Ash's Charizard is one of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise's history. Here are 10 of his greatest battles from throughout the series.

Ace Pokemon like Charizard, Infernape, and Greninja carried Ash Ketchum to victory throughout his various Pokemon journeys.

Besides Pikachu, Ash’s Charizard is probably Ash’s most popular Pokemon among longtime anime fans. Ash originally met and befriended the Pokemon as a Charmander, where it quickly became one of ...

Ash tells Brock that Charmander is still loyal to Damian and that nothing they can do will change that. When Ash and his friends leave the Pokemon Center, they fall into a Team Rocket dug pit trap.

Ash's Charizard is just as notorious as Ash's Pikachu, with it reappearing frequently throughout the original series (Image via The Pokemon Company) ...

When Ash saves the village from Team Rocket, Melanie asks Ash to take Bulbasaur on his journey. 7 Charmander — the Stray Pokemon Charmander — the Stray Pokemon, who was seeking shelter from a ...

Ash and Charizard have participated in various competitions like the Orange Battle League over the years. Besides his buddy, Pikachu, the second companion who fought with Ash during these events ...

Charmander joins Ash after this, becoming one of his most loyal and reliable Pokemon. That is, until something unexpected happens later in their journey…. Butter-Free ...

Charmander uses Ash as a springboard to jump out, but just as Ash begins to follow, he’s offered a helping hand by Gary Oak. Image via The Pokémon Company.

Ash and the gang rescue the poor Pokémon as it holds a leaf over its tail to keep the flame from going out… because if a Charmander's tail stops flaming, the Charmander dies.

By “make some viewers sad,” Yuyama is likely referring to how Ash choosing Squirtle, Bulbasaur, or Charmander as his starter would upset those who had chosen one of the other two.

Charizard was Ash's strongest team member in the anime series, and also a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. and Pokkén Tournament games.