardman are masters of their craft, and we have been blown away by their talent and creativity. What we have been working on together ensures our global Pokémon fans are in for a treat!”

Aardman also shared their statement on the partnership echoing much of the same respect and desire to create something unique for audiences. Their managing director, Sean Clarke said:

“It’s a huge honour to be working with The Pokémon Company International — we feel sincerely privileged to be trusted with bringing their characters and world to life in a brand-new way. Bringing together Pokémon, the world’s biggest entertainment brand, together with our love of craft, character and comedic storytelling feels incredibly exciting. Aardman and TPCi share an emphasis on heritage and attention to detail as well as putting our fans and audiences at the heart of what we do, which we know will steer us right as we together create charming, original and new stories for audiences around the world.”

It’s anyone’s guess what this special project will be or where it will be shared, but given that both parties have contracts with Netflix that would seem like the perfect spot for it to land. Aardman will be releasing their next big film Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl on the platform in early 2025.

This won’t be the further jump into stop motion for the Pokémon franchise. Pokémon Concierge was a stop-motion series that was released on Netflix in 2023 to positive reviews. This series was animated by Dwarf Studios, so the project will be the first time that Aardman has been given the keys to the intellectual property.

2027 might seem like a far distance away, and that’s because it is. However, given the animation studio’s track record, having extra time to work on projects has only resulted in some of the best stop-motion movies ever made, so it’s probably a bonus that Aardman will have so long to work.

The good news is that there will be no shortage of new content for Pokémon fans in the meantime. The next major release for the franchise will be Pokémon Legends: Z-A which is set to be released in 2025, but on the anime front, Pokémon Horizons is still going strong bringing fans fresh stories from the Paldea region each week.

If you aren’t familiar with Aardman the best place to start is by watching Chicken Run and its sequel Dawn of the Nugget, which are available to stream right now on Netflix. This should give you plenty of familiarity with the studio’s signature style and what you should expect this project to look and feel like. Expect more information to be shared in the coming months.

In retrospect, calling the company “Game Freaks” should have tipped us off earlier. The famed Pokémon developer, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company are currently reeling from a humungous hack that’s seen an enormous amount of internal data about the history and future of Pokémon make its way online.

This has shed some new light on old classics, though the absolute highlight has to be the disturbing new information about the secret origins of Pokémon Gold/Silver starter Typhlosion. You may have seen the memes popping up on social media already, with other cartoons of other Pokémon whispering that the fire type is “not like us” or in big trouble:

So, what the heck is going and why is everyone mad at this specific Pokémon?

The shocking truth of Typhlosion, explained 5n6x2r

Contained within the leak was a bizarre short story penned by a Game Freak employee that opens with the ominous line: “A long time ago, when the boundary between Pokémon and human was unclear.” This feels like the start of some morally questionable fan fiction more than something you’d expect to see linked to some official canon, and the rest of the story doesn’t disappoint.

The story is set in the past and follows a young girl collecting firewood for her village. While deep in the forest, she encounters a mysterious handsome man, who invites her to spend the night in his place. The strange man is then revealed to be a Typhlosion in disguise, who promptly bewitches the young girl and fathers a bizarre half-human/half Pokémon child with her.

The Typhlosion then explains that to keep his child “wife” he needs to murder her father, with the girl frantically talking him down: “Please stop. Please don’t kill my father. How can I live with you after killing my family">

However, for some cultural context, it’s also been pointed out that Typhlosion is inspired by the Japanese myth of the Mujina, a shape-shifting badger creature with a habit of deceiving and tricking humans. Then again, it’s unlikely that Typhlosion is going to live this story down anytime soon, as Nintendo absolutely don’t want stories about Pokémon impregnating young girls available for all to read.

At least this is the right season for some creepypasta, even if we didn’t expect it to originate within the bizarre bowels of Game Freaks. And yes, we’re going to underline it one more time, as the clue was in the company’s name all along!

Christine Weston Chandler, AKA Chris Chan. A name which carries a lot of weight around these parts. An individual once considered to be the most documented human maybe ever has since become associated with a notorious depraved act which saw them serve time in prison. But what exactly happened to Chandler?

Who is Chris Chan? 4j3x4p

Okay, for those not in the know, let’s recap the road so far. Chris Chan, born Christopher Weston Chandler to parents Robert and Barbara Chandler, had a rough childhood. According to her she was neglected by her parents and left with an abusive babysitter. From an early age, Chandler was also diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

According to the Chris Chan Wiki – yes she has a whole wiki dedicated to her – Chris Chan was obsessed with cartoons and video games like Pokémon and Sonic the Hedgehog as a child and this carried over into adulthood which is where things started to take a turn for the worse. Chandler began posting hand-drawn comics of her original character “Sonichu” (an amalgamation of Sonic and Pikachu) which drew mockery on online boards like 4Chan. As the rise of video-sharing websites like YouTube rolled around Chris Chan would videos of herself which piqued the curiosity of those early internet explorers. 

Most interactions people had with Chris were cruel, it often involved trying to provoke her into having a meltdown or giving out even more information about herself that could be used by the trolls to taunt Chandler. Strangers constantly prank-called the family after Chandler accidentally doxed herself one time, resulting in a viral meltdown.

Things carried on much the same for several years, with people watching Chris Chan’s life play out on the internet in real time. Almost every detail was shared, every action, every little thought including her quest to find love which Chandler would discuss a lot. Chris Chan would change their pronouns to she/her and go by the name Christine in 2014 but that didn’t change the dynamic between Chris and their rabid trolls who continued to observe and provoke her.

Chris Chan goes to jail 5204k

While the Chandler situation was already pretty bad nobody was prepared for how bad it could get until 2021. On Aug. 1st of that year t she was arrested and charged with incest after revealing on a leaked phone call to having sexual relations with her 79-year-old mother who many suspect has dementia, although this hasn’t been confirmed.

During their incarceration, Chandler’s only interaction with the outside world was through written letters in which she made some incredibly odd statements including the belief that she was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. In later letters, she would double down on these delusions and mention the “dimensional merge,” which, according to her, is a merging of our world and the world of Sonichu and the characters in her head. Despite many thinking Chandler wouldn’t fare well in prison, reports indicate she was doing well inside.

She served two years out of a possible ten in prison and was released by court order on March 27th 2023. For many the whole saga marked the end of their interest in Chandler, but there are those still feverishly documenting her life after prison.

Post jail saga 2z2l3l

So what’s been going on since Christine’s life this past year and a bit? Well, it’s been a little more difficult for those still interested in documenting her life as she hasn’t been active online, some on Reddit have speculated that she may be legally banned from using the internet, or perhaps she’s simply realized it’s not healthy for her to be on there.

However, she has been spotted in public several times either shopping in Walmart or appearing at Magic: The Gathering events. Every public sighting has been documented on the wiki, at this point spotting Chris Chan is tantamount to capturing a cryptid such as Bigfoot on video. 

Chandler did make a brief return to the internet, in a very weird video that appeared on YouTube in Oct. 2023, it was mostly nonsense, but many at the time suspected this could be an all-out return for Chris Chan.

While it’s been mostly quiet since, footage of Chris Chan’s initial arrest back in 2021 was recently posted online and has since gone viral, garnering over 3 million views on YouTube. The whole interaction between Chandler and the cops who arrived to arrest him is bizarre to watch.

But there it is, the whole sorry story. Hopefully, this truly does mark the end for Chandler’s online escapades, it’s clear she needs professional help and to stay as far away from the internet as possible, the trolls are only making things worse. We can only hope that someone is keeping a close eye on Chris to make sure she doesn’t cause any more harm as well as ensure the trolls don’t continue to provoke her.

Like its predecessors, the Nintendo Switch is home to several Pokémon titles including both mainline games and spin-offs. Now that it’s officially the longest-running Nintendo console ever, that number only continues to grow: in fact, the Switch has the largest number of Pokémon games in its library compared to any other console in history. 

With even more games on the horizon — the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for a 2025 release — it can be difficult to figure out which Pokémon games available on Switch are worth one’s time. Complicating matters, the mainline RPGs and the spin-offs can vary vastly in quality, making it even more difficult for would-be players to discern which games to purchase. 

The Switch offers a variety of Pokémon games for a variety of Pokémon trainers. Not every game can be a winner but with multiple titles to choose from, you’re bound to find something you enjoy.  Whether you want to catch them all, battle it out with your faves, or enjoy a leisurely photo-taking journey, these are the seven best Pokémon games the Switch has to offer. 

7. Pokken Tournament DX 10604c

If you’ve ever thought a Pokémon fighting game à la Tekken sounds like a blast, give Pokkén Tournament DX a try. Originally released on Wii U as a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Bandai Namco, home of the Tekken series, the version released on the Switch is essentially the same game but with extra features like online play and daily challenges. Pokkén Tournament DX allows players to fight as over 20 different Pokémon and is both competitive for skilled players and accessible for those newer to the genre. 

While Pokkén Tournament DX is a fun game, it does have its problems: Multiplayer runs poorly on the Switch and the game’s story mode isn’t very satisfying — a common complaint with fighting games but worth a mention nonetheless. Still, it’s worth a try if you’re a fan of either franchise or just love battle games.

6. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl c4j4h

It might be a controversial opinion, but I love a good Pokémon remake. In my ideal world, I would be able to play every mainline Pokémon game on my console of choice. The originals almost always win out, but if a game was good the first time, it doesn’t require much tinkering to capture my attention a second time. 

As someone who wasn’t able to play Diamond and Pearl the first time around — though I’m happy to report I have since — Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a chance to experience one of the best mainline games. Aesthetic changes aside (some players took umbrage at the “chibi” player avatars), much of the game remains the same. Unfortunately that extends to the game’s missteps as well, like the fact players are extremely limited by the amount of Pokémon available in the game. If you can get past the game’s problems though, this is a good way to experience Diamond and Pearl without a DS. 

5. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet 29k31

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet undeniably pushed the franchise forward, but are also rife with technical problems. This is a Pokémon adventure set in a truly open world — players are free to traverse Paldea and its challenges in any order they please — but that world feels unfinished and lacks the character of previous games.

Character customization is lacking compared to recent games, and as a player who looks forward to NPC interactions and visiting new towns and cities, I was disappointed with how empty Paldea felt. There are dozens of cool storefronts to visit, but entering a shop only amounts to opening a generic menu where players can purchase items. Beautiful buildings line the city streets but unlike previous mainline games, you can’t enter them. Maybe the citizens of Paldea enjoy home security more than those of previous games, or more likely, the game was rushed to meet its release date. 

Factor in the numerous issues players encountered when the game was first released — ranging from minor glitches to deleted save data — and it’s hard to see why I’d recommend this game. When Scarlet and Violet get it right, they really get it right: There are great Pokémon to discover (Clodsire became a personal fave), wonderful trainers to battle, and an interesting story to complete. Stick it out through the game’s (many) rough spots and you’ll still have a good time.

4. New Pokémon Snap 38344j

Two decades after the original Pokémon Snap was released on Nintendo 64, a sequel was released on the Switch and dare I say, it’s even better this time around. New Pokémon Snap is a cozy rail-shooter where players are tasked to take photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. It’s a different way to “catch them all” but a change of pace is welcome in a franchise often criticized for rarely straying from its roots. The graphics are beautiful and I love how the Pokémon you encounter emote and interact with their environment. 

While New Pokémon Snap is a great game, I hesitate to place it higher. I’m an RPG lover at heart and after several hours taking photos of cute Pokémon, I crave violence. Your mileage may vary, especially if you loved the first Pokémon Snap.

3. Pokémon Lets Go, Pikachu! and Lets Go, Eevee! 4s6hs

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! combine game mechanics from Pokémon Go with Pokémon Yellow for a fun adventure in Kanto. This time around, you can either have a partner Pikachu or Eevee who happily follow you around the map or sit on your character’s shoulder. I love that you can interact with any of your Pokémon — not just your partner — when they’re following behind you and that you can ride, surf, and fly with your own party. Surfing on my own Gyarodos made me feel like a kid again and I want this to be the standard in new games going forward. 

The game isn’t perfect — throwing Poké Balls at Pokémon á la Pokémon Go in lieu of actually battling them is interesting in concept but awkward in execution — but it’s fun. Sure, it’s often less of a challenge than I’d like it to be (especially with how insanely powerful my Eevee became) but it perfectly captures the essence of playing Pokémon for the first time as a child. I can’t be mad at that.

2. Pokémon Sword and Shield 4424a

Pokémon Sword and Shield has its detractors, but I’d argue the game gets more right than it does wrong. From the beginning, Galar is beautiful to explore: there are hillsides filled with frolicking Wooloo, a luminescent forest town where Galarian Ponyta play, and urban centers with buildings you can actually enter! (Imagine that.) Pokémon are visible in the overworld so you don’t have to fight countless Zubat when you’d rather not, a welcome improvement compared to previous games. 

Critics complain the game is too short and that may be true. But even without the DLC, I enjoyed my time in Galar and found myself returning to the Wild Area to look for new Pokémon often enough that I still felt satisfied with the game’s content. If you’re a more competitive player, you might find Sword and Shield lacking but I found it more enjoyable than I expected. 

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus 3g526c

Pokémon Legends: Arceus felt like a breath of fresh air when it was released in 2022. Despite suffering from problems similar to Scarlet and Violet — the frame-rate dips at times and the world feels too empty — Arceus is just plain fun. It’s the first time a Pokémon game treats Pokémon like the dangerous creatures they are, and catching them requires players to plan their encounters carefully lest they get tackled by a wild Chansey. Because of this, Arceus feels challenging compared to other mainline games. 

I didn’t love that there’s essentially only one village in the entire game but everything else was so fun, I didn’t mind as much as I thought I would. I’m sad Scarlet and Violet didn’t adapt much of what made Arceus fun (imagine if it had kept the side quests and the catching mechanic), but I’m hopeful Pokémon Legends: Z-A will improve on what’s already a winning formula.

For decades, Pokémon has enjoyed a run as a juggernaut in the anime, gaming and even merchandise space, garnering millions of fans and spawning spinoff titles in the worlds of film, manga and television.

On the small screen, Pokémon has spawned eight anime series and 26 seasons, each based on a main installment of the Pokémon video game series. These shows have unsurprisingly been big hits, but their future has been called into question, at least in relation to Netflix.

The streaming giant obtained the licensing rights to broadcast Pokémon anime in 2014, and has since provided the English dub for the spinoff Pokémon: Journeys television franchise. While that title has made Netflix the first port of call for US Pokémon fans, the streamer recently announced that all of its Pokémon: Journeys series will be leaving the platform in early Sept, 2024.

It’s a move that has caught the ire of legions of fans, but what’s behind Netflix’s decision?

Why is Pokémon leaving Netflix? 2d1f3v

In sad news for Pokémon fans, Netflix recently revealed that all four of the Pokémon: Journeys titles — including Pokémon Master Journeys, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys, and How To Be a Pokémon Master — will be leaving the streamer within the first week of September. Fortunately, the fan-favorite title, Pokémon Horizons, does not appear to be departing Netflix in the near future. 

While no official reason has been given for Pokémon’s exit from Netflix, we know from similar departures that the move might boil down to licensing agreements. In the past, even the most wildly popular titles have been removed from Netflix after the licensing agreements it struck up with production companies have expired.

It’s worth noting that the ‘Leaving Soon’ notification for the Pokémon: Journeys titles seems to only appear for Netflix s in the United States, with fans in international regions like the United Kingdom and Australia seemingly able to watch those shows for the foreseeable future. What’s On Netflix reports that those international viewers should be able to watch the shows through the end of 2025, as per Netflix’s licensing deal. 

Before you flock to Reddit to share your disappointment — as many fans already have — the fate of Pokémon: Journeys might not be doomed just yet. In the past, we’ve seen Netflix add the ‘Leaving Soon’ disclaimer to other Pokémon shows, only to remove it right before the expiration date after the title is renewed for another batch of episodes. 

This happened in February 2024 with season 23 of Pokémon Journeys and season 24 of Pokémon: Master Journeys, so it might be the case that Netflix will pull a switcheroo again as the expiration dates near, if Journeys is renewed.

In any case, we suggest bingeing the shows anyway, because you’re never going to regret another go-around with Ash, Pikachu, and the rest of the gang.     

One of the best things about being an anime fan is finding a way to share your latest obsessions with other fans. And one of the best ways to do this is to literally wear your favorite anime; with this helpful list, you’re well on your way to doing just that. 

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or the anime fan in your life, nothing lets people know what you’re about more than wearing your favorite characters on your sleeve. Here are 15 of the coolest anime shirts available now. 

15. Megumi Dog Hand Shadow Devine T-Shirt 5l2o63

Some of the best shirts are subtle. This shirt featuring Jujutsu Kaisen’s Megumi, with a clever nod to his cursed technique, will catch the attention of your fellow JJK fans without being loud about your love for the series.

14. The Great Wave off Kanagawa One Piece T-Shirt 4l2727

If you ever wanted to combine your love of anime with classic Japanese art, this is your chance. This shirt shows the Straw Hats’ ship, the Thousand Sunny, sailing Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

13. Studio Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle Trio T-Shirt 41512a

Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the most popular Studio Ghibli films because of its beautiful animation, wonderful characters, and moving romance between Howl and Sophie. Show your love of the film by wearing this stunning shirt. 

12. Demon Slayer T-Shirt 3p2n2l

If you’re a Netsuko fan, this shirt is a great way to let people know how you feel. If it’s another character who caught your eye, this comes in several other eye-catching designs as well. 

11. Pokémon Pikachu Puzzle Power T-Shirt 2o3758

It’s rare to find an anime fan who doesn’t enjoy Pokémon and there are tons of cool clothing options on Amazon, including this innovative Pikachu design. You or any other Pokémon fan in your life will love adding this minimalist graphic tee to your wardrobe. 

10. Ripple Junction x Naruto Shippuden Kakashi Shirt 1z85j

Fans of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden will recognize how cool this shirt is. Most Naruto merch features the main trio but this shirt shines a spotlight on Kakashi during the Team Seven leader’s time in the Anbu Black Ops.

9. Mob Psycho 100 White T-Shirt 174l34

The colorful design on this Mob Psycho 100 shirt really pops against its crisp white background. Anime fans who love bright colors rejoice! 

8. Dragon Ball Z Frieza Portrait T-Shirt p5z4n

Speaking of bright shirts, Box Lunch has a collection of brightly colored tees with iconic Dragon Ball Z character portraits. My favorite is this pink Frieza tee; I love the vaporwave vibes the colors give off. 

7. Chainsaw Man Denji and Logo with Gold Chainsaw Long Sleeve Tee 5aq2x

This long-sleeved Chainsaw Man tee is not only super cozy, it has a clever chainsaw detail going down the sleeve. It’s perfect for showing off at anime conventions, but simple enough for everyday wear. 

6. Jujutsu Kaisen x Hello Kitty and Friends Colorblock Character Portraits T-Shirt 2i4ek

A crossover that no one saw coming, this Jujutsu Kaisen and Hello Kitty and Friends shirt is simply adorable. If you’ve ever wanted to see Gojo enjoying some dessert with Cinnamoroll, this is your chance.

5. Cowboy Bepop Spike, Faye, Jet, Ed, and EIN T-Shirt o2c3

Cowboy Bepop is one of the more cinematic anime out there so it’s only fitting this shirt’s design resembles a movie poster. The colors give this tee a cool vintage feel, perfect for only the most fashionable anime fan.

4. Sailor Moon Usagi Ombre Graphic Boyfriend Fit  T-Shirt 1t323c

This Sailor Moon tee is oversized for a comfier fit and has a cool ombre design over a black background. Usagi fans can now represent their favorite Sailor Guardian in style with a portrait of Sailor Moon herself.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist Tonal T-Shirt 4z2t62

Most anime fans hold Fullmetal Alchemist (the first series or Brotherhood) in high regard which makes this shirt a smart choice for a gift. If the mood strikes you, it also makes a great gift for yourself.

2. Bleach Ichigo Flame Batting Jersey 3s27i

You know I had to recommend shirts for every “Big Three” anime and this is easily one of the coolest Bleach shirts on the market. As much as I love a good graphic tee, sometimes I prefer something a bit different and this jersey is a good kind of different. 

1. Black Clover Asta Grey Tie-Dye T-Shirt e3h2j

Make the Black Clover fan in your life happy with this fun tie-dye shirt. Do you think Megan thee Stallion, who openly professes her love for the anime at any opportunity, has her own Asta shirt in her closet?

For every amazing thing Japan exports, there is one miraculous little morsel that the country keeps all to itself. The latest adorable piece of must-have homeware combines the luxury of Le Creuset’s cast-iron goodness with the bold colors and adorable critters of Pokémon. Its far from the strangest crossover the series has embarked on, but it’s definitely the tastiest.
The unlikely combination will leave you dying to host a dinner party fit for the all trainers in your life, and make you rethink what “luxury” means.

What’s included in the 1st set of Pokémon Le Creuset? 6lni

French-Belgian cookware company Le Creuset is partnering with Pokémon for several variations of the pocket monster-themed kitchen must-haves. With plans to release in Japan, Asia, Oceania, and South Africa only, Westerners will be left wanting when it comes to the limited-edition cookware.

The first round of the crossover event drops in July 2024 and details for the launch have already been released. The collaboration might not feature some of the best Pokémon, but it leaves out those that might leave a bad taste in guest’s mouths (we’re looking at you, Garbodor). Buyers can expect Pokémon variations of several classic Le Creuset kitchen must haves, as well as some fabulous new additions to the companies catalogue:

• Cocotte – ￥39,600
• Family Pot – ￥47,300
• Tea Kettles – ￥16,500
• Mugs- ￥17,600
• Plates –  ￥16,500
• Bowls – ￥ 14,300
• Ball plates – ￥11,000

Le Creusets familiar, high-quality merchandise will take on the qualities of popular gen 1 monsters like Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Snorlax, and Bulbasaur, matching their signature colors as well as featuring iconography of the adorable little fellas. They start at around $70 USD, with the Family Pot capping the group at just over $300. It might seem a little pricey, but its fairly standard cost for the well-made cookware.

The pots will maintain the high standard of quality that Le Creuset is known for, the solid cast iron adorned with the vibrant enamel coating that has made the company a must-have for cooking enthusiasts and kitchen collectors alike. And yes, there is a whole group of people who just buy the cookware for its dynamic look.

With only a few countries being offered the chance to buy, most of us across the pond will have to reach out to friends or family overseas, or wait until the sets start showing up on eBay before we can binge the series all over again with our themed flatware.

What’s included in the 2nd round of Pokémon Le Creuset? 2kx30

Unfortunately, not much is known about the 2^nd round of Pokémon cookware, save for its release date. The collection is set for a November 2024 release.

This is a developing story, and will be updated.

Its no secret that the internet is filled with absolutely bonkers people. Folks from all walks of life converge on social media every day to gush about things they love. Classic cartoons are no exception to this rule, and s do more than gush about long cancelled TV series.

We’re not including bonkers storylines actually used in cartoons in this list, rather these are the fan concocted seriously weird, disturbing, or downright baffling theories centered on beloved childhood staples. From Rugrats to Pokémon, these are the darkest internet theories from across the web.

1. Angelica imagined the rest of the Rugrats cast 154k5f

This dark theory centers on every baby (excluding Dill Pickles) having died or disappeared in a tragic way. Dill is the only baby Angelica can’t understand, so naturally fans assumed that Rugrats is some sort of baby Sixth Sense. The theory claims that Chuckie died in a car crash, leaving his father a neurotic mess. Tommy was stillborn, leading daddy Stu to lose himself in obsessive toymaking. Phil and Lil, the fraternal twins, look eerily similar because the twins were aborted. Without Angelica knowing the sexes of the would-be babies, they ended up identical clones. Finally, Kimi’s mother was a sex worker who had her child taken from her, leaving Angelica to fill in the gaps through stories told by the distraught mom.

The theory goes on to claim that Angelica’s real mother was a drug addict (completely discounting her real mum, Charlotte), and that next-door neighbor Suzie is the only real friend the bossy blonde has.

2. CatDog are the product of radiation 1q621t

If you thought of CatDog as some sort of cross-species hybrid twins, think again. The internet has done some serious thinking and has come up with a theory which, honestly, makes a bit of sense. The theory says that CatDog comes from the area around Chernobyl. The series setting of Nearburg is rife with dilapidated buildings, bereft of any “presentable” inhabitants, and its water source seems to be some sort of suspicious green ooze. It even claims that two of the town’s residents, Rancid Rabbit and Lola, aren’t animals but rather humans in Hazmat suits observing the radioactive critters.

That way better than the theory about where the pair’s private bits are.

3. Mr. Krabs is the reason there are no crabs in Bikini Bottom 1h2w1t

This incredibly popular theory has been debunked by SpongeBob SquarePants co-executive producer Vincent Waller, but it’s been circulating for so long, it’s practically lore. The theory says that the secret ingredient to the most popular burger under the sea is the missing crab population – and that Mr. Krabs was the one to drive them to extinction. According to Waller, however, the Krabby Patty has no meat in it.

Seems like Krabs propaganda to us.

4. Plank was more than just a piece of wood 481011

The Plank from Ed, Edd n Eddy might seem like just a 2×4, but the piece of wood has some truly bizarre abilities. Plank can seemingly teleport and has regular conversations with its (his?) bald companion, Johnny. The Plank also knows things outside the realm of the 8-year-old’s comprehension, has actively attacked the Kanker sisters, and can even drive a bus. These bizarre moments have led fans to theorize that Plank is actually a variation of a Monolith from Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The most intelligent beings in the universe intent on fostering life, the Monoliths are never fully described, but they are often shown to be rectangular board-like objects. The benevolent life form could be the reason the town of Peach Creek is always in perpetual summer, and that nothing terrible ever seems to befall the town’s residents.

5. Doug’s daydreams were actually him dissociating from reality y5q4j

One of the key parts of Nickelodeon’s Doug is his very active imagination. The quiet teen spent hours daydreaming. He’d lose himself in his delusions, and snap out of them only after he started pantomiming actions in real life. Fans have two theories about why Doug Funnie was so prone to his vivid hallucinations.

The first is classic internet armchair psychiatrist: Doug Funnie is schizophrenic. His elaborate fantasies include a heroic alter ego Quial Man, and his very own James Bond, Smash Adams. When Doug is in character, the lines between reality and fiction can be pretty blurry, and some fans believe the 12-year-old has an actual medical problem.

The much darker theory asserts that the friendly – if eccentric – neighbor, Mr. Dink, has been abusing Doug for years. Dink regularly tries to lure Doug into his shed and exposed himself to the boys when he was their Scout Leader. The perceived abuse has led some fans to believe that Doug is daydreaming to dissociate from a reality where he is always within reach of his ab.

6. Ren and Stimpy were abused animals 572f2a

Nickelodeon’s Ren and Stimpy is, without a doubt, one of the most deranged ‘90s cartoons. While its creator, John Kricfalusi, has been swamped in controversy since 2018, the series has held fast in fans’ hearts, despite its questionable subject matter. One fan theory claims that Ren and Stimpy are the way they are due to an abusive owner. The bald, psychotic chihuahua has been missing his tail since the first episode, and is prone to rapidfire emotional switches. Fat cat Stimpy is dumber than a bag of rocks, and fans think that can only come from some major head trauma resulting in brain damage.

Kricfalusi has gone on the record about his struggle with mental illness. The cartoonist suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder and ADHD, and more recently, fans have come to believe that Ren was the incarnation of his battle with mental illness.

7. Hey Arnold’s final film was a fever dream 6d723l

Nickelodeon’s Hey Arnold might have gotten a neat wrap-up years after the cartoon ended, but fans aren’t convinced it was the icing on the cake. The film gives fans some much-needed closure and sees Arnold and his friends rescue his long-missing parents, but a section of fans aren’t here for the happy ending.

Instead, conspiracy theorists over on Reddit believe that Arnold’s football head is a birth defect, the by-product of junkie parents. Grandpa Phil, unwilling to tell his young grandson about his parents’ addiction, creates elaborate stories about them being heroes. The last thing Arnold re about his parents is them flying away on a plane, and of course, fans have taken that as a metaphor for being high.

All that to say that fans think the final film was just a daydream from a young boy who wished for something fantastical from his reality,

8. Ash Ketchum will always be 10 years old 1g1b15

The Fairly Oddparents may have made it cannon that Timmy Turner messed with the flow of time and space, but some fans think that Pokémon’s Ash Ketchum did something similar – though not on purpose. In the first episode of the season, Ash sees the legendary type Pokémon, Ho-Ho. The giant bird has the exceptional ability to grant eternal happiness to those who see it. On the very first day of his journey, all Ash wanted was to be the greatest Pokémon trainer.

With the help of the Ho-Ho, Ash, much like Peter Pan, will always be a little boy striving to be the very best. Which explains how he stayed 10 years old for the series 25-year run.

9. The Wild Thornberrys are all drug addicts 653w2o

Just because these theories exist, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily good. This theory around the Wild Thornberrys says that nature dad Nigel’s energy levels come from a crack addiction. Eliza’s ability to speak to animals? It’s schizophrenia, of course! Or maybe it’s a hit of acid that just… lasted forever? Oh and big sister Debbie, she’s not just a moody teenager, instead, she’s addicted to cocaine.

Yeah, these theories definitely sound like they came from someone who spends too much time on the internet.

10. Nothing strange happens to the family from Courage the Cowardly Dog 2bk30

If you own a precocious pup, you know that there are plenty of ridiculous things that freak them out. Plastic bags, vacuums, and even mice can be too daunting for some dogs to deal with. Fans of Courage the Cowardly Dog suspect that all of those spooky critters that haunt Muriel and Eustace’s farm are actually everyday objects and visitors.

It’s even in the name, Courage is a cowardly dog. Still, it doesn’t explain the constant ghosts, apparitions, and curses that befall the Bagge farm on a regular basis.

It’s hard not to be jealous when you’re traveling abroad, to Netflix, and see that if you just lived in the United Kingdom you could still watch Friends on Netflix. Or if you would just move to Canada, you could finally get around to watching Goodfellas.

To ease your jealousy, maybe it’s time to take a look at these thirteen Netflix shows that many of our international friends are jealous of themselves.

Maybe you’ll learn not to take access to U.S. Netflix for granted.

1. NCIS 223631

Seasons 1-15 of the classic crime show NCIS are all available for your viewing pleasure through a United States Netflix log-in. NCIS is one of those shows you may have caught a re-run of here and there while surfing through channels on cable, but now you can take in Leroy, Abby, Ziva, and Tony in all of their glory. If you love Criminal Minds or Law & Order this is the perfect addition to your “Must Watch” list.

2. The Great British Baking Show 3u411

After you’ve watched a crime show that gives you the heebie-jeebies and are in desperate need of something light, look no further than The Great British Baking Show. Delight in adorable British people making delectable cakes, bread, and cookies and the gentle, polar opposition of Gordon Ramsay, judges compliment and deliberate over the mouth-watering sweets. Sure it can be tense at times, but the contestants’ love and of one another is nothing short of energizing. It’s like Cupcake Wars with 10 times less anxiety.

3. Last Tango in Halifax 2ng17

Speaking of heartwarming British shows, you can watch four seasons of adorable old British people navigating family, grief, love, and acceptance in Last Tango in Halifax. The rom-com style show follows a recently widowed couple who reunite on a dating app thanks to their grandsons after their respective spouses die. The show navigates the complexities of change and family dynamics with ease and humor and complete and total British-ness. It’s delightful, witty, relatable, and heartwarming.

4. Friday Night Lights 2w5b4z

If you love the small-town drama, but with a little less murder, try out Friday Night Lights. You can experience the drama, the epic highs and lows of high school football ( Riverdale, anyone?), and relate to the issues of a rural town in the United States. The characters are dramatic, the drama itself is larger than life and you truly won’t anticipate the twists and turns of a town putting their stock in a high school football team.

5. Total Drama Island 2hg6c

Total Drama Island is a scripted TV show about over-the-top animated teens competing in a reality competition. To call it genius is an understatement. No matter your age, the show is hilarious, and entertaining, and still keeps you on the edge of your seat just as much as an episode of Survivor. There are 54 episodes on Netflix and each and every one leaves you with a cliffhanger.

6. Married at First Sight 1f5u4d

In of total drama, look no further than the Lifetime classic Married at First Sight. Every episode is like a train wreck, you simply can’t look away. If you’ve never had the opportunity to indulge yourself with such heavenly brain rot, now is your chance. The show uses a “scientific” match-making method to pair up two complete strangers who agree to get married upon their first meeting. Think Love is Blind with the dial set to 100.

7. Alone i4g5i

For a reality show with a little less drama and a lot more anxiety, you can watch survivalists get dropped in the middle of nowhere all by themselves, trying to outlast their competitors. Alone is occasionally hard to watch (in the best way) as you watch contestants fight for their lives, having no idea how many people are left in the competition. It’s dramatic in an entirely different way and impossible to tear yourself away from.

8. Hoarders 4k2p6q

Season 13 of the U.S. version of the A&E classic, Hoarders, is available for your watching pleasure on Netflix. The show follows individuals who have reached a breaking point with their hoarding obsession, giving audiencse an insight into their families, frame of mind, and personal life as they try to overcome their mental illness. The show can be slightly disgusting but also strangely uplifting as you watch each person have their lives turned completely around.

9. Call the Midwife 4e4s4q

If you’re a period drama lover, you have access to 12 seasons of BBC’s hit show Call the Midwife. Watch a group of endearing British nuns and midwives serve families in London in the 1950s. The characters are sweet, quippy, and endearing and the show takes you from laughter to confusion to grief in the best way possible. The show has so many seasons for a reason, and you will completely fall in love with the town, the community, and its characters.

10. Charmed s4412

The reboot of the hit 1990s and early 2000s show Charmed kicked off in 2018, and had a successful four-season run. The show follows the same premise: A group of sisters with witchy powers and a knack for getting themselves into trouble. It’s spooky, eerie, and delightfully dramatic with the peace of mind that everything usually turns out okay by the end of the episode. If you grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place and My Babysitter’s a Vampire, consider Charmed your spooky obsession all grown up.

11. Band of Brothers 3p2g6o

The 2001 HBO show is based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s World War II nonfiction novel by the same name. The one-season drama stars David Schwimmer and Damian Lewis. If you love inspiring yet tumultuous stories and are a bit of a history buff this is the perfect thing to add to your next watch list. The limited series is based on real-life interviews with soldiers from the Easy Company.

12. Pokémon Journeys: The Series 4694e

After shattering your heart into a million pieces with a World War II drama, piece it back together again with some light nostalgia via Pokémon Journeys: The Series. You can follow our old favorite Pokémon and your new favorite trainers as they embark on adventures and battles, and propel you right back into your Pokémon-card-obsessed childhood.

13. Surviving R Kelly 44j4t

Surviving R. Kelly details the stories of the women who have accused rapper R. Kelly of sexual assault. Through interviews, hear the heartbreaking stories of his victims and understands the lives, stories, and impact he has had on so many women. It can be a hard and triggering watch, but a meaningful platform for these women to share their stories.

Sure, some countries have The Office and How I Met Your Mother on their Netflix rotations, but chances are you have yet to explore all of the wonders that behold you on your United States Netflix . Now that you have a list of very exclusive and very addictive must-watches, it should be a couple of weeks at least before you that there is anything you’re missing out on.

Who knows, you may even come out with a new favorite show that you can rewatch to your little heart’s content.

Or finally make the move to Canada. The choice is yours.

The world of competitive Pokémon gets all the more exciting when you know which of these creatures together make the best teams. Have you mastered the skill of forming a squad that strikes fear into the hearts of opponents yet?

The iconic Pokémon gameplay puts players into the shoes of a Pokémon trainer and allows them to experience the Pokémon universe firsthand, just like our legendary trainer, Ash. Players have three primary goals in the game: Travel and explore the Pokémon world; complete their Pokédex by discovering and catching every Pokémon species; and train a team of up to six Pokémon at a time and have them engage in battles. 

Every polished player knows that the holy grail of Pokémon mastery is team building, which even our legendary trainers emphasize. Putting together a winning team is more of an art than a science, requiring careful consideration of how each member’s strengths and weaknesses will affect the group. To become an efficient trainer, it’s important to draw on the strengths of both legendary and unexpected Pokémon to unleash their full potential.

The best part of the gameplay is you never have to see any of the cute Pokémon die. When defeated in a battle, they only faint. On the other hand, the Pokémon receives experience points when it prevails in combat. Its stats increase and the Pokémon levels up after amassing a specific amount of points, while also gaining additional offensive and defensive moves to employ in future combat.

The best Pokémon teams, ranked 64n6a

As of the latest, 1,025 Pokémon species have been introduced in the universe, making it quite a task to assemble the perfect winning team every time. But despite the competition, trainers fearlessly sail through the treacherous seas of the Pokémon World Championships and the digital halls of online battles. Throughout the years, some Pokémon teams have become more well-known than others.

The impact of perfect team-making on the competitive landscape has caused countless coaches to reevaluate their methods. Though there’s no such thing as a “perfect team,” the best Pokémon teams balance out the weaknesses and strengths of each member. And be careful, it may seem like an easy task at first glance, but ideal team-making requires in-depth knowledge of every Pokémon.

Now, whether you don’t want to put your brains into all the research or need inspiration from already proven teams to make one of your own, today, we explore the 10 best Pokémon teams, while shedding light on what makes them genuinely remarkable in the vast and ever-expanding universe.

10. Charizard, Electivire, Garchomp, Lapras, Tyranitar, Heracross 655k6t

Charizard, Electivire, Garchomp, Lapras, Tyranitar, and Heracross make up a well-balanced, diverse, and powerful team drawn from several generations of Pokémon. Starting with Charizard, this fiery dragon emphasizes adaptability. Charizard can adapt to various battle circumstances, owing to its two potential Mega Evolutions. Next up, Electivire is a formidable Electric-type, that distinguishes itself by its ability to counter many threats. It can absorb Electric-type motions with a Motor Drive to increase its speed. 

Garchomp, with its Dragon/Ground typing, is both a threat and a staple in competitive play. Opponents fear the Pokémon due to its speed and hard-hitting moves like Dragon Claw and Earthquake. With utility and strength as its plus points, Lapras comes as an elegant behemoth of the ocean. Paired with the Rock/Dark behemoth, Tyranitar offers additional for the team.

Tyranitar’s Sand Stream ability generates a sandstorm, offering a Special Defense boost to Rock-types and chipping away at non-resistant foes. Finally, Heracross, with its Fighting/Bug typing, acts as a counter to Dark, Psychic, and Normal-types. 

9. Venusaur, Lapras, Flareon, Pikachu, Articuno, Kadabra a2ol

Venusaur, Lapras, Flareon, Pikachu, Articuno, and Kadabra constitute a unified group of early-generation favorites who evoke nostalgia. Venusaur is a versatile Pokémon that evolved from one of the original starters. On the other hand, the lovely Water/Ice-type Pokémon, Lapras is essential to offensive and defensive tactics. Its high HP pool makes it a viable pick, while its move pool, of Ice Beam and Surf provides wide coverage.

Flareon acts as the team’s physical powerhouse, with its fiery appeal and astounding Attack stat. And Pikachu, the iconic mascot of the franchise, brings more to the table than just cuteness. When equipped with a Light Ball, offensive stats skyrocket, allowing moves like Thunderbolt or Volt Tackle to pack a surprising punch.

And if you include Articuno in the team, one of the legendary trio of birds, you get an elegant yet powerful Ice/Flying dynamic. Finally, Kadabra’s stellar Special Attack stat offers swift and devastating Psychic-type moves, making it an essential special attacker even before reaching its final form of Alakazam.

8. Arceus, Dragonite, Gengar, Palkia, Dialga, Giratina 501j2u

The Arceus, Dragonite, Gengar, Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina team is legendary in Pokémon fights, combining raw power, variety, and strategic depth in ways few teams can. This gathering is a monument to the marriage of lore significance and fighting prowess. Arceus, often known as the “Original One” or the deity of the Pokémon universe, is an unrivaled source of flexibility. While Dragonite, a popular Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary, is known for its balanced stat distribution. 

The Shadow Pokémon Gengar has an incredible Special Attack that allows it to operate as a powerful special sweeper. Dialga and Palkia, time and space controllers, respectively, bring enormous power and unusual type combinations to the team. Dialga’s Roar of Time and Steel/Dragon typing, combined with Palkia’s Spacial Rend and Water/Dragon typing, gives both offensive firepower and balanced type coverage, making them formidable opponents when combined.

At last, Giratina, the Distortion World’s king, has unrivaled bulk and adaptability in its two forms: Altered and Origin. Its Dragon/Ghost type is uncommon and moves like Shadow Force make it a formidable offensive threat.

7. Venusaur, Lapras, Flareon, Pikachu, Articuno, Kadabra 1a3x4y

Venusaur, Lapras, Flareon, Pikachu, Articuno, and Kadabra stand out not only for their throwback charm, harkening back to earlier generations of Pokémon, but also for their impressive blend of power, type coverage, and strategic versatility, making them a formidable battle ensemble.

This Grass/Poison-type powerhouse, led by Venusaur, benefits from its dual typing, which combines offensive and defensive qualities. To complement it, the oceanic giant Lapras has a dual type of Water and Ice. And if you don’t already know it, the Eeveelution Flareon is among the most dangerous due to its high Attack stat.

Now, Pikachu may look innocent, but he packs quite a punch. The fabled bird Articuno possesses both beauty and strength. Its Ice/Flying typing and techniques like Ice Beam and Hurricane make it effective against Grass, Bug, and Flying types, among others. To polish the team off, we advise including Kadabra, a tough Psychic-type Pokémon with a high Special Attack.

6. Arceus, Lugia, Mewtwo, Mew, Dialga, Palkia 2o3b1v

Arceus, Lugia, Mewtwo, Mew, Dialga, and Palkia aren’t just a team; they’re a constellation of some of the most potent and diverse legends. Each member exemplifies strategic superiority, and when combined, they provide an almost impossible task to any foe. Arceus, the “Original One” or the god of Pokémon, is at the helm. Its signature ability, Multitype, claims unrivaled flexibility by allowing it to assume any type dependent on the Plate or Z-Crystal it possesses.

Meanwhile, Lugia is more than just a fortress guarding the oceans. Its pressure ability quickly depletes the PP of its foe’s move, making it possible to wear down threats strategically. To withstand tough opponents, Mewtwo makes a perfect member with his Special Attack and Speed which makes him bulletproof.

Mew, commonly considered the Pokémon species’ original member, exemplifies adaptability and can face tough battles with any opponent. Squaring off with the masters of time and space, Dialga and Palkia, provide the team with distinct typings and destructive signature attacks. 

5. Arceus, Mewtwo, Mew, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina 67595r

Arceus, Mewtwo, Mew, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina represent an extraordinary assemblage of power and versatility, making one of the strongest conceivable teams in the Pokémon universe. Collectively, they embody an unprecedented range of capabilities. With such dynamic , this team expertly harmonizes raw power with vast adaptability.

First up, Mew’s genetic makeup allows it to learn virtually any move, granting the team exceptional flexibility in battles. Mewtwo, often considered one of the most potent psychic Pokémon, then brings immense offensive prowess to the frontline. And the best part? their combined psychic capabilities can outmaneuver and decimate opponents even before the battle truly commences.

And if you include the Sinnoh trio—Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina—it guarantees dominion over time, space, and antimatter, respectively. Dialga’s control over time can help the squad by stalling or accelerating battle phases. Palkia, the master of space, may change the dimensions of the battlefield, disrupting opponents’ strategy.

The third Sinnoh and the ruler of the Distortion World, Giratina can throw unpredictable aspects into battle, further frightening opponents. Finally, due to its Plate or Z-Crystal, Arceus’s diverse nature allows it to adapt its kind and movements to nearly any situation, lending an upper hand to the team.

4. Blaziken, Tyranitar, Pidgeot, Gardevoir, Flygon, Manectric 2u5w19

The Blaziken, Tyranitar, Pidgeot, Gardevoir, Flygon, and Manectric team illustrates balanced type coverage, tactical versatility, and efficient power distribution. The Fire/Fighting type Blaziken and its Hidden Ability, Speed Boost, make it a challenging foe. Each turn increases Blaziken’s speed, allowing it to outrun its rivals quickly.

For another advantage, the pseudo-legendary Rock/Dark behemoth Tyranitar’s Sand Stream ability, which calls forth a sandstorm to increase the Special Defense of all Rock-type Pokémon, naturally alters the battlefield dynamics. The third member Pidgeot, with the Mega Stone in its possession, evolves into Mega Pidgeot, which has the No Guard ability and always scores a direct hit.

For excellent ground-type coverage, Dragon/Ground-type Flygon will keep the team covered while also staying safe from attacks of the same kind due to its Levitate ability. Lastly, Manectric is an Electric nightmare on the battlefield when it reaches its Mega-Evolved form. With its Intimidate ability, which lowers the opponent’s Attack stat when switched in, the battle’s tide turns with a single tactical move.

3. Dragonite, Blastoise, Umbreon, Metagross, Charizard, Jolteon 6g2r

Dragonite, Blastoise, Umbreon, Metagross, Charizard, and Jolteon represent the ultimate blend of strength, adaptability, and durability on the battlefield. This team is among the top because of the strategic insight with which it operates. Dragonite, the first Dragon-type pseudo-legendary, has a diverse set of techniques and the Multiscale ability, which decreases the impact of a single strike when the is fully healed.

Blastoise, a popular choice since Generation I, can use the might of its Mega Evolution to transform into a fearsome tank with Mega Launcher, increasing the strength of pulse abilities like Aura Sphere and Water Pulse. Then there’s Umbreon, the personification of resilience. With its high defensive numbers and access to moves like Foul Play and Wish, this Dark-type Eeveelution can effectively stall opponents while offering critical healing to teammates.

Another pseudo-legendary, Metagross, shines brightly with its Steel/Psychic typing, providing inherent resistance against various types. With its dual Mega Evolutions, Charizard delivers versatility. It may be a linchpin in numerous strategies, whether it is harnessing the sun’s strength as Mega Charizard Y with Drought or showing its Dragon prowess as Mega Charizard X. And of course, Jolteon, with its lightning-fast speed and Volt Absorb ability, rounds out the team’s elemental coverage.

2. Magneton, Eevee, Nose 253f5j

Although it may seem challenging to make a case for a team consisting of Magneton, Eevee, and Nose as one of the greatest, there is always a way to investigate the possible dynamics and benefits that this unusual combination may offer. The three Magnemites that fuse to form a Magneton are like an electric/steel supercomputer. Because of its type, it has access to various resistances that make it a reliable combatant.

Magnet Pull, one of its abilities, allows it to trap and prevent Steel-type foes from switching out, giving trainers a tactical advantage or allowing them to wear down more formidable opponents. However, Eevee’s regular typing and lack of evolutions may make it seem like an odd pick in this team setting. Its STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) techniques are twice as powerful, but its ” Adaptability ” ability allows it to switch between types easily.

As a result, Eevee’s Tackle or Return is quite effective for such a low-level Pokémon. Although the Rock-type Pokémon Nose’s magnetic nose, which constantly points north, may seem out of place, it serves an essential purpose. Its Sturdy ability makes it impossible for a full HP opponent to take it out in a single blow, making it an excellent choice as a lead in setting up Stealth Rocks or using Thunder Wave to paralyze foes. 

1. Dialga, Palkia, Arceus, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza 3n3bc

Dialga, Palkia, Arceus, Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza constitute a fearsome squad, and rightfully so; these Pokémon are no mere mortals but legendary and mythical behemoths, each having control over important portions of the Pokémon universe.

Time master Dialga is immune to many types thanks to its unique typing of Steel/Dragon, and it can deal with plenty of damage thanks to its deadly Roar of Time. Spatial ruler Palkia has the unusual typing combination of Water/Dragon, making it resistant to Dragon, Ground, and Fire-type attacks. Depending on the Plate or Z-crystal it possesses, Arceus can change its kind and become resilient against various foes.

Land and water titans Groudon and Kyogre have their Primal forms that are extremely powerful. When Primal Groudon uses its Desolate Land ability, it ushers in bright sunlight, amplifying its Fire-type attacks. When Primal Kyogre uses its Primordial Sea ability, it lets down torrential rain that does the same for its Water-type attacks. And as a plus point, the Dragon/Flying Pokémon Rayquaza can Mega Evolve without needing a Mega Stone. 

No matter what we say, a huge part of Pokémon’s mass appeal is the cute factor. Sure, we love the games and the anime is nice too, but a cute Pokémon? That’s what dreams are truly made of, baby. 

Speaking of babies, baby Pokémon are some of our favorites of the bunch. Yes, they’re not as useful in battle as, say, heavy Pokémon would be, but they make our hearts happy. As blasphemous as it may sound, there’s more to Pokémon than being the very best and catching them all; sometimes, we just want to have a team of adorable ‘mons frolicking throughout the region. 

There are many Pokémon that could easily be mistaken for baby Pokémon but there are only 19 official baby Pokémon. By all appearances, Toxel, a cute Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, looks like a baby. But is he really a baby Pokémon">Bulbapedia, baby Pokémon have to be obtainable by breeding, must be the lowest level of an evolutionary line while also being able to evolve at least once, and cannot breed. It’s a strict criteria that few Pokémon can actually meet. Hopefully we’ll see more of these cute little guys in the future! 

We’ve long known that celebrities are also nerds at heart — they’re just like us, for real. Some of them are even weebs and are just as obsessed with anime as we are. Lately, we’ve seen multiple artists sharing their favorite anime and characters with fans more than ever before. It became a phenomenon. But do you know who’s also been quite vocal about their anime love before this new wave? That’s right, K-Pop’s trendsetting weebs, BTS.

After nearly a decade, every ARMY ought to know how the are absolute geeks. Jin is obsessed with indie video games, Jungkook has Marvel figurines at his place, and RM is surely active on Book Twitter; so, their absolute and complete obsession with anime doesn’t come as a surprise. With that said, here are BTS’ favorite anime.

Jujutsu Kaisen 5r3o1e

Jujutsu Kaisen is the talk of the hour, with everyone and their mothers glued to the screen (or the pages) for the latest episodes and chapters from Gege Akutami’s magnum opus. However, the BTS member who most frequently boasts about JJK is none other than BTS own JJK himself, aka Jeon Jungkook. The youngest BTS member has often hosted live streams where he claimed Gojo as his favorite character in the anime, and shared his current hyper-fixation is Jujutsu Kaisen. Relatable.

Haikyuu 1j283u

At least three BTS have shown a thorough obsession with Haikyuu. The earliest mention came from V, who recommended fans watch Haikyuu during a Japan Fanclub video. He was often spotted watching the latest Haikyuu episodes during photoshoot breaks, showing where his priorities lie. Additionally, Jimin and Jungkook, the other two who also enjoy Haikyuu, mentioned and imitated blocking during episode 138 of RUN BTS!.

Mermaid Melody 2a1c3e

Perhaps the most unexpected entry on this list is none other than the Shojo mermaid anime, Mermaid Melody. Lucia, Rina, and Hanon quite literally raised me, and it appears that they did the same for RM. During the VLive interview, when asked about the group’s favorite childhood anime, Namjoon quickly responded with Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch!. The answer took the rest of the by surprise, and some even cackled at his choice, but not me, RM — I get you.

Slam Dunk 2y2o48

We certainly appreciate some Slam Dunk love, and SUGA has consistently been the most vocal advocate for Takehiko Inoue’s masterpiece. In an old VLive interview, BTS was asked about their favorite childhood anime, with SUGA promptly mentioning Slam Dunk — unsurprisingly given the rapper’s ion for all things basketball. What’s more, during episode 66 of RUN BTS!, when the were tasked with selecting a manga, SUGA once again chose Slam Dunk — duh.

Fullmetal Alchemist j4g1u

Jungkook is the only BTS member to declare Fullmetal Alchemist as one of his all-time favorite manga and anime. In episode 66 of RUN BTS!, Jungkook specifically chose the original 2001 manga by Hiromu Arakawa, telling the story of two young alchemist brothers: Alphonse and Edward. I wonder if he prefers the original 2003 anime or the 2009 remake — though there is only one acceptable answer in my very humble opinion.

One Piece 4z4l1

For many avid BTS fans, it’s not surprising at all that most BTS are huge One Piece fans. There are countless moments where BTS mentions One Piece, but I’ll highlight a few of my favorites. In the song “Cypher Pt.2: Triptych,” One Piece‘s Whitebeard is referenced — one of the rare anime mentions in the group’s music. Additionally, the maknae line — including Namjoon — are big One Piece fans. Jimin has been gifted One Piece merchandise multiple times, including a Zoro figurine from Jungkook, and SUGA has given Jimin several One Piece manga sets. We all need friends like BTS.

Digimon 5p6z6z

After J-Hope, Jin is very likely the least vocal about the anime he has been watching, possibly because he’s one of the who watch the most anime of all. There is just too much to talk about. However, in the Vlive interview, Jin mentioned that Digimon was his favorite childhood anime to watch. Considering it was always getting re-runs on television, it’s safe to say it was nearly everyone’s favorite anime at the time.

Dragon Ball s3a3p

Quite a few have also boasted about Dragon Ball — unsurprisingly. While not considered part of the big three of Shounen, Dragon Ball is quite up there on everyone’s list — especially for SUGA, Jimin, and Jin. It was also during Nosey’s interview that Jin said Dragon Ball was “a masterpiece,” with SUGA echoing the sentiment by vividly choosing Dragon Ball as his favorite of the options given. As for Jimin, the singer previously said that Dragon Ball was his favorite childhood anime.

Naruto 1730b

Naruto has been referenced over the years by several BTS . In 2015, during a Halloween-themed concert, the dressed as various pop culture figures, with SUGA’s Naruto cosplay becoming viral across the universe. In episode 28 of RUN BTS!, all the enthusiastically sang along to one of Naruto’s openings in a very iconic performance, and a few years prior, in an interview by Noisey, Jungkook and J-Hope chose Naruto as their favorite anime out of Dragon Ball, Naruto and One Piece. Taste but also, One Piece was right there.

My Hero Academia 61362a

Every BTS fan knows, by now, that V is one of the biggest anime fans in the group. He constantly makes references to several anime behind the scenes, and one of the anime that he’s often seen mentioning and watching is My Hero Academia. In 2017, as the got ready to perform on stage for the big MAMA awards, V was caught by the cameras watching My Hero Academia on his laptop. A year later, during a FujiTV interview with BTS, once again, V talks about having just finished My Hero Academia and being a huge anime fan.

My Guardian Characters 3v362f

This is one of the few Shojo mentioned on this list, and of course, it couldn’t belong to anyone other than the biggest babygirl in the group — Jungkook. During the VLive interview, Jungkook shared that his favorite childhood anime was My Guardian Characters. It’s a fantasy Shojo anime that is both wholesome and filled with magic — just like Jeon Jungkook, in his own way. Weirdly enough, Jungkook’s current favorite is possibly the biggest fight anime on television at the moment.

Chainsaw Man 6e6nm

The internet nearly exploded when Jungkook started singing Chainsaw Man‘s opening during a live stream, and we were right there alongside with them. The maknae of the group appears to like all the trendiest anime, and Chainsaw Man deserves all his attention. Aside from having Jujutsu Kaisen as his favorite anime at the moment, the 26-year-old appears to be quite a big fan of Chainsaw Man as well — just like any good Gen Z’er.

Pokémon 2d5l5g

Unsurprisingly, most have also watched Pokémon. Over the years, we’ve seen plushie toys and even Pokémon cards that some collected through the years, but Jin and RM are clearly some of the biggest fans of this long-lasting franchise. Jin has shared several pictures of himself with his Pokémon plushies, while RM has shared pictures of his Pokémon card collection on Instagram — aside from his obsession with finding Pokémon bread. According to Koreaboo, other have allegedly also ditched practice to play Pokémon Go, and to be quite honest, I can’t say I haven’t done the same (shh).

Atashinchi 12ab

It isn’t every day that we see J-Hope talking about anime or manga, but once in a full moon, the rapper does it to having watched at least some anime. When asked what his favorite childhood anime was, the dancer said it was Atashinchi. While this particular manga and anime didn’t become widely known here in the West, it was a huge success in Japan and Korea, and it seemed to have made an impression on the designated anime hater of the group.

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Surprisingly, Atashinchi and Naruto weren’t the only anime that J-Hope openly claimed to enjoy. During an interview with Naver, all the talked about some of their favorite anime, with J-Hope’s choice being Crayon Shin Chan. Let’s be honest, we’ve all watched Crayon Shin Chan, and it truly is a masterpiece. This light-hearted kid’s anime matched Hoseok’s personality like a glove if we’re being real here. Somehow, Shin Chan and Atashinchi also have the same energy.

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In an old interview with Naver, Jin talked about some of his favorite anime, where he immediately claimed Princess Mononoke as his favorite anime movie. However, in that same interview, Jin its that his former favorite anime and manga was Bleach. The singer didn’t expand on his connection to Bleach, but he did it that it was eventually dethroned by Dragon Ball and One Piece, but hey, we’re not mad about that at all.

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The biggest Shojo anime fan in the group, however, is seemingly V. The singer has the widest range in anime out of all the , and apparently, as a kid, both his favorite manga were Shojo stories — Namely, Phantom Thief Jeanne and Full Moon o Sagashite. According to the singer, those types of stories and manga were all he read as a child, and I can just tell that Taehyung would have loved to watch Mermaid Melody with Namjoon.