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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, sometimes called {{wp|hammerspace}} (the ability to hold innumerable items in one [[bag]]).
'''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, sometimes called {{wp|hammerspace}} (the ability to hold innumerable items in one [[bag]]).


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 of a lack of skill or care on the animators' part.
Inconsistencies in animation, such as objects changing in size between scenes or frames, or characters being depicted with inconsistent heights (without specific reason), may 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 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.
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 [[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==
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** 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.
** 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.
** 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.
* 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.
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** Clemont's backpack contains thousands upon thousands of his inventions, some of which are even too big to fit inside an ordinary 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.
* 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 ''[[BW093|Goodbye Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!]]'', it's unknown whether this is permanent or not.
* [[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 {{type|Ground}} Pokémon, he uses an {{type|Electric}} move and still causes damage.
* 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.
** 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.
** 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.
* [[May's Squirtle]] attacked and damaged [[Harley]]'s {{p|Banette}} with {{m|Tackle}} in ''[[AG174|New Plot, Odd Lot]]'', despite {{t|Ghost|Ghost-types'}} immunity to {{type|Normal}} attacks.
* {{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!]]''.
* In multiple instances, {{m|Shadow Ball}} is able to hit {{type|Normal}} Pokémon, despite being a {{type|Ghost}} attack.
** 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]]'' 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 anime.
* Pokémon without {{a|Sturdy}} survive [[one-hit knockout move]]s, like {{m|Horn Drill}}, without fainting.
* 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.-->
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** Furthermore, it affected [[Ash's Charizard]] which, as a {{type|Fire}} Pokémon, should not be affected 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 move|physical attacks]], even though it usually only affects [[Special move|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]]''.
** Similarly, {{m|Counter}} has been shown to block special attacks, even though in the games it only affects physical attacks.
** {{m|Reflect}} was used to block status moves such as {{m|String Shot}} in ''[[EP227|For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!]]''.
*** This was disputed in ''[[EP174|Imitation Confrontation]]'', which was also the debut of the move {{m|Mirror Coat}} in the anime. Regardless, Counter and Mirror Coat were then used interchangeably.
* {{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 anime. Regardless, Counter and Mirror Coat were then used interchangeably.
**** Both Counter and Mirror Coat have the users being unharmed by the enemy attack.
** Both Counter and Mirror Coat have the users being unharmed by the enemy attack.
* {{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.
** Mirror Coat is demonstrated to block status moves such as {{m|Disable}} in ''[[EP227|For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!]]''.
* 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:
** [[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.
** {{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 anime 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 ''[[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}}. As a {{type|Dark}} Pokémon, Zorua is immune to {{type|Psychic}} moves.
** 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 ''[[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 ''[[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}}.
** In ''[[XY107|An Explosive Operation!]]'', James's Inkay's {{m|Psybeam}} affected [[Mable]]'s {{p|Weavile}}.
* {{m|Swift}}, a move that cannot miss in the games, was dodged twice in the anime: first by a {{p|Weavile}} who avoided Swift from [[Ash's Aipom]] in ''[[AG185|Duels of the Jungle]]'', second by [[Elesa]]'s {{p|Zebstrika}} in ''[[BW049|Enter Elesa, Electrifying Gym Leader!]]''.
* Moves that cannot miss in the games, such as {{m|Swift}} and {{m|Aerial Ace}} have been dodged by Pokémon several times.
* {{m|Aerial Ace}}, another move which cannot miss, has been avoided by other Pokémon several times.
* Grass type Pokémon have been shown to be affected by {{m|Leech Seed}} when they are supposed to be immune.
* In ''[[DP031|The Grass-Type Is Always Greener!]]'', [[Ash's Turtwig]] was affected when [[Gardenia]]'s {{p|Turtwig}} used {{m|Leech Seed}} on it, even though Grass-type Pokémon are immune to the effects of Leech Seed.
** 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.
* In ''[[DP117|Noodles! Roamin' Off!]]'', a {{p|Metagross}} was damaged by {{p|Seviper}}'s {{m|Poison Tail}}, even though {{type|Steel}} Pokémon are immune to {{type|Poison}} moves.
* Steel-type Pokémon have been affected by Poison type moves when they are supposed to be immune to those moves.
* In the Japanese opening ''[[V (Volt)]]'', Pikachu was seen using {{m|Quick Attack}} on a {{p|Honedge}}, visibly causing damage. A Normal-type attack should not have caused damage to a Ghost-type Pokémon like Honedge.


===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 anime:
** {{Ash}} was able to pick up {{AP|Larvitar}} despite it weighing 158.7&nbsp;lb (72&nbsp;kg), according to game data. He also carried 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. Later, he held [[Nebby]] in his hands as a {{p|Cosmoem}}, despite its weight of 2204.4&nbsp;lbs (999.9&nbsp;kg). Similarly, [[May's Beautifly]] has often landed 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).
** {{Ash}} is able to pick up {{AP|Larvitar}} despite it weighing 158.7&nbsp;lb (72&nbsp;kg).
** 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.
** 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.
** 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 ''[[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.
** [[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.
** 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.
** 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 into the mouth of a giant {{p|Spinda}} mecha.
** [[Iris's Axew]] is 39.7&nbsp;lbs (18.0&nbsp;kg) and is able to ride in her hair.
** [[Iris's Axew]] is 39.7&nbsp;lbs (18.0&nbsp;kg) and is able to ride in her hair.
* The anime 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}}.
* The anime 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 the anime, 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, specifically the 3D games. This has lessened in prominence in more recent years, 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 older series of the anime, 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.
* 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.
==Related articles==
* [[Differences between the Pokémon games and anime]]
* [[Size discrepancies (anime)]]
==References==
<references/>
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{{DoubleProjectTag|Anime|Games}}


[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
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