With over 1,000 Pokemon in existence, there’s a lot to keep track of. Even the Pokemon Company thinks there are too many at this point, apparently. With just so many creatures nowadays, there are going to be some that rise to prominence, which, of course, leaves some to fall by the wayside, especially as more and more keep getting added.
While there are some Pokemon that really just aren’t that interesting, today, we’ll be looking at the most underrated of all time. However, this is really just one version of the many variants of this list that could exist. There are honestly just too many underrated Pokemon out there.
Updated January 24, 2024, by Jon Eakin: Whether Pokemon is a source of nostalgia or exhaustion for you, there's no denying that it's one of the biggest gaming series of all time. More than that, it's a cultural phenomenon spanning television, movies, toys, and more. It seems like everyone, even people who don't play the games, has their favorite Pokemon. Even with worldwide popularity and more Pokemon than you can shake a Lum Berry at, some of the critters are still unloved, though. Whether undervalued competitively or simply unpopular, we wanted to shine a light on even more of these lesser-loved Pokemon.
21 Lanturn
The Light Pokemon
The Water-type enjoys one of the deepest rosters in all of Pokemon, so it's easy for one to get lost in the aquatic shuffle. Lanturn regularly suffers from this, unable to stand out despite the shining light on its head. It's an absolute shame, because Lanturn is a Pokemon any team can benefit from.
Water/Electric is a great combo to begin with, but what makes Lanturn such a winner is its move pool. Water and Electric moves galore, of course, but the TM options are impressive. Dazzling Gleam, Psybeam, Ice Beam - the list goes on. And that's not to mention that it can pick up Soak as a Breeding move, meaning your Electric attacks can always be super-effective.
20 Starmie
The Mysterious Pokemon
Not enough people are talking about Starmie when it comes to the best Pokemon of the original 151. It's a design without a face, which, let's be honest, Pokemon needs more of. Water/Psychic was a very unique combo back in the Red and Blue days; and with the help of TMs, it can have a versatile moveset.
What is particularly fascinating about Starmie is that it's one of many Pokemon believed to have its origin in space, as the red core of its body regularly sends signals up into the night sky. Other Pokemon like Elgyem have ties to the extra-terrestrial, as well as a theme of colored gems, so why aren't people talking about it more? The truth is out there!
19 Raichu
The Mouse Pokemon
Oh, Raichu, the animated series really did you dirty. Show protagonist Ash refusing to make his Pikachu evolve was a touching story, but it did unintentionally paint Raichu as a lesser Pokemon. Pikachu defeating the Raichu of Lt. Surge made it look like evolving a Pikachu was just a bad idea when the episode actually points out that Lt. Surge was at fault. The issue wasn't the evolution, it was that he triggered it too early.
Pikachu is the mascot, and although Raichu has gotten love via regional forms, it just isn't appreciated enough. It's a better, stronger Pikachu. It has a cooler tail! We'll be screaming into the internet that you should evolve your Pikachu's until the end of time.
18 Bellsprout
The Flower Pokemon
Ah yes, the humble Bellsprout; a simple Pokemon that often gets overlooked by its more powerful pocket monster companions. Bellsprout is a small plant-like Pokemon that looks like it provided the inspiration for the plants in the popular Plants vs. Zombies property. Bellsprout is a special grass and poison Pokemon that doesn't quite provide powerhouse moves.
However, what Bellsprout lacks in raw power, it makes up for in attack negation, specifically when it comes to electric-based attacks. As you might imagine from a plant-based Pokemon, Bellsprout's tendril roots can plant themselves into the ground to stop electric moves in their tracks. Plus, being able to provide poison damage means it can sap the energy of other Pokemon in battle.
17 Haunter
The Gas Pokemon
It's a shame that the Ghost-type Pokemon, specifically from the original 151 generation, don't get the love and spotlight they sorely deserve. Haunter is one of those spooky yet lovable Pokemon that is both ghost and poison, something that can leave other Pokemon scared stiff if they aren't careful. Haunter's main attack of licking opponents until their life bar is sapped is equal parts creepy and disgusting but all parts effective.
This ethereal purple specter is often overlooked due to its much stronger evolution, Gengar. The combination of poison and ghost abilities makes Haunter a force to be reckoned with. Just don't stare into Haunter's eyes for too long, as it might just cause you to have nightmares.
16 Dewgong
The Sea Lion Pokemon
Does anyone talk about Dewgong when discussing their favorite Pokemon? The answer to that question is likely no. However, this doesn't quite make sense because one look at Dewgong is enough to melt your heart. This sea lion-like pocket monster is downright adorable and might just lull you in with its cute and cuddly exterior.
Despite looking super charming, Dewgong is a powerful water and ice Pokemon that can easily hold its own in battle. With abilities such as Thick Fat, Hydration, and Ice Body, Dewgong is both sturdy and resistant, especially against similar types of Pokemon. Dewgong is one of those rare Pokemon that is underrated for both its looks and abilities.
15 Ursaring
The Hibernator Pokemon
Teddiursa is a classic Pokemon, one that's adorable and even a little bit dangerous. It's found relatively late in the Johto region, so it makes sense that trainers might not use it since their team has likely been put together by then. Ursaring is just as classic, with high power and a lovable sunbear design.
Ursaring is also underrated by Game Freak themselves. The last time Teddiursa could be found natively was in Gen 4, which means Ursaring is definitely also off the table. If Ursaring made any native appearances in any Pokemon game, it would definitely be recommended.
14 Gastrodon
The Sea Slug Pokemon
Some Pokemon type combinations are better than others. One of the best, despite having a crippling weakness to water, is the Water/Ground combo. And one of the Water/Ground types that often doesn't get a lot of love is Gastrodon.
Gastrodon certainly gets more respect than other Pokemon. It was a part of Cynthia's final team in the original Diamond and Pearl games, for instance. However, with two different forms, there's a split on which one appears. It's hard to deny that East Sea Gastrodon is cooler looking, so anytime West Sea Gastrodon is the exclusive appearance, Gastrodon stock tanks.
13 Alcremie
The Cream Pokemon
The ancient scripture tells us, "It's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake." However, as trainers learned in Sword and Shield, that doesn't mean the process isn't obtuse. One of the Pokemon shown during pre-release previews was Alcremie, a cake-like Fairy-type that is just plain adorable. Watch it try and run around in the overworld or while camping; it's so precious.
However, without looking it up, trainers may not have been able to obtain Alcremie easily. Evolving Milcrey, Alcremie's pre-evo, requires equipping it with a decorative item and spinning around in-game for a specific period of time. It's a roundabout way of evolving, which may have led people to just forget about it.
12 Barbaracle
The Collective Pokemon
Pokemon with unusual designs tend to be more niche in popularity. Not everyone loves "literally just gears" as a Pokemon. Barbaracle fits into that mold, looking like a classic Nintendo hand-boss in Pokemon form.
Binacle is already weird, found most commonly through smashing rocks. Some might even call it "ugly," but that's an uncultured take. Barbaracle looks less odd, but still isn't your typical Water-type Pokemon. It's far from the typical Rock-type either. But it packs a punch and is a reliable friend. Barbaracle needs love, too.
