Honestly, if you grew up in the late '90s, you didn't just watch a movie; you lived through a cultural earthquake. I'm talking about the 1999 release of Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back. Even now, in 2026, looking for the first pokemon movie full movie isn't just about nostalgia. It’s about trying to recapture that weird, heavy feeling of watching your childhood icons beat the living daylights out of each other while a pop-rock soundtrack blared in the background.
It was intense.
Most people remember the crying Pikachu. That scene where Ash turns to stone and every Pokémon on that island—clones and originals alike—starts weeping is burned into the collective brain of a generation. But there’s actually a lot more going on under the hood of this film than just "sad mice." From the existential dread of a lab-grown psychic cat to the massive changes made when the movie moved from Japan to the US, the story of how this film came to be is almost as wild as the plot itself.
What Actually Happens in the First Pokemon Movie?
Basically, the story kicks off with a bunch of scientists who thought it was a great idea to clone the mythical Mew. They created Mewtwo, a being so powerful and so deeply annoyed by its own existence that it leveled the entire laboratory before the opening credits even finished.
Mewtwo isn't your typical cartoon villain. He’s having a full-blown identity crisis.
He eventually lures Ash, Misty, Brock, and a handful of other "top" trainers to New Island under the guise of a challenge. His real plan? He wants to prove that clones are superior to "natural" Pokémon. He captures the trainers' Pokémon, clones them in a giant high-tech vat, and then forces them to fight.
The movie culminates in a brutal, slap-heavy brawl where nobody uses their special powers. They just... fight. It’s uncomfortable to watch, which was exactly the point. When Ash jumps into the middle of a psychic blast from Mew and Mewtwo to stop the violence, he’s petrified. The "magic" tears of the Pokémon bring him back, leading Mewtwo to realize that "the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant."
The Big Misconceptions
People get a lot of things wrong about this movie.
- The "Fighting is Wrong" Irony: A lot of critics poked fun at the movie for saying "fighting is wrong" in a franchise literally built on cock-fighting. But the Japanese version actually frames it differently. It wasn't about all battling being bad; it was about the pointless cruelty of fighting for dominance or out of hate rather than for sport or friendship.
- The Ancient Mew Card: If you went to the theater, you probably got a promo card. But contrary to popular memory, the famous "Ancient Mew" card (the one with the hieroglyphics) was actually for the second movie, Pokémon 2000. For the first movie, you likely got one of the four legendary birds or Mewtwo.
- The Mewtwo Origin: If you only saw the theatrical cut, you missed the most depressing ten minutes of the whole thing. There’s a "prologue" featuring a little girl named Amber (a clone of the lead scientist's daughter) who talks to baby Mewtwo in a psychic dreamscape before she "fades away." It explains why Mewtwo is so traumatized.
Where to Watch the First Pokemon Movie Full Movie Right Now
Finding the first pokemon movie full movie legally can be a bit of a scavenger hunt because of how licensing works. In 2026, it isn't always sitting on Netflix like the newer 3D remake is.
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- Digital Rental: Your best bet is almost always Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV. It usually sits around $3.99 for a rental.
- The "Evolution" Confusion: If you see a version on Netflix called Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution, be warned: that’s the 2019 CGI remake. It’s the same script, but it looks like a high-end video game. Most purists prefer the 2D cel-shaded original for its grit.
- Physical Media: Honestly? Buy the DVD or Blu-ray if you find it at a thrift store. Digital rights for Pokémon movies shift constantly, and the physical discs are the only way to ensure you actually own it.
The Secret "Lost" Version
The version we saw in the West was heavily edited by 4Kids Entertainment. They changed the music, some of the dialogue, and even the core philosophy of Mewtwo. In the original Japanese script, Mewtwo was much more of a philosopher questioning his soul. The US version turned him into a slightly more standard "conquer the world" villain, though they kept his iconic quote at the end.
There are also some hilarious dubbing errors that have become legendary. At one point, Team Rocket looks at a Scyther and calls it an Alakazam. Later, they call a Pidgeot a Pidgeotto. 4Kids actually admitted they saw the Scyther/Alakazam mistake but left it in because they figured kids wouldn't care.
They were wrong. We noticed.
Why It Still Matters (Actionable Insights for Fans)
If you're planning a rewatch or introducing it to a new fan, here’s how to get the most out of the experience:
- Watch the Prologue: Search for "The Uncut Story of Mewtwo’s Origin" on YouTube before you start the main movie. It changes the entire emotional weight of Mewtwo’s character.
- Check the Soundtrack: The US soundtrack is a weird time capsule of 1999 pop. It features Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and M2M. It has no business being that good, but it works.
- Compare the Themes: If you’re a parent, this is a great movie to talk about with kids regarding "nature vs. nurture." It’s surprisingly deep for a movie designed to sell plastic toys.
The first pokemon movie full movie remains a landmark because it took a lighthearted "catch 'em all" hobby and forced it to grow up, if only for 75 minutes. It’s messy, the animation is sometimes wonky, and the logic is thin, but the heart is undeniable.
To experience the full impact of the franchise's history, start with the original 1998/1999 2D version before diving into the newer Netflix remakes. Pay close attention to the score during the final battle—the song "Brother My Brother" by Blessed Union of Souls was specifically chosen for the Western release to emphasize the tragedy of the Pokémon fighting their own clones. Once you've finished the film, look for the direct sequel special, Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns, which provides the actual conclusion to Mewtwo's story arc that the first movie leaves hanging.