🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Rob Letterman
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 44min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (189K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A guy who hates Pokemon finds out his dad is Pikachu, and together they stop Bill Nighy from turning everyone into their favorite pocket monsters… poorly.
🍿 Pokémon: Detective Pikachu: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Missing Father
Tim Goodman, a young man who gave up his dreams of being a Pokémon trainer, learns that his estranged father, Harry, a renowned detective, has gone missing in Ryme City. He travels to Ryme City to settle his father’s affairs, a place where humans and Pokémon live side-by-side. Tim is disconnected and feels lost, but the mystery of his father’s disappearance pulls him into a world he never expected.

Enter Detective Pikachu
While searching his father’s apartment, Tim encounters a talking Pikachu wearing a detective hat. This Pikachu claims to be Harry’s partner but suffers from amnesia. Strangely, Tim is the only one who can understand Pikachu, forming an unlikely partnership. They discover a conspiracy surrounding a dangerous drug called ‘R’ that causes Pokémon to become aggressive.

Unraveling the Conspiracy
Tim and Pikachu team up with Lucy, a budding journalist, and her Psyduck, to investigate Harry’s disappearance and the ‘R’ drug. They navigate Ryme City’s underground fighting rings and shadowy labs, facing dangerous Pokémon and uncovering shocking secrets about the city’s founder, Howard Clifford. The trio discover that Clifford has sinister plans to control Pokémon and reshape the world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Detective Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds): A wisecracking, amnesiac Pikachu who partners with Tim to uncover a conspiracy while seeking to regain his memories.
- Tim Goodman (Justice Smith): A former Pokémon trainer who teams up with Detective Pikachu to find his missing father.
- Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton): An aspiring reporter who assists Tim and Pikachu in their investigation, seeking a big story.
- Howard Clifford (Bill Nighy): The seemingly benevolent benefactor of Ryme City who secretly plots to control Pokémon and humans.
- Harry Goodman (Ryan Reynolds): Tim’s missing father and a veteran detective whose consciousness is temporarily merged with Detective Pikachu.
- Mewtwo (None): A powerful Pokémon created through genetic engineering, manipulated by Howard Clifford to achieve his aims.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Detective Pikachu: “I’m basically a furry Sherlock Holmes.” – Pikachu humorously describes his detective persona to Tim, highlighting his role in solving mysteries.
- Detective Pikachu: “I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was.” – Pikachu sings a few lines from the famous Pokémon theme song while in distress.
- Tim Goodman: “I don’t need a Pokémon.” – Tim expresses his initial reluctance to engage with Pokémon, reflecting his emotional distance following his mother’s death.
- Detective Pikachu: “Did you hear about the explosion at the cheese factory? Da brie!” – Pikachu attempts to tell a joke, showcasing his quirky and sometimes misplaced sense of humor.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $150,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $144,174,568
- Worldwide Gross: $450,063,166
💥 Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Reviews
Personal Review
As a longtime Pokémon fan, I was so excited to see this movie! Seeing Pokémon come to life in such detail was incredible. Ryme City felt like a real, breathing place where humans and Pokémon could coexist. I loved the scenes with Pikachu investigating and his interactions with Tim. It hit all the right nostalgic notes, and I can’t wait to watch it again!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Pokémon fans”
- “Families looking for a fun adventure movie”
- “Fans of Ryan Reynolds”
- “People who enjoy mystery stories with a fantastical twist”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild action violence involving Pokémon”
- “Some rude humor”
- “Thematic elements involving loss and family separation”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Detective Pikachu delivers on the visual spectacle of a world where Pokémon are real, but the convoluted plot and uneven performances leave something to be desired. The CGI Pokémon are undeniably charming, but the human characters struggle to keep pace.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Ryan Reynolds steals the show as Detective Pikachu, injecting humor and heart into the iconic character. The film successfully blends the familiar Pokémon world with a neo-noir mystery, creating a unique and engaging cinematic experience.
- IGN: “Detective Pikachu is a fun and visually impressive adaptation of the beloved video game. While the story is predictable, the charm of the Pokémon and the dynamic between Pikachu and Tim make it a worthwhile watch for fans.
Audience Reactions
The visual design of the Pokémon was stunning and faithful to the source material.: Fans loved the realistic CGI rendering of their favorite Pokémon characters.
Ryan Reynolds’ voice acting as Detective Pikachu was hilarious and perfectly captured the character’s personality.: Viewers praised Reynolds for bringing wit and charm to Pikachu, making him both funny and endearing.
Overall Consensus: Detective Pikachu is a visually impressive and entertaining adaptation that successfully brings the world of Pokémon to life, though the plot may be predictable, the charm and humor make it an enjoyable experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Ryan Reynolds, who voiced Detective Pikachu, was also credited as ‘facial motion capture actor’ for the character, contributing significantly to Pikachu’s expressions and mannerisms.”
- “The movie features many hidden Easter eggs and references to the Pokémon video games and anime series, delighting longtime fans.”
- “The design of Ryme City was heavily influenced by Tokyo and London, creating a unique blend of urban landscapes and architectural styles.”
🖥️ How to Watch Pokémon: Detective Pikachu?
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is available to stream on Max. You can also rent or buy the movie on demand from platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, you might like these similar films:
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988): Combines live-action with animated characters in a detective story, creating a similar blend of genres and visual styles.
- Zootopia (2016): Features a buddy-cop dynamic in a world populated by anthropomorphic animals, exploring themes of prejudice and societal harmony.
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001): Explores themes of artificial beings, identity, and the search for connection, mirroring some of the deeper questions raised in the film.
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2020): Another live-action adaptation of a beloved video game character, offering a similar family-friendly adventure with comedic elements.
🛒 Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Related Products
- Pokémon Detective Pikachu Movie Detective Pikachu Plush: High-quality plush toy of Detective Pikachu, perfect for fans of all ages. Soft and huggable, this plush captures Pikachu’s detective look from the movie.
- Detective Pikachu Returns – Nintendo Switch: Detective Pikachu Returns for Nintendo Switch is a brand new spin on the Detective Pikachu franchise. Join Detective Pikachu as he solves crime and battles Pokemon with his intelligence. This is for Nintendo Switch consoles.
- Pokémon TCG: Detective Pikachu Special Case File: A special collection for Pokémon Trading Card Game enthusiasts, featuring cards inspired by the Detective Pikachu movie. Includes promo cards, booster packs, and a collector’s pin.
- Detective Pikachu (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital): Watch Detective Pikachu in stunning HD with this Blu-ray combo pack. Includes behind-the-scenes features and digital copy for on-the-go viewing.
🎧 Soundtrack
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Carry On” – performed by Kygo ft. Rita Ora
- “Le Fantome de Saint Bechet” – performed by Glenn Crytzer’s Savoy Seven
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Detective Pikachu is generally considered family-friendly. It has a PG rating for action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements. However, the humor is mild, and the action is not overly violent. Younger children may find some scenes intense, but it is suitable for most families.
Yes, Ryan Reynolds voices Detective Pikachu. His performance brings a comedic and sarcastic edge to the character, making him a hit with audiences. The blend of Reynolds’ humor with Pikachu’s adorable appearance is a significant part of the movie’s appeal.
Detective Pikachu features a wide array of Pokémon from various generations. Some notable appearances include Pikachu, Charizard, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Psyduck, Mr. Mime, Greninja, and Mewtwo. The movie is a visual treat for Pokémon fans, showcasing many beloved creatures in a live-action setting.
The status of a Detective Pikachu sequel is currently uncertain. While initial plans were discussed, no official announcements have been made regarding a sequel. Given the first movie’s box office success, it remains a possibility, but it’s not actively in production as of now.
🔥 Bonus Content
POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU THE MUSICAL – Animated Parody Song
Jump into a unique musical adventure with this animated parody of Detective Pikachu! Its catchy tunes and clever retelling will leave you entertained and humming along.
Everything Wrong With Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Get ready for a hilarious breakdown of Detective Pikachu! CinemaSins dissects the movie, poking fun at its inconsistencies and flaws with their signature wit.
POKÉMON Detective Pikachu – Movie Review
Get a professional’s take on Detective Pikachu! Jeremy Jahns shares his thoughts on the movie, giving you a well-rounded view of its overall quality.
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