Legendary Pokemon are known for being fearsome and powerful, but these adorable legendary Pokemon buck that trend in a big way.
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Any Pokemon connoisseur knows that one of the main reasons to get into the franchise is the presence of eminently adorable critters within the games. Cuteness truly abounds when playing Pokemon – whether you’re firing up Pokemon Blue on your old Game Boy Color, unsheathing Pokemon Violet on the Nintendo Switch or playing the Pokemon TCG.
While a list of the cutest Pokemon of all time would likely be over 300 entries long, if you limit that cuteness to legendary Pokemon (which includes the subtype of Mythical Pokemon) the list becomes far shorter.
Usually, legendary ‘mons are notable due to their threatening design and supreme power. Many of them are frightening-looking, such as Eternatus, Darkrai or Yveltal, while others are more beautiful, such as Cresselia, Virizion and Tapu Lele. Still more simply look generically powerful, such as Lugia (as the most valuable Pokemon TCG cards featuring Lugia convey), Zapdos, Rayquaza or Zacian.
These adorable Pokemon will definitely make you go “awwww”
Sometimes, though, you want a legendary ‘mon that doesn’t look like it can manipulate space and time (ahem, Dialga and Palkia) or one that actually created the entire Pokemon universe (looking at you Arceus). Read on to explore these seven adorable legendary Pokemon.
Marshadow
The Most Recent Cutie With A Unique Fighting/Ghost Typing
The most recent legendary ‘mon on this list debuted during Generation Seven, the Sun and Moon era, and is the first (and only) dual fighting/ghost-type Pokemon. Featuring a novel candle-like design, Marshadow is different from the other cuties on this list as it has more of a neutral or even sad-looking expression on its face, versus the uniform smiles found elsewhere.
Featuring a colorful move pool with a variety of priority moves as well as Marshadow’s signature move, Spectral Thief, which steals the stat changes of any ‘mon it makes contact with, Marshadow also has extremely high attack and speed – making it a strong competitive option.
Manaphy
A Water-Type Legendary That’s Supremely Precious
An adorable water-type legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation Four (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum), Manaphy’s baby version Phione, which actually does not evolve into Manaphy, could also have been included on this list, as it was on this one from TheGamer, but in this writer’s opinion, Manaphy is far cuter.
Just look at that wide smile and those huge eyes, which are framed by large features that look to be eyelashes – upping the cuteness quotient considerably. Beyond its cuteness, Manaphy has 100s across the board for its base stats, which is often the mark of a well-rounded and powerful legendary ‘mon.
Celebi
Surprisingly, Onion Fairies Are Adorable
Pokemon’s onion fairy, Celebi, was introduced in Generation Two (the Silver and Gold era), though it has only been made available in the games legally over the years through extremely rare events or via trade.
Despite that, Celebi’s design, which features striking eyes as well as the aforementioned onion-shaped head, make it an unusual option in terms of all-time cuteness among legendaries. Perhaps it’s the pixie-like quality of Celebi, or its small, dragonfly-like wings or its pink shiny variant, but, either way, Celebi is certainly a bundle of adorability.
Jirachi
When You Wish Upon A Pokemon
Jirachi, the Wish Pokemon, was introduced in Generation Three, though it was only available via events or through Pal Park in Generation Four – until it was given as a gift in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl fairly early on in Floaroma Town.
This ‘mon features the intriguing – and powerful – psychic/steel typing, which gives it a number of notable resistances. Combine that with strong base stats (100s across the board), and you’ve got a strong and adorable legendary pokemon on your hands. Of course, Jirachi’s absolutely adorable design also makes it a highly desirable critter among Pokemon enthusiasts.
Victini
Extremely Cute With A Powerful V-Create
Victini, the Victory Pokemon, debuted in Generation Five (Black and White) as a psychic/fire-type ‘mon. Like many of the cuties on this list, its base stats are 100s across the board – making for a powerful ‘mon.
However, while Victini is also hugely adorable, with its large, ocean-blue eyes, its rounded lower body and its oversized, “v”-shaped ears, this ‘mon also boasts the strongest fire-type move ever as its signature move: V-create, which features a staggering 180 base power. Not bad for a sweet-looking legendary!
Mew
Still Adorable 25 Years Later
The original Mythical Pokemon, Mew, also happens to be one of the most adorable legendary Pokemon of all time. Featuring a simple pink color, large, rabbit-like feet, a long (seemingly prehensile) tail and large blue eyes, Mew stole the hearts of all young Pokemon fans when this ‘mon debuted back in Generation One.
Since this writer is a “genwunner,” he can’t help but hold a special place for Mew, as it was the star of Pokemon: The First Movie (alongside its clone Mewtwo, of course), and the ability to actually catch Mew in-game was always an incredibly satisfying – and frankly magical – moment in any trainer’s life.
Shaymin
“No Shaymin My Game, Cuz I’ll Always Be The Same”
Introduced in Generation Four, Shaymin has two forms, both of which look nice, but when it comes to cuteness, its Land Forme is the one that takes the cake. As a teeny-tiny hedgehog grass-type ‘mon with a striking pink flower in its ear, Shaymin is one of the cutest Pokemon of all time – let alone just among legendaries.
While it is Shaymin’s Sky Forme (a grass/flying-type) that is more competitively viable with its sky-high (pun intended) special attack and speed, the standard Land Forme of Shaymin is where the adorability factor skyrockets. Who knows if it’s the itty-bitty nose or its teeny little tootsies, but either way, Shaymin is the most adorable legendary Pokemon of all time.
Images Copyright The Pokemon Company/Courtesy of Bulbapedia
Great article!