When Does Pokemon Secrets Of The Jungle Come Out
Okay, let's talk Pokemon. Specifically, Secrets of the Jungle.
Remember that movie? The one with Tarzan... I mean, Ash hanging out with Zarude?
So, When Did That Thing Actually Come Out?
Here's where things get a little... squishy. Like a wild Grimer squishy.
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See, it depends on where you were sitting with your popcorn. Did you even have popcorn?
The Japanese Debut
First things first: Japan got it way back in 2020. Lucky ducks!
I bet they were all smugly tweeting about Zarude's surprisingly touching backstory way before the rest of us.
Seriously, though, a whole YEAR before America?! Harsh.
The Great International Wait
Then came the agonizing wait for the rest of the world. This feels like forever ago.
We were all refreshing Netflix like it was the last day to catch a shiny Charizard.
Did they think we were just going to forget about Zarude? Please! He's a total softie underneath that grumpy exterior.
Netflix to the Rescue... Eventually!
Finally, in October 2021, Netflix dropped Pokemon: Secrets of the Jungle in the US, and other countries.
Cue a global stampede of nerds binge-watching animated monkey dads and electric mice.
I may or may not have taken a day off work. Don't judge me.
My Unpopular Opinion About the Timing
Here's the tea. I think they waited too long.
A whole year? In the age of the internet, that's practically an eternity. The world moves fast!
By the time it finally hit Netflix, I'd already seen half the movie via grainy clips on YouTube. Thanks, internet!
But Was It Worth The Wait?
Okay, yes, fine, it was pretty good. I'll admit it.
The animation was gorgeous, and Zarude was surprisingly nuanced.
Plus, any movie that lets Ash be vaguely competent is a win in my book. Usually, he's... well, you know.
So, To Summarize: The Dates!
Just in case you spaced out from all the monkey talk, here are the key dates to remember:
Japan: 2020
Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle - Rotten Tomatoes Most of the rest of the world (via Netflix): October 2021
Now you can impress your friends with your vast knowledge of Pokemon release dates. You're welcome!
Go forth and spread the word of Zarude. He needs more love.
And maybe, just maybe, The Pokemon Company will learn to release movies a little faster next time.
A trainer can dream, right?
