Pokémon: The First Movie, also known as Mewtwo Strikes Back, is a 1998 Japanese animated film and the inaugural cinematic release of the Pokémon franchise. This evergreen guide explains what the movie is about, who is involved in its creation, its runtime and availability, and how it fits into the larger Pokémon media universe. Below you will find a concise plot overview, key production details, verified timing and length metrics, and practical information for viewers seeking to watch or revisit the film.
Quick Profile and Context
Released in Japan in July 1998 and in North America in December 1998, Pokémon: The First Movie launched a multi-billion dollar media franchise on the big screen. It presents a character-driven narrative within the Pokémon world, focusing on the legendary Pokémon Mewtwo and themes of identity, purpose, and ethics in creation. The film notably bridges the television series, games, and later theatrical releases, making it a foundational piece of Pokémon storytelling.
Pokémon: The First Movie Verified Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Original Japanese Title | 劇場版ポケットモンスター ミュウツーの逆襲 (Gekijōban Poketto Monsutā: Mewtwo no Gyakushū) | Official Studio Release Documentation |
| English Title | Pokémon: The First Movie (Mewtwo Strikes Back) | Localized Distribution Records |
| Runtime | 75 minutes (Japanese cut), 83 minutes (International cut) | Studio and Distributor Specifications |
| Director | Kunihiko Yuyama | Production Credits |
| Screenwriters | Hideki Sonoda, Takeshi Shudo (Original Story) | Screen Credits |
| Distributor (Japan) | Toho | Theatrical Release Records |
| Distributor (North America) | 4Kids Entertainment / Warner Bros. | Localization and Licensing Documents |
| Initial Release Date (Japan) | July 18, 1998 | Box Office and Industry Sources |
| Initial Release Date (North America) | December 5, 1998 | Box Office and Industry Sources |
Plot Summary Without Spoilers
The movie follows Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, and their friends as they are drawn into a conflict involving Mewtwo, a powerful artificially created Pokémon. Key story elements revolve around questions of worth, cloning, and what it means to be truly strong. The film balances action sequences with introspective moments, culminating in a finale that emphasizes compassion and mutual understanding between humans, Pokémon, and clones.
Production Background and Development
Conceived as a means to capitalize on the global Pokémon phenomenon, the movie was developed by OLM, Inc. and presented by The Pokémon Company. Production timelines were tight to align with the surging popularity of the games and TV series, influencing certain artistic choices and pacing considerations. Voice direction and localization in Western markets aimed to preserve the tone while adapting cultural nuances for younger audiences.
Cast and Character Highlights
The primary voice cast features Rica Matsumoto as Ash, Megumi Hayashibara as Misty, and Shin-ichiro Miki as Brock in the Japanese version. In the English dub, Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, and Eric Stuart lead the principal voice work. Mewtwo is voiced by Masako Nozawa in Japanese and by various talents in other language dubs, reflecting the character’s central role.
Where to Watch and Availability
Licensing for Pokémon: The First Movie has shifted across platforms over time. As of the latest evergreen information, the film is commonly available on subscription-based and transactional digital services. Viewers can typically find it on major streaming platforms, digital storefronts, and physical media releases. Region-specific availability may vary due to licensing agreements; checking local catalogues and storefronts provides the most current access options.
Reception, Legacy, and Comparisons
The movie was a commercial success and helped establish Pokémon as a durable multimedia franchise. Critically, it received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its animation and emotional stakes but occasional notes on pacing and formulaic structure. Within the Pokémon film series, the first movie holds historical importance as the prototype for subsequent sequels, establishing themes of cloning, identity, and ethical science that echo through later entries. Compared to later Pokémon films, it is leaner in runtime and more focused on introspection, making it distinct in tone.
- Runtime context: Approximately 75–83 minutes, suitable for a single sitting.
- Thematic focus: Clones, purpose, and the ethics of scientific creation.
- Cultural impact: Helped cement Pokémon as a global entertainment brand.
- Accessibility: Widely available on digital platforms and physical media.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 75–83 minutes | Japanese vs International cuts |
| Theatrical Box Office (Worldwide) | Estimated high hundreds of millions USD | Contributed to franchise valuation |
| Franchise Launch | 1998 | First Pokémon theatrical feature |
| Key Themes | Cloning, ethics, identity | Central to narrative |
| Director | Kunihiko Yuyama | Primary creative force |
Closing Notes for Viewers
Whether you are watching Pokémon: The First Movie for the first time or revisiting it, understanding its place in the franchise helps frame its narrative and stylistic choices. It remains a durable reference point for the series, offering insight into how the Pokémon universe expanded from games and television into feature-length storytelling. For ongoing access, verify your regional platforms and licensing, as availability on streaming services can change based on territorial rights.