Every Generation 1 Fire Type Pokemon, Ranked by Fans
Pick your favorites! Vote for these Gen 1 Fire Types based on appearance, power, or any criteria you'd like.
Ah, the original generation of Pokémon - wasn't everything just simpler back in the late '90s? Before countless numbers of mainline games and spinoffs were produced, there were only 12 Fire types in the original Red and Blue, and they were some darn good ones too.
In ranking every Gen 1 Fire Pokémon, we're not going to get hung up on exact stats for competitive play - that's better suited for Bulbapedia. Instead, we're having Pokémon fans everywhere rank the Generation 1 Fire types by just how awesome they are, taking into account criteria like appearance, cool factor, strength, and overall just how iconic they are after more than 25 years since debuting. To help make voting easier, we've provided context both from the video games as well as the anime series, in addition to some fun facts like their Japanese names.
- Pokedex #: 0059
- Type: Fire (Pure)
- Japanese Name: Windie
- Category: Legendary Pokémon
- Weak To: Ground, Rock, Water
In The Video Games: Arcanine is known for its impressive stats and majestic appearance, often categorized as a "Legendary" Pokémon due to its powerful presence in the game. This is somewhat confusing to newer fans, as Arcanine is not officially a legendary Pokemon. It evolves from Growlithe when a Fire Stone is applied.
Notable Anime Appearances: Arcanine has featured prominently in several series of the Pokémon anime. In the original series Episode 33 titled "The Flame Pokémon-athon!", an Arcanine was seen under the ownership of Lara Laramie during the Big P Pokémon Race. Additionally, in the Pokémon Journeys series, Goh catches an Arcanine in Episode 32, “Time After Time!”
Love this Pokémon?- Pokedex #: 0038
- Type: Fire (Pure)
- Japanese Name: Kyukon
- Category: Fox Pokémon
- Weak To: Ground, Rock, Water
In The Video Games: Ninetales evolves from Vulpix when a Fire Stone is used and is recognized for its elegance and the lore surrounding its long life span—said to be up to a thousand years. In gameplay, Ninetales is known for its impressive Speed and Special Defense stats, making it a reliable choice for enduring battles and outspeeding opponents. It can employ moves such as "Flamethrower" for offensive power and "Will-O-Wisp" to inflict burns, strategically weakening foes.
Notable Anime Appearances: Ninetales has appeared in various episodes across multiple series within the Pokémon anime, often with a sense of mystique due to its lore and elegant design. These appearances include a fight with Ash's Squirtle in his battle against Blaine, and an appearance in the first Pokémon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it is kidnapped and cloned by the titular Pokémon.
Love this Pokémon?- Pokedex #: 0058
- Type: Fire (Pure)
- Japanese Name: Gardie
- Category: Puppy Pokémon
- Weak To: Ground, Rock, Water
In The Video Games: Growlithe is a loyal and brave Fire-type Pokémon that trainers often encounter in the earlier stages of their adventure. It possesses a respectable Attack stat and can learn powerful moves like "Flamethrower" as it levels up. Known for its intimate bond with its trainer, Growlithe can evolve into Arcanine, an even more formidable Fire-type Pokémon, when exposed to a Fire Stone.
Notable Anime Appearances: Growlithe has been depicted in various roles across multiple series installments. Notably, Officer Jenny frequently employs it as part of her K-9 units due to its keen sense of smell and unwavering loyalty. Growlithe's appearances span episodes from the original series through to later seasons such as Sun & Moon, where it continues to serve faithfully alongside law enforcement officials.
Love this Pokémon?- Pokedex #: 0037
- Type: Fire (Pure)
- Japanese Name: Rokon
- Category: Fox Pokémon
- Weak To: Ground, Rock, Water
In The Video Games: Vulpix is a Fire-type Pokémon often sought after for its elegance and mystical appeal. Known for its six beautiful tails that are said to split from their tips as it grows older, Vulpix also has the ability to manipulate fire. It starts with moves like "Ember" and can learn powerful attacks like "Fire Spin" as it levels up. In certain games, Vulpix can evolve into Ninetales when exposed to a Fire Stone, transforming into a creature with even greater grace and formidable abilities.
Notable Anime Appearances: While not central to Ash's team in the series, Vulpix made a notable appearance as Brock's companion after he received one from Suzie, a Pokémon breeder in Episode 28 titled "Pokémon Fashion Flash." This particular Vulpix distinguished itself with its well-groomed appearance and fiery breath. Throughout its time with Brock, it demonstrated not only cuteness but also considerable battle capability.
Love this Pokémon?- Pokedex #: 0004
- Type: Fire (Pure)
- Japanese Name: Hitokage
- Category: Lizard Pokemon
- Weak To: Ground, Rock, Water
In The Video Games: As one of the original three starter Pokémon, Charmander holds a special place in almost every trainer's heart. According to at least one poll from 2022, Charmander is the most-chosen starter from Red and Blue, and not just because Fire is one of the most popular types in Pokémon.
Notable Anime Appearances: If you remember the name of the trainer (It's Damian) who abandoned Ash's Charmander before Ash was officially his trainer, then congratulations…you're a super fan! During Episode 11, “Charmander - The Stray Pokémon”, Ash and company find the poor Charmander who doesn't want to leave its spot, hoping that its jerk trainer will eventually come back for it. After rescuing and rehabilitating the young Fire Pokémon, Charmander becomes a staple of Ash's lineup, before eventually evolving a few times and giving Ash a run for his money as a trainer.
Love this Pokémon?- Pokedex #: 0136
- Type: Fire (Pure)
- Japanese Name: Booster
- Category: Flame Pokémon
- Weak To: Ground, Rock, Water
In The Video Games: Flareon is one of the possible evolutions of Eevee, achieved through exposure to a Fire Stone. Known for its lush fur and high Attack stat, Flareon can effectively utilize powerful Fire-type moves in battle.
Notable Anime Appearances: One of Flareon's best appearances in the anime was when it was used by Pyro, a member of the Eevee brothers in Indigo League Episode 40 titled "The Battling Eevee Brothers," ultimately stopping Team Rocket with its Fire Spin attack as they try to run away with Eevee.
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