The Pokémon franchise focuses mainly on battling. Indeed, almost every game in the franchise revolves around a Pokémon journey that involves beating several Gyms and becoming the League Champion of a region. As such, it would be easy to think of Pokémon only in terms of their battling prowess, ignoring all that makes them great.
However, Pokémon are more than weapons. In fact, many Pokémon have heroic natures, willingly putting themselves in danger to save others. Whether rescuing ships adrift or roaming the mountains searching for lost climbers, these Pokémon prove that heroes don't always come in spandex suits.
Drampa
Sweet but forgettable Drampa is no one's favorite Pokémon. Many fans resent it for its goofy design and lack of relevance. Not even its unique typing makes it stand out. Indeed, Drampa is one of the least impressive Dragon-types and a somewhat disappointing addition to the Alola region.
However, Drampa is one of the kindest and most heroic Pokémon around. Known for having a particular affection for children, Drampa will actively seek and play with them. It becomes enraged if one of the children it likes is hurt, and the PokéDex states that Drampa may even burn the bully's house if possible. Burning houses may not be particularly heroic, but defending bullied children is, and if Hulk can be a superhero, why not Drampa?
Arcanine
Arcanine, One of the most iconic Generation I Pokémon, has been a franchise staple for twenty-five years. Already a beloved Pokémon, its reputation will receive a much-deserved boost thanks to the promise of a Hisuian form in the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Living up to its reputation, Arcanine is one of the fiercest and bravest Pokémon around. It has a literal blaze inside his body, acting as the source of its power, inspiring its daring behavior. The Pokédex for ORAS mentions a general that fought alongside an Arcanine, conquering an entire country together. Not many Pokémon are brave enough to stand in battle, but then again, Arcanine isn't a regular Pokémon.
Jirachi
Elusive but kindhearted, Jirachi is a Mythical Pokémon rich in lore but only seen every thousand years. It will only awaken for seven days, either because of the Millennium Comet or the song of a pure voice. Like most other Mythicals, many people in the Pokémon world doubt Jirachi's existence.
During the seven days that it is awake, Jirachi will fulfill three wishes to any pure-hearted individual. It will also seek a kind individual to make his friend, improving their life in the process. Fulfilling wishes to kind-hearted people is a pretty selfless act, and the fact that it is Jirachi's sole purpose makes it even more heroic.
Gardevoir
As one of the most recognizable Pokémon from Generation III, Gardevoir has a special place in the fandom. Many people love it, not only for its battle prowess but also for its sleek and memorable design. Gardevoir's standing increased even more thanks to its Mega Evolution, taking it to the apex of Pokémon fame.
It might be easy to forget that Gardevoir is one of the bravest and most loyal Pokémon around, considering its overwhelming fame. Gardevoir is fiercely loyal, willing to give its life to protect its Trainer. Sacrificing for a loved one is the ultimate act of selflessness, cementing Gardevoir's reputation as a heroic Pokémon.
Gallade
Introduced in Generation IV, Gallade is an all-male species, the product of exposing a male Kirlia to a Dawn Stone. While not as absurdly popular as Gardevoir, Gallade is still an above-average Pokémon who attracts considerable recognition and fan acclaim.
Like Gardevor, Gallade is willing to pay the ultimate price for its Trainer. It is the embodiment of chivalry, the Pokémon equivalent of an honorable gentleman. However, Gallade's heroism runs deeper than that. It will actively seek those who need assistance and join them in battle, fighting bravely alongside them.
Lucario
Lucario is one of those Pokémon that even non-fans of the franchise know. It's arguably the most recognizable Pokémon from the Sinnoh region and one of the most famous in the entire franchise, even ranking number 2 in the "Pokémon of the Year" 2020 poll.
Like Gardevoir, Lucario also has enough positive qualities to match its excessive fame. It is very loyal to its Trainer but also seems to possess an innate sense of justice. Lucario demonstrated its willingness to stand for what's right throughout multiple appearances in the movies and the anime. For example, a Lucario sacrificed its life to save the Tree of Beginning's inhabitants in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. Now, that's heroic.
Stoutland
Stoutland was one of the most popular Pokémon in the Black & White games, thanks to how accessible its first stage, Lillipup, was. Its standing increased thanks to the anime, where a Stoutland acted as a mentor to Ash's Litten before dying from old age.
The anime established Stoutland as a kind and helpful Pokémon, and the Pokédex entries reinforce that sentiment. Its Black & White entries describe how it rescues people stranded at sea or in the mountains during blizzards. Furthermore, the Sun & Moon dex entries describe it as "valiant," mentioning that some parents even trust it as a babysitter.
Dragonite
Out of all the Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon in the franchise, Dragonite is the kindest by far, a gentle goof who also happens to be an immensely powerful Pokémon. Like Stoutland, Dragonite's popularity increased thanks to its prominent role in the current Pokémon anime, acting as one of Ash's strongest Pokémon.
Dragonite is not only the very definition of a gentle giant but also a bonafide hero. Kindhearted and possessing human-like intelligence, Dragonite will travel the oceans, saving victims from drowning and guiding lost ships to shore. Its altruism is such that multiple Pokédex entries describe it as "guardian of the sea." In the Pokémon world, many ships have Dragonite figureheads.
The Swords Of Justice
The Swords of Justice have some of the best lore out of any Legendary Pokémon. They are one of Unova's resident Legendary groups, based on the Three Musketeers and D'Artagnan from Alexandre Dumas' iconic novel The Three Musketeers.
Like their inspirations, the Swords are brave warriors. They are the defenders of wild Pokémon in Unova, protecting them against human expansion. The Swords are the Pokémon equivalents of literal superheroes, fighting together for the good of their fellow mons. Their actions speak for themselves, cementing their place as one of the most inspiring creatures in the franchise.
Lugia
As one of Pokémon's first Legendaries, Lugia has a privileged place in fans' hearts. It reached the apex of its popularity thanks to the Power of One movie back in 2000; it has remained a beloved and popular part of the franchise ever since.
The movie showed Lugia bravely fighting to stop the Legendary Birds from destroying the world to the point where it was willing to sacrifice its life to protect others. It will also calm raging storms, saving countless lives in the process. Furthermore, Lugia's powers are so vast that even a light fluttering of its wings can blow apart regular houses, according to the Pokédex. As such, Lugia chooses to live in isolation in the ocean depths, thus protecting the world from its immense power. Sacrifice is the landmark of any hero, and Lugia might be the greatest of them all.