Pokemon designers have taken inspiration from many sources across the series’ history, including from the natural world, whether that be plant life or the animals inhabiting those environments. One such animal is the monkey, a diverse species characterized by its tail — in comparison to other primates, like apes, which don’t have this feature.
Similar to the diversity in their real-world counterparts, monkey Pokemon are also unique when it comes to their designs, types and battle performance. While some monkey Pokemon closely resemble their real-life inspirations, others build on this framework, resulting in creative designs that only emphasize what makes these primates so great.
8 Three In One: Pansear/Pansage/Panpour
Although Pansear, Pansage and Panpour are individual Pokemon in their own right, they’re closely connected for more reasons than one. Known as the elemental monkeys, each of these Pokemon represents the core elements, with Pansear being fire, Pansage being grass, and Panpour being water.
As well as this motif, these monkey Pokemon also reference the three wise monkeys — see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil — making them a surprisingly enlightened bunch. While these monkeys will give you decent type coverage when used together, their stats leave something to be desired.
7 The Original: Mankey
The Fighting-type Pokemon Mankey first appeared In Generation 1, where it was exclusive to Pokemon Red. Known as the Pig Monkey Pokemon, Mankey takes inspiration from both of these animals — though it more closely resembles a monkey, it also has a pink pig nose.
Although Mankey is known for its quick temper, it’s in fact one of the smallest Fighting-type Pokemon in the entire Pokedex, making it a cute creature that can pack a punch too. Mankey’s anger can make even the strongest trainers flee, but according to its Pokedex entry in Pokemon Sun, “the resulting loneliness makes it angrier still” — so you might want to take the risk to befriend this Pokemon.
6 Drop The Beat: Thwackey
The second evolution in the Grookey line, Thwackey evolves from Grookey at Level 16 and stands up on two legs, contrasting its previous evolutionary form. However, Thwackey keeps Grookey’s musical spirit, using the two sticks it keeps in its fur to drum out melodies.
Categorized as the Beat Pokemon, Thwackey takes its name from the way it “thwacks” its sticks to make music. As its Pokedex entry in Sword says, Thwackey will gain more respect from its peers the faster it can create a beat with its sticks. This skill is pretty useful both for making music and for winning Pokemon battles.
5 Flaming Chimp: Chimchar
Generation 4’s Fire starter Pokemon, Chimchar is a little monkey with a flaming tail and an equally flame-like tuft of fur on the top of its head. The only time Chimchar’s flame isn’t alight is when it’s sleeping or fainted from battle. Despite its friendly appearance, it was once thought to be an apparition and known as "Lantern-Tail", as stated in its Pokedex entry in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Like monkeys in real life, it’s a skilled climber and can scale even the steepest of cliff faces - a useful attribute when living in the mountainous region of Sinnoh.
4 Natural Talent: Grookey
One of the starter Pokemon you can choose to begin your adventure with in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Grookey is a Grass-type Pokemon that resembles the adorable squirrel monkey, thanks to its facial markings and the coloring on its arms.
Grookey also has musical talents, as its Pokedex entry in Sword states that it “uses its special stick to strike up a beat”. The music it creates can renew the plants and flowers nearby too, because of its Grass typing. Grookey’s definitely a cute companion to have and a great choice for your journey through Galar.
3 Up To No Good: Aipom
The cheeky Pokemon Aipom has a passion for mischief, shown by its persistent wide grin. The key design feature of this purple monkey is its long tail that has a hand-like appendage at the end - the perfect tool for picking fruit off trees and performing pranks and tricks.
Aipom has a simple but effective design that makes it stand out from other monkey Pokemon in the series. You might want to keep Aipom away from Bounsweet, though, as it states in its Pokedex entry for Pokemon Ultra Moon that Aipom loves to eat them, and will jump on them whenever it gets a chance.
2 Mythical Pokemon By Day, Loving Dad By Night: Zarude
First appearing in the Pokemon movie Secrets of the Jungle, Zarude is a Dark and Grass-type mythical Pokemon that was available in Pokemon Sword and Shield through a special event.
Zarude also has an alternate form, known as Dada, thanks to its role in the movie, where it adopted a human child and formed a strong bond with it. The Dada form of Zarude looks identical to its regular form, aside from the pink cape it wears around its neck, referencing the movie. Unfortunately, if you weren’t lucky enough to receive a Zarude during the special event, you’ll be unable to receive one legitimately.
1 Close Combatant: Infernape
Evolving from Monferno at Level 36, Infernape is one of the best Fire-type starter Pokemon in the series when it comes to design, with gold plates that almost look like armor and a large flame flowing from its head.
Infernape takes the best elements from Monferno’s and Chimchar’s designs and takes them to the next level, as well as drawing inspiration from various mythologies, such as the Chinese epic Journey to the West and the Hindu epic Ramayana. It’s not all style over substance, though, as Infernape also has powerful moves in its arsenal.
