Which Pokégirls Love Ash Most? A Deep Dive into Ash Ketchum’s Romantic Entanglements

It’s a question that has plagued Pokémon fans for decades: which of the many female companions Ash Ketchum has traveled with harbors the deepest feelings for him? While Ash, in his characteristic obliviousness, remains laser-focused on becoming a Pokémon Master, the anime has hinted at, implied, and sometimes outright stated the romantic affections of several Pokégirls. The contenders for Ash’s heart, ranked by the intensity and demonstrability of their feelings, include:

1. Serena: Undeniably, Serena is the most demonstrably in love with Ash. Her entire character arc in Pokémon XY and XYZ revolves around her unwavering support and admiration for him. From their childhood meeting at Professor Oak’s Summer Camp to her tearful departure at the airport, Serena’s crush is not just a subtext; it’s a major plot point. The kiss, though subtly executed, cements her position as the Pokégirl with the most apparent romantic feelings.

2. Misty: The original Pokégirl, Misty’s feelings for Ash are more subtly woven into the narrative. Often expressed through bickering and teasing, her protectiveness and occasional jealousy hint at deeper affections. The anime often pokes fun at her denial, and songs written from her perspective, like “Misty’s Song,” explicitly state her unrequited love. Though not as overt as Serena, Misty’s long-standing connection and subtle cues place her high on the list.

3. Latias (as Bianca): While technically a Pokémon, Latias’ human form of Bianca shares a kiss with Ash in Pokémon Heroes. While it’s debated whether Ash knew it was Latias at the time, the act itself suggests a level of affection, even if it stems from the Pokémon’s gratitude and admiration.

4. Melody: From Pokémon the Movie 2000, Melody shares a cheek kiss with Ash, a traditional sign of gratitude and respect in her culture. While not explicitly romantic, the gesture suggests a fondness for Ash and his heroic actions.

5. Dawn: While there isn’t any explicit romantic indication in the show, some fans have speculated a crush on Ash from Dawn’s side. She is particularly impressed by Ash’s qualities that we all know about, making her fall in love with him.

6. May, Iris, Lana, Lillie, Mallow: These companions share a close bond with Ash, but their relationships appear primarily platonic. They admire his determination and courage, but there are no significant romantic undertones.

7. Angie: Angie took part to the Pokémon Summer Academy in the Sinnoh region.

8. Miette:

9. Bianca:

Ultimately, determining “who loves Ash most” is subjective and open to interpretation. The anime strategically avoids explicitly confirming any romantic relationships, allowing fans to ship their favorite pairings. However, based on the depth of emotion and the clarity of expression, Serena emerges as the frontrunner, followed closely by Misty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ash Ketchum’s Love Life

Who is Ash’s true love in the Pokémon anime?

This remains a heavily debated topic. While the anime itself has never explicitly stated who Ash’s true love is, the Pokémon XY&Z series strongly suggests that Serena is the closest to being Ash’s romantic interest. The ambiguity is intentional, allowing viewers to interpret the relationships as they see fit.

Did Ash realize Serena liked him?

The anime implies that Ash may have been more oblivious than usual. While he appreciated Serena’s support and kindness, he might not have fully grasped the romantic nature of her feelings until the farewell kiss at the airport. According to XY’s director, Tetsua Yajima, Ash’s reaction to Serena kissing him was “Surprised Awe”.

Why do fans ship Ash and Misty?

Ash and Misty are the original and one of the most popular pairings in the Pokémon fandom. Their dynamic, characterized by bickering and underlying affection, resonated with viewers from the very beginning. Misty’s jealous reactions and the frequent teasing about her crush further fueled the ship’s popularity.

Does Ash love Serena more than his other female companions?

It’s difficult to say definitively. Ash values all his companions for their friendship and support. However, Serena’s unwavering belief in him and her willingness to support his dreams without reservation might suggest a deeper connection. Also, as stated in the article, the reason he seems to like Serena more is because Serena doesn’t bicker or argue with Ash as much as the other female companions (because she has a crush on him).

Who kissed Ash first?

Aside from the numerous Team Rocket disguises, Serena is the first person to kiss Ash with romantic intentions. Melody’s cheek kiss in Pokémon the Movie 2000 is a friendly gesture, and Latias’ kiss (as Bianca) is arguably a manifestation of gratitude and affection from a Pokémon.

What was Ash’s reaction to Serena’s kiss?

As mentioned earlier, the Pokémon XY&Z director described Ash’s reaction as “Surprised Awe,” indicating shock and amazement. This suggests that while he appreciated Serena’s presence, he may not have fully understood the depth of her feelings until that moment.

Are there plans for Ash to ever have a confirmed relationship in the anime?

As of now, there are no confirmed plans for Ash to enter a confirmed romantic relationship in the anime. The producers maintain the character’s age and focus on his Pokémon journey, suggesting that romance may not be a primary focus.

Is Misty jealous of Serena?

There is no explicit evidence in the anime to suggest that Misty is jealous of Serena. However, the fact that Misty returned for Ash’s final arc may give some fuel to the fire. While Misty’s return could be seen as a purely nostalgic move, some fans interpret it as a sign that she still harbors feelings for Ash and could be viewed as an indicator that Misty would be jealous.

Who is Ash’s best female friend?

Misty is often considered one of Ash’s best friends. Their history, the challenges they overcame together, and her unwavering support, even when delivered with a dose of tough love, solidify their bond. However, different viewers may interpret the relationships with his female companions differently.

Why did Ash and Serena meet as children?

Ash and Serena met during Professor Oak’s Summer Camp when they were younger. This initial encounter laid the foundation for their connection later in the Pokémon XY and XYZ series. Serena losing herself in the forest and Ash helping her gave them a memorable first meeting.

Who is stronger, Misty or Serena, as trainers?

That’s a tricky question! Both Misty and Serena have strengths in different areas. While Misty is a seasoned gym leader with expertise in Water-type Pokémon, Serena has fought trainers and gym leaders on the same level if not stronger than Misty is.

Does Ash still love Serena?

It’s speculative, but the ambiguity surrounding their parting suggests a lingering connection. The Pokenchi show has implied that Serena is Ash’s girlfriend, which canonizes a future relationship between them.

Who is Ash shipped with the most?

Ash is most frequently shipped with Misty, followed by Serena. These are the two most popular and discussed pairings in the fandom.

How long have fans been shipping Ash and Misty?

Fans have been shipping Ash and Misty since the very beginning of the Pokémon anime, making it a ship that has lasted over two decades.

What are some of the most convincing arguments for Ash and Serena being together?

One of the most compelling arguments for Ash and Serena being together is the kiss that they shared. Additionally, Serena’s consistent encouragement of Ash and her selflessness during their journey together show that she cared for him deeply and may have even wanted a relationship with him.

Understanding the dynamics of relationships in shows like Pokémon, especially in their educational aspect, can be enhanced by resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.