Ever since Pokémon first aired, the world has fallen in love with the unbeatable duo of Ash Ketchum and his iconic Pikachu. Their partnership is built on trust, loyalty, and a whole lot of mischief. Whether they’re accidentally zapping each other, getting into food fights, or pulling off ridiculous stunts against Team Rocket, Ash and Pikachu have provided some of the most hilarious moments in anime history. Through every region, every gym badge, and every Legendary encounter, their sense of humor has remained just as strong as their friendship. Today, we’re celebrating the top 10 funniest Pokémon companion moments from Ash and Pikachu that had us laughing out loud—and loving them even more.
#10: Pikachu Shocking Ash by Accident… Again and Again
It’s practically a tradition at this point: Pikachu accidentally zaps Ash with a Thunderbolt—and the results never get old. From their very first meeting in Kanto to their latest adventures in Galar, Pikachu has unintentionally electrocuted Ash more times than we can count. And somehow, it’s hilarious every single time. The humor comes not just from the physical comedy of Ash getting fried (though his wild hair and smoke trails are priceless), but from how casual both of them are about it. Pikachu will look vaguely apologetic for a second…then shrug and move on. Ash will groan, collapse in a smoking heap—and then get right back up like nothing happened. Some of the funniest instances are when Ash tries to protect Pikachu from harm, only to get electrocuted in the process. Other times, it’s just Pikachu being startled or excited and letting loose a thunderbolt reflexively. Their dynamic during these moments feels so real, like two best friends who accidentally mess up each other’s day but love each other anyway. Plus, the animation team clearly has a blast drawing Ash’s over-the-top reactions. It’s a running gag that perfectly captures the chaotic, hilarious heart of their friendship.
#9: Ash Pretending to Be a Pikachu
One of the most side-splitting moments in Pokémon history came when Ash tried to “blend in” with a group of Pikachu by dressing up and pretending to be one himself. During the classic episode “Pikachu’s Goodbye,” Ash and Pikachu stumble upon a whole clan of wild Pikachu. In a desperate and adorable attempt to get closer to them—and to make Pikachu feel at home—Ash actually dons a Pikachu onesie, paints his cheeks red, and starts squeaking and hopping around. Watching Ash, a teenage boy, make high-pitched “Pika Pika!” noises while wildly flailing his arms is pure comedy gold. Even Pikachu looks embarrassed for him! The beauty of this scene is that Ash is 100% sincere about it. He’s willing to look utterly ridiculous if it means making Pikachu happy. His complete lack of self-consciousness—and Pikachu’s horrified yet affectionate reaction—make this moment unforgettable. It’s a perfect snapshot of their bond: Ash will do anything, no matter how silly, for Pikachu’s sake. And the laughs that come with it make it even better.
#8: Pikachu Slapping Ash Awake
Traveling through the wilds of different Pokémon regions is exhausting work, and sometimes, Ash is just not a morning person. One particularly funny scene shows Pikachu trying to wake a very sleepy Ash by slapping him—repeatedly—across the face with his tiny paws. Watching Pikachu’s cute little hands frantically batting at Ash’s cheeks is both adorable and hilarious. Ash mumbles, groans, and swats at Pikachu like he’s trying to bat away a fly, but Pikachu just keeps at it with growing frustration. Finally, Pikachu resorts to the nuclear option: a mild Thunder Shock right to the face. Ash bolts upright, hair smoking, and Pikachu gives a satisfied nod. Moments like this are so funny because they highlight Pikachu’s stubborn, sassy side. He’s not just a cute mascot—he’s got an attitude, and he’s not above roughing up his best friend to get things moving. The physical comedy and their totally natural reactions to each other feel less like anime slapstick and more like two real friends who know exactly how to push each other’s buttons.
#7: Ash and Pikachu’s Food Fights
Ash loves food almost as much as he loves Pokémon battles, and Pikachu isn’t far behind. This has led to some absolutely hilarious food fights between the two. Whether it’s tugging over the last rice ball, arguing about who gets the bigger slice of cake, or simply stealing snacks from each other mid-meal, Ash and Pikachu’s mealtime antics are consistently laugh-out-loud funny. One standout moment happens during a camping trip, where Ash lovingly prepares a huge plate of food for Pikachu…only for Pikachu to immediately pounce on it and devour the entire thing before Ash can blink. Ash’s dumbfounded expression—and his overdramatic wailing afterward—make the whole scene priceless. It’s another example of how their friendship isn’t just heroic—it’s grounded in all the silly, petty little arguments that real friends have. And somehow, no matter how intense the food squabbles get, they always end in laughter (and sometimes a mild zap).
#6: Pikachu Outsmarting Team Rocket… Accidentally
If there’s one thing more consistent than Pikachu zapping Ash, it’s Pikachu accidentally demolishing Team Rocket’s schemes in the most hilarious ways. Sure, sometimes Pikachu uses a Thunderbolt on purpose, but some of the funniest victories are the ones that seem almost completely by accident. One memorable moment comes when Team Rocket captures Pikachu in a fancy, high-tech cage—only for Pikachu to sneeze and unleash a tiny spark that immediately short-circuits their entire contraption. The resulting explosion sends Team Rocket blasting off faster than usual, and Pikachu just stands there blinking innocently, as if to say, “Did I do that?” Ash’s reaction—half grateful, half baffled—is always priceless. These moments are hilarious because they showcase Pikachu’s chaotic energy in the best way. He’s not just powerful; he’s unpredictably powerful. And poor Team Rocket, despite all their ridiculous preparations, never seems to learn. Every time Pikachu accidentally (or semi-accidentally) ruins their plans with minimal effort, it feels like the universe itself is siding with Ash and Pikachu’s friendship. It’s a running joke that’s endlessly funny and endlessly endearing—and one that keeps the dynamic between the trio fresh even after hundreds of episodes.
#5: Ash and Pikachu Getting “Lost” in Big Cities
Ash’s sense of direction is…not exactly legendary. Some of the funniest episodes involve Ash and Pikachu wandering aimlessly through giant, bustling cities, completely lost. In one particularly hilarious moment from Pokémon: Black & White, Ash confidently tells Pikachu they’re only a “few minutes away” from the Pokémon Center—only to spend the entire day bumbling through back alleys, construction zones, and traffic jams. Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, looks increasingly skeptical and exasperated with each wrong turn. The comedy comes from Pikachu’s expressive reactions: the eye-rolls, the paw-to-face moments, and the occasional sigh of deep, deep disappointment. Ash, ever optimistic (and ever clueless), just keeps charging forward with unwavering confidence. Eventually, they end up right back where they started, prompting Pikachu to dramatically flop onto the ground in pure despair. These scenes are so funny because they perfectly capture the “chaotic best friends on a road trip” vibe that makes Ash and Pikachu’s bond so lovable. Pikachu isn’t just along for the ride—he’s the silently judging co-pilot we all secretly relate to.
#4: Pikachu Mocking Ash
Pikachu may be sweet, but he’s also a little bit of a troll—and some of the funniest moments in Pokémon come when Pikachu openly mocks Ash. Whether it’s imitating Ash’s battle poses, mimicking his yelling with exaggerated “Pika! Pika!” noises, or rolling his eyes when Ash gets overdramatic, Pikachu’s sass levels are off the charts. One standout moment happens in Pokémon Journeys when Ash tries to act cool after winning a battle. Pikachu immediately strikes a ridiculous pose, puffing out his cheeks and striking exaggerated hero stances to mock Ash’s bravado. Ash is left red-faced while their friends crack up. The genius of these moments is that Pikachu isn’t just a sidekick—he has a distinct personality. He loves Ash dearly, but he’s not above poking fun at him. Their relationship isn’t based on blind loyalty—it’s rooted in mutual respect, endless affection, and, importantly, the ability to joke around with each other. Pikachu’s playful teasing adds layers to their friendship and shows that even world-saving heroes need someone who can keep their ego in check.
#3: Ash and Pikachu’s “Acting” Skills
When Ash and Pikachu try to go undercover, the results are often less “Mission: Impossible” and more “Mission: Ridiculous.” One of the funniest examples comes during a scheme to trick Team Rocket by pretending to be a different trainer and Pokémon. Ash dons a ridiculous fake mustache and an outrageous outfit, while Pikachu…puts on a tiny hat. Their “acting” mostly consists of Ash talking in a terrible fake voice and Pikachu struggling not to giggle. Predictably, Team Rocket falls for it—at least for a few hilarious minutes—before the whole charade collapses in classic cartoon chaos. The humor here is multi-layered: Ash’s utter lack of subtlety, Pikachu’s obvious amusement at his partner’s antics, and the absurdity of the whole situation. These undercover missions almost always end in disaster, but watching Ash and Pikachu commit 110% to their ridiculous plans is part of the charm. Their willingness to dive headfirst into silly schemes, no matter how ludicrous, is a big reason why they’re such a fun team to watch.
#2: Pikachu’s Savage Moments
While Pikachu is usually the picture of sweetness, he’s not afraid to throw a little shade—and some of his savage moments are absolutely hilarious. Whether it’s ignoring Ash when he’s being annoying, choosing food over friendship during snack time, or giving side-eye to overly dramatic rivals, Pikachu’s deadpan reactions steal the show. One classic moment comes during a battle when Ash dramatically declares that they’re going to “win no matter what!” Pikachu, instead of responding enthusiastically, just gives him a blank stare and a slow blink before casually zapping the opponent into submission. It’s that perfect mix of adorable and cutting that makes Pikachu such a legendary character. These savage moments show that Pikachu isn’t just a loyal companion—he’s got attitude. And in a world where everyone’s trying a little too hard to be heroic or dramatic, Pikachu’s dry wit and brutal honesty are refreshingly funny. He’s not trying to be the hero of the story—he’s just being himself. And that, ironically, makes him one of the biggest stars of all.
#1: Ash and Pikachu’s Ultimate Reunion Hug
One of the funniest—and simultaneously most heartwarming—moments between Ash and Pikachu happens after a long separation caused by Team Rocket’s schemes. After spending several episodes apart, facing down challenges and longing for each other, they finally reunite in a dramatic, slow-motion sprint across a field. Ash calls out to Pikachu, Pikachu leaps into Ash’s arms, and…they immediately knock each other over in a cloud of dust, tangled up in limbs and laughter. Ash’s hat flies off, Pikachu lands squarely on his face, and the two roll around on the ground in a chaotic heap. It’s a perfect encapsulation of their bond: clumsy, over-the-top, messy—and full of love. Instead of a polished anime reunion, it’s a hilarious, genuine moment of two best friends so excited to see each other that they can’t even coordinate a proper hug. The moment is both funny and touching because it feels so real. It’s a reminder that Ash and Pikachu’s friendship isn’t perfect or polished—it’s a beautiful, hilarious mess, and that’s exactly why we love it.
Conclusion
Across countless regions, rivals, and battles, Ash and Pikachu have proven that laughter is just as important as courage on any great adventure. Their funniest moments—from accidental Thunderbolts to undercover disasters—are more than just gags; they’re a testament to the depth and authenticity of their bond. Through every pratfall, food fight, and slapstick reunion, Ash and Pikachu remind us that friendship isn’t always smooth—it’s silly, chaotic, and full of endless laughter. And honestly? That’s what makes it legendary. Here’s to many more hilarious moments from Pokémon’s greatest—and funniest—duo.
