Ash Ketchum has been on his Pokémon journey for the past twenty-one years, at least in real life. In the anime's continuity, his travels take an unspecified amount of time, but they still allow him to meet multiple characters. Some are friends, some foes, and some a combination of both. Ash learns from all of them but only becomes close with a few.
Out of all these close comrades, a couple even get the privilege of calling Ash a best friend. Indeed, the young trainer is friendly and supportive of all his traveling companions, but he only achieves this close connection with a select number of individuals.
10 Goh
As Ash's current traveling companion, Goh still has a long way to go before he can call himself Ash's best friend. However, the two are on the right path. Goh is a very private person who has difficulty letting others in. As such, he has plenty of acquaintances but very few friends.
The fact that Goh let Ash into his world already says a lot about their relationship. Indeed, the two support and encourage each other constantly. Their relationship is not without its faults, because they're both too stubborn for their own good, but it's clear that they are on their way to build a long-lasting bond.
9 May
May and her brother, Max, are Ash's companions throughout the Hoenn region. She aims to become a Top Coordinator but initially struggles with her self-esteem. Thanks to a combination of factors, including Ash and Brock's support and her resilience, she becomes a capable and promising Coordinator.
While she is friendly with Ash, May seems to be closer to Brock. Similarly, she shares a deeper bond with Max, despite their chaotic dynamic. Still, May saw Ash as a mentor and guide, and the two would have training battles together. They also bickered a lot, much to Brock and Max's chagrin.
8 The Entire Alola Class
Pokémon Sun & Moon is full of memorable characters, some of which are fan favorites. It's also one of the anime's most refreshing seasons in that it features Ash going to school like any other ten-year-old.
Ash befriends his entire class, among them passionate Kiawe, bright Sophocles, tender Lana, and outgoing Mallow. Lillie, Gladion, and to a lesser degree, Hau are also among his group of friends. Ash becomes close with all of them and even forms a superhero-like team with them, the Ultra Guardians. At the end of the season, as he's on the plane back to Kanto, they all ride their flying Pokémon and say goodbye to him, moving him to tears.
7 Clemont
Clemont outright idolized Ash. He admired Ash's bravery, resilience, and love for Pokémon and battle. Clemont also believed that traveling with Ash would make him a better Trainer, and he was right.
Despite being a Gym Leader himself and arguably Ash's most intelligent companion, Clemont struggled with his insecurity and constantly went to Ash for help. The two develop a sibling-like relationship, and Ash's encouragement does wonders for Clemont's self-esteem issues. Ash is also notably supportive of Clemont's inventions, even if they don't quite work in the long run.
6 Serena
Serena and Ash's relationship is complex. He seems oblivious to her blatant feelings for him and treats her like he would any other of his companions. For her part, Serena remains averse to admit her feelings for him throughout most of their time together, only kissing him during the very end, a moment that ranks as one of Pokémon's most iconic scenes.
Still, the two share some memorable moments. Serena always knows how to make Ash feel better and constantly worries about him. Notably, she is also the female companion with whom Ash bickers the least, as they are overly cordial and even affectionate with each other.
5 Misty
Ash's original and longest-serving female companion is Misty, a tomboyish and hotheaded Water-type specialist from Cerulean City. Their relationship starts on the wrong foot after he steals her bike to take an injured Pikachu to the hospital. Over time, they become close friends, but their relationship always remains adversarial.
The two care for each other, but they have a hard time showing it and fight more than any other pairing in the show. Misty constantly berates Ash for his poor direction and lack of maturity, and he mocks her fear of Bug-types and explosive behavior. Still, they're very protective of each other and show great enthusiasm whenever they reunite.
4 Gary Oak
Without a doubt, Gary Oak has one of the best redemptions in Pokémon history. He goes from annoying and conceited trainer to careful and mature Pokémon Researcher and arguably exhibits the most growth out of anyone in the show.
Gary's friendly rivalry with Ash comes to a close following their rule-breaking battle at Johto's Silver Conference. Despite their rivalry, the two care for and admire each other. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Ash considers Gary an inspiration, and the feeling is mutual. After all the years, they are at a place where they can respect and appreciate each other.
3 Dawn
Dawn and Ash are very much like siblings. They go out of their way to encourage each other, celebrating their victories and mourning their losses. Dawn even wears a cheerleader outfit whenever Ash has a crucial Pokémon battle, and he's there for all of her contests.
During their time in Sinnoh, they displayed true camaraderie. They would high-five to celebrate their accomplishments and show genuine affection towards one another. Not many fans ship Dawn and Ash together, because their relationship was always one of deep and clear friendship.
2 Brock
Because they spend so much time together, Ash and Brock became as close as brothers. Indeed, Brock is one of the few people that Ash admires. The young Trainer looks up to Brock because of his maturity, wisdom, and experience. For his part, Brock recognizes Ash's strength and determination and takes pride in his young friend's accomplishments. Brock does not doubt Ash will become a Pokémon Master, and Ash encourages Brock's dream of becoming a Pokémon Doctor.
Brock is Ash's longest-serving human companion, traveling alongside the young Trainer throughout four regions. When they finally say goodbye, they do it with the certainty that they'll see each other again, knowing that their friendship is unbreakable.
1 Pikachu
Ash's best friend is, of course, Pikachu. The two are always together and share a bond that most people will never understand. Indeed, Ash's link to Pikachu goes beyond that of any other Trainer and their Pokémon. The two go through multiple adventures together, and they both risk their lives for each other countless times.
Ash and Pikachu also show a remarkable ability to understand each other. They can both tell when the other is going through a difficult time and always know how to make things better. Furthermore, they are both staunchly loyal to one another and are nearly inseparable. They'll both go to the ends of the Earth, if necessary, to ensure the other's well-being.
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July 14, 2021 at 12:00AM
