Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2020)

Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle earns its place in the franchise by feeling like a classic fable—lush, hand-drawn visuals, a warm sense of wonder, and a surprisingly tender story about identity and belonging that plays just as well for newcomers as longtime fans. The Forest of Okoya is rendered with storybook beauty, and the film balances gentle humor with brisk, kid-friendly adventure, building to action set pieces that are exciting without turning mean-spirited. At its heart is Koko, a feral child raised by Zarude, and the movie’s greatest trick is how it makes that fantastical premise feel emotionally honest, with Ash and Pikachu serving as steady, compassionate guides rather than the whole show. It does brush against heavier themes—loss, danger, a villain who goes off the rails—so very sensitive viewers may want to keep that in mind, but if you’re on the fence, this is one of the most heartfelt and visually delightful Pokémon movies in years.

Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle is clearly aiming for a heartfelt “raised by the wild” story that spotlights found family, nature, and the human–Pokémon bond, with Koko and Zarude carrying most of the emotional weight. The problem is it often feels like a familiar Tarzan-style template with a villain and plot beats you can see coming, so if you’re hoping for clever surprises or sharp humor, you may find it oddly flat. The pacing can feel undercooked, with big, noisy action (yes, including a tank) doing more work than the script in making things feel urgent. Still, younger viewers and longtime fans who just want a sweet, safe Pokémon adventure with a warm message and a few genuinely tender moments will likely have a better time than anyone expecting something fresh or hilarious.