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'''Anime physics''' is a [[fanon]] term used to describe all the unusual, impossible, and sometimes absurd moments in the {{pkmn|anime}} where real-world physics do not seem to apply.  At times, the term can also be used to describe when an [[move|attack]] works differently in the anime than it would in the {{Pkmn|games}}.  Some common examples are unusual feats of strength and agility, surviving lethal attacks, and the {{wp|magic satchel}} theory (the ability to hold innumerable items in one [[bag]]).
'''{{wp|Cartoon physics|Animation physics}}''' typically refers to unusual, impossible, and sometimes absurd moments in animation where real-world physics do not seem to apply.  


Anime physics are often caused by several factors. Inconsistencies in animation, such as objects changing size in-between scenes or even single video frames, are usually the result of unintentional mistakes on the animators' part. Some mistakes, such as characters frequently having different heights throughout an episode or show (without specific reason), are simply the result lack of skill or care on the animators' part.
Some common examples of animation physics in the [[Pokémon animated series]] include: unusual [[human]] feats of strength, agility, and endurance, and the {{wp|magic satchel}} theory, sometimes called {{wp|hammerspace}} (the ability to hold innumerable items in one [[bag]]). At times, the term can also be used to describe when an [[move|attack]] works differently in the animated series than it would in the {{pkmn|games}}.  


Deviations from standard laws defined in the real world are common in some genres of animation, in this case the Pokémon anime. Characters may sustain damage that normally would result in mortal injuries or immediate death, but instead are simply left soot-covered (in the case of explosions or incineration), disheveled, or fatigued. Characters may not age, whether or not time does actually pass within the fictional universe. In the Pokémon universe, main characters often mention weeks, months, or even a year to have passed, but themselves do not age. [[Ash Ketchum]], who at his [[EP001|debut]] was confirmed to be 10 years old,  [[BW001|remains at the age of 10 to this day]], despite the fact that episodes occasionally state weeks to have passed since the previous one.
Note that inconsistencies in animation, such as objects changing in size between scenes or frames, or characters being depicted with inconsistent heights (without specific reason), may instead be the result of unintentional mistakes on the animators' part.


A common deviation from normalcy in most fiction, especially that for children and young adults, is characters never seeming to require excretion of waste that humans in the real world require. Although references to bathrooms are made, characters may never be witnessed mentioning the need to use one, or attending one. This is usually due to the common societal taboo against discussing urination or defecation, and the fact that such references are needless filler in the context of most stories.
Deviations from standard laws defined in the real world are common in some genres of animation, in this case, the Pokémon animated series. Characters may sustain damage that normally would result in mortal injuries or immediate death, but instead are simply left soot-covered (in the case of explosions or incineration), disheveled, or fatigued. Characters may not age, whether or not [[History of the Pokémon world (anime)#Passage of time|time does actually pass]] within the fictional universe. In the Pokémon universe, main characters often mention weeks, months, or even a year to have passed, but themselves do not age. [[Ash Ketchum]], who at his [[EP001|debut]] was confirmed to be 10 years old, remains at the age of 10 through to the end of the [[S25|25<sup>th</sup> season]]<ref>Ash's [https://www.pokemon.co.jp/tv_movie/anime/ character profile] (in Japanese) mentions that he is 10 years old as of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''.</ref>, despite the fact that episodes occasionally state weeks to have passed since the previous one.


==Examples==
==Examples==
<!--BEFORE YOU ADD ANYTHING IN, MAKE SURE IT IS PHYSICS. PERSONALITY, COLOR, EVOLUTION, INDIVIDUAL POKÉMON'S STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES (such as Ash's Pikachu vs another Pikachu), TIME, MOVE TYPES, AND POKÉMON TYPES DO NOT COUNT.-->
===Loose physics===
===Loose physics===
Some phenomena that appear in the anime (as well as the entire [[Pokémon]] canon) are impossible in real-world physics.
Some phenomena that appear in the {{pkmn|animated series}} (as well as in other [[Pokémon]] canon) are impossible in real-world physics.
* [[Poké Ball]]s change in size and convert Pokémon to and from a plasma-like substance (the {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} retains its consciousness in this state).
* [[Poké Ball]]s change in size and convert Pokémon to and from a plasma-like substance (the {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} retains its consciousness in this state).
* Also whenever a character throws a [[Poké Ball]] they appear to throw it forward, however once the Pokémon is released the ball falls back down as if thrown up.
* Whenever a character throws a [[Poké Ball]] they usually throw it forward, but once the Pokémon is released the ball falls back down as if thrown up.
* [[Move|Moves]] like {{m|Water Gun}} are depicted as spitting water, but usually the Pokémon spits much more water than its body could hold.
*Many moves are shown to expel large blasts of matter; it is unknown if they convert matter, or if they create matter from nothing.
* In ''[[DP044|Mass Hip-Po-Sis!]]'', {{p|Hippopotas}} initially doesn't weigh down {{TRT}}'s [[Team Rocket's mechas|balloon]], but it does after using {{m|Sand Tomb}}. This means the move creates the sand out of nothing.
** [[Move]]s like {{m|Water Gun}} are depicted as spitting water, but usually the Pokémon spits much more water than its body could hold.
* In the anime, many things explode. Most attacks explode when they connect with an opposing attack, even if the attacks would not normally do so (even, and some would say especially, inert, non-volatile substances such as leaves or water).
** In ''[[DP044|Mass Hip-Po-Sis!]]'', {{p|Hippopotas}} initially doesn't weigh down {{TRT}}'s [[Team Rocket's mechas|balloon]], but he does so after using {{m|Sand Tomb}}. This means the move creates the sand out of nothing.
**In [[Pokémon Contests]], almost every move will explode and send a shower of sparkles down into the crowd.
* In the animated series, many things explode. Most attacks explode when they connect with an opposing attack, even if the attacks would not normally do so (even, and some would say especially, inert, non-volatile substances such as leaves or water).
**Some moves explode when they clearly cannot, such as a {{m|Bite}} attack.
** In [[Pokémon Contest]]s, almost every move will explode and send a shower of sparkles down into the crowd.
**Sometimes moves are amplified in power and even made to explode just to enable them to blast off [[Team Rocket#In the anime|Team Rocket]].
** Some moves explode when they clearly cannot, such as a {{m|Bite}} attack.
* During some of the battles in the anime, the Pokémon stay in the air longer than usual despite their weight, either when using attacks or receiving attacks (not including Pokémon that fly naturally). This is evident in ''[[DP108|Dealing With Defensive Types!]]'' when {{Ash}}'s {{AP|Chimchar|Infernape}} battles against [[Byron]]'s {{p|Bronzor}} and actually can be seen floating.
* During certain battles in the animated series, the Pokémon stay in the air longer than usual despite their weight, either when using attacks or receiving attacks (not including Pokémon that fly naturally). This is particularly evident in ''[[DP108|Dealing With Defensive Types!]]'' when {{Ash}}'s {{AP|Chimchar|Infernape}} battles against [[Byron]]'s {{p|Bronzor}} and actually can be seen floating for a significant period of time.
** On a similar note, many attacks do not move at the speed they normally would (or should), sometimes even leaving enough time for characters to have a three or four sentence conversation. An example is in ''[[DP103|Jumping Rocket Ship!]]''. {{an|Barry}} has his {{TP|Barry|Empoleon}} use {{m|Hydro Pump}} a few seconds before Ash's Chimchar uses {{m|Flamethrower}}, and they clash in the exact middle of the battlefield. This could just mean that that Flamethrower accelerates much quicker, but before the attacks even collide, Jessie gets in several lines of dialogue.
** On a similar note, many attacks do not move at the speed they normally would (or should), sometimes even leaving enough time for characters to have a three or four sentence conversation. An example is in ''[[DP103|Jumping Rocket Ship!]]''. {{an|Barry}} has his {{TP|Barry|Empoleon}} use {{m|Hydro Pump}} a few seconds before Ash's Chimchar uses {{m|Flamethrower}}, and they clash in the exact middle of the battlefield. This could just mean that that Flamethrower accelerates much quicker, but before the attacks even collide, Jessie gets in several lines of dialogue.
* In ''[[Like It or Lup It!]]'', [[Dawn's Piplup]] uses {{m|BubbleBeam}} while spinning in the air. Defying the laws of physics, Piplup manages to "float" in the air while releasing the bubbles which spin around Piplup when BubbleBeam is supposed to travel in a straight direction, not floating around slowly.
* In ''[[DP007|Like It or Lup It!]]'', [[Dawn's Piplup]] uses {{m|Bubble Beam}} while spinning in the air. Defying the laws of physics, Piplup manages to "float" in the air while releasing the bubbles which spin around Piplup when Bubble Beam is supposed to travel in a straight direction, not floating around slowly.
* In almost every episode, [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}} manage to get launched hundreds of feet into the air, sometimes crashing through the roof of a building or a cave wall, by various means (usually a Pokémon attack). However, others standing near them will not be moved or even affected, and Team Rocket never get too hurt from the flight, which would surely kill a normal person. They also are in a stationary position during the first part of their flight, and then start suddenly spinning, normally after making a humorous comment.
* In almost every episode, [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}} manage to get launched hundreds of feet into the air, sometimes crashing through the roof of a building or a cave wall, by various means (usually a Pokémon attack). However, others standing near them will not be moved or even affected, and Team Rocket never get too hurt from the flight, which would surely kill a normal person. They also are in a stationary position during the first part of their flight, and then start suddenly spinning, normally after making a humorous comment.
** In ''[[SS012|Training Daze]]'', Team Rocket is already flying when the episode starts and they don't land during the episode.
** In ''[[HS12|Training Daze]]'', Team Rocket is already flying when the episode starts and they don't land during the episode.
** Similarly, in ''[[SS002|Cerulean Blues]]'', Misty is struck by numerous {{m|Poison Sting}} attacks, but suffers no lasting injuries. Also, the Invincible Pokémon Brothers are blasted through the [[Gym]]'s roof by a {{m|Hyper Beam}}, yet can still be heard to make a comment as they fly off.
** Similarly, in ''[[HS02|Cerulean Blues]]'', {{an|Misty}} is struck by numerous {{m|Poison Sting}} attacks, but suffers no lasting injuries. Also, the [[Invincible Pokémon Brothers]] are blasted through the [[Gym]]'s roof by a {{m|Hyper Beam}}, yet can still be heard to make a comment as they fly off.
* Characters throughout the anime have repeatedly been shown to take attacks such as {{m|Thunderbolt}} (the Japanese name meaning 100,000 Volts), and Flamethrower with no long-lasting harmful effects, though there are obvious problems with this in the real world.
* Characters throughout the animated series have repeatedly been shown to take attacks such as {{m|Thunderbolt}} (the Japanese name meaning 100,000 Volts), and Flamethrower with no long-lasting harmful effects, though there are obvious problems with this in the real world.
** One example of this is in ''[[EP032|The Ninja Poké-Showdown]]'', where {{an|Brock}} is shown to survive taking one of {{AP|Charmander}}'s Flamethrower to the face. Less than ten seconds after the attack he is shown looking perfectly fine with the attack not even damaging his clothes. These types of scenes often are like this one in that they are intended to be humorous.
** One example of this is in ''[[EP032|The Ninja Poké-Showdown]]'', where {{an|Brock}} is shown to survive taking one of {{AP|Charmander}}'s Flamethrower to the face. Less than ten seconds after the attack he is shown looking perfectly fine with the attack not even damaging his clothes. These types of scenes often are like this one in that they are intended to be humorous.
* Pokémon often disobey {{wp|Newton's laws of motion|Newton's Third Law}}: Attacks, such as Hyper Beam, that blast the target backwards do nothing of the sort to the user. This is especially notable with flying or levitating Pokémon; they can't even brace themselves against the ground.
** However, this is not always the case. For example, in ''[[AG091|Lessons in Lilycove]]'', when {{an|May}} was almost attacked by her {{TP|May|Combusken}}'s {{m|Fire Spin}}, people were very worried about her.
* In ''[[EP074|All Fired Up!]]'', when Victreebel swallowed a burning Meowth to put out the flame, the fire continued to burn, even though its oxygen had been cut off.
* Pokémon often disobey {{wp|Newton's laws of motion|Newton's Third Law}}: attacks, such as {{m|Hyper Beam}}, that blast the target backwards do nothing of the sort to the user. This is especially notable with {{t|flying}} or {{a|Levitate|levitating}} Pokémon, which cannot even brace themselves against the ground.
* In ''[[DP170|An Elite Coverup!]]'', Team Rocket's {{TP|James|Mime Jr.}} can be seen running on top of {{TP|Jessie| Wobbuffet}} while staying in place. This would be impossible because then Mime Jr. would run in Wobbuffet's inertial reference frame and increase speed in respect to Wobbuffet.
* In ''[[DP170|An Elite Coverup!]]'', Team Rocket's {{TP|James|Mime Jr.}} can be seen running on top of {{TP|Jessie| Wobbuffet}} while staying in place. This would be impossible because then Mime Jr. would run in Wobbuffet's inertial reference frame and increase speed in respect to Wobbuffet.
* Whenever Team Rocket has prop decoys such as a fake building to hide away from pursuers, the building always decreases in height after it falls so that the pursuers are not crushed.
* Whenever Team Rocket has prop decoys such as a fake building to hide away from pursuers, the building always decreases in height after it falls so that the pursuers are not crushed.
* In ''[[EP089|Shell Shock!]]'', James is knocked off a cliff by a giant boulder. He is later seen to be perfectly fine with no hint of the fall.
<!--BEFORE YOU ADD ANYTHING TO ^^ THIS ^^ SECTION, MAKE SURE IT IS PHYSICS. PERSONALITY, COLOR, EVOLUTION, INDIVIDUAL POKÉMON'S STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES (such as Ash's Pikachu vs another Pikachu), TIME, MOVE TYPES, "ANIME HUMOR", AND POKÉMON TYPES DO NOT COUNT.-->


===Magic satchels===
===Magic satchels===
[[File:Cilan cookware.png|thumb|200px|right|Contents of Cilan's backpack.]]
[[File:Cilan cookware.png|thumb|250px|Contents of Cilan's backpack.]]
* Ash and his friends seem to have an unlimited amount of space in their bags or pockets, especially Brock and {{an|Cilan}}, from a sleeping bag to the things they use to cook.
* Ash and his friends seem to have an unlimited amount of space in their bags or pockets, especially Brock, {{an|Cilan}}, and {{an|Clemont}}, from sleeping bags to cookware to machinery.
* In ''[[EP115|A Tent Situation]]'', Tracey brings out around 40-50 sketch books to show to [[Professor Oak]] and then puts them back in the same bag that they should not have fit into in the first place.
** This was played for laughs as early as ''[[EP009|The School of Hard Knocks]]'', when Ash and {{an|Misty}} watch in disbelief as Brock produces a full dining set out of his bag. This comes complete with a table, chairs, and fine china in perfect condition.
* Cilan appears to keep a table, chairs, and a miniature kitchen complete with tableware in his backpack.
** Cilan appears to keep a table, chairs, and a miniature kitchen complete with tableware in his backpack.
** Clemont's backpack contains thousands upon thousands of his inventions, some of which are even too big to fit inside an ordinary backpack.
* In ''[[EP115|A Tent Situation]]'', {{Tracey}} brings out around 40-50 sketchbooks to show to {{an|Professor Oak}} and then puts them back in the same bag that they should not have fit into in the first place.
* [[Dawn's Piplup]] is never seen holding the [[Everstone]] he was given in ''[[DP122|Stopped in the Name of Love!]]'', yet its effects remain. Even then, it could be that the Everstone is now ''linked'' to Piplup, though as of ''[[JN075|A Midsummer Night's Light!]]'', it's unknown whether this is permanent or not.


===Move and type effectiveness errors===
===Move and type effectiveness errors===
* Many times when [[Ash's Pikachu]] fights a {{type2|Ground}} Pokémon, it uses an {{type2|Electric}} move and it will cause damage.  
[[File:DP117 error.png|thumb|220px|{{m|Poison Tail}}'s impact on the {{Shiny}} {{p|Metagross}}]]
** Since the beginning of the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, Electric-type attacks have been consistently shown to have no effect on Ground-type Pokémon.
* Many times when [[Ash's Pikachu]] fights a {{type|Ground}} Pokémon prior to [[Generation IV]], he uses an {{type|Electric}} move and still causes damage.
* {{an|May}}'s {{TP|May|Squirtle|Wartortle}} attacked and damaged [[Harley]]'s {{p|Banette}} with {{m|Tackle}} in ''[[AG174|New Plot, Odd Lot]]'', despite the {{t|Ghost}} type's immunity to {{type2|Normal}} attacks.
**The animated series comments that certain Ground-type Pokémon are still vulnerable to Electric-type attacks. Rhydon's armor has been characterized as Electric-immune, but its horn has been considered a sensitive spot to attack. Pryce's Piloswine's fur is Electric-immune, but Piloswine's soft underbelly has little to no fur, rendering it vulnerable.
* In multiple instances, {{m|Shadow Ball}} is able to hit {{type|Normal}} Pokémon, despite being a {{type|Ghost}} attack.
** Since the beginning of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'', however, Electric-type attacks have been consistently shown to have no effect on Ground-type Pokémon, no matter what part of the body is attacked, as the properties of the Ground-type now apply to the entire body.
* Pokémon without {{a|Sturdy}} surviving [[one-hit knockout move]]s, like {{m|Horn Drill}}, without fainting.
* {{type|Flying}} Pokémon are depicted as vulnerable to {{type|Ground}} attacks if they are grounded rather than having an immunity to damage like Electric-type attacks on Ground-type Pokémon. This occurs even before the introduction of {{m|Roost}}, {{m|Gravity}} and {{m|Smack Down}} where [[Ash's Charizard]] was hurt by [[Gary Oak|Gary's]] {{p|Golem}}'s {{m|Magnitude}} in ''[[EP270|Can't Beat the Heat!]]''.
** Similarly, {{m|Dig}} is depicted as affecting Flying-type Pokémon if they are low enough on the ground such as A.J.’s Sandshrew in ''[[EP008|The Path to the Pokémon League]]'', [[Harrison (Johto)|Harrison's]] {{p|Steelix}} against [[Ash's Noctowl]] in ''[[EP271|Playing with Fire!]]'' and [[Ash's Chimchar]] against [[Fantina's Drifblim]] in ''[[DP102|Shield with a Twist!]]''
* Ghost type moves are shown to affect Normal-type Pokémon when they should be immune to those moves instead.
** While Normal-type Pokémon are also immune to Ghost-type moves in the games, there has yet to be an occurrence of a Normal-type Pokémon being immune to Ghost attacks in the animated series.
* Pokémon without {{a|Sturdy}} survive [[one-hit knockout move]]s, like {{m|Horn Drill}}, without fainting.
<!--* Pokémon can {{m|Explosion|explode}} multiple times without fainting.-->
<!--* Pokémon can {{m|Explosion|explode}} multiple times without fainting.-->
* Some non-damaging attacks cause damage to the Pokémon being attacked, such as [[Pyramid King Brandon#Dusclops|Brandon's Dusclops]] using {{m|Will-O-Wisp}}.
* Some non-damaging attacks cause damage to the Pokémon being attacked, such as [[Brandon (anime)#Dusclops|Brandon's Dusclops]] using {{m|Will-O-Wisp}}.
** Furthermore, it affected [[Ash's Charizard]] which, as a {{type|Fire}} Pokémon, should be unaffected by Will-O-Wisp.
** Furthermore, it affected [[Ash's Charizard]] which, as a {{type|Fire}} Pokémon, should not be affected by Will-O-Wisp.
* {{m|Safeguard}} has been able to protect against attacks instead of status problems.
* {{m|Safeguard}} has been able to protect against attacks instead of status problems.
* {{m|Light Screen}} has been able to block physical attacks, even though it usually only affects special attacks.
* {{m|Light Screen}} has been able to block [[Physical move|physical attacks]], even though it usually only affects [[Special move|special attacks]]. There have been inconsistencies with Light Screen affecting physical moves or just special moves as ''[[AG129|A Judgment Brawl]]'' clearly demonstrates physical attacks correctly bypassing Light Screen. On the other hand, {{m|Hyper Beam}} which was a physical attack at the time, was briefly blocked by Light Screen in ''[[EP091|Bye Bye Psyduck]]''.
* {{type|Psychic}} moves have had effect on {{type|Dark}} Pokémon, even though Dark-type Pokémon are immune to the effects of Psychic-type moves.
** {{m|Reflect}} was used to block status moves such as {{m|String Shot}} in ''[[EP227|For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!]]''.
** In ''[[SS005|The Blue Badge of Courage]]'', {{TP|Misty|Psyduck}} uses {{m|Confusion}} on a {{p|Poochyena}} that belongs to the [[Gym Badge thieves]].
* {{m|Counter}} has been shown to block special attacks, even though in the games it only affects physical attacks. This was disputed in ''[[EP174|Imitation Confrontation]]'', which was also the debut of the move {{m|Mirror Coat}} in the animated series. Regardless, Counter and Mirror Coat were then used interchangeably.
** In ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]'', [[Karl]]'s {{p|Bronzor}} levitated {{mov|Zorua|Zorua|13}} with {{m|Psychic}}. As a {{type|Dark}} Pokémon, Zorua is immune to {{type|Psychic}} moves.
** Both Counter and Mirror Coat have the users being unharmed by the enemy attack.
* In ''[[DP031|The Grass-Type Is Always Greener!]]'', [[Gardenia#Turtwig|Gardenia's Turtwig]] used {{m|Leech Seed}} on [[Ash's Turtwig]], even though Grass-type Pokémon are immune to the effects of Leech Seed.
** Mirror Coat is demonstrated to block status moves such as {{m|Disable}} in ''[[EP227|For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!]]''.
* In ''[[EP066|The Evolution Solution]]'', Shellder was [[Fainting|knocked out]] by [[James's Weezing]]'s {{m|Haze}} attack. Haze does no damage, therefore cannot replicate this effect.
* Before the physical and special attack split in [[Generation IV]], {{m|Counter}}, {{m|Mirror Coat}}, {{m|Reflect}} and {{m|Light Screen}} were inconsistently demonstrated where they worked on moves that appeared to be physical or special rather than their actual attribute at the time:
* In ''[[AG185|Duels of the Jungle]]'', a {{p|Weavile}} dodged a {{m|Swift}} used by {{Ash|Ash's}} {{AP|Aipom}}, even though Swift cannot miss in the games.
** [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]] used {{m|Counter}} to deflect {{m|Vine Whip}} as it looks like a physical move. Contrastingly, Counter also deflected {{m|Razor Leaf}} in the same episode ''[[EP146|Tricks of the Trade]]'' despite the fact that both moves at the time should not be affected by Counter.
*In ''[[BW049| Enter Elesa, Electrifying Gym Leader!]]'', [[Elesa]]'s Zebstrika dodges {{m|Swift}}, even though Swift cannot miss in the games.
** {{m|Light Screen}} briefly blocked a {{m|Hyper Beam}} in ''[[EP091|Bye Bye Psyduck]]'' due to the attack appearing to be a special move. However, {{m|Counter}} was correctly (at the time) able to deflect Hyper Beam in ''[[EP271|Playing with Fire!]]'' by [[Harrison's Houndoom]] and [[Mewtwo (M01)|Mewtwo]] in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''.
** {{m|Reflect}} has been correctly depicted as blocking a {{m|Shadow Ball}} (which was considered physical at the time) in ''[[AG146|Fear Factor Phony]]''. Contrastingly, Reflect was used to block {{m|Psywave}} in ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''.
* {{type|Psychic}} moves have persistently been shown to affect {{type|Dark}} Pokémon, even though Dark-type Pokémon are immune to the effects of damaging Psychic-type moves. This goes against what has occurred in the earlier episodes as ''[[EP171|Power Play!]]'' clearly demonstrates an {{p|Alakazam}}'s {{m|Psychic}} not working against [[Gary's Umbreon]].
** In ''[[HS05|The Blue Badge of Courage]]'', {{TP|Misty|Psyduck}} uses {{m|Confusion}} on a {{p|Poochyena}} that belongs to the [[Gym Badge thieves]].
** In ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]'', [[Karl]]'s {{p|Bronzor}} levitated {{mov|Zorua|Zorua|13}} with {{m|Psychic}}.
** In ''[[XY014|Seeking Shelter from the Storm]]'', [[James's Inkay]] was affected by a wild {{p|Espurr}}'s {{m|Psychic}}.
** In ''[[XY054|Facing the Grand Design!]]'', the bad {{an|Malamar}}'s Psychic and the good Malamar's {{m|Psycho Cut}} affected [[James's Inkay]] and the bad Malamar respectively.
** In ''[[XY107|An Explosive Operation!]]'', James's Inkay's {{m|Psybeam}} affected [[Mable]]'s {{p|Weavile}}.
* Moves that cannot miss in the games, such as {{m|Swift}} and {{m|Aerial Ace}} have been dodged by Pokémon several times.
* Grass type Pokémon have been shown to be affected by {{m|Leech Seed}} when they are supposed to be immune.
** In ''[[XY011|The Bamboozling Forest!]]'', Leech Seed has been shown to not drain Grass-type Pokémon's strength, but it still can be used on Grass-types by restraining them.
* Steel-type Pokémon have been affected by Poison type moves when they are supposed to be immune to those moves.


===Other conflicts with the games===
===Other conflicts with the games===
* The weight of some Pokémon is sometimes ignored in the anime:
* The weight of some Pokémon is sometimes ignored in the animated series:
** {{Ash}} was able to pick up {{TP|Ash|Larvitar}} despite it weighing more than [[List of Pokémon by weight|150 lbs (70 kg)]], according to game data. {{p|Hippopotas}} is also similar, due to the fact that there are 109 lbs (49 kg) of weight is bearing down on Ash's head and neck. Someone of similar stature in the real world would be prone to serious (if not irreparable) head, back, and/or neck injuries. Similarly, {{an|May}}'s {{TP|May|Beautifly}} has often landed on people's heads with no adverse effects despite the species weighing 62 lbs (24 kg). [[In Get your Rotom running!]], [[Dawn]] was capable to hold [[her Piloswine]] on her back.
** {{Ash}} is able to pick up {{AP|Larvitar}} despite it weighing 158.7&nbsp;lb (72&nbsp;kg).
** In ''[[AG147|Sweet Baby James]]'', Jessie picks up [[May's Munchlax]] and puts it in a bag, despite it weighing over 220 lbs (100 kg). On another note of this, in ''[[AG159|Off the Unbeaten Path]]'', [[Max]] was able to carry it on his back despite Munchlax weighing around four times as much as Max.  
** Ash carries a {{p|Hippopotas}} on his back, amounting to 109.1&nbsp;lb (49.5&nbsp;kg) of weight bearing down on his head and neck.
* The anime often makes Pokémon bigger than the games say they are, like {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}}.
** In ''[[XY044|Showdown at the Shalour Gym!]]'', Ash easily holds up his arm with his 35.3&nbsp;lb (16&nbsp;kg) [[Ash's Talonflame|Fletchinder]] perched on it.
* In the anime, certain {{type2|Water}} Pokémon like {{p|Carvanha}} and {{p|Sharpedo}} can't be used by Trainers without being in water when [[Pokémon battle|battling]], unlike how they seem to "float" over the ground in the games, specifically the 3D games.
** Ash holds [[Nebby]] in his hands while it is a {{p|Cosmoem}}, despite its weight of 2204.4&nbsp;lbs (999.9&nbsp;kg).
* In ''[[AG170|Second Time's the Charm!]]'', Ash recalled his {{AP|Corphish}} and sent it right back out again, which is impossible in the games.
** In ''[[AG057|Going for a Spinda]]'', {{an|Brock}} not only lifts {{TP|Brock|Forretress}} one-handed despite it weighing 277.3&nbsp;lb (125.8&nbsp;kg), but also pitches it high enough for it to land in the mouth of a giant {{p|Spinda}} mech.
{{Project Fandom notice}}
** [[May's Beautifly]] often lands on people's heads with no adverse effects despite the species weighing 62.6&nbsp;lb (28.4&nbsp;kg).
** In ''[[DP105|Get Your Rotom Running!]]'', {{an|Dawn}} was able to hold her {{TP|Dawn|Piloswine}} on her back despite it weighing 123&nbsp;lb (55.8&nbsp;kg).
** In ''[[AG147|Sweet Baby James]]'', Jessie picks up [[May's Munchlax]] and puts it in a bag, despite it weighing over 231&nbsp;lb (105&nbsp;kg). In ''[[AG159|Off the Unbeaten Path]]'', [[Max]] was able to carry Munchlax on his back.
** [[Iris's Axew]] is 39.7&nbsp;lbs (18.0&nbsp;kg) and is able to ride in her hair.
* The animated series often makes Pokémon bigger than the games say they are. This is especially common for species of which there is only one, like {{p|Groudon}} and {{p|Kyogre}}.
* In early seasons of the animated series, certain {{type|Water}} Pokémon like {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Carvanha}}, and {{p|Sharpedo}} cannot be used by Trainers in {{pkmn|battle}} without being in a body of water, unlike how they seem to float over the ground in the games. This has lessened in prominence over time, with Pokémon such as [[Elesa]]'s {{p|Tynamo}} and the Sharpedo used by [[Levi]] and [[Cherie]] in ''[[M19|Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel]]'' floating over the land as they do in the games.
* In ''[[AG170|Second Time's the Charm!]]'', Ash recalled his {{AP|Corphish}} and sent it right back out in the same turn to cure its {{status|confusion}}, which is impossible in the games.


[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
==Related articles==
* [[Differences between the Pokémon games and animated series]]
* [[Size discrepancies in the animated series]]
 
==References==
<references/>
 
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{{DoubleProjectTag|Anime|Games}}
 
[[Category:Animation]]

Latest revision as of 10:49, 3 September 2024

Animation physics typically refers to unusual, impossible, and sometimes absurd moments in animation where real-world physics do not seem to apply.

Some common examples of animation physics in the Pokémon animated series include: unusual human feats of strength, agility, and endurance, and the magic satchel theory, sometimes called hammerspace (the ability to hold innumerable items in one bag). At times, the term can also be used to describe when an attack works differently in the animated series than it would in the games.

Note that inconsistencies in animation, such as objects changing in size between scenes or frames, or characters being depicted with inconsistent heights (without specific reason), may instead be the result of unintentional mistakes on the animators' part.

Deviations from standard laws defined in the real world are common in some genres of animation, in this case, the Pokémon animated series. Characters may sustain damage that normally would result in mortal injuries or immediate death, but instead are simply left soot-covered (in the case of explosions or incineration), disheveled, or fatigued. Characters may not age, whether or not time does actually pass within the fictional universe. In the Pokémon universe, main characters often mention weeks, months, or even a year to have passed, but themselves do not age. Ash Ketchum, who at his debut was confirmed to be 10 years old, remains at the age of 10 through to the end of the 25th season[1], despite the fact that episodes occasionally state weeks to have passed since the previous one.

Examples

Loose physics

Some phenomena that appear in the animated series (as well as in other Pokémon canon) are impossible in real-world physics.

  • Poké Balls change in size and convert Pokémon to and from a plasma-like substance (the Pokémon retains its consciousness in this state).
  • Whenever a character throws a Poké Ball they usually throw it forward, but once the Pokémon is released the ball falls back down as if thrown up.
  • Many moves are shown to expel large blasts of matter; it is unknown if they convert matter, or if they create matter from nothing.
  • In the animated series, many things explode. Most attacks explode when they connect with an opposing attack, even if the attacks would not normally do so (even, and some would say especially, inert, non-volatile substances such as leaves or water).
    • In Pokémon Contests, almost every move will explode and send a shower of sparkles down into the crowd.
    • Some moves explode when they clearly cannot, such as a Bite attack.
  • During certain battles in the animated series, the Pokémon stay in the air longer than usual despite their weight, either when using attacks or receiving attacks (not including Pokémon that fly naturally). This is particularly evident in Dealing With Defensive Types! when Ash's Chimchar battles against Byron's Bronzor and actually can be seen floating for a significant period of time.
    • On a similar note, many attacks do not move at the speed they normally would (or should), sometimes even leaving enough time for characters to have a three or four sentence conversation. An example is in Jumping Rocket Ship!. Barry has his Empoleon use Hydro Pump a few seconds before Ash's Chimchar uses Flamethrower, and they clash in the exact middle of the battlefield. This could just mean that that Flamethrower accelerates much quicker, but before the attacks even collide, Jessie gets in several lines of dialogue.
  • In Like It or Lup It!, Dawn's Piplup uses Bubble Beam while spinning in the air. Defying the laws of physics, Piplup manages to "float" in the air while releasing the bubbles which spin around Piplup when Bubble Beam is supposed to travel in a straight direction, not floating around slowly.
  • In almost every episode, Jessie, James, and Meowth manage to get launched hundreds of feet into the air, sometimes crashing through the roof of a building or a cave wall, by various means (usually a Pokémon attack). However, others standing near them will not be moved or even affected, and Team Rocket never get too hurt from the flight, which would surely kill a normal person. They also are in a stationary position during the first part of their flight, and then start suddenly spinning, normally after making a humorous comment.
  • Characters throughout the animated series have repeatedly been shown to take attacks such as Thunderbolt (the Japanese name meaning 100,000 Volts), and Flamethrower with no long-lasting harmful effects, though there are obvious problems with this in the real world.
    • One example of this is in The Ninja Poké-Showdown, where Brock is shown to survive taking one of Charmander's Flamethrower to the face. Less than ten seconds after the attack he is shown looking perfectly fine with the attack not even damaging his clothes. These types of scenes often are like this one in that they are intended to be humorous.
    • However, this is not always the case. For example, in Lessons in Lilycove, when May was almost attacked by her Combusken's Fire Spin, people were very worried about her.
  • In All Fired Up!, when Victreebel swallowed a burning Meowth to put out the flame, the fire continued to burn, even though its oxygen had been cut off.
  • Pokémon often disobey Newton's Third Law: attacks, such as Hyper Beam, that blast the target backwards do nothing of the sort to the user. This is especially notable with flying or levitating Pokémon, which cannot even brace themselves against the ground.
  • In An Elite Coverup!, Team Rocket's Mime Jr. can be seen running on top of Wobbuffet while staying in place. This would be impossible because then Mime Jr. would run in Wobbuffet's inertial reference frame and increase speed in respect to Wobbuffet.
  • Whenever Team Rocket has prop decoys such as a fake building to hide away from pursuers, the building always decreases in height after it falls so that the pursuers are not crushed.
  • In Shell Shock!, James is knocked off a cliff by a giant boulder. He is later seen to be perfectly fine with no hint of the fall.

Magic satchels

Contents of Cilan's backpack.
  • Ash and his friends seem to have an unlimited amount of space in their bags or pockets, especially Brock, Cilan, and Clemont, from sleeping bags to cookware to machinery.
    • This was played for laughs as early as The School of Hard Knocks, when Ash and Misty watch in disbelief as Brock produces a full dining set out of his bag. This comes complete with a table, chairs, and fine china in perfect condition.
    • Cilan appears to keep a table, chairs, and a miniature kitchen complete with tableware in his backpack.
    • Clemont's backpack contains thousands upon thousands of his inventions, some of which are even too big to fit inside an ordinary backpack.
  • In A Tent Situation, Tracey brings out around 40-50 sketchbooks to show to Professor Oak and then puts them back in the same bag that they should not have fit into in the first place.
  • Dawn's Piplup is never seen holding the Everstone he was given in Stopped in the Name of Love!, yet its effects remain. Even then, it could be that the Everstone is now linked to Piplup, though as of A Midsummer Night's Light!, it's unknown whether this is permanent or not.

Move and type effectiveness errors

Poison Tail's impact on the Shiny Metagross

Other conflicts with the games

  • The weight of some Pokémon is sometimes ignored in the animated series:
  • The animated series often makes Pokémon bigger than the games say they are. This is especially common for species of which there is only one, like Groudon and Kyogre.
  • In early seasons of the animated series, certain Water-type Pokémon like Goldeen, Carvanha, and Sharpedo cannot be used by Trainers in battle without being in a body of water, unlike how they seem to float over the ground in the games. This has lessened in prominence over time, with Pokémon such as Elesa's Tynamo and the Sharpedo used by Levi and Cherie in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel floating over the land as they do in the games.
  • In Second Time's the Charm!, Ash recalled his Corphish and sent it right back out in the same turn to cure its confusion, which is impossible in the games.

Related articles

References

  1. Ash's character profile (in Japanese) mentions that he is 10 years old as of Pokémon Journeys: The Series.


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