Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Ash arrived at Professor Oak's lab too late. He overslept on the morning of his Pokémon journey, and by the time he reached the lab, all three starter Pokémon (Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle) had already been claimed by other trainers who arrived on time. Pikachu was the only Pokémon left available.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Ash breaks his Poké Ball-shaped alarm clock while dreaming about choosing his starter, hinting at his tendency to be late.

• pikachu
• starter pokemon
• professor oak
• ash ketchum

Pikachu was stubborn and had no desire to be bonded with a new trainer. When Ash tried to capture a Pidgey, Pikachu refused to help, and when Ash grabbed Pikachu to run from Spearow, Pikachu shocked him instead of cooperating. Their relationship started as contentious because Pikachu had not yet formed an emotional attachment to Ash.

• pikachu
• ash
• pokemon bond
• friendship

Their bond developed during a life-threatening moment. When Ash leaped into a raging river to escape a flock of angry Spearow, he made a heartfelt promise to protect Pikachu. Moved by Ash's dedication, Pikachu used a powerful Thunderbolt to scatter the Spearow, saving them both. This shared experience of survival and Ash's willingness to protect Pikachu despite being harmed created the foundation for their friendship.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Pikachu refuses to help Ash catch a Pidgey, making this moment of cooperation more significant.

• pikachu
• spearow
• thunderbolt
• ash bond

Entei is a Legendary Pokémon that was sighted near Celadon City. Its appearance was rare and exciting for trainers, drawing many people to pursue it, including Ash, Verity, Sorrel, and Team Rocket. Everyone wanted the chance to encounter and potentially battle the powerful Fire-type Pokémon.

• entei
• legendary pokemon
• celadon city
• chase

Ash and his friends discovered a dying Charmander in a cave, abandoned by its trainer named Cross. Charmander had been left behind when Cross left to pursue power elsewhere, leaving the Pokémon to suffer. Ash and his companions rallied together to save Charmander, discussing the importance of loyalty between Pokémon and trainers.

• charmander
• cross
• abandoned pokemon
• rescue

During the climactic battle with Marshadow, Ash threw himself in front of Pikachu to protect his partner from harm, putting his own life in danger. This act demonstrated the depth of their friendship, Ash was willing to sacrifice himself for Pikachu. This selfless act and their powerful bond allowed them to ultimately reach Ho-oh.

• marshadow
• ash death
• pikachu
• sacrifice
• battle

Ho-oh is a Legendary Pokémon representing hope and friendship. After surviving the dangerous battle with Marshadow and demonstrating the strength of their bond, Ash and Pikachu were transported to meet Ho-oh in the sky. Ho-oh taught them that true strength comes from friendship and the bonds between trainer and Pokémon, not from raw power.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, they catch a glimpse of a magnificent flying Pokémon after surviving the Spearow attack, which Ash vows to meet again.

• ho-oh
• legendary pokemon
• friendship
• hope

Cross was a trainer who abandoned his Charmander in pursuit of power. He was willing to go to extreme lengths to obtain strength, which led him to leave his Pokémon behind. However, by the film's end, Ash reconciled with Cross, and they agreed to respect each other's journeys, showing Cross may have learned from his mistakes.

• cross
• charmander
• power
• trainer

The Rainbow Wing is a colorful wing that draws Ash and his friends closer to their destiny. It plays a role in leading them toward their goal of encountering Ho-oh, the Legendary Pokémon. The wing represents their journey and the hope that guides trainers seeking to find their path.

• rainbow wing
• ho-oh
• destiny

Ash's mother, Delia, was frustrated because Ash had not checked in with her despite being on his journey. She had been desperately waiting for him to call or visit, showing her concern for her son's safety. When Ash finally called, he apologized, but his mother made it clear she had been worried about him.

• delia ketchum
• ash mom
• phone call
• family