Generation V has more Pokémon than any generation before or after it, capping at 156 — more than Generation I. As part of this extremely-populous generation, there are quite a few Legendaries. Some of them have different forms and some don’t need them to be super cool.
While every Legendary Pokémon serves a purpose and is great in its own way, there are some design elements that set them apart. Like many other Pokémon in Generation V, the Legendaries are severely underrated in many instances. From the Forces of Nature to the Tao Trio, here are the Legendary Pokémon in Generation V, ranked.
9 Terrakion
There are three Pokémon that make up the Swords of Justice before the initiation of Keldeo as the fourth member. Many have likened their roles to the Three Musketeers and D’Artagnan, the fourth musketeer, being represented by Keldo.
Of the three, Terrakion is definitely the least interesting design-wise. It basically looks like a big boulder with a face, which is fine given its typing, but it’s not visually distinct enough from many other designs to set it apart. However, turn to Terrakion’s fantastic shiny form, and it would definitely place higher on this list.
8 Thundurus
Like Terrakion, Thundurus is the least interesting member of a three-Pokémon group. The Forces of Nature (or the kami trio, as they’re sometimes called) are a trio of genie-like Legendaries in Generation V.
The three of them look relatively similar in their Incarnate Forms, but pretty distinct in their Therian Forms. Thundurus is definitely the most boring of the three, turning into a snake or dragon-like creature that isn’t too different from its Incarnate Form. It’s a cool Pokémon, but just doesn’t measure up to its trio-mates.
7 Landorus
Slightly better than Thundurus but still not the best of its trio is Landorus, the trio master of the genies. As the “Great Landorus,” this guy is worshipped by the people of the land for settling the fighting between the other two.
Its Ground/Flying-type combination is definitely interesting, and its Therian Form as a quadripedal cat/dog creature is really nice. Overall, Landorus seems solid and intimidating, and it should.
6 Kyurem
The mascot of Black 2 and White 2, Kyurem is said to be the remains of the “original dragon” — a legendary creature that came to the Pokémon world inside a meteor before being split into Zekrom and Reshiram. It can fuse with one or the other to create White Kyurem or Black Kyurem, both of which are a bit over-designed but definitely cool.
With a unique type-combination, three super cool forms, and fantastic lore attached to it, Kyurem is definitely a great Pokémon. However, it’s admittedly kind of ugly, especially in comparison to its other trio members.
5 Cobalion
Strong-looking, intimidating, firm, and sporting a super mean gaze, Cobalion is definitely a cool Pokémon. Its blue and white color palette is visually striking, and the horns, small leg details, and chest tuft are all great.
Cobalion seems like it would be the leader of the Swords of Justice, and it is based on the leader of the Three Musketeers, so it definitely fits. It’s also apparently 6'11" (2.1 m), which is terrifying.
4 Tornadus
It may not be the trio master, but Tornadus is definitely the best of the three members of the Forces of Nature. Its tail, green coloring, and overall palette are all great.
Its Therian Form sees it become a bird-like creature, sticking to its theme as a master of winds, and retain enough of its coloring to remain cool. Tornadus also has the unique status of the first pure Flying-type Pokémon, which it would retain until Generation VIII.
3 Virizion
Topping the Swords of Justice in terms of design is Virizion, the Grass/Fighting-type deer that looks like an airplane or a hammerhead shark. Virizion is a bit more feminine in design, but is overall more cohesive and sleek in nature than its other trio members.
The sly look in its eyes and its elegant figure give it an air of mystery and deviousness, and the slight pink or red elements give it the tiniest bit of color to elevate it beyond being plain green.
2 Zekrom
It’s difficult to choose between Zekrom and Reshiram, but in terms of pure design quality and aesthetic value, Reshiram wins. But, Zekrom is still a great design for a super cool Pokémon and that’s why it takes second place on this list.
As the mascot of Pokémon White, this black dragon has design elements of robots, Gundams, dragons, and mech armor. All of these characteristics are bit more Transformers than Pokémon, but it’s rewarding to see something a bit different that works overall.
1 Reshiram
Very, very slightly edging out Zekrom is Reshiram, its counterpart and opposite game mascot. As the representative of truth (Zekrom represents ideals), Reshiram is a large white dragon with flowing hair and searing blue eyes. Its sharp yet somehow soft features are great and really tie the whole design together.
Overall, Reshiram is just such a pretty Pokémon that perfectly blends aesthetic beauty with an extremely intimidating presence. Zekrom and Reshiram are both amazing, but Reshiram just has a slight edge.
NEXT: 10 Weird Facts You Might Not Know About Fire-type Pokémon
