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Pokémon Movie 1 · 1998
Pokémon Movie 1: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
Mewtwo, a Pokémon cloned from Mew by scientists, turns on the people who made it and invites the world's strongest Trainers to its island fortress. Ash, Misty and Brock accept, and walk into a fight about whether a clone is worth less than the original.
Released in English as Pokémon: The First Movie.
- Movie number
- 1 of 23
- Released in Japan
- July 18, 1998
- English title
- Pokémon: The First Movie
- Running time
- 75 minutes
- Directed by
- Kunihiko Yuyama
- Came out during
- Original series (Indigo League)
Starring
The Pokémon this film is built around. Each links to its Pokédex page.
Where it fits
Mewtwo Strikes Back opened in Japan on July 18, 1998, while the Original series was on TV (the Indigo League season). Watching in order? Watch it alongside the Original series.
Where to watch Mewtwo Strikes Back
Stream it
United States
US services as of late 2026. What each service carries changes often and differs by country, so check the service before you sign up.
Australia
Australian services as of late 2026. What each service carries changes often and differs by country, so check the service before you sign up.
United Kingdom
UK services as of late 2026. What each service carries changes often and differs by country, so check the service before you sign up.
Live prices
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When did Mewtwo Strikes Back come out?
It was released in Japan on July 18, 1998. It is Pokémon Movie 1.
How long is Mewtwo Strikes Back?
75 minutes long.
Do I need to watch the TV series before Mewtwo Strikes Back?
No. Each film tells a complete story. It helps to know Ash and Pikachu, and it fits best alongside the Original series.
Where can I watch Mewtwo Strikes Back?
In the US it is on Tubi (free with ads) and Prime Video and Apple TV (rent or buy). In Australia it is on Tubi (free with ads) and Prime Video and Apple TV (rent or buy). In the UK it is on Pokémon Amazon Channel (prime video add-on) and Prime Video and Apple TV (rent or buy). It is also sold on DVD or Blu-ray; this page lists live prices from independent shops.
Which Pokémon are in Mewtwo Strikes Back?
The film is built around Mewtwo and Mew.