26 Years Later, the Greatest Anime Quote of All Time Hits...

26 Years Later, the Greatest Anime Quote of All Time Hits Harder Than Ever Goku, Naruto, and Luffy

By Casandra Ronning Published 17 minutes ago Casandra Ronning is a staff writer for Screen Rant's anime section. Since mid-2024, she has dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. She is most proud of conducting an exclusive interview with popular voice actor Stephanie Nadolny. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Anime has countless unforgettable stories and lessons for audiences to take away. Whether it’s a sprawling, epic adventure, a tense, psychological thriller, or a gentler, heartfelt drama, many series offer wisdom and takeaways that resonate with viewers. Some moments stand out more than others, remaining timeless and unforgettable even decades later.

One of the best examples comes from none other than Pokémon: The First Movie. Released in Japan in 1998 and in North America in 1999, the first Pokémon film installment is known for its massive box-office success, complex themes, and an unforgettable finale. The film also delivers one of the most memorable and powerful quotes ever spoken in anime.

Pokémon’s First Movie Delivered One of the Greatest Quotes of All Time

Even among anime fans, not many would expect a line from Pokémon to stand out philosophically. The series is best known for its colorful creatures, epic battles, and catchy theme songs, with many citing the series as a childhood favorite or a gateway into anime. However, the first film surprised audiences with heavy themes and an unforgettable quote from Mewtwo.

While the quote itself may seem simple, it captures a universal truth in a single sentence. Its delivery is accessible, allowing it to be reached and understood by audiences of all ages, with many children able to understand the importance behind the moment, even if they can’t yet articulate its significance.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." -Mewtwo, Pokémon: The First Movie

Upon the film’s release, the line immediately became one of the most memorable moments of the film, taking place after Ash sacrificed himself in order to protect Pikachu. Mewtwo, who had harbored resentment towards humans, wanted nothing more than to see the destruction of humanity and the Pokémon that served them.

In the end, he realized that it was a futile endeavor and that love and coexistence between Pokémon and humanity were possible. Rather than continuing his quest for revenge, he ultimately decided to erase everyone’s memory and find a new place to live in peace with the other cloned Pokémon.

Mewtwo Shared Important and Heavy Lessons For Young Audiences

Mewtwo looking down with scorn in the first Pokémon Movie

At the heart of Mewtwo’s message is a simple yet profound principle. It’s the fact that circumstances do not define a person or their worth. His words challenge the idea that origin, status, or inherent traits determine one’s path in life, instead emphasizing that actions define a person’s (or Pokémon’s) character.

Coming from Mewtwo, this message carries a deeper weight. As a being created rather than born, engineered specifically for power, and subjected to countless experiments, the quote becomes especially meaningful. It was the moment that he realized his struggle for purpose and identity beyond the fate imposed on him was veering in the wrong direction.

He came to realize that his early actions reflected a misguided path that was fueled by resentment and confusion. Mewtwo was lashing out at the world around him, convinced that his path was the only way to reclaim control and agency over his life. This realization adds greater layers to the quote near the end of the film.

At the core of his message stands the idea that responsibility and choice are among the most defining aspects of someone’s nature, reinforcing the notion that life is about far more than what happens, but also about how people respond to adversity. For Mewtwo, this meant understanding the consequences of his actions and taking responsibility by discovering a new purpose.

Pokémon: The First Movie Will Always Be Pokémon’s Best Movie

Pokémon: The First Movie remains one of the best in the franchise, capturing the perfect balance between stunning animation for its time and engaging storytelling. Unlike newer additions to the Pokémon universe, the first movie didn’t shy away from exploring darker and more complex themes, even culminating in one of the most emotional endings in the series.

For many who grew up in the late ‘90s, the film remains an unforgettable cultural touchstone and shared experience among peers. Its record-breaking box office success is proof of its widespread popularity and reach, leaving behind a lasting impact on viewers who found the story to be memorable and meaningful.

Decades later, audiences continue to revisit the film for nostalgia or to experience it for the first time, with their family or on their own. With Pokémon: The First Movie’s high-stakes conflict, lovable characters, and underlying messages, many longtime fans still consider the first film to be one of the best, if not the number one, installments.

Mewtwo’s Journey Resonates With Audiences More Over Time

For modern audiences, Mewtwo’s journey continues to strongly resonate due to its timeless, universal themes. Mewtwo’s development through the movie speaks volumes about what truly defines a person and their worth, inviting a deeper reflection on identity, purpose, and personal responsibility. As a character who has struggled with his origins and belonging, Mewtwo’s evolution is both significant and universal.

As audiences grow older, they gain a deeper understanding of what Mewtwo shared through their own personal life choices and challenges. Despite being a children’s Pokémon movie, the narrative arc carries unforgettable philosophical lessons that remind viewers that agency and actions are both far more important than uncontrollable circumstances.

Mewtwo’s early rage and desire for control and destruction were the result of anger, confusion, and pain. His response was one that he would eventually look back on with regret, making his arc heavy yet inspiring. It shares the message that how one responds and what they choose to do are important factors, but also that redemption is possible.

For a film that released over two decades ago, the themes and underlying lessons remain meaningful. Mewtwo may have had a tumultuous start to his journey, yet he reflected on his flawed beliefs and behavior, taking accountability and turning over a new leaf to transform himself. In doing so, Pokémon: The First Movie explored both redemption and personal growth.

10/10

Pokemon: The First Movie

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed G Animation Action Adventure Family Sci-Fi Release Date July 18, 1998 Runtime 75 minutes Director Kunihiko Yuyama Writers Takeshi Shudo Producers Choji Yoshikawa

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Rica Matsumoto Satoshi
Ikue Otani Pikachu

Franchise(s) Pokemon Genres Animation, Action, Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi Powered by

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Anime
Pokemon
Pokemon: The First Movie

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