The Hunter x Hunter universe, renowned for its intricate plot and compelling characters, extends beyond the anime series into two captivating movies. To fully appreciate the narrative and avoid spoilers, it’s crucial to watch the movies in chronological order of their release: first, Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge, followed by Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission.
Unlocking the Hunter x Hunter Cinematic Experience
For devoted fans and newcomers alike, navigating the world of Hunter x Hunter can seem daunting. While the anime series provides the core experience, the movies offer compelling side stories that enrich the overall narrative. But understanding where these movies fit into the timeline is paramount. Watching them out of order can lead to confusion and spoil crucial plot points from the main series. This guide provides a definitive answer to the question of viewing order, along with expert insights and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Hunter x Hunter movie marathon.
The Correct Viewing Order
The key is understanding the release dates. Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge was released in 2013, while Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission followed in 2014. Watching them in this order guarantees the best flow and minimizes the risk of encountering unwanted spoilers.
- Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013)
- Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2014)
Diving Deeper: Movie Synopsis and Timeline Placement
Understanding the context of each movie allows for a richer viewing experience. Knowing approximately where they fit within the anime series timeline helps viewers appreciate the nuances and connections to the main story.
Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge
- Synopsis: This film delves into the past of Kurapika and reveals the identity of the original owner of his scarlet eyes, Omokage, a member of the Phantom Troupe who was erased from their memories. Gon and his friends must help Kurapika defeat Omokage and avenge his clan.
- Timeline Placement: Phantom Rouge is best viewed after the Yorknew City arc of the anime series. This ensures viewers are familiar with the Phantom Troupe and Kurapika’s backstory. Watching it before this point will spoil significant plot developments.
Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission
- Synopsis: This film introduces Jed, a former member of the Hunter Association who seeks revenge on the organization. Jed wields “On,” a dark form of Nen, and aims to plunge the world into chaos. Gon and Killua, along with other Hunters, must confront Jed and his followers to prevent the destruction of the Hunter Association.
- Timeline Placement: The Last Mission is best viewed after the Greed Island arc and before the Chimera Ant arc. This placement minimizes spoilers and allows viewers to fully appreciate the character development that occurs within those arcs. While chronologically it might slightly fit after the Chimera Ant arc specifically in the manga canon, the themes are more aligned with the pre-Chimera Ant mindset of the main characters, particularly Gon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions about the Hunter x Hunter movies, providing further clarification and helpful tips for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
FAQ 1: Will Watching the Movies Spoil the Anime Series?
Yes, watching the movies before reaching certain points in the anime series will spoil crucial plot points, especially those relating to Kurapika’s past and the Phantom Troupe. Adhering to the recommended viewing order outlined above is essential to avoid these spoilers.
FAQ 2: Are the Movies Canon?
The canonicity of the Hunter x Hunter movies is debated. While they don’t directly contradict the main storyline, they are largely considered non-canon side stories. They offer additional insight into character backgrounds and explore themes relevant to the series but are not essential to understanding the core narrative. Togashi, the creator of Hunter x Hunter, was involved in the creation of these movies but they are generally regarded as separate from the main manga storyline.
FAQ 3: Where Can I Watch the Hunter x Hunter Movies?
Availability varies depending on your region. Common platforms include streaming services like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Digital rentals and purchases through platforms like Google Play Movies and Apple TV are also options. Availability is subject to change, so it’s best to check your local streaming services and digital retailers.
FAQ 4: Are the Movies Available with English Dubbing?
Yes, both Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission are available with English dubbing. The quality of the dubbing is generally well-received by fans.
FAQ 5: Are Subtitles Available for the Movies?
Yes, both movies are available with subtitles in multiple languages, including English. This is ideal for viewers who prefer to watch the movies in their original Japanese audio.
FAQ 6: Are the Movies Worth Watching?
While not essential to the main plot, the Hunter x Hunter movies are worth watching for fans of the series. They offer additional character development, exciting action sequences, and explore themes relevant to the Hunter x Hunter universe. They provide a satisfying supplement to the core storyline.
FAQ 7: Do I Need to Have Read the Manga to Understand the Movies?
No, reading the manga is not required to understand the movies. However, being familiar with the anime series up to the specified points in the timeline is crucial. The movies build upon the established characters and concepts introduced in the anime.
FAQ 8: What is “On” in Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission?
“On” is presented as a dark and corrupted form of Nen. It is fueled by negative emotions like hatred and despair and grants the user immense power. Jed and his followers utilize “On” to challenge the Hunter Association.
FAQ 9: Are There Any Special Edition Blu-rays or DVDs of the Movies?
Special edition Blu-rays and DVDs of the movies are available, often including bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the voice actors, and art galleries. Availability may vary depending on the region.
FAQ 10: Is There Any Post-Credit Scene in the Movies?
While not a significant plot point, both movies contain brief post-credit scenes. These scenes offer a small, lighthearted epilogue to the main events of the film.
FAQ 11: How Long Are the Hunter x Hunter Movies?
Both Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission have runtimes of approximately 97 minutes, making them both feature-length films.
FAQ 12: Will There Be More Hunter x Hunter Movies?
As of now, there are no announced plans for future Hunter x Hunter movies. However, given the series’ popularity, the possibility of future cinematic installments remains. Fans continue to express their desire for more content.