Pokémon has spawned into a multi-billion dollar franchise and is currently the highest-grossing media franchise of all time. It all started in 1996 with Japan’s Pokémon Red and Green. In 1997, the anime we know and love came out in Japan, featuring Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty. Since then, the series continues its run with Ash and Pikachu returning with new companions.

When fans were getting tired of Ash being the main character, Pokémon Origins arrived in 2013 as a true adaptation of the games the anime’s based on. Ever since Origins aired, there have been discussions on which is the better anime. Which is the better adaptation of the games? Here are some reasons why the OG anime is better and a few why it’s Origins.

10 OG: Traveling Throughout Each Region

One advantage the OG anime has compared to Origins is Ash and his friends traveling throughout each region. Even if it is just for one episode, seeing a town or city thrive with such personality makes us feel like we are there with Ash and the gang.

Whether it is Ash taking on a town/city’s gym leader, May and Dawn doing their Pokémon Contests, or Goh and his goal to capture Mew, each main character is searching far and wide to fulfill their dreams.

9 Origins: Follows Red/Blue’s Plot Well

Despite being only four episodes long, Origins does an amazing job capturing the plot of the first generation games extremely well. Sure, it is not entirely detailed and Red gets badges at a very quick pace, but when the anime focuses on specific events, they are handled wonderfully.

For example, Lavender Town is the main focus in the second episode and everything was absolutely perfect, from giving fans the feels with Cubone’s past, Mr. Fuji’s role in the episode, and the events that spiraled from Pokémon Tower. It even referenced the white hand that appears on the player character’s shoulder, making the episode spooky but exhilarating.

8 OG: The Feels Are Strong

Sometimes the OG anime can be cheesy, but it had a lot of moments that made kids watching the show cry. The episode “Pikachu’s Goodbye” had fans thinking Ash and Pikachu were going separate ways. Then there is Ash not winning the Elite Four due to his Charizard ignoring orders, which saddened and even angered fans.

And let’s not forget the movies, especially the first one where Ash tried to stop the fighting between Mew and Mewtwo, only to get turned to stone and “die.” Pikachu crying was devastating to watch, but that was only the beginning of having emotional moments from the classic anime/movies.

7 Origins: Faithful To The Games

Featuring the music from the games and showing the “game’s” progression whenever an episode ends, Origins is an absolute treat in featuring what makes the games so memorable. Red even took up the offer of buying a Magikarp from the salesman wanting to get some spare cash.

Other events, such as entering Silph Co. and Pokémon Mansion were also shown, which provides specific points to happen such as encountering Mewtwo and featuring the Master Ball.

6 OG: Seeing Each Pokémon’s Personality Shine

Origins does have a focus on having a trainer bond with their partner Pokémon, but four episodes sadly isn’t enough to feature each Pokémon and their emphasized personalities. For instance Pikachu did not get along with Ash at first, but grow closer to him and Pikachu has a lot of reactions of what he likes, dislikes, and how he enters a battle.

Another interesting example is Dawn’s Piplup, who is too prideful to take any food from anyone, including Dawn. But he warms up to Dawn and they became a great team. Even Jessie and James’ Arbok and Wheezing have diverse reactions, especially when the Team Rocket members decided to leave their iconic partners.

5 Origins: Brings The Games’ Music To Life

It is always appreciated to listen to rearrangements of video game music. Hearing them in the anime gives nostalgia to those that played the games and are watching this adaptation as they got older. With tracks including the battle theme and Mewtwo’s battle, it is nice to hear music fully orchestrated and not watered down from data limitations.

The game’s original soundtrack coming to life once more is something older fans can appreciate. Plus, it helps that the music makes each action scene epic.

4 OG: Arguably Has Better Music

To those that grew up with 4Kids’ localization on Pokémon, the production company was on point when making music. The “PokéRap” is a jingle that is sure to get stuck in your head. Meanwhile, there other great songs from the album Pokémon 2.B.A. Master that has original songs that fans remember to this day.

“Misty’s Song” and “Together Forever” are timeless songs and just hit a wave of nostalgia for those that grew up with the anime. There is even a Christmas album with Pokémon puns and shenanigans featuring Ash, Pikachu, Brock, Misty, and Team Rocket.

3 Origins: Led Us To Get Pokémon Generations

This entry might not have a big focus on what makes Origins a better adaptation, we’d have to give credit for Pokémon to give fans another spinoff in the form of Pokémon Generations. Instead of having the focus be entirely on Red, he is a focus in the first episode, and the focus of another character is in the next episode.

The spinoff showcases certain events that happen in each game up until the six-generation games. By featuring the important moments of each game, fans are able to witness each battle and character animated to life with voice acting and stellar animation.

2 OG: The Journey Itself

Akin to the first entry, the OG anime might not be entirely faithful to the games, it at least makes up for it by focusing on the traveling aspect. The Pokémon world in the anime looks vibrant and is truly a perfect form of escapism.

Seeing many regions/cities based on real locations are always interesting to see. From Japan, America, France, and England, it is fun to compare and contrast what makes each Pokémon region similar, yet different from our world.

1 Origins: Red Is The Better Protagonist

Ash might have so many episodes dedicated to him, Red remains the better trainer due to his growth and determination making him a strong trainer. It was never revealed how long Red’s journey is, but he started off wearing his hat backward, only to wear it forward in later episodes, but his hair has gotten a bit longer as well.

Red went from a clumsy, but kind boy to a confident and experienced trainer. For the amount of character development Red got compared to Ash, it is impressive that in the course of four episodes, Red became the iconic character he is today.