Hunter X Hunter, abbreviated by fans as “HxH”, sets itself apart from other shounen anime through its unique plot, unconventional storytelling, entertaining cast, and outstanding fight scenes.
Hunter X Hunter has an enrapturing universe composed of 6 outlandish continents, with a myriad of diverse creatures, mythical animals, and beautiful landscapes.
Apart from the world being appealing to the eye, the construction of the characters and how they were designed, contribute to why Hunter X Hunter leaves a lasting impression on anime fans.
Using a vibrant color palette and impressive animation, it’s no wonder it became a fan favorite of many anime fanatics.
But the representative feature however of this franchise is the presence of “Nen.” It is an ability that allows the user to manipulate and convert their life energy, otherwise known as “aura”.
Now, with all these intricate details mentioned, keep reading to start your streaming journey with HxH!
Hunter X Hunter Watch Order by Order of Events
There are two adaptations of the series, the 1999 version and the 2011 adaptation. The main difference between the two is the continuation of the storyline and the number of seasons.
The 1999 release only has one season, followed by condensed OVA, while the 2011 version has 6 seasons following the manga’s story arcs.
Moreover, the 2011 version continues to the next storyline, where the 1999 version was cut off.
Hence, we offer two watch orders for you to go through each adaptation without a hitch.
Watch Hunter X Hunter 1999 by Chronological Order of Events
The recommended way to watch the anime is to watch it through a chronological succession of events.
Starting from the first anime adaptation of the franchise in 1999, viewers will be introduced to the protagonist Gon Freecs and the other casts thereafter.
Watching the events that follow allows viewers to get into the world-building stage of HxH and be informed of important details of the plot and progress.
| Watch order | Hunter X Hunter (1999) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter X Hunter (1999) |
| 2 | Hunter X Hunter OVA 1: Spider (1999) |
| 3 | Hunter X Hunter OVA 2: Greed Island (1999) |
| 4 | Hunter X Hunter OVA 3: Greed Island Final (1999) |
Watch Hunter X Hunter 2011 by Order of Story Arc
The Hunter x Hunter franchise is divided into arcs that act as seasons. Unlike the 1999 version of HxH, the 2011 adaptation had fewer filler episodes and was more focused on the plotline.
| Watch Order | Hunter X Hunter (2011) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter Exam Arc: Episodes 1-26 |
| 2 | Heavens Arena Arc: Episodes 27-38 |
| 3 | Phantom Troupe Arc: Episodes 39-58 |
| 4 | Greed Island Arc: Episodes 59-75 |
| 5 | Chimera Ant Arc: Episodes 76-136 |
| 6 | Election Arc: Episodes 136-148 |
| 7 | Hunter x Hunter Movie: Phantom Rouge (2013) |
| 8 | Hunter x Hunter Movie: The Last Mission (2013) |
Should I Only Watch Hunter X Hunter 2011 and Skip 1999?
Some important details in 1999 were left out in 2011 in order to focus on other important details.
The 2011 reboot was made with the thought that fans had already seen the 1999 version. So it is best to watch the 1999 release first.
The storyline is not too far off but is just stretched in the 1999 version due to the slow progress of the manga.
However, the 2011 adaptation sticks closer to the original source material of the manga and has no fillers compared to the earlier version.
Are the Hunter X Hunter Movies Connected to the Main Plot?
In 2013, Hunter x Hunter released two movies; both are completely standalone, meaning it does not affect the main plot of the story.
If you have finished watching the 2011 adaptation, feel free to watch the movie, as it gives you more details and perspective.
But be warned, if you haven’t finished the series and plan to watch the movie, even if it is non-canon, there are still spoiler elements in it.
Where to Watch Hunter X Hunter (October 2022)
| US | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, Hulu |
| Canada | Netflix, Prime Video |
| UK | Funimation, Crunchyroll, Netflix |
| Australia | Funimation, Crunchyroll |
One thing to note is that not all seasons may be available to watch on only one streaming site.
Some streaming sites contain only a number of episodes or seasons. So, it is best to take note of the sites that have that particular season available to stream.
If one of the seasons or episodes is unavailable to watch in your country, then a VPN needs to be installed on your device or TV to be able to gain access.
Complete Summary of Hunter X Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is an action, adventure, fantasy, and shounen anime with elements of violence and sometimes graphic scenes.
Hence, if you can stomach watching those scenes or like action anime that does not censor the violence, then Hunter x Hunter is right for you.
Hunter x Hunter has two anime adaptations, one being in 1999 and the other in 2011. Because of the limited chapters being offered in the manga at the time, the 1999 version ended at the “Greed Island Arc.”
But, with additional materials published later on, a new version in 2011 was made as a reboot.
It is not a continuation of where the 1999 version left off, but an adaptation with new animation works that stick to the original storyline from the beginning.
| Hunter X Hunter (1999) | Hunter X Hunter (2011) | |
|---|---|---|
| # of Episodes | 92 | 148 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| Manga Canon Episodes | 1, 3, 8-10, 13-17, 21-25, 28-31, 35-45, 47-92 | 1-11, 14-25, 27-148 |
| Mixed Canon/ Filler Episodes | 4-6, 11-12, 26-27, 32-34, 46 | 12 |
| Filler Episodes | 2, 7, 18-20 | 13, 26 |
| Special Episodes (OVA) | 3 | 0 |
| Movies | 0 | 2 |
Hunter x Hunter was written and illustrated by mangaka artist Yoshihiro Togashi. The manga was first serialized and published in March 1998 in Shueisha’s shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump.
However, the consistency of the manga’s chapter production is inconsistent due to the constant hiatus. So understandably, the anime version of the manga will have no source material to adapt.
Is Hunter X Hunter Anime Coming Back?
There are approximately 6 seasons in the HxH anime series but unfortunately stopped its production in the year 2014.
Hunter X Hunter anime will soon return to our screens as Yoshihiro, the writer of HxH, has come back.
After 4 years of hiatus due to health reasons, he announced that the 37th volume of the manga would be published. Hence, an anime adaptation of the later chapters is not far off.
Read more: Hunter X Hunter Season 7 Latest News
Hunter X Hunter Anime Synopsis
Hunter X Hunter (1999)
1. Hunter X Hunter (1999)
| Media | Series |
| # of Episodes | 92 |
| Original Release | October 16, 19999 – March 31, 2001 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 8.6/10 |
The series starts off with Gon Freecss, a young, vibrant boy who aspires to be a “Hunter.” Ging left Gon when he was still a baby to pursue his dreams of becoming a hunter.
He wants to find his father after discovering that Ging, his estranged father, is still alive and has now become a legendary hunter.
Hunters are a group of elite individuals who dedicate themselves to completing dangerous missions and tasks.
Hunters are always up for a challenge, from walking into unfamiliar lands to finding unique items/artifacts and mystical creatures.
2. Hunter X Hunter OVA 1: Spider (1999)
| Media | OVA |
| # of Episodes | 8 |
| Original Release | January 17 – April 17, 2002 |
| Runtime | Approximately 20 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
It follows Kurapika, the Kurta Clan’s lone survivor, reunited with Gon and the others. Kurapika, and his quest for revenge against the Phantom Troupe, a.k.a the Spiders, was almost put to a stop.
However, he received crucial information about the troupe and that they were still alive and continued being ruthless killers and thieves.
Gon, Killua, and the rest decided to help Kurapika. They plan to capture a member of the Phantom Troupe whose abilities could have a potentially fatal effect on Kurapika.
3. Hunter X Hunter OVA 2: Greed Island (1999)
| Media | OVA |
| # of Episodes | 8 |
| Original Release | February 5 – April 16, 2003 |
| Runtime | Approximately 20 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4/10 |
Greed Island is a video game that Gon’s father took part in making. It is a game played in the “JoyStation” where it can transport its player’s physical body into the virtual world of Greed Island.
As amazing as the game is, it is also dangerous as it can also lead to real deaths. Gon and Killua attempted to get a copy of the game through purchase.
The duo is then trained to develop their skills and abilities to get a better chance of survival once transported into the game.
4. Hunter X Hunter OVA 3: Greed Island Final (1999)
| Media | OVA |
| # of Episodes | 14 |
| Original Release | February 18 – August 18, 2004 |
| Runtime | Approximately 20 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4/10 |
Greed Island Final is the sequel to the previous OVA. It presses on with the young duo Gon and Killua being trained by Biscuit, a double-star Hunter, in preparation for entering the game.
After hours of grueling training, Gon and Killua are ready for the challenges Greed Island has to offer. However, there are some unexpected dangers they will have to face.
Hunter X Hunter (2011)
1. Hunter Exam Arc: Episodes 1-26
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | October 2, 2011 – April 8, 2012 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 8.8/10 |
Aspiring Hunters from around the world are traveling to take the annual Hunter Examinations.
To become professional Hunters, the prospective Hunters will face a series of tests that will test their abilities and skills.
In this arc, the main casts of the series will be introduced, rivalries will be made, and friendships will be established. The spirit of competition will lead our young protagonists to strive to be on top and pass the Hunter examinations.
2. Heavens Arena Arc: Episodes 27-38
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | April 15 – July 8, 2012 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
Gon and Killua Zoldyck, a boy of the same age that Gon befriended during the Hunters Exams, made their journey towards Heavens Arena.
It is the fourth-tallest building in the HxH universe, standing at 991 meters tall. Moreover, it is a famous battle arena where competitors must fight to make their way up to the top of the building.
Gon and Killua entered the building to compete in hopes of earning some cash. While there, they met Wing, a Nen trainer and Kung-Fu instructor who taught the young duo about the properties of Nen.
3. Phantom Troupe Arc: Episodes 39-58
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | July 15 – December 9, 2012 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 9.5/10 |
This arc focuses on Kurapika, the last survivor of his massacred clan, the Kurta. He has embroiled himself with the mafia to retrieve the Crimson Eyes, otherwise known as Scarlet Eyes, of his murdered clan members.
The Scarlet Eyes are an exclusive trait of the Kurta Clan, which was treated as a rare but gruesome artifact. When activated, it has the capability to heighten and strengthen the properties of Nen.
Kurapika found out that the eyes were being sold at an auction in Yorknew City. Moreover, he discovered that the group responsible for his clan’s death was also there.
4. Greed Island Arc: Episodes 59-75
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | December 16, 2012 – April 14, 2013 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 9.0/10 |
Greed Island Arc focuses on Gon and Killua’s adventures as they try to get a hold of a game called “Greed Island.” It is a video game Gon’s dad helped in making.
Gon hoped to get some information about his father’s whereabouts using the game. Greed Island is played with “JoyStation,” a game console.
However, Greed Island is no ordinary game as it transports the player’s physical body into the game itself. So, if the player dies in the game, they are dead for good.
En route to the game, the duo stumbles upon a trio who kills players for their personal gain.
It is up to Gon, Killua, and Biscuit, a 57-year-old woman with a childlike appearance, to clear the game.
5. Chimera Ant Arc: Episodes 76-136
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | April 21, 2013 – July 2, 2014 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 9.8/10 |
This arc is the longest arc of HxH, and it follows when Gon and Killua come across Kite. He is a Hunter and a former student of Ging Freecs, Gon’s father.
They have been employed to investigate a weird-looking object that seems to have washed up on the shores of Neo-Green Life.
After retrieving the odd specimen, a genetic examination reveals that the object is a leg of a humongous Chimera Ant Queen. What follows is a Chimera Ant invasion, chaos ensues, and thousands of lives are taken.
6. Election Arc: Episodes 136-148
| Media | Series |
| Original Release | July 9 – September 24, 2014 |
| Runtime | Approximately 23 minutes per episode |
| IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
Isaac Netero is the former Head of the Exam Commission and the 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association.
He was said to be the strongest Hunter in the world but died after his earth-shattering solo battle with Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants.
With his death, the Chairman’s seat is empty, and a new individual must take his place. Hence, an election was declared to replace the deceased Netero.
7. Hunter x Hunter Movie: Phantom Rouge
| Media | Movie |
| Original Release | January 12, 2013 |
| Runtime | 1hr. 37 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, the four protagonists, are facing off with one of the most dangerous and violent criminal organizations in the HxH world called the “Phantom Troupe.” It is the same group that killed off Kurapika’s clan.
Kurapika, who still seeks to avenge his clan, continues his pursuit with the Phantom Troupe. All of a sudden, an anonymous group attacked him and stole his Scarlet Eyes.
Kurapika’s life was spared when Gon and the others came to his rescue. More hardships and obstacles will come Kurapika’s way as he upholds his quest for revenge.
8. Hunter x Hunter Movie: The Last Mission
| Media | Movie |
| Original Release | December 27, 2013 |
| Runtime | 1hr. 38 minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 6.6/10 |
The strongest and most prominent members of the Hunter’s Association were torn into two factions between “good” and “evil,” the light and the dark side.
The evil side continues to pillage and kill fellow Hunters, injuring Killua, and leaving Kurapika half-dead.
Morals and ethical values will be challenged, and the struggle to remain good will have Gon reeling in confusion.
Will he resort to evil to protect and save his friends? Or choose to remain what is deemed good, and do the limited options he’s been given.
Read more: Hunter X Hunter Nen Ranking System Explained