Pokémon 3: The Movie

Pokémon 3: The Movie

Year: 2001

Runtime: 93 min

Language: Japanese

Directors: Kunihiko Yuyama, Michael Haigney

Budget: $16M

ActionAdventureFantasyAnimationFamily

Ash Ketchum and his friends journey to the scenic town of Greenfield, where a mysterious presence linked to the ancient Unown emerges. Their quest to understand the Unown’s power leads them on a thrilling adventure through a beautiful but perilous mountain region. Along the way, they encounter challenges and uncover secrets, while also enjoying the delightful bonus short "Pikachu and Pichu," adding a heartwarming touch to this captivating experience.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Pokémon 3: The Movie yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Pokémon 3: The Movie (2001) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Pokémon 3: The Movie (2001), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the quaint town of Greenfield, an intrepid research scientist named Professor Spencer Hale conducts groundbreaking studies on the mysterious Pokémon known as Unown. During his research, he and his dedicated assistant, Skyler, stumble upon a fascinating site of ancient ruins. Unfortunately, their exploration takes a perilous turn when Hale gets sucked into the very dimension of the Unown, leaving behind his young daughter, Molly, who has already endured the heartache of losing her mother to unexplained circumstances.

Molly, isolated and filled with longing, discovers a box of tablets adorned with Unown symbols. As she begins to piece together the cryptic letters, she inadvertently calls forth the Unown, who, in response to her yearning, utilize their extraordinary powers to grant her wishes. The result is a dazzling transformation of her manor house into a magnificent crystal palace, which spreads its crystalline reach across Greenfield, effectively isolating her from the outside world. To further fulfill her desires, an illusionary version of Entei materializes, serving as a substitute for her father, willing to embody this paternal role amidst her turmoil.

Meanwhile, in an intriguing twist of fate, Ash Ketchum and his loyal friends cross paths with a fellow trainer named Lisa, arriving at Greenfield just as the fantastical crystallization is taking hold. Alongside their trusted ally, Professor Oak and Ash’s caring mother, Delia, who are both there to assist in resolving the mysterious events, they quickly learn about the depth of the situation at hand, as the Ketchum family share a longstanding friendship with the Hales.

However, it doesn’t take long for complications to arise when Entei, following Molly’s unspoken wish for a maternal figure, kidnaps Delia and ensnares her in a hypnotic state, compelling her to believe she is Molly’s mother. Determined to save her, Ash, along with Misty, Brock, and their assorted Pokémon, embark on a daring mission to the enchanted mansion. Their communication with Skyler and Oak is facilitated thanks to a PokéGear device graciously provided by Lisa.

The devious Team Rocket attempts to pry into the enigma of the mansion but finds themselves unceremoniously blasted away by Entei’s formidable power. Molly, captivated by the adventures of Ash’s Pokémon broadcast through the television, dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer herself. It is through this dreaming realm that Delia snaps out of her trance upon witnessing her son on-screen. Entei, ever the dutiful guardian, conjures an idealized dream version of Molly as an older trainer, leading to an epic showdown against Brock, whom she mercilessly defeats using her more formidable dream Pokémon, followed by a spirited bout with Misty.

Determined to rescue Molly and his mother, Ash bravely confronts them, only to be met with refusal due to Molly’s fear of the unknown outside her dream world. The Unown, wielding their chaotic power, quickly retaliate against Ash, leading to a seismic battle with Entei, who showcases overwhelming strength by incinerating Ash’s Pokémon and placing both Ash and Pikachu in peril. However, in a thrilling turn of events, Ash’s Charizard, having witnessed the crisis from afar in Charicific Valley, swoops in at the last moment to save Ash and Pikachu from the brink of disaster.

Entei and Charizard clash ferociously until Molly realizes that her wishful thinking has wrought more harm than good. Courageously, she urges Entei to cease his violent wrath. The moment of realization dawns upon her as she bravely decides to abandon the illusion and step back into reality, all while Entei prepares to sever his connection to her.

As the Unown lose control of their powers, they begin to entrap the group within the confines of the mansion. In a race against time, the group, including Team Rocket, finds refuge in the main hall where the Unown are located. In a final show of power, Pikachu and Charizard strive to break the forcefield safeguarding the Unown. Their efforts fall short until they receive unexpected aid from Entei, resulting in a combined blast of energy that shatters the barrier, all thanks to Molly’s unwavering support.

In an act of profound sacrifice, Entei unknowingly seals his fate, ensuring the Unown revert to their own dimensional realm, while restoring the world to its rightful order and allowing the long-lost Professor Hale to re-emerge from the ruins where he initially disappeared.

Once outside, the group is warmly greeted by Oak, Skyler, Lisa, and other concerned individuals. Meanwhile, the nefarious Team Rocket, upon spotting the police outside, schemes for future opportunities to catch Pokémon. In a bittersweet farewell, Charizard and Lisa take their leave from Ash and his friends, and amidst the chaos, Molly is finally reunited with her biological father, reclaiming her long-lost family as they embrace once more.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 19:25

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Unlock the Full Story of Pokémon 3: The Movie

Don't stop at just watching — explore Pokémon 3: The Movie in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Pokémon 3: The Movie is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Pokémon 3: The Movie Timeline

Track the full timeline of Pokémon 3: The Movie with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Pokémon 3: The Movie Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Pokémon 3: The Movie

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Pokémon 3: The Movie

Pokémon 3: The Movie Spoiler-Free Summary

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Pokémon 3: The Movie Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Pokémon 3: The Movie

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