10 Best Eevee and Eeveulution Moments in Pokémon Anime History (2024)

Eevee is one of the most recognizable and popular of the growing list of 1,025 Pokémon. With their innate ability to evolve under certain conditions into one of eight different forms, Eevee and Eeveelutions have a competitive edge over Pokémon that follow the traditional evolutionary chains. The evolved form of Eevee that a trainer chooses often reflects something about their personality as well.

Pokémon is a global phenomenon consisting of video games, trading card games, anime television series and movies, manga, action figures, and much more. The main Pokémon anime series follows a young boy named Ash Ketchum as he embarks on a journey to become the very best Pokémon trainer, collecting pocket monsters and Gym badges along the way.

Ash meets multiple Eeveelutions on his quest, providing some of the most heartfelt and action-packed moments of the entire series.

10 "The Battling Eevee Brothers"

Indigo League, Episode #38

Eevee debuts in episode #38, "The Battling Eevee Brothers", in which Ash meets a young trainer named Mikey, who feels pressured by his three older brothers to choose an evolved form for his Eevee. Each brother had chosen one of the three Eeveelutions available at the time, Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon, believing that only evolved Pokémon were strong and that Mikey's Eevee was a sign of weakness. However, Mikey proves them all wrong when he is able to defeat Team Rocket with Eevee alone.

The episode is a fascinating lesson about self-acceptance and people choosing what's right for them, not what others think is best. Eevee's appeal is its ability to evolve into so many unique forms, but that doesn't mean that those Eeveelutions are its only value. The adorable, brown and fluffy Pokémon is a fierce fighter and lovable companion without choosing a specific elemental type.

9 "On Land, In the Sea, and to the Future!"

Master Journeys, Episode #63

Vaporeon is the most drastic transformation of the Eeveelutions, trading fur for blue, rubbery smooth skin like a seal, fins, and a long mermaid-like tail. These enhancements allow the Water-type to take command of any body of water with their speed, agility, and powerful water attacks. Vaporeon's unique cell structure is similar enough to that of water, that it literally melts into it and completely disappears.

In season 24, episode #15, "On Land, In the Sea, and to the Future!", Ash and his travel companions, Goh and Chloe, participate in the Marine Athletics Competition held in Lilycove City. There, they meet Kiley and his partner, Vaporeon, who both train the trio to be successful in the competition. This Vaporeon is both tough and extremely agile, but also a brilliant sensei to Chloe's Eevee, and Kiley ends up gifting a Water Stone to the young girl. This episode makes a great case for choosing Eevee's Water-type evolution, but the emphasis remains on personal choice and doing what is best for oneself.

8 "Espeon Not Included!"

Master Quest, Episode #17

Espeon, Eevee's Psychic-type evolved form, streamlines its form into a more feline silhouette, with light purple fur, a forked tail, and a gleaming red gem embedded in its forehead. Introduced alongside its nighttime counterpart, Umbreon, Espeon is the result of forming a strong partnership with Eevee during the daytime. Espeon's extrasensory powers and high speed allow it to predict and dodge incoming enemy attacks, making it one of the strongest Eeveelutions on the battlefield.

In season five, episode #17, "Espeon Not Included!", Ash's crew returns to Ecruteak City and encounters the Kimono Girls sisters and their Eeveelutions once again. This time, the Sakura's Eevee has evolved into Espeon, giving each of the sisters a distinct Eeveelution to train. Unfortunately, this array of rare and powerful Pokémon catches Team Rocket's attention, and they hatch a kidnapping plot, leading to a fierce showdown in which Espeon's psychic powers trounce them and rescue its teammates.

7 "Get Along Little Pokémon"

Adventures on the Orange Islands, Episode #21

Jolteon is the Electric-type Eeveelution, turning Eevee's soft brown fur golden yellow, which stands on end due to the built-up static electricity. Its body generates and stores electricity at a cellular level, which allows Jolteon to move with incredible speed and unleash devastating attacks. The only way to evolve Eevee into Jolteon is through exposure to a Thunder Stone, making them a rare Pokemon to encounter in the wild.

In season two, episode #21, "Get Along, Little Pokémon", Ash and friends trek through a desert on their way to the next Gym when a violent storm hits, forcing them to take cover. They notice a herd of Magnemite absorbing lightning and investigate, only to find a cowboy named Ethan herding the Electric-type Pokémon with the help of his trusted companion, Jolteon. Ethan's Jolteon is a great example of an Eeveelution that uses its specialized typing to provide a service rather than purely using it for battle. Their partnership is incredibly strong and Jolteon has a firm sense of purpose.

6 "Team Eevee and the Pokémon Rescue Squad!"

Black & White: Adventures in Unova and Beyond, Episode #5

Umbreon is Eevee's Dark-type evolved form, trading in brown, fluffy fur for a sleek black look with golden rings on its body and gleaming red eyes. Like its counterpart, Espeon, the time of day impacts Eevee's evolution, and this Eeveelution can only be achieved at nighttime. Having adapted to the darkness, Umbreon has very strong defensive abilities, ready to protect itself and loved ones from unseen enemies.

In season 16, episode #5, "Team Eevee and the Pokémon Rescue Squad!", Ash's team is saved from a rockslide by a rescue worker named Virgil and his Espeon. Virgil's team of Eevee and Eeveelutions assist with rescue missions, each using their special type for specific emergency situations, but Umbreon stands out among the pack. Virgil tells the gang the story of when he was a young boy lost in the forest one night. His original Eevee evolved into Umbreon that night in order to rescue its trainer from the darkness, using Flash to light the way and guide them home.

5 "Some Like It Hot"

Master Quest, Episode #31

Eevee evolves into Flareon when exposed to a Fire Stone. Its body becomes red, and a fiery golden mane erupts from its neck and tail. Flareon's fluffy fur retains heat and then unleashes flames that reach 3,100 degrees Fahrenheit. This incredible mastery over fire not only makes Flareon invaluable on the battlefield, but in daily life as well, heating homes, ovens, kilns, and more.

In episode #31 of Pokémon's fifth season, Master Quest, Ash and friends are at an impasse, their route completely blocked by a gigantic Magcargo. Despite their best efforts, and assistance from a young trainer named Egan, and his Flareon partner, the group are unable to defeat the Fire-type snail Pokémon. In the end, Flareon's determination fuels its victory over Magcargo, allowing Egan to capture it while proving just how powerful Eeveelutions can be.

4 "Coming Full-Festival Circle!"

Diamond & Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors, Episode #19

Leafeon is the Grass-type form of Eevee, and it has pale yellow skin that transitions into leaves around the ears and tail. This Pokémon can only be obtained by exposing Eevee to a Leaf Stone, or training in a certain verdant area, and Leafeon is one of the rare Eeveelutions that does not receive an on-screen evolution in the anime. A pacifist by nature, Leafeon prefers to avoid conflict, but will defend its friends fiercely, if necessary.

In season 13, episode #19, "Coming Full-Festival Circle!", it's the semifinals of the Sinnoh Grand Festival tournament. Trainer Zoey sends Leafeon and Mismagius into battle against her opponent's Kricketune and Lopunny. Though Leafeon was initially outmatched, its clever combination of Aerial Ace and Leaf Blade slices through its enemies. While Leafeon doesn't overpower Lopunny and Kricketune, it does force a stalemate until time runs out, handing victory to Zoey.

3 "Night and Day, You are the Ones!"

Master Journeys, Episode #31

Espeon and Umbreon evolve during the day or night, depending on their happiness level during those times, making them a logical pairing for a powerful team. In episode #31 Chloe's Eevee teams up with Soleil's Espeon and Umbreon to battle Ilunas' in a three vs. three match. At first, they are outmatched by Ariados, Ursaring, and Noctowl, but a natural phenomenon tips the battle in Team Eevee's favor.

At the climax of the fight, a solar eclipse occurs and the simultaneous presence of the sun and moon supercharges Espeon and Umbreon's Psychic and Dark attacks. The result is a dazzling flurry of blue and purple energy attacks that totally wipe out Ilunas' three Pokémon. Umbreon and Espeon's combined power proves Eevelutions possess a unique balance of beauty and strength.

2 "Party Dancecapades!"

XYZ Episode #12

Sylveon is Eevee's latest evolution, introduced as one of Generation VI's new Fairy-type Pokémon, and the first Eevelution to be introduced without any other counterparts. Sylveon has a pure white coat, pink accents around the ears and paws, crystal blue eyes, and a sassy bow that billows in the wind. In order for Eevee to achieve this evolution, the trainer must teach the Pokémon a Fairy-type move and maintain a high level of friendship with it.

Season 19, episode #12, "Party Dancecapades!", Ash and Serena find themselves in a two vs. two battle against Miette and Team Rocket's James. Initially, Serena's Eevee is useless in battle, but with a little encouragement from its trainer, Eevee evolves into Sylveon mid-battle. Once Sylveon engages Miette and James' Slurpuff and Inkay, it easily outmaneuvers and overpowers them, handing Serena and Ash a decisive victory.

1 "Breaking the Ice!"

Master Journeys, Episode #39

Glaceon, introduced in Diamond and Pearl's Generation IV, is the Ice-type Eeveelution. Its pale blue fur, long flaps that resemble a winter scarf, and sharp, angular features perfectly capture the icy aesthetic without compromising the characteristics of Eevee. In order to reach this evolutionary stage, Eevee's trainer must use an Ice Stone, or train in a specific Tundra environment.

In season 24, episode #39, "Breaking the Ice!", a new student named Regina arrives at Chloe and Goh's school with her Glaceon partner. Regina is standoffish and when other students try to befriend her, Glaceon attacks them with Blizzard until it's completely exhausted. Although this isn't the best first impression, Regina apologizes and explains why her Glaceon protects her so fiercely, and in doing so delivers one of the most touching messages about friendship in the entire series.

Pokémon

TV-PG

Action

Adventure

Animation

Ash Ketchum, a ten-year-old from Pallet Town, embarks on an adventure to become a Pokémon Master. With his first Pokémon, Pikachu, Ash sets out to capture and train Pokémon while battling other trainers in Pokémon Gyms to earn badges. Joined by his friends Brock and Misty, Ash consistently thwarts the plans of the nefarious Team Rocket, all while making new friends and encountering Pokémon across various regions.

Release Date

March 7, 1992

Seasons

25

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu , Netflix

Franchise(s)

Pokemon

Main Genre

Adventure