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Action comedy

Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) movie poster

Pokémon Detective Pikachu is a 2019 action comedy directed by Rob Letterman, starring Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu, Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton. It runs 1 hour 44 minutes and earned $450.1 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. Critics gave it 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
68%
worldwide gross
$450.1M
Echo Score
75
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Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m (104 min)
Director
Rob Letterman
Original language
English
Budget
$150M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Pokémon Detective Pikachu About?

The premise of Pokémon Detective Pikachu without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

When Tim Goodman's father mysteriously disappears, young Tim is unexpectedly paired with a talking Pikachu, who happens to be a skilled detective. They embark on a thrilling quest through Ryme City, a bustling metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side. As they investigate, the unlikely duo uncovers a complex mystery, facing colorful characters and a dangerous plot that threatens the Pokémon world.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • based on video game
  • pikachu
  • live action cgi hybrid
  • cinematic universe
  • shared universe
  • detective
  • missing man
  • missing father
  • three word title
  • dissapearance
  • wisecrack humor
  • big city
+38 more
  • lens flare
  • car crash
  • car accident
  • investigation
  • buddy comedy
  • part computer animation
  • surrealism
  • exploding car
  • creature
  • talking animal
  • anthropomorphism
  • amnesia
  • amnesiac
  • apartment
  • chase
  • neon
  • psychotronic film
  • live action adaptation
  • live action and animation
  • dragon
  • no opening credits
  • train ride
  • childhood flashback
  • mime
  • father son relationship
  • parade
  • brain transfer
  • hologram
  • balloon
  • window shattered
  • sonic blast
  • explosion
  • duct tape gag
  • bound and gagged
  • shapeshifting
  • punched in the face
  • mayor
  • virtual set
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Cast & crew

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Cast & Characters

Ryan Reynolds leads the cast as Detective Pikachu, with Justice Smith as Tim Goodman and Kathryn Newton as Lucy Stevens. Directed by Rob Letterman; 24 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Pokémon Detective Pikachu

· 20 more
Show all 24 cast members
From the director

More from Rob Letterman

More films directed by Rob Letterman, best-rated first: Goosebumps, Monsters vs Aliens, Shark Tale and Gulliver's Travels.

Full filmography
Ratings

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Pokémon Detective Pikachu 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in character & emotion (58).

75 /100

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Echo Score Breakdown

Detective Pikachu delivers a visually engaging and family-oriented cinematic experience anchored by polished production design and nostalgic fan service. Critics and audiences praised its vibrant aesthetic and charismatic lead performance, though many noted structural weaknesses in the narrative and uneven character development. Pacing fluctuations emerge in the final act, which constrains plot coherence despite inventive twists and Easter eggs. Overall, the film balances spectacle and moderate storytelling, yielding an enjoyable but imperfect adaptation that resonates best with franchise enthusiasts.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    The film excels in its visual presentation with vibrant cinematography and polished CGI. Critics highlighted the production’s attention to detail, from the neon-lit cityscapes to dynamic Pokémon designs, and users noted a Blade Runner–inspired aesthetic. The color palette and editing choices sustain viewer engagement through well-paced sequences. In terms of art and craft, the movie delivers a consistently striking visual identity that anchors its overall appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 58

    Character and emotional depth is uneven, featuring charismatic lead performances but limited supporting arcs. While Ryan Reynolds’s vocal presence brings warmth and energy, several character arcs lack development, leading to moments of emotional detachment. Users and critics both pointed to generic villain motivations and underexplored relationships. When it comes to character depth, the film offers likable interactions but falls short of delivering fully realized emotional resonance across its ensemble.

  • Story & Flow 62

    The story and pacing present an engaging concept tempered by structural inconsistencies and rushed climactic sequences. Several reviewers cited measured early pacing that builds intrigue but noted a compressed final act undermines coherence. In terms of story and flow, the film offers originality and engagement yet struggles with a cohesive narrative arc.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    The sensory experience is consistently compelling, driven by a dynamic soundtrack and polished sound design that complements the visual style. Users and critics praised the score’s energy and the clarity of audio mixing during action sequences. The film’s cohesive visual and auditory elements create an immersive atmosphere throughout. When it comes to sensory experience, the movie delivers balanced sound and visual cohesion that sustains excitement across its runtime.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    The rewatch factor is moderate, supported by nostalgic references and family-friendly humor but hindered by narrative predictability. Viewers noted enjoyable moments on repeat viewings, such as hidden Easter eggs and lighthearted banter, yet found that story familiarity reduces tension. While the film offers consistent entertainment, the lasting appeal diminishes once its plot beats become known. In terms of replay value, the movie provides pleasant visits, though its novelty fades.

Plot

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Pokémon Detective Pikachu from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the vibrant world of Pokémon, Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a 21-year-old insurance salesman and former Pokémon trainer, is on a quest to find his missing father, Harry (Ryan Reynolds). Haunted by the loss of his mother and his father’s absence, Tim has turned his back on Pokémon training. Tragedy strikes when he learns that Harry, a veteran Ryme City police detective, has died in a car accident while working on a case.

Full summary

The whole story of Pokémon Detective Pikachu, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Box Office & Budget

Pokémon Detective Pikachu grossed $450.1 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, 3.0 times what it cost. $144.2 million came from the US and Canada and $305.9 million (68%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$450.1M

3.0× its budget

US & Canada
$144.2M
International
$305.9M
Budget
$150M
US & Canada 32% Rest of the world 68%
Videos

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 3 trailers, 2 teasers and 1 clip.

All 6 videos
Official Trailer #1
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Trailer Official 4K Trailer
  • Teaser No Clue
  • Teaser Destiny TV Spot
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Pokémon Detective Pikachu?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What profession did Tim Goodman have before starting his investigation?

Cars

Cars in Pokémon Detective Pikachu

23 cars on screen, including the REVA G-Wiz and the 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

All 23 cars
  • REVA G-Wiz in Pokémon Detective Pikachu REVA G-Wiz Important role
  • 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV in Pokémon Detective Pikachu 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV Minor role
  • 2008 Dodge Avenger in Pokémon Detective Pikachu 2008 Dodge Avenger Minor role
  • Land-Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon in Pokémon Detective Pikachu Land-Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon Minor role
Details

Pokémon Detective Pikachu Also Known As

40 alternative titles, including “Meitantei Pikachu” and “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu”.

Also known as
  • Meitantei Pikachu
  • Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
  • Pokemon - Meisterdetektiv Pikachu
  • Pokemon.Detective.Pikachu
  • Pokémon: Detektív Pikachu
  • פוקמון: פיקאצו הבלש
  • Pokemon: Detektiv Pikachu
  • 寵物小精靈之名偵探比卡超
  • 大侦探皮卡丘
  • Pokemon Detective Pikachu
  • Pokémon Détective Pikachu
  • Pokémon: Detetive Pikachu
+28 more
  • Покемон: Детектив Пикачу
  • Pokemon: Dedektif Pikachu
  • Pokémon: Meisterdetektiv Pikachu
  • 명탐정 피카츄
  • Pokémon: Детектив Пикачу
  • Pokémon: Pikachu, a detektív
  • Pokémon: Detektiv Pikachu
  • Πόκεμον: Ντετέκτιβ Πίκατσου
  • Покемон. Детектив Пікачу
  • פוקימון: הבלש פיקאצ'ו
  • 名偵探皮卡丘
  • ПОКЕМОН детектив Пикачу
  • Pokémon: Thám Tử Pikachu
  • โปเกมอน ยอดนักสืบ พิคาชู
  • 名探偵ピカチュウ
  • Pokémon: Detektyw Pikachu
  • Detektiv Pikachu
  • پوکمون کارآگاه پیکاچو
  • بوكيمون: المحقق بيكاتشو
  • POKÉMON 神探Pikachu
  • Pokémon: Detektīvs Pikaču
  • Pokémon: Detectiu Pikachu
  • POKEMON detektyvas Pikachu
  • Pokémon : Détective Pikachu, პოკემონი დეტექტივი პიკაჩუ
  • Pokémon Detectiv Pikachu
  • Pokémon Meisterdetektiv Pikachu
  • पोकेमॉन डिटेक्टिव पिकाचू
  • Pokémon Detektiiv Pikachu

Seen Pokémon Detective Pikachu?

From the blog

Articles About Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Our article about Pokémon Detective Pikachu: “The Journey of Adaptations: From Video Games to Movies”.

FAQ

Pokémon Detective Pikachu FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Pokémon Detective Pikachu, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Pokémon Detective Pikachu?

Pokémon Detective Pikachu runs 1 hour 44 minutes (104 minutes).

When was Pokémon Detective Pikachu released?

Pokémon Detective Pikachu was released on May 10, 2019.

Who directed Pokémon Detective Pikachu?

Pokémon Detective Pikachu was directed by Rob Letterman.

More films by Rob Letterman

Who is in the cast of Pokémon Detective Pikachu?

Pokémon Detective Pikachu stars Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu, Justice Smith as Tim Goodman and Kathryn Newton as Lucy Stevens, among 24 credited actors.

How much did Pokémon Detective Pikachu make at the box office?

Pokémon Detective Pikachu grossed $450.1 million worldwide ($144.2 million domestic, $305.9 million international) on a budget of $150 million.

How is Pokémon Detective Pikachu rated?

Pokémon Detective Pikachu has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69% on TMDB and 3.0/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Pokémon Detective Pikachu have a post-credit scene?

No. Pokémon Detective Pikachu has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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