Year: 2021
Runtime: 99 min
Language: Japanese
Director: Tetsuo Yajima
A young boy named Koko has grown up wild in a dense jungle, forging a deep connection with a mysterious Pokémon named Zarude. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when Koko encounters Ash and Pikachu, inadvertently opening a gateway to the human world. A dark threat emerges, endangering Zarude's forest and forcing Koko to team up with Ash and his friends to safeguard their home and unravel a sinister plot.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the heart of the Forest of Okoya, a Mythical Pokémon known as Zarude, voiced by Edward Bosco, stumbles upon an infant boy nestled in a cradle along the river. Unable to abandon the helpless child, Zarude chooses to adopt him, naming him Koko (portrayed by Kimlinh Tran). They venture away from Zarude’s tribe, which resides within a Great Tree in the jungle that humans are strictly forbidden to enter, opting to raise Koko as a feral child in the wilderness.
Fast forward ten years, Ash Ketchum, a determined Pokémon trainer voiced by Sarah Natochenny](/actor/sarah-natochenny), along with his trusty partner Pikachu (Ikue Otani), embarks on a journey to explore the Forest of Okoya after departing from nearby Milyfa Town. In their quest to capture a wild Cramorant, Ash and Pikachu unexpectedly cross paths with a research team affiliated with the Biotope Company, a scientific organization delving into the mysteries of the jungle. Team Rocket, consisting of Jessie (voiced by Michele Knotz), James, and Meowth, discreetly trail the research team, hoping to gather intel about the Biotope Company and its leader, Dr. Zed (Billy Kametz). Among the team is Sharon (Michelle Ruff), a researcher dedicated to unlocking the secrets held by the jungle’s legendary spring, rumored for its healing properties.
As Koko tends to the wildlife of the jungle, he utilizes the waters from the spring located at the giant tree to nurse injured Pokémon back to health, even though he endures the hostility of other Zarude who view him as an intruder in their territory. One day, an accident causes Koko to tumble off a waterfall, which prompts Ash to dive in and rescue him. He takes Koko to the Pokémon Center in Milyfa Town for care. Upon waking, Koko is startled and escapes, as he has never encountered any humans before. Ash and Pikachu take it upon themselves to show him the wonders of human life, forging a bond and helping him connect with his true identity.
Their adventure soon leads them to an encounter with Zarude, who reveals significant truths about Koko’s origins. He guides Ash, Pikachu, and Koko to an abandoned laboratory where a photograph of Koko as an infant with his biological parents is discovered. This pivotal moment weighs heavily on Zarude, who must come to terms with his role as Koko’s caregiver. Flashbacks reveal how Zarude taught Koko to call upon the jungle for assistance, illuminating their unique bond.
In a distressing turn of events, Ash finds a wallet belonging to the Biotope Company at the lab, prompting him to take Koko to their headquarters, where they meet Dr. Zed. He discloses a shocking revelation: Koko’s true name is Al Molybden, the son of renowned scientists Chrom and Phossa Molybden, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident ten years prior. Koko grapples with the devastating news, fleeing to the Great Tree upon learning of his parents’ fate.
Upon arrival at the Great Tree, Koko uncovers a sinister tracking device implanted by Dr. Zed. The villain, supported by a formidable spider-like tank, confronts Koko and Ash, who attempt to thwart his plans. As Zed uses his Ariados to trap them, he launches a destructive assault on the Great Tree, which unleashes the healing spring water. In a twist of fate, Ash, Pikachu, and Koko manage to escape with unintended assistance from Team Rocket, who are grappling with the earlier Cramorant.
As chaos ensues, the Zarude tribe arrives for the rescue, compelled by Zarude’s efforts to protect Koko and restore balance to the jungle. During the climactic confrontation, Koko channels the jungle’s power, healing Zarude as they take down Zed’s formidable machine, leading to his capture. Meanwhile, Zed’s psychotic breakdown exposes his horrific crimes against Koko’s parents.
In the aftermath, humans and Pokémon unite to mend the damage inflicted upon their home. Zed faces justice as Officer Jenny steps in to arrest him, aided by evidence provided by Team Rocket. Koko, ready to discover his identity and bridge the gap between humans and Pokémon, embarks on a new journey, taking with him the treasured photograph of his parents. As he and Ash depart the Forest of Okoya, they witness Zarude transforming the healing springs into a celebratory geyser, a poignant send-off for Koko as he embraces both his Zarude heritage and his human aspects. And at the Great Tree, Zarude beholds a Shiny Celebi, a symbol of the harmonious future between Pokémon.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:36
Don't stop at just watching — explore Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle 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 the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2021) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (2021) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! (2017) Full Summary & Key Details
Pokémon 4: The Movie (2002) Full Summary & Key Details
Pokémon: The Movie 2000 (2000) Full Summary & Key Details
Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) Complete Plot Breakdown
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
The Jungle Book (2016) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Jungle Book (1967) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Jungle Book 2 (2003) Detailed Story Recap
Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018) Full Summary & Key Details
The Jungle Book (1994) Movie Recap & Themes
Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Movie (2004) Movie Recap & Themes
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) Film Overview & Timeline
Rio (2011) Full Movie Breakdown
The Wild (2006) Full Movie Breakdown