Ash Ketchum’s Best Quotes From The Pokemon Anime

Key Takeaways

• Ash’s iconic quotes reflect his humor and close relationships with friends and Pokemon.
• Despite being a polite trainer, Ash can throw out creative insults to motivate others.
• Ash’s determination, heroism, and love for Pokemon shine through in his memorable quotes.

Ash Ketchum, the protagonist of the Pokemon anime, is a character many people can quote off the top of their heads, considering the sheer number of iconic quotes that he’s said over the years. Despite being so young, Ash’s many adventures across the numerous regions have provided him with plenty of experience when it comes to Pokemon battles, but it’s also taught him what it means to be a good trainer — and the importance of establishing a relationship with one’s pocket monsters.

This has led to the plucky protagonist coming out with several quotes that have stuck with fans long after they were first stated in the series. From words of inspiration to comedic quips, these are the most iconic and memorable bits of dialogue uttered by Ash throughout the Pokemon anime.

8 “Don’t Worry Brock, There’s Plenty Of Other Girls To Reject You”

• Episode: Make Room For Gloom

Ash will always cherish the many friends he has made along his journey, but he’s certainly still not above teasing them now and again — especially Brock. A running gag throughout the series is Brock being rejected by any girl he tries to make a move on, but in the episode Make Room For Gloom, Ash references Brock’s bad luck with one of his funniest quotes yet.

It’s honestly shocking Brock willingly stayed in Ash’s group after this remark, as it’s an unusually mean line from Ash. However, it also shows just how close Ash and Brock actually are that they are able to speak this way to one another without getting offended or disheartened.

7 “I’ve Seen Better Swings On A Playground”

Ash Can Come Out With Some Truly Creative Insults When He Wants To

• Episode: Those Darn Electabuzz

Even though Ash is, for the most part, a polite trainer who is always considerate of the strangers he meets, there’s been a fair few times when he’s thrown out some pretty creative insults. A prime example of this was when Ash met the Electabuzz baseball team and witnessed just how dire they were at the game from afar.

In response, rather than cheering them on, he claims to have seen “Better swings on a playground,” which is such a harsh zinger that it probably pushed the players to step up their game more than any kind words ever could. It’s also just hilarious because of how out of left field it is, since it’s usually Misty who does the trash-talking, but not this time around.

6 “Goodbye, Pikachu”

A Somber Farewell That Had Every Fan Tearing Up

• Episode: Pikachu’s Goodbye

Even though Pikachu returned to Ash not long after this quote was said, it was still a heartbreaking moment to see the trainer seemingly leaving Pikachu behind for good. This wasn’t because he had found a replacement or had gotten annoyed with Pikachu’s obsession with ketchup. The reason Ash almost left Pikachu behind was so he could live a happy life with the other Pikachu out in the wild.

As a result, it’s a decision Ash doesn’t really want to make, but it highlights just how selfless he is, considering he’s willing to put Pikachu’s happiness before his own. The entire scene is summed up in this one line, which stands out for just how sad and solemn it is in an otherwise lighthearted series.

5 “Maybe You Think I’m A Little Too Brash, But The Master Is Here, And His Name Is Ash”

Ash Puts His Own Spin On The Classic Team Rocket Jingle

• Episode: The Chikorita Rescue

Ash says this line after Team Rocket finishes their classic introduction for what feels like the thousandth time in the series. As a way to mock their rhyme scheme, Ash makes up a tune of his own, which also feeds into his unwavering aspiration to one day become a Pokemon champion. It’s also a fun implication that Ash has gone up against Team Rocket so many times that he gets to the point of toying around with them rather than being worried about their evil schemes.

Since this line was uttered in the first series, it would be a long while before Ash would ever be able to reach the position of champion. As a result, this hilarious piece of dialogue is a cheeky clapback at Team Rocket, which also foreshadowed Ash’s success much later down the line.

4 “You Gotta Keep Smiling No Matter How Tough Things Are Getting”

A Quote That Highlights Ash’s Unwavering Determination In The Face Of Hardship

• Episode: A Different Kind Of Misty

When a new trainer named Thatcher asks Ash what it means to be a hero, Ash comments that “smiling” is one of the most important things to keep in mind, “no matter how tough things are getting.” On the one hand, this inspirational quote highlights Ash’s optimism, but it’s also a subtle reference to the number of times Ash has been knocked down, only to get back up again.

This is despite him being within arm’s reach of becoming a champion in every region he visits, stumbling at almost every hurdle until he eventually reaches his goal in Alola many years later. This single piece of dialogue says a lot about Ash’s determination to be the best, while also reminding the young Thatcher about the importance of enjoying the journey, no matter what happens.

3 “COME AND GET ME”

Ash’s Heroism Shines Through In This Epic Moment

• Episode: Pokemon, I Choose You

No longtime Pokemon fan will ever be able to forget this legendary line said by Ash in the very first episode of the series. It’s hard to believe nowadays, but there was once a time when Ash and Pikachu didn’t get along all too well. For the entire first episode, Pikachu is constantly trying to embarrass Ash and ultimately doesn’t see him as worthy enough to be his trainer.

However, Ash proves his heroism near the very end when a horde of angry Spearows swoop in to attack Pikachu, only for Ash to stand in the way and let out a speech that ends with him standing proud in the face of danger. Ash screams this specific quote at the end of his monologue, proving just how much he’s willing to sacrifice for his beloved Pokemon.

2 “I Wanna Make Friends With All The Pokemon In The World”

Ash Sees Pokemon As Friends Rather Than Weapons That Can Be Used And Thrown Away

• Episode: The Rainbow And The Pokemon Master

In the world of Pokemon, there are a lot of individuals who are only concerned with using Pokemon for their own selfish gain, without having a care in the world for their emotions or wellbeing. Ash is different, though, as while he’s still a trainer first and foremost, he also harbors a deep emotional attachment to his Pokemon, even when they let him down in a battle.

With each new region comes brand-new Pokemon, and Ash is always up to letting newcomers into the gang to join his group of friends. This quote perfectly summarizes how Ash views Pokemon — not as weapons, but as companions who should be treated like friends who always have their trainer’s back.

1 “Pikachu, I Choose You”

Ash’s Catchphrase Is An Homage To His Lovable Starter Pokemon

• Episode: Pokemon, I Choose You

Ash has accumulated a pretty substantial collection of powerful Pokemon across his many adventures, but the one who always acts as his ol’ reliable is none other than Pikachu. Any time Ash is in a bind and needs a powerful Pokemon to see him through a grueling fight, Pikachu is always the one he turns to, resulting in this iconic line that has been shouted out loud in most of his battles.

In fact, Ash would say this so much that “I choose you” essentially became his catchphrase, and of course, “Pikachu” is always put at the beginning to indicate how much trust he has in his starter. It’s also a quote that immediately gets viewers pumped about the electric spectacle that is about to ensue once Pikachu enters the field.