Often, lists of the best Pokémons are based on parameters such as strength, speed, and abilities. After all, gamers are looking for these qualities to win battles. Anime viewers love to see what a strong Pokémon can do.
But, for the community of artists and those passionate about design, aesthetics matters to them. Believe it or not, when choosing which pocket monster to summon in fights, beauty is at the top of the list of factors to consider.
If you’re one of them, this PVP Live list of the best-designed Pokémons in the franchise will help you decide. If “Pokémon” were a fashion show, these creatures would be haute couture.
The Best-Designed Pokémon Of All Time Is… Flutter Mane
This prehistoric Paradox Pokémon looks, well, prehistoric and feral. Flutter Mane’s Ghost-like features coincide with it being a floating feral animal, complete with uber-sharp teeth, a furrowed brow, and appendages that are long and clawed.
Did you expect Flutter Mane to win in this category? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Others think calling Flutter Mane the best-designed Pokémon is not the correct term, considering other Pokémons that may look even more fabulous. But Flutter Mane might be an avante-garde designer’s dream.
If you disagree, here are more Pokémons that can pacify you as they also stand out for their beauty.
More Pokémons Known For Their Aesthetics
Iron Valiant
Okay, perhaps you’ll agree with this one. Iron Valiant looks unique, doesn’t it? This Pokémon is not just the merging of Gallade and Gardevoir but the two Pokémons having seemingly time-traveled to the future.
Iron Valiant showcases a sleek and metallic design with vibrant and shimmering accents. Its body resembles armor with sharp edges, exuding unbreakable elegance and power. It’s a blend of both feminine and masculine features to create a distinctive androgynous aesthetic. Its futuristic design is seen from its neon lights and robotic elements.
It is on this list because of its innovative blending of classic and modern elements. It embodies not only strength but also grace in a form that will turn heads.
Houndstone
Houndstone is another Pokémon whose design is screaming unique. It resembles a dog and really looks like Max, the Old English Sheepdog in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” in such a way that some of its fur is already covering its eyes.
Call it out of the picture, but the headstone above its head allows it to camouflage beneath the ground, hidden from unsuspecting trainers. Moreover, its bony jaw and skeletal structure help add to Houndstone’s overall design. If a Pokémon’s design has something to do with its attacks, its signature move, Last Respects, can deal more damage, highlighting its physical attributes.
Palafin
At first glance, Palafin will look like a consumer product or a basketball team’s mascot, but look more closely, and you’ll understand it is a dolphin. This heroic dolphin boasts a sleek, streamlined body in bright blue and white shades. Sure, it resembles a cartoon superhero with its muscular build that shows even more when it transforms into its Hero Form.
This playful and robust design is further accentuated by its fresh eyes and gorgeous fin, witty as it resembles a cape. Palafin deserves a high spot on this list because of its clever dual-form concept, combining an unassuming base form with a dynamic and heroic transformation, exuding charm, poise, and strength in the most innovative ways possible.
Tinkaton
It’s sad for you, Pikachu fans, that you won’t see the brand ambassador of the franchise on this list too soon. Sure, Pikachu is cute and powerful, but it isn’t the most beautiful. Next on this list is Tinkaton, tiny but deadly.
What begins as an adorable, stuffed toy-quality Pokémon transforms into a pint-sized barbarian whose massive handmade hammer gives it Thor-like superpowers, enabling it to be feared by others.
Thus, it didn’t take long before this Fairy- and Steel-type pocket monster became a huge hit. Its signature move, Gigaton Hammer, deals massive damage, too.
Regidrago
Think of the weirdest forms and shapes, and you’ll most likely find them in “Pokémon.” An orb? Yes, it’s here. Regidrago is a Dragon Orb Pokémon noteworthy for its striking design that rolls ancient and mythical elements into one.
Hilariously, it is like a Poké Ball, but its body resembles a dragon’s skull, believe it or not, made of dark and rocky material with glaring red energy cracks that enable it to impose its power. Adding to this menacing look are its large, jagged jaws, as well as its hollow eye sockets.
It is one of the best-designed creatures in the franchise, as it is unique, intimidating, ancient, mystical, legendary, and compelling.
Corviknight
Considering that Corviknight is a bird and, thus, looks like a bird will make you doubt why it’s on this list. Well, don’t underestimate the story behind its design, as its evolutionary line takes inspiration from Medieval knights.
Its design is competitive and battle-ready. Please wait until you see its Gigantamax form, characterized by awesome, large outstretched wings that will remind you of an aircraft, seriously. It’s clearly one of the best in terms of aesthetics.
Mimikyu
Otherwise pertained to as the Disguise Pokémon, Mimikyu’s design is hauntingly charming, featuring a shabby costume that will remind onlookers of Pikachu. Literally, it’s like a drawing, a doodle, complete with a crooked smile and mismatching eyes. It may pass off as a horror flick character, at that.
But though it may look spooky, its shy and lonely nature only makes it more interesting. It is one of the most beautiful Pokémons for the combination of its appearance and backstory, blending cuteness, mystery, and poignancy.
Wrapping Up
The impeccable designs of those Pokémons you learned about above reflect the creativity, dedication, and hard work of the franchise’s primary character designer and art director, Ken Sugimori, together with “Pokémon’s” other talented animators.
Their wit and ability to capture audiences’ interests by combining innovation and nostalgia are testaments of Pokémon’s global impact. This franchise continues evolving through its artistry, cherishing its reputation as a well-loved pop culture icon in anime and gaming history.
