21. MEWTWO

Franchise / home series: Pokémon

Notable non-Smash games: Pokémon Red & Blue (1996); Pokémon: The First Movie (1998); Pokémon X & Y (2013, Mega Evolution)

Mewtwo debuted in Smash with Melee as a secret unlockable fighter, reflecting its role as a legendary, genetically engineered Pokémon. Initially, its inclusion surprised players given its boss-like stature in the Pokémon series, and it quickly developed a mystique due to its rarity and unique floaty playstyle.

In Smash, Mewtwo is characterized by long-reaching tail attacks, powerful psychic specials, and a light, floaty body. Shadow Ball, Confusion, and Teleport give it a mix of zoning, mix-ups, and evasive movement. While Mewtwo was considered low tier in Melee due to its size and survivability issues, its thematic presence as a powerful psychic entity remained compelling.

Mewtwo’s return as DLC in Smash for 3DS/Wii U and later as a base fighter in Ultimate came with numerous buffs and modernized animations, making it a much more viable threat. Its updated design and improved speed emphasized its identity as a glass-cannon powerhouse—fragile but terrifying when played well—cementing Mewtwo as a fan-favorite legendary Pokémon representative in Smash.