Gotta Catch ’Em All!

This is a good time to remind everyone that this list is focused on video game versions of Pokégirls rather than their anime counterparts. In the case of Serena, they’re almost entirely different characters. Depending on the player’s initial choices, Serena can either be the main protagonist or the rival in Pokémon X and Y. In either scenario, she’s an elegant young woman who carries herself with class. Her parents were top Pokémon trainers and Serena was something of a prodigy, but she’s mature enough to accept defeat when it comes her way. Her anime version is a lot more childish, both in appearance and personality. She’s completely infatuated with Ash Ketchum, and this schoolgirl crush informs every aspect of her character. Her video game iteration is a lot more grounded, and I appreciate how sophisticated she is.

Akari’s role in Pokémon Legends: Arceus depends on the player’s decision at the beginning of the game. If she’s selected as the protagonist, Akari is transported to the past and becomes a stranger in a strange land. After meeting a local Pokémon professor named Laventon, she’s tasked with exploring the region and documenting all of its Pokémon. If the player chooses a male protagonist instead, Akari assumes the role of Laventon’s assistant. In this inception, Akari will teach the player how to catch Pokémon and guide them through the new crafting system. In some ways, she’s more compelling as an NPC than she is as the heroine. Although she seems to despise everyone around her, her scornful glances are oddly endearing. Akari bares a striking resemblance to Dawn from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, but she has her own unique personality.

Without question, Cynthia is the most accomplished woman on this list. She studies Pokémon mythology for fun, and she trains a diverse team without relying on any specific Pokémon type. Cynthia makes several appearance in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and she always has helpful advice for the player. In a surprise twist, she’s later revealed to be the Pokémon League Champion of the region. (Incidentally, she was the first female champion in the entire series!) Cynthia plays a much bigger role than most champions do, and her debut in Diamond and Pearl would have been enough to warrant a place on this list. Her appearances in subsequent games have made Cynthia an absolute legend, and her reputation has only grown over time. Whether she’s making a quick cameo or acting as a bonus boss, we’re always happy to see her.

Gloria is the female avatar from Pokémon Sword and Shield and one of the best protagonists in the series. I’ll concede that her personality isn’t as defined as some of the other girls on this list since a lot of her dialogue is determined by the player. Nevertheless, she comes across as enthusiastic and optimistic. Any young girl who leaves home on a quest to become the world’s greatest Pokémon master is obviously going to have a lot of energy. I felt compelled to mention Gloria on this list since I don’t think she has been given the respect she deserves within the Pokémon universe. She’s arguably the most iconic Pokégirl who wasn’t given a prominent role in the anime, for instance. Gloria looks adorable with her tammie hat, and the torrents of Scottish memes that she inspired are downright hilarious.

Mallow is one of the most cheerful and energetic Pokégirls on this list. She specializes in Grass-type Pokémon and serves as the Gym Leader Trial Captain for Akala Island’s Lush Jungle, but she’s arguably more famous for her culinary undertakings. She loves making food (and food-related puns) and her suggestive cooking segments were one of the highlights of Pokémon Sun and Moon. Her unbridled enthusiasm is infectious, so you’ll feel compelled to listen when she orders you to use your thick club to “pound it all to a pulp” and “turn it to goo.” She likes to experiment and her tastes are sometimes unorthodox, but the other workers in her family’s restaurant still look up to her like a big sister. Mallow obviously has a lot of passion for what she does, and this rubs off on the people around her.

Ash Ketchum’s traveling companion in the anime’s Advanced Generation arc played an even bigger role in the games. May was the female choice for the protagonist in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and she also served as the rival in the game if players were stupid enough to choose the male character. This makes her the first female rival in the entire series! Like most aspiring Pokémon trainers, May approaches each new challenge with a sense of wonder. Although many of her actions are determined by the player, her kind-hearted nature is always apparent. Even as a rival, May is surprisingly friendly and humble. She’s always respectful to her opponents, and she’s a lot less aggressive than most Pokémon rivals are. May’s a sweet girl, and it’s hard not to root for her even when she’s on the other side.

Dawn is an aspiring Pokémon trainer who sets lofty goals for herself. She hopes to catch the legendary Pokémon that live near her hometown, and she dreams of conquering the Pokémon League. Dawn is yet another character who can be the main protagonist or an NPC. She doesn’t become your rival if you choose to play as her male counterpart, however, and she’s actually quite helpful. When she’s not the main character, she’ll work as an assistant to a prominent Pokémon professor. In this role, she’ll teach you how to catch Pokémon and assist you whenever villainous teams show up. Regardless of how dire the situation is, she remains upbeat and cheerful. She doesn’t let anything keep her down, and that includes the weather. Even though her legs are invariably exposed to the elements, she often walks through snow-covered regions without a care in the world.

Lillie seem out of place on a list populated by main protagonists, rivals, and champions. She’s one of many traveling partners we meet in the Alola region, but she’s not even a Pokémon trainer. Although she’s highly knowledgeable about Pokémon and even lives with a Pokémon Professor, she abhors Pokémon battles and is fiercely protective of the creatures. Her uneasiness is largely informed by her turbulent childhood, but her confidence grows as the story unfolds. When we first meet her, she’s a timid girl who constantly laments about how weak she is. By the end of her adventure, she’s outgoing enough to become a Pokémon trainer herself. Evolution is one of the central themes of Pokémon, and no one on this list evolves more than Lillie. She’s arguably the best-written character in the entire series.

The female lead of Pokémon Black and White is noticeably older than the protagonists from previous games, and she’s a lot more confident as well. She has the same impulsive wanderlust that defines all Pokémon trainers, but her competitive streak is even more pronounced. When the headstrong teen embarks on a journey to catch every Pokémon in the world, she refuses to let anything slow her down. She’s often exposed to the elements during her travels, but Hilda opts to wears cutoffs shorts throughout her entire adventure! Although her friends can’t stop griping about the cold, Hilda never complains about being underdressed. (Her fans aren’t complaining either.) Hilda’s enthusiasm for Pokémon clearly outweighs any temporary hardships she might experience, and her spirit is unbreakable.

Marnie is a competitive Pokémon trainer who wants to become Champion in order to support her hometown. She’s a goal-orientated individual who seldom shows emotion, but she’s surprisingly friendly once you get to know her. Despite her stoic personality an an indirect association with a villainous team, spectators admire her calm and collected battle style. She even has an enthusiastic fan club that follows her around. (Her real-world fans have the same unbridled enthusiasm that her in-game flunkies do.) Marnie specializes in Dark-type Pokémon, and this theme is reflected in her punk-inspired fashion sense. Her studded leather jacket and undercut hairstyle make Marnie seem more rebellious than most Pokégirls. Her place on this list is mostly due to her unique personality and design, but it should also be noted that her battle theme is a bop!