The Year of the Dragon soars onward, and while we’ve spent the past few months paying homage to Dragon-type Pokémon’s ferocity, it’s time to celebrate their softer side. More specifically, it’s time for a deep dive into Ash’s Dragonite’s best known personality trait: its penchant for hugging any and all living creatures it encounters. It’s true that Ash’s Dragonite is a powerhouse in battle, playing a major role in Ash’s rise through the World Coronation Series rankings and eventual victory over Leon. But what really distinguishes Ash’s Dragonite is the quality and quantity of its heartfelt greetings for friends, strangers, and Pokémon alike.
In honor of Ash’s ferociously friendly Dragonite, we’re ranking Dragonite’s best hugs based on qualitative data that potentially includes Dragonite’s velocity when engaging in the hug, the hug subject’s awareness of what is happening, and broader context related to the particular episode’s plot. Here’s the definitive ranking of eight Dragonite hugs from None of the Feels at the bottom of the scale to All of the Feels at the top of the scale.
The First Hug
Episode: Pokémon Journeys: The Series, “A Test in Paradise!”
If we’re being technical, it’s Dragonair and Ash who share the duo’s first hug, right before Dragonair evolves into Dragonite to save Ash. And the draconic Pokémon’s personality doesn’t change very much when it evolves—whether it’s a Dragonair or Dragonite, it loves hugs! This particular hug sets an adorable and enduring precedent for both the Trainer and Pokémon.
Rating:
All the Feels
Pokémon Deserve Hugs Too
Episode: Pokémon Journeys: The Series, “Best Friend, Worst Nightmare!”
This is where we learn that Dragonite’s love of hugs is not reserved solely for humans. What makes this hug especially notable is that it serves as a reminder that Dragonite is, in fact, a large, intimidating, and powerful Pokémon, which makes its affectionate nature all the more remarkable. Dragonite chooses kindness and that is everything.
Rating:
So Many Feels
No Hello, Only Hugs.
Episode: Pokémon Journeys: The Series, “Raid Battle in the Ruins!”
Dragonite’s enthusiastic response to meeting a stranger—in this case Ranger Kira—might seem a little overwhelming to the stranger in question. In fact, after being affectionately embraced, Kira asks, “What is going on with this Pokémon?” That’s a fair question, but who wouldn’t want a hug from Dragonite?
Rating:
Many Feels
Gentle Giant
Episode: Pokémon Journeys: The Series, “Caring for a Mystery!”
The only thing more endearing than watching Dragonite hug every human and Pokémon it encounters is watching it reluctantly curb its impulse to hug a small, vulnerable Pokémon Egg. Of course, Dragonite still needs an outlet for all that pent up joy, and Pikachu is fortunately all too happy to receive a hug from the Dragon Pokémon.
Rating:
All the Feels
Can’t Land a Hug
Episode: Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, “Toying with Your Motions!”
At long last, Ash is facing off against Leon in the final battle of the World Coronation Series Master Eight Tournament. But Dragonite can’t seem to land a hug against a pair of agile Dreepy. Despite its extensive hugging experience and obvious enthusiasm, this just might be the hug that got away.
Rating:
Minimal Feels
No Sobble, No Cry
Episode: Pokémon Journeys: The Series, “There’s a New Kid in Town!”
Leave it to Ash to learn how to make the most of Dragonite’s love of a good hug. While Sobble’s tears are known to be contagious, all it takes to make those tears disappear is a big hug from Dragonite.
Rating:
All the Feels
Hugging the Dragon Master
Episode: Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series, “Thrash of the Titans!”
It’s no surprise that an aspiring Dragon Master like Iris would immediately form a bond with the Dragon-type Pokémon. And the feeling is obviously entirely mutual—the length and enthusiasm of the hug that ensues matches Iris’s passion for Training!
Rating:
So Many Feels
Train. Hug. Repeat.
Episode: Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, “It’s Champion Time!”
Ash and Dragonite are preparing for their first Masters Eight Tournament battle against Cynthia, which is obviously a very serious endeavor. But very serious training isn’t going to stop Dragonite from doing what Dragonite does best: delivering ferocious hugs. In this case, the intensity of the hug propels Ash and Dragonite through several hedges. Totally worth it for an epic Dragonite hug!
Rating:
So Many Feels
Can’t get enough Dragon-type Pokémon? Check out creepy and unusual Pokédex entries featuring Dragon-type Pokémon. Or test your knowledge of Dragon-type Pokémon with this quiz. And celebrate some of your favorite iconic Dragon-type Pokémon Trainers.
