10 Pokémon Ash Never Caught

Between the revolutionary video games and the very successful Pokémon TV series and movies, Ash Ketchum has come across many different types of Pokémon over the years. The Pallet Town native dreamed from the start that he would become the world’s best trainer, and some would say due to his extensive experience that he successfully achieved that dream.

Among the many generational series, Ash had developed some pretty powerful and mighty teams of fighters as well as companions. However, some fans believe that Ash missed out on catching some of the best Pokémon he has ever encountered and therefore missed out on improving his various teams.

Cubone

Fans of the franchise know that Cubone would be a great asset to Ash’s team for its epic backstory alone. Knowing that Cubone wears the skull of its dead mother to honor her and keep her close, it’s no question that Cubone’s courage would make it a perfect addition to Ash’s Pokémon collection.

Cubone is the perfect example of how sadness and tragedy can build character and come out stronger in the end. Its tears can protect itself from recoil damage, not to mention its incredible ground attacks would make great assets, including Iron Head, Bonemarang, and Thunder Punch.

Eevee

Known as one of the best starter Pokémon, Eevee would have been a great one for Ash to start out with. Not to mention the Kanto Pokémon is a classic for a reason, given its many impressive evolution forms.

It’s also worth noting that Ash favors one of the forms over the others, Espeon, which would make it all the more special if he had caught one to later evolve. Having an Espeon, or any Eeevee form for that matter would have made Ash even more of a major threat in the gym battles.

Machop

Fans believe it’s long overdue for Ash to own a heavy-duty Fighting-type such as Machop. Not only can it evolve into Machoke, but when traded, it can become Machamp, one of the most powerful Pokémon evolutions by trading.

Machop and its evolutionary forms are known for being quite determined, which would be a perfect personality match for Ash. Between both of their hard work and dedication to training, Machop would fit right in with Ash’s Kanto team.

Ursaring

It’s clear that Ursaring would have been a force to be reckoned with, however, Ash was no stranger to taming and befriending super-powerful Pokémon when he needed to. Given that Ursaring is such a powerhouse, Ash would have done right by making it an addition to his Johto team.

The evolved form of Teddiursa, this Normal-type Pokémon is known for its mighty battle moves, including Hyper Beam and Counter. While every Pokémon has its weaknesses, it would have been a power move for Ash to catch an Ursaring, or at the very least a Teddiursa.

Houndour

Houndoom is an iconic Pokémon from Generation 2, and its starting form Houndour isn’t too shabby either. This Dark/Fire-type is best known for its Feint Attack and Flamethrower battle moves and would have definitely made for a vicious opponent.

In the original series, Ash found himself taking care of and even befriending an injured Houndour, but even with the lifesaving bond between them, he chose to let it go. While it was always a good idea for Ash to value a Pokémon’s well-being by valuing its happiness over his own wishes, fans selfishly wish he would have taken the good ones with him.

Kecleon

Due to its amazing camouflaging ability, Ash saw the Pokémon’s potential from the very beginning. However, Ash never thought about catching it, even though it would provide a great advantage during battles against difficult opponents.

This Normal-type Pokémon also has the special ability to use Lick and Sucker Punch against opposers, so it’s no wonder Kecleon is an underrated force to use in battle. It also wouldn’t hurt for fans to see more of this adorable Pokémon’s personality, as it would definitely make for some entertaining times.

Riolu

It’s obvious that Riolu would be a great fighter for Ash to add to his lineup, especially once evolved into Lucario, one of the best Dual-Type Steel Pokémon. Once evolved, Lucario’s deadliest weapon is known as Aura Sphere, which could have been a great power for Ash to utilize in battles.

Since Ash was the chosen one, he actually had the power to use Aura, and teaming up with Riolu’s abilities could have been a great way for them to team up and battle together. He never thought to catch one in the Sinnoh days or during the Lucario movie, but luckily, he was able to catch a different one in the current Pokémon: Journeys series.

Sableye

Arguably one of the most sneaky and mischievous Dark/Ghost-types, Sableye is one of those entertaining Pokémon that fans would have loved to see as part of Ash’s team. Not only did their personalities jive, but they formed an unexpected bond in Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened, as well as the Pokémon: Advanced television series, yet he still didn’t take the opportunity to catch one.

Along with its quirky and entertaining personality, Sableye would have been an unexpected asset to Ash’s Hoenn team. The devious Pokémon would have been especially resistant against any Fighting and Poison-types Ash would have encountered in battle, and it would have shined with its powerful use of Shadow Claw and Foul Play.

Suicune

An underrated legendary Pokémon, Suicune is a Johto Water-type that was quick to shy away from Ash and the gang whenever spotted in the wild. However, in the Pokémon 4Ever movie, it was quick to defend Ash and his friends and even helped them out by letting them ride on its back as means of quick and safe transportation.

Fans would have thought after that, Ash would surely catch Suicune after they bonded more than ever, but unfortunately, Suicune parted ways with them yet again at the end of the movie. One thing is for sure, Ash definitely needed more legendary Pokémon under his belt, and Suicune would have been a great place to start.

Larvitar

This Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon is one all fans can agree on wishing Ash would have captured. Ash hatched a Larvitar during his journey through Johto and even formed a close relationship with it.

Though fans can agree Ash did the right thing by returning it to its mother, they can’t help but think the Larvitar would have fit right in with Ash and his Pokémon gang. Not to mention once it’s evolved into a Tyranitar, it becomes a lethal force in battles with its Smack Down move.

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