Wonderful game music

BGM from the Pokémon series through the ages: A compilation of legendary tracks

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Wildly popular in games and anime, the Pokémon series—known as “Pocket Monsters” in Japanese—captures the hearts of both adults and children.

With the smartphone game Pokémon GO having become a social phenomenon, chances are you’ve heard of it at least once.

In this article, we’ll introduce background music (BGM) from the Pokémon series.

If you want to listen to those nostalgic tracks again or learn which Pokémon BGMs are especially popular, be sure to check it out.

For those who have played the games, these tunes will bring back memories—and might even make you want to play again!

BGM from the Pokémon series through the ages: A compilation of masterpieces (11–20)

Battle (vs. Gym Leader)

Pokémon Generation I BGM - Battle (VS Gym Leader)

Battle (vs. Gym Leader)

The Gym Leader battle BGM that colored the very first generation, Red and Green—a legend that could be called the beginning of Pokémon.

It’s a masterpiece that amps up the tension-filled battles with its familiar, catchy melody! It also pairs perfectly with the sound effects when you send out a Pokémon or unleash a move.

Many of us probably struggled against Brock’s Onix or Misty’s Starmie depending on which starter we chose.

Including those bitter memories, this track is indispensable! No matter when I listen to it, it makes my heart race with excitement.

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Battle! Team Rainbow Rocket

Isn't the Rainbow Rocket Team BGM 2 just way too cool?

Battle! Team Rainbow Rocket

The BGM that plays during the Rainbow Rocket battle in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

It’s got the cool intensity of a boss theme.

It’s an arrangement of the Team Rocket battle music from Gold and Silver.

The melody is great, of course, but the raw distortion on the guitars is absolutely top-tier.

The way it unfolds gives you that thrilling tension—like when you’re trying to sneak past and suddenly get spotted, making your heart jump.

Among Pokémon tracks, it might be one of the coolest rock numbers out there.

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Battle! Gym Leader

[Gym Leaders] Medley of All Gym Battle BGMs from Every Generation (Gen 1 to SV) [Pokémon BGM / Gameplay Video]

Battle! Gym Leader

One of the most popular tracks in Pokémon Sword and Shield! It’s the BGM that plays during Gym Leader battles.

Even if you’ve never played the game, listening to this song might make you feel as if you’re right there in the stadium.

A hallmark of the track is how the crowd’s cheers and whistle sounds join in partway through, boosting your fighting spirit.

When the sound reaches its peak, players will get goosebumps! It’s one of the most beloved pieces in the game, so be sure to give it a listen!

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Mitsuru’s Theme

Mitsuru’s Theme Piano Arrangement – Pokémon Wally Theme Remix – Piano Cover (Pokémon ORAS BGM)

Mitsuru’s Theme

Composed by Minako Adachi, who joined Game Freak around 2010 and has worked on Pokémon BGM since Black & White.

This track can be played as the Battle Resort BGM in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

It also played during battles at the Battle Tree in Sun & Moon and Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.

The original features a dazzling, warm sound and melody, and the piano arrangement version in the video is beautiful as well.

It feels like a piece that captures Wally’s character and resilience.

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Battle! Battle Legend

[Sun/Moon BGM] Battle! Battle Tree Boss Red & Green Orchestral Arrange / Battle! Tree Boss Red & Green [Pokémon Arrange]

Battle! Battle Legend

A track that plays in Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.

It’s an arrangement of the Red battle theme from HeartGold/SoulSilver.

Ah, so nostalgic—especially for the Gen I crowd, it’s bound to stir the heart! It absolutely oozes that legendary vibe.

Watching Red’s growth is one of Pokémon’s charms, too.

It’s packed with elements that are immersive and heart‑pounding! Even focusing solely on the sound, the sonic image is simply captivating.

The orchestral arrangement used in videos, which wraps the piece in an even more majestic atmosphere, is awesome as well!

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Battle! Giratina

[Pokémon Platinum] Giratina Battle BGM [30-Minute Loop]

Battle! Giratina

This is the BGM that plays during the battle with the Legendary Pokémon, Giratina, in Pokémon Platinum.

The track goes through various developments.

Among fans, it’s sometimes called a “not-so-Pokémon-like” song, but it fits Giratina’s atmosphere perfectly.

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BGM from past Pokémon series: a compilation of legendary tracks (21–30)

Battle! Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf

[Pokémon Diamond & Pearl] Battle! Uxie, Mesprit & Azelf

Battle! Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf

This is the battle theme for Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, also known as the Three Lake Guardians! I’ve heard many people are shocked and shaken when this BGM starts playing while they’re just walking around.

The music has a slightly dark feel, too, giving the impression that this won’t be an easy fight.

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