When you first get your starter Pokemon, it's an adorable first-stage Pokemon. By the end of the game, it's a larger, cooler, stronger version of itself. But before that happens, it spends a big chunk of time as a middle-stage Pokemon. Perhaps because they aren't the beginning or the end, these Pokemon don't always get the attention they deserve - which is why we're giving it to them, with a countdown of the best starter pokemon middle evolutions from every generation, ranked by you!
Are you a huge fan of Charmeleon and Wartortle? Vote them up! Can't stand Quilladin? Vote it down! The ranking is all up to you, so vote up your faves so that everyone knows how great they are.
One of the coolest things about Grovyle is its dexterity and speed in wooded areas. When it's leaping through the trees, no Pokemon can catch up with it no matter how fast they might be.
Wartortle's tail is prized as a symbol of longevity, likely because it can live for up to 10,000 years. It's unknown whether Squirtle and Blastoise can also live that long, or if this longevity is confined to the middle evolution.
Quilava basically looks like Cyndaquil with a longer body and a shorter nose. While its design might not be creative, it's among the most believable evolutions - and it's cute as heck.
When Charmander evolves, it leaves its adorable babylike appearance behind to become an aggressive, battle-loving beast. Charmeleon is more likely to shoot flames at its owner's face than be friendly, but hey, at least it's cool.
The leaves around Bayleef's neck have special properties. Anyone who smells them will feel invigorated and ready for battle. The scent can even be healing, though the extent of that ability is unknown.
When Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur, the bulb on its back begins to open up. As the flower grows, it loses its ability to stand on its hind legs, and its muscles grow stronger and thicker.