Dragonite

Dragonite is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=Game Informer |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }} In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items. Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=Scholastic Inc. |page=5 |isbn=9780545795661}} A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}

Dragonite was designed by Shigeki Morimoto. Afterwards, the design was finalized by Ken Sugimori who, towards the end of development, drew the promotional art of all the species to give them a unified look and make any last-minute changes.{{cite book |pages=342–343 |language=Japanese |title=Ken Sugimori Works |publisher=Tankobon Softcover |date=January 2014 |isbn= 9784198638061}}

Dragonite is classified as the Dragon Pokémon, and is both a Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon, capable of using both Dragon and Flying-type attacks. It is also capable of using attacks outside of these types. Its Dragon typing makes it weak to Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type attacks, its Flying type making it twice as weak to Ice-type attacks.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/strongest-dragon-pokemon-ranked/ |title=The 19 Strongest Dragon Pokemon, Ranked |work=TheGamer |last1=Thompson-Bamsey |first1=Ryan |last2=Scariati |first2=Andrew |date=February 9, 2024 |accessdate=March 3, 2025 |archive-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231134345/https://www.thegamer.com/strongest-dragon-pokemon-ranked/ |url-status=live }} It evolves from Dragonair via acquiring enough experience to level up to a specific level. Dragonair evolves from its base form Dratini, the same way.{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-get-dratini-dragonair-dragonite-guide/ |title=Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Get Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite |work=Game Rant |last=Rondina |first=Steven |date=March 4, 2023 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}} It belongs to a category of Pokémon dubbed by fans as "pseudo-Legendary" and later named "Powerhouse Pokémon" in official work. These terms refer to the final evolution of a three-stage line that is not Legendary but have strength comparable to Legendary Pokémon, their combined stats adding up to 600 across Attack, Special Attack, Defense, Special Defense, and Speed.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

Standing at 7 ft 3 in tall,{{cite web |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/dragonite |title=Dragonite #0149 |work=Pokémon |accessdate=March 3, 2025 |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225013348/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/dragonite |url-status=live }} Dragonite features an orange body, striped belly, and wings that are orange with a teal membrane.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-design-change-big-difference-generation-red-blue/ |title=Pokémon Designs That Changed Drastically After Gen 1 |work=Screen Rant |last=Baird |first=Scott |date=April 8, 2021 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606112815/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-design-change-big-difference-generation-red-blue/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/pokemon-scarlet-violet-dratini-dragonair-dragonite-1986632/ |title=How to get Dratini, Dragonair, & Dragonite in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet |work=Dexerto |last=Gray |first=Laura |date=November 18, 2022 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}} It has a pair of arms and legs, a tail, a snout, and a pair of antennae.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-evolutions-dont-make-sense/ |title=Pokemon: 13 Evolutionary Lines That Don't Make Sense |work=TheGamer |last=Eakin |first=Jon |date=November 27, 2023 |accessdate=March 3, 2025 |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907060914/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-evolutions-dont-make-sense/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/dragonite-squishmallow-pokemon-plush-availability/ |title=Dragonite Squishmallow Is The Cutest Pokémon Plush You'll Never Own |work=Screen Rant |last=Lang |first=Brad |date=February 23, 2024 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/dragonite-and-marill-pokemon-squishmallow-plush-teased/ |title=Dragonite and Marill Pokemon Squishmallow Plush Teased |work=Siliconera |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=April 24, 2024 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115060949/https://www.siliconera.com/dragonite-and-marill-pokemon-squishmallow-plush-teased/ |url-status=live }} This bipedal design differs from Dratini and Dragonair, both of which are blue, serpentine creatures. In Red, Blue, and Green, Dratini's belly was originally striped like Dragonite's, which was changed in Pokémon Yellow. Dragonite also had a long fin on its back that was removed beginning in Pokémon Gold and Silver. In the Pokémon series beginning with Gold and Silver, each Pokémon has a "shiny" form, a rare form that chances the color scheme of the Pokémon. Dragonite has a predominantly green shiny form.

Dragonite is said to have human levels of intelligence. It is capable of flight, said to move fast enough to circumnavigate the globe in only 16 hours. It is known for its kindhearted nature and tendency to spend time in marine settings,{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-dragonite/ |title=Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Dragonite |work=TheGamer |last=Caruso |first=Michael |date=May 4, 2020 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}} helping people who are in peril at sea and being capable of manipulating the weather. Dragonites are considered a rarity to encounter,{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/ash-rarest-pokemon/ |title=Ash's 20 Rarest Pokémon |work=Screen Rant |last1=Edmundson |first1=Carlyle |last2=Fox |first2=Joshua |date=August 15, 2024 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303231800/https://screenrant.com/ash-rarest-pokemon/ |url-status=live }} living on a hidden island with Dratinis and Dragonairs. Dragonairs use their powers to control the weather to obscure the island.{{cite web |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-pokemon-kanto-anime-only-locations/ |title=Pokemon: 10 Kanto Locations That Show Up In The Anime But Not The Games |work=Game Rant |last=Pricener |first=Zachary John |date=February 19, 2021 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210024640/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-pokemon-kanto-anime-only-locations/ |url-status=live }} Despite their protective nature, it sometimes becomes enraged when disturbed and has a rivalry with fellow Dragon-type Pokémon, Kingdra.{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/top-30-most-powerful-pokemon-205300897.html |title=Top 30 Most Powerful Pokemon of All-Time |work=One37PM |last=Gonzalez |first=Eric |date=December 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}}

Dragonite first appeared in Pokémon Red and Green, the latter which was replaced by Pokémon Blue outside of Japan.{{cite magazine|author=Staff|title=What's the Deal with Pokémon?|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|page=216|date=November 1999 |issue=124}} It is only obtainable through leveling up a Dragonair. These games have a series of opponents called the Elite Four, whose leader is Lance, a Dragon-focused trainer who features a Dragonite as his signature Pokémon.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-best-strongest-elite-four-pokemon/ |title=Pokemon: 10 Strongest Pokemon Owned By Elite Four Members |work=TheGamer |last=Guest |first=Chris |date=January 17, 2025 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119131523/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-best-strongest-elite-four-pokemon/ |url-status=live }} The line appears in Pokémon Gold and Silver, where Lance assists the player-character infiltrate Team Rocket, using his Dragonite in the process.{{cite web |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/pokemon-is-telling-darker-stories-to-reach-its-maturing-fans-just-not-in-games |title=Pokemon is Telling Darker Stories to Reach Its Maturing Fans, Just Not in Games |work=Fanbyte |last=Sheppard |first=Kenneth |date=November 11, 2021 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304084242/https://www.fanbyte.com/legacy/pokemon-is-telling-darker-stories-to-reach-its-maturing-fans-just-not-in-games |url-status=live }} He is later fought as the Champion of the region's Elite Four, featuring three Dragonites.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-gold-silver-johto-league-what-to-know/ |title=Everything You Need to Know About Pokémon Gold & Silver's Johto League |work=CBR |last=Ashby |first=Matt |date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=March 3, 2025}} Dragonite appears in a similar capacity in remakes FireRed and LeafGreen,{{Cite magazine|last=Mylonas|first=Eric|date=September 14, 2004|isbn=0761547088|title=Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen: Prima's Official Strategy Guide|url=https://archive.org/details/PokemonFireRedVersionAndLeafGreenVersionPrimaOfficialGameGuide2004|magazine=Prima Official Game Guide|publisher=Prima Games|access-date=March 1, 2025}} Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!,{{Cite web|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/guias-trucos/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu/donde-encontrar-dratini-dragonair-dragonite-pokemon-lets-go-335643|title=Where to find Dratini, Dragonair and Dragonite at Pokémon Let's Go|last=Hernandez|first=David|date=November 26, 2018|website=HobbyConsolas|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226071045/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/guias-trucos/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu/donde-encontrar-dratini-dragonair-dragonite-pokemon-lets-go-335643|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-lets-go-lance-how-to-defeat-elite-four-lance-in-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-eevee|title=Pokemon Let's Go Lance - How to Defeat Elite Four Lance in Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee|last=Cryer|first=Hurian|date=May 24, 2023|website=VG247|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=November 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108175934/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-lets-go-lance-how-to-defeat-elite-four-lance-in-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-eevee|url-status=live}} and HeartGold and SoulSilver.{{Cite web|url=https://as.com/meristation/2010/04/05/guia_pagina/1270447225_033165.html|title=Pokémon SoulSilver, guía completa - Ciudad Verde|trans-title=Pokémon SoulSilver, complete guide - Viridian City|language=es|last=Verdasco|first=Dani|date=July 1, 2017|website=MeriStation|access-date=March 1, 2025}} It also appeared in Pokémon Sun and Moon, where its designer, Shigeki Morimoto, appears with Dragonite on his team. Dragonite has appeared in all mainline Pokémon games until Pokémon Sword and Shield, where it and its previous forms were not included alongside hundreds of other Pokémon also cut,{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/vote-what-are-the-best-pokemon-that-arent-in-sword-and-shield|title=The Best Pokemon That Aren't In Sword and Shield, Ranked|date=January 26, 2020|website=IGN|access-date=March 1, 2025}} although it and its preceding forms were eventually added in the second part of the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, Crown Tundra.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-every-game-appearancce/|title=Pokemon: 15 Pokemon That Appear In Nearly Every Game|last1=Thompson-Bamsey|first1=Ryan|last2=O'Connor|first2=Quinton|date=January 1, 2023|website=TheGamer|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114162428/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-every-game-appearancce/|url-status=live}} It later appeared in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.{{cite web |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-tier-list-best-pokemon-endgame-late-game |title=6 must-have Pokémon to catch for Scarlet and Violet's late game |last=Reyes |first=Jess |date=November 24, 2022 |work=Inverse |access-date=March 1, 2025 |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328220052/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-violet-tier-list-best-pokemon-endgame-late-game |url-status=live }} A Dragonite based on one of Lance's Dragonites was distributed to participants in a competitive Pokémon tournament called the Kanto Classic Wi-Fi Tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-lance-elite-four-cheater-genocide/ |title=Lance Cheated His Way Into The Elite Four And Tried To Do A Genocide |work=TheGamer |last=Switzer |first=Eric |date=March 7, 2022 |accessdate=March 1, 2025}}

Dragonite has appeared in many other Pokémon spin-off titles, including the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series,{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-mystery-dungeon-rescue-team-shiny-hunting-guide/ |title=Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX Guide: How to Hunt for Shiny Pokémon |work=CBR |last=Evans |first=Liam |date=July 17, 2021 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}} Pokémon Snap,{{Cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/catch-up-crew-pokemon-snap-therers-nothing-stopping-you-from-pelting-every-unlucky-lmon |title=Catch-Up Crew: Pokémon Snap - "There's Nothing Stopping You From Pelting Every Unlucky 'Mon" |work=NintendoLife |last1=Lane |first1=Gavin |last2=Norman |first2=Jim |last3=Reynolds |first3=Ollie |last4=Hagues |first4=Alana |date=January 26, 2025 |accessdate=March 1, 2025 |archive-date=January 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128053149/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/catch-up-crew-pokemon-snap-therers-nothing-stopping-you-from-pelting-every-unlucky-lmon |url-status=live }} and Pokémon Go.{{cite web |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/pokemon-gos-fashion-week-returns-with-dapper-new-looks-for-dragonite-wooper-and-quagsire |title=Pokémon Go's Fashion Week returns with dapper new looks for Dragonite, Wooper, and Quagsire |work=Dot Esports |last=Garcia |first=Ethan |date=November 8, 2023 |accessdate=March 1, 2025}} Dragonite was made playable in Pokémon Unite during a holiday update in 2021 as an "All-Rounder" type.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/dragonite-added-to-pokemon-unite-in-holiday-event|title=Dragonite added to Pokémon Unite in holiday event|last=Nightingale|first=Ed|date=December 8, 2021|website=Eurogamer|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=January 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130122846/https://www.eurogamer.net/dragonite-added-to-pokemon-unite-in-holiday-event|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/dragonite-is-the-all-rounder-i-always-wanted/|title=Dragonite Is The All-Rounder I Always Wanted|last=Switzer|first=Eric|date=December 21, 2021|website=TheGamer|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=June 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603091720/https://www.thegamer.com/dragonite-is-the-all-rounder-i-always-wanted/|url-status=live}} Characters in Unite get costumes called Holowear; Dragonite has received multiple Holowear outfits, including a worker's apron and a champion outfit.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/22912791/pokemon-unite-update-battle-pass-zeraora-cowboy |title=Yeehaw! Pokémon Unite update puts Zeraora in a studded cowboy hat |work=Polygon |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=February 1, 2022 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227033408/https://www.polygon.com/22912791/pokemon-unite-update-battle-pass-zeraora-cowboy |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-unite-season-8-battle-pass-price-missions-rewards-guide/ |title=Pokemon Unite: Season 8 Battle Pass Guide |work=TheGamer |last=Pellegrino |first=Christian |date=June 12, 2022 |accessdate=March 4, 2025 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612221855/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-unite-season-8-battle-pass-price-missions-rewards-guide/ |url-status=live }} It also appeared in the Pokémon Trading Card Game as a card that can be used through evolving from Dratini and then Dragonair.{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-silver-tempest-part-27-dratini-line/|title=The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Silver Tempest Part 27: Dratini Line|last=Dwyer|first=Theo|date=December 31, 2022|website=Bleeding Cool|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=December 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231163522/https://bleedingcool.com/games/the-cards-of-pokemon-tcg-silver-tempest-part-27-dratini-line/|url-status=live}} It first appeared in the Fossil set,{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-1st-edition-fossil-booster-box-auctioning-at-heritage/|title=Pokémon TCG 1st Edition Fossil Booster Box Auctioning At Heritage|last=Nelson|first=Joshua|date=March 28, 2021|website=Bleeding Cool|access-date=March 1, 2025}} and has received multiple promotional cards, including one given out to promote Pokémon: The First Movie{{Cite web|url=https://bleedingcool.com/sponsored/pokemon-tcg-2x-wb-black-star-1st-movie-promos-auction-at-heritage/|title=Pokémon TCG: 2x WB Black Star 1st Movie Promos Auction At Heritage|last=Nelson|first=Joshua|date=April 26, 2022|website=Bleeding Cool|access-date=March 1, 2025|archive-date=May 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518071131/https://bleedingcool.com/sponsored/pokemon-tcg-2x-wb-black-star-1st-movie-promos-auction-at-heritage/|url-status=live}} and one given out with Japanese copies of the Game Boy Color Pokémon Trading Card Game.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-tcg-game-boy-color/ |title=This Forgotten Pokémon Game Boy Title is a Must-Play For TCG Fans |work=CBR |last=Ashby |first=Matt |date=February 24, 2025 |accessdate=March 3, 2025}} It also makes a minor appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a collectible item called a "Spirit" that can be used to enhance the player's character.

Dragonite makes multiple appearances in the Pokémon TV series. It first appears in the 13th episode, "Mystery of the Lighthouse". This Dragonite was considerably larger than normal and not identified in the episode as a Dragonite as no one recognized what it was due to the fog.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/giant-pokemon-anime-biggest-mystery/ |title=Giant Pokemon Remain One of the Anime's, Um, BIGGEST Mysteries |work=CBR |last=Thornton |first=Laura |date=November 6, 2020 |accessdate=March 1, 2025 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106173252/https://www.cbr.com/giant-pokemon-anime-biggest-mystery/ |url-status=live }} It also appeared in the Orange Islands arc of the anime in the episode "Enter the Dragonite", being the ace of the character Drake in the region's Pokémon League tournament. It succeeds in defeating most of Ash Ketchum's team before losing to his Pikachu.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-pokemon-episodes/ |title=10 Most Rewatchable Pokémon Episodes |work=CBR |last=Steel |first=Tom |date=September 15, 2023 |accessdate=March 1, 2025 |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923085243/https://www.cbr.com/rewatchable-pokemon-episodes/ |url-status=live }} It also appears in Pokémon: The First Movie, delivering an invitation to protagonist Ash Ketchum.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-new-anime-2025-dragonite-special-watch/ |title=Pokemon's Newest Anime Is Here, And It Is the Perfect Blast to the Past: Watch |work=ScreenRant |last=Macias |first=Patrick |date=February 27, 2025 |accessdate=March 1, 2025}} In the Black & White series, a Dragonite is used by the character Iris.{{cite web |url=https://www.themarysue.com/ash-ketchum-rarest-pokemon/ |title=The Rarest Pokémon Ash Ketchum Ever Caught |work=The Mary Sue |last=Kuiper |first=El |date=February 21, 2024 |accessdate=March 1, 2025 |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416202346/https://www.themarysue.com/ash-ketchum-rarest-pokemon/ |url-status=live }} In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Ash and fellow protagonist Goh assist a Dragonair that struggled to fly, who they assist in learning the technique Dragon Dance to help it fit in. It later evolves into Dragonite to save Ash from Team Rocket, and Ash adds it to his team, his first catch of Journeys.{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-ash-dragonite-caught-season-23/ |title=It Took Him Almost 23 Years, But Ash Finally Caught A Dragonite |work=TheGamer |last=Coulson |first=Josh |date=January 27, 2020 |accessdate=March 1, 2025 |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129003834/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-ash-dragonite-caught-season-23/ |url-status=live }} He includes Dragonite in his team for the Pokémon World Coronatin Series, which Ash won. Following Ash's victory in this tournament and becoming the World Champion, a Dragonite based on Ash's Dragonite was given away to players in Sword and Shield.{{cite web |url=https://en.as.com/meristation/2022/08/26/news/1661539802_365643.html |title=Get Ash's Dragonite for free in Pokémon Sword and Shield with this code for a limited time only |work=Meristation |last=Castillo |first=Alejandro |date=August 26, 2022 |accessdate=March 1, 2025}} It appears in Pokémon Generations, an anime series that retells the events of the various mainline game in the episode "The Lake of Rage," which depicts Lance and his Dragonite invading Team Rocket in Gold and Silver.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/10/3/13148474/watch-pokemon-generations-episode-four |title=Pokémon Generations features the most brutal Dragonite you'll ever see |work=Polygon |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=October 3, 2016 |accessdate=March 3, 2025 |archive-date=January 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115010134/https://www.polygon.com/2016/10/3/13148474/watch-pokemon-generations-episode-four |url-status=live }} Dragonite starred in a short animated film titled Dragonite and the Postman about a woman who works with a Dragonite to deliver mail.

Lance appears in the Pokémon Adventures manga, featuring a Dragonite in his party. This Dragonite is aggressive, and aids Lance and the members of the Elite Four in attempts to exterminate the human race. It is later revealed that Lance's motives were due to human-caused pollution, with Dratini being a Pokémon he rescued and eventually evolving into Dragonite.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-dragon-type-pokemon-adventures-manga-rayquaza-zekrom-reshiram/ |title=10 Best Dragon-Type Pokémon in the Manga, Ranked |work=CBR |last=McCormick |first=Chloé |date=February 7, 2025 |accessdate=March 1, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/why-pokemon-fans-should-read-the-manga/ |title=10 Reasons Pokémon Fans Should Read the Manga |work=CBR |last=Fleming |first=Janissa |date=September 16, 2024 |accessdate=March 1, 2025}}

File:Dragonair.png

Dragonite has received generally positive reception. Crunchyroll writer Daniel Dockery expressed excitement over Ash catching a Dragonite, his favorite Pokémon, something he had been waiting to see since early in the series more than two decades ago. Dragonite's first appearance in the anime was particularly exciting for him, stating that he immediately sought out to get one after watching it.{{cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2020/1/26/finally-ash-ketchum-caught-the-best-pokmon-of-all |title=Finally, Ash Ketchum Caught The Best Pokémon Of All |work=Crunchyroll |last=Dockery |first=Daniel |date=January 26, 2020 |accessdate=February 28, 2025}} Dockery featured Dragonite in almost every Pokémon game since.{{cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2019/6/26/52000-voters-decided-the-top-10-pokmon-and-got-about-half-right |title=52,000 Voters Decided The Top 10 Pokémon (And Got About Half Right) |work=Crunchyroll |last=Dockery |first=Daniel |date=June 26, 2019 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613100623/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2019/6/26/52000-voters-decided-the-top-10-pokmon-and-got-about-half-right |url-status=live }} Pocket Tactics writer Nathan Ellingsworth felt that Dragonite stood out in the first generation due to it (and its predecessors) being the only Dragon-type Pokémon. Aside from its mechanical usefulness, Ellingsworth praised its "round" design, attributing part of its popularity to its appearance in the first Pokémon movie. He found it strange that it has not had a new form despite its popularity, emphasizing how strange it was that a giant Dragonite appeared in the anime but that a Gigantamax form wasn't given to it despite the potential connection.{{cite web |url=https://www.pockettactics.com/gen-1-pokemon |title=The 20 best gen 1 Pokémon |work=Pocket Tactics |last=Ellingsworth |first=Nathan |accessdate=February 28, 2025}} CBR writer Ryan McCarthy believed that Dragonite was one of the most iconic Pokémon, attributing its popularity to being rare and strong. Commenting on its fights in Pokémon Journeys{{'}} Master Eight Tournament, he questioned why Dragonite was losing fights in such "embarrassing" ways, questioning why Pokémon hates Dragonite. He pointed out that Dragonites owned by Ash, Lance, and Iris appear to beaten easily in their respective fights. The fact that all three Dragonites getting beaten so easily, believing that this is the product of making strong Pokémon be "cannon fodder" to make weaker Pokémon seem stronger. He argued that the fight between Dragonite and Milotic was particularly illogical, stating that Dragonite had advantages over it. He also believed that it was neglected in the games, stating that it was rarely used by trainers and didn't get new forms.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokmon-journeys-hates-dragonite/ |title=Why Does Pokémon Journeys Hate Dragonite? |work=CBR |last=McCarthy |first=Ryan |date=August 16, 2022 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112113127/https://www.cbr.com/pokmon-journeys-hates-dragonite/ |url-status=live }}

Dragonite's design has been contrasted with Dragonair's, with speculation being made by fans that it was not originally intended to evolve from Dragonair. Dot Esports writer Emily Morrow explained that this speculation came from what she described as "completely different" designs.{{cite web |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/our-favorite-pokemon-of-each-type-the-definitive-list |title=Our favorite Pokémon of each type: The definitive list |work=Dot Esports |last=Morrow |first=Emily |date=July 22, 2022 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124212453/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/our-favorite-pokemon-of-each-type-the-definitive-list |url-status=live }} Nintendo Life staff questioned the design progression from Dragonair to Dragonite, saying that there was nothing about Dragonair's design that suggested it would evolve to gain wings or limbs. Despite this, they all agreed that Dragonite was a good Pokémon.{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/features/weve-ranked-all-151-gen-1-pokemon-and-it-nearly-killed-us |title=Feature: We've Ranked All 151 Gen 1 Pokémon And It Nearly Killed Us |work=Nintendo Life |last=Olney |first=Alex |date=December 25, 2021 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213172036/https://www.nintendolife.com/features/weve-ranked-all-151-gen-1-pokemon-and-it-nearly-killed-us |url-status=live }} Destructoid writer James Stephanie Sterling was critical of Dragonite for being cute instead of fearsome, further criticizing it as a downgrade from Dragonair, who they found awesome instead of a disappointment like Dragonite.{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/thirty-rubbish-pokemon-red-blue-edition/ |title=Thirty rubbish Pokemon: Red/Blue edition |work=Destructoid |last=Sterling |first=James Stephanie |date=June 26, 2008 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323015732/https://www.destructoid.com/thirty-rubbish-pokemon-red-blue-edition/ |url-status=live }} TheGamer writer Jon Eakin felt that the switch didn't make sense, believing that Dragonite was more similar to Charizard than Dragonair or Dratini.

Dragonite is considered a particularly powerful Pokémon. Parade Oliver Brandt writer considered Dragonite one of the best Pokémon, attributing it to both its cuteness and power.{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/top-30-most-powerful-pokemon-205300897.html |title=The 25 Best Pokémon Of All Time |work=Parade |last=Brandt |first=Oliver |date=August 8, 2023 |accessdate=February 28, 2025}} In Red and Green, Dragonite was considered a threatening Pokémon due to its use of Wrap which, in these games, rendered the opponent unable to attack during this.{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/01/14/143148.html |title=『ポケモンSV』"まきつくカイリュー"が再ブーム！？初代のトラウマが蘇るトレーナーも… |work=Inside Games |last=Otsuka |first=Sawadee |date=January 14, 2023 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=March 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324121758/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2023/01/14/143148.html |url-status=live }} USA Today writer Cian Maher considered Dragonite his favorite Dragon-type, as well as one of his favorite Pokémon of all time. He believed that it was a consistently strong Pokémon, as well as having significant appearances in the anime and side games.{{cite web |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/pokemon-best-dragon-types |title=The top ten Dragon Pokémon, ranked |work=USA Today |last=Maher |first=Cian |date=January 18, 2022 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002054828/https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/pokemon-best-dragon-types |url-status=live }} Emily Morrow stated that it was as close to a Legendary as a non-Legendary could, noting that Lance's Dragonites in FireRed and LeafGreen were among the more powerful opponents. In their "Pokémon of the Day" series, IGN staff felt that, despite it being powerful, it was an overrated Pokémon. They stated that its moves are powerful, noting though that its Dragon/Flying typing made it vulnerable to Ice-type moves. They argued that it was a popular Pokémon, though stating that its high level of popularity was a turnoff.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/17/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-dragonite-149-386403 |title=Pokemon of the Day: Dragonite (#149) |work=IGN |date=February 17, 2003 |accessdate=February 28, 2025 |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825144753/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/17/pokemon-crystal-version-pokemon-of-the-day-dragonite-149-386403 |url-status=live }}

{{reflist|2}}

• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/dragonite Dragonite on Pokemon.com]
• {{Bulbapedia}}

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon}}

Category:Dragon characters in video games

Category:Pokémon introduced in generation I

Category:Video game bosses

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996

Category:Video game characters who can move at superhuman speeds

Category:Video game characters with air or wind abilities