Most Iconic Pokémon by Generation – From Kanto to Paldea

With over 1000 Pokémon in the National Pokédex, some creatures stand out as symbols of their time. Whether it's their role in the games, popularity in the anime, or sheer fan appeal, certain Pokémon have come to define each generation. In this blog, we highlight the most iconic Pokémon from every generation – from Gen 1 through Gen 9.

Generation 1 (Kanto)

• Pikachu – The face of the entire Pokémon franchise
• Charizard – A fire-breathing dragon loved across generations
• Mewtwo – Legendary, powerful, and a key figure in the first movie

Generation 2 (Johto)

• Lugia – Mysterious and majestic, star of "Pokémon 2000"
• Typhlosion – A fierce Fire-type starter evolution
• Umbreon – Sleek and stylish, a favorite among collectors

Generation 3 (Hoenn)

• Blaziken – Fire/Fighting starter with anime appearances
• Rayquaza – One of the strongest and most recognizable Legendaries
• Gardevoir – Elegant and powerful, loved in competitive play and fan art

Generation 4 (Sinnoh)

• Lucario – Gained widespread popularity through Smash Bros. and the anime
• Garchomp – A staple in competitive battle teams
• Darkrai – Mysterious with a deep in-game lore

Generations 5 to 9 (Unova to Paldea)

Newer generations continue to introduce unforgettable icons:

• Greninja (Gen 6) – Voted the most popular Pokémon in the world (2020)
• Decidueye (Gen 7) – Cool design and a major role in Legends: Arceus
• Dragapult (Gen 8) – Unique Ghost/Dragon type with high appeal
• Koraidon & Miraidon (Gen 9) – The twin mascots of Scarlet and Violet

What Makes a Pokémon Iconic?

Iconic Pokémon usually share one or more of these traits:

• Featured on game box art or in movies
• Beloved in competitive battling or TCG
• Frequently used in fan art, cosplay, and merchandise
• Evokes nostalgia and generational loyalty

More in This Blog Series

This article is part of our blog series on popular Pokémon. Don’t miss:

• What is the Most Popular Pokémon of All Time?
• Which Pokémon Are Popular With Kids vs. Collectors?

Shop Pokémon Icons You Love

Looking for products featuring your favorite iconic Pokémon? Check out our official Pokémon collection – from backpacks to drinkware, socks, and more!