Look, we all know the various doggos and cattos of the Pokemon world get buckets of love poured over them on a daily basis. But what about some of the other animal-inspired monsters? What about the adorable and fascinating monkey Pokemon across the Generations?
Well, fear not! We’ve rounded up the very best of them down below. Without further ado, here are 10 simian Pokemon who, without a doubt, put the fonke in monke!
Aipom
Look, there’s no better way to kick off this list than with my boi, Aipom. This guy has been the fonkiest monkey Pokemon I can think of since way back in Generation 2, when I first stumbled upon him within Pokemon Crystal’s Johto Region.
Aipom is just a silly little guy. Sure, you don’t have to love him, but there’s no way you can convince me there are people out here who actually hate this lil’ purple dude. I mean, just look at his spiky tuft of hair and that gosh darn grin – he’s always big cheesin’! Plus, the PokeDex states that Aipom’s hand-tail is actually rather strong, so you’d better give the boi the respect he deserves! Otherwise, what’s to stop Aipom over here from slappin’ some sense into ya?!
Grookey
Grookey, known as the chimp Pokemon, has definitely stolen the hearts of Trainers. One of the three potential starters within the Galar Region, Grookey is just a fun little Grass Type guy who really likes to drum little beats with the stick so commonly worn on its head.
What’s really cool about this habit, however, is that by doing so, Grookey manages to provide nearby plants with life force. Stated in the Pokedex, the sound waves produced by Grookey’s beat-tapping carry revitalizing energy, which is then transferred to flowers and nature in the surrounding area. Don’t let that fool you, though – the PokeDex also states that this stick is great for striking foes with attacks….and Grookey only gets increasingly pumped up by doing so. A feisty little guy, he is!
Elemental monkeys (Pansear, Pansage, & Panpour)
Look…love them or hate them, there’s no denying that the elemental monkeys and all of their evolutions are nothing less than iconic figures in the Pokemon franchise. Honestly? I don’t mind the cheeky little trio. It’s fun that they all represent a different element and have fun interactions/generally look good alongside one another.
And you know what? I also kind of like how their designs are cute, but slightly goofy. I think it gives them a unique charm. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t be upset in the slightest if more elemental monkeys were added to the chain in the future. Electric monkey, anyone? Ice monkey, potentially? Rock monkey, perhaps? Honestly, I don’t mind. Anything would be a win for the future of simian Pokemon.
Primeape
Primeape is known as the Pig Monkey Pokemon – oh, and also one of the greats, considering it’s from the original Kanto 151. Plus, he just has a certain fond nostalgia among many fans for being one of the most memorable members of Ash’s team during the Indigo League series.
If you remember this, then you probably also remember Primeape had a wild temper to boot – really taking the whole Fighting Type thing just a bit too seriously, if you ask me! Essentially, you don’t want to get this fuzzball mad. At all. This thing will chase you simply for looking at it. You have been warned.
Infernape
Alright, it’s time for another fan favorite. This time, it’s the Sinnoh Region’s Infernape getting the spotlight, and for good reason. This guy is not only the final form of the much-beloved and adorable Fire Starter, Chimchar, but he also has an epic design that has earned him a spot as a popular fan-favorite, especially within Generation 4.
Plus, he looks great in animated battles throughout the Pokemon anime, thanks to his martial-arts and dance-inspired fighting style. In addition to this, Infernape has also been pretty solid in Pokemon’s video game competitive battling scene over the years. All things considered, I’d say this fella has more than earned the label of S-Tier monke.
Passimian & Oranguru
Passimian and Oranguru were originally released together as version exclusives for Pokemon Sun & Moon’s Alola Region. While they may both fit into the category of a monkey Pokemon (and a very fonke monke at that!), they could not be any more different from one another.
Passimian, here on the left, loves to live in big groups of around 20 to 30 of the same species with one designated leader. They also work together in a strict team formula and designate troops by the marks they wear on their arms.
Our friend Oranguru, on the other hand, much prefers a life of solitude, snuggled up nice and cozy deep within a forest. This big, quiet fella is often found on treetops just hanging out and meditating, or being a kind soul by providing food and medicine to other Pokemon who have fallen sick and hungry. Nobody is allowed to hate on Oranguru now, dem’s da rules.
Slaking
Take a look at this absolute unit of a Normal Type! Slaking over here is some giant half-sloth, half-monkey like monster – but hey, it’s good enough for us! He’s definitely twice as fonke as everyone else on this list, if only half the monke!
What’s not to love about this guy? He looks like he could totally kill you. And honestly? He probably would, if he wasn’t too busy being a lazy butt. Seriously, this big boi is known as the world’s most slothful Pokemon. It literally just spends all day lying around. It even eats the grass within reach because it simply cannot be bothered to go to more effort for food. Honestly, I’m sure we’ve all had the odd Slaking day or two…but still, I respect this creature’s dedication to the lifestyle.
Annihilape
Welp, the award for edgiest Pokemon on this list definitely goes out to our buddy Annihilape, over here. Don’t worry, though, he’s still one fonke boi, and easily one of the best simian Pokemon to exist. Perhaps if Primeape wasn’t quite your cup of tea, the edgy next-step evolution just might be?
As if ‘Pig Monkey’ Pokemon, Primeape, wasn’t already aggressive enough, Annihilape over here is known as the ‘Rage Monkey’ Pokemon. Well, isn’t that reassuring…
Considering Annihilape gains a Ghost Type when it evolves from Primeape, does that mean it literally rages to the point of death? It may seem so! According to the PokeDex, once Annihilape’s anger rises beyond a critical point, it gains power that is unfettered by the limits of its physical body. Uh, that’s kind of hardcore. Bro really has the crash out of all crash outs, then awakens his final form. Talk about badass!
Munkidori
God, I love this silly, stupid, little monkey critter. But, I also kind of hate him, because I love my beloved, sweet, precious little Ogerpon far too much. Look, if you know, you know, the Teal Mask DLC tells all.
Despite not loving the fact that this guy is a bit of a bully, I can’t help but admire how fun and charming his appearance is. Look at the silly-shaped body and limbs, and then that smug little face? Those eyes are trouble. Plus, we need more simian Pokemon throughout the universe, so I can’t say no to including this pesky little guy on the list.
Zarude
Rounding off the list, we have the Mythical Pokemon, Zarude! An interesting Dark/Grass Dual-Type, Zarude is known as the Rogue Monkey Pokemon. And while I generally love rogue classes, rogue-inspired designs, and rogueish themes in video games…there is one little thought living in my head rent-free. And it may just be that Zarude looks like an edgy distant cousin of Miss Simian from the Amazing World of Gumball. It’s something about that lanky, slightly hunched bod – I’m telling you!
All jokes aside, Zarude has definitely earned its place on this list. While it is known to travel in packs and has an insanely aggressive nature, there is one upside. Turns out, once the vines on Zarude’s body break off, they return to the soil to help new plants grow. Seems this guy isn’t all bad!
