The world of Hunter x Hunter has captivated fans for decades, spanning manga, anime series, and, of course, feature films. There are two official Hunter x Hunter movies: Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission.
Understanding the Hunter x Hunter Film Universe
The Hunter x Hunter franchise is a sprawling universe filled with intricate lore, dynamic characters, and thrilling battles. While the anime adaptations faithfully follow Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, the movies offer self-contained stories, expanding on familiar themes and characters within a slightly altered continuity. Understanding their place within the broader Hunter x Hunter canon is key to appreciating them.
The Significance of Canon and Original Stories
The concept of canon is vital when discussing anime movies. While the anime series directly adapts the manga, most films often feature original storylines. Hunter x Hunter movies fall into this category. Though they feature beloved characters and reference established lore, they aren’t strictly part of the primary manga narrative. This allows for creative exploration while still retaining the spirit of the original series. Knowing this context is crucial for fans deciding whether to view them as essential viewing or enjoyable side stories.
Briefly Describing Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission
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Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013): This film centers around Kurapika and his pursuit of the remaining members of the Phantom Troupe, particularly focusing on a previously unknown member named Omokage, who stole Kurapika’s eyes. It explores themes of revenge, loss, and the unwavering bond between friends. The animation quality is noticeably higher than earlier parts of the 2011 anime series, contributing to the overall viewing experience.
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Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2013): This movie delves into the dark history of the Hunter Association and a group of hunters who embraced a forbidden form of Nen known as “On,” driven by resentment towards the Association. Gon and Killua face a formidable threat as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to tear the Hunter Association apart. This film offers more insight into the organization’s internal conflicts and ethical dilemmas.
Hunter x Hunter Movie FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions that will illuminate the nuances of Hunter x Hunter movies, providing a deeper understanding of their content, context, and availability.
FAQ 1: Are the Hunter x Hunter Movies Canon?
Answer: No, neither Phantom Rouge nor The Last Mission are considered canon to the main Hunter x Hunter storyline as presented in the manga. They are original stories created specifically for the films. While they feature familiar characters and locations, their events do not directly influence the primary narrative of the manga or the anime adaptations. They are best viewed as entertaining side stories that expand upon the Hunter x Hunter universe.
FAQ 2: Where Can I Watch the Hunter x Hunter Movies?
Answer: Availability varies depending on your region and streaming services. Both Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission have been available on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and potentially Netflix, but their availability can change due to licensing agreements. It’s best to check current listings on these streaming services in your region or look for physical releases on Blu-ray or DVD.
FAQ 3: When Do the Movies Take Place in the Hunter x Hunter Timeline?
Answer: Phantom Rouge likely takes place before the Greed Island arc of the anime, as Kurapika is still actively pursuing the Phantom Troupe. The Last Mission is generally assumed to occur after the Greed Island arc but before the Chimera Ant arc. However, as they are non-canon, their placement in the timeline is more speculative and doesn’t significantly impact the core story.
FAQ 4: Are the Movies Worth Watching?
Answer: That depends on your perspective. If you’re a die-hard Hunter x Hunter fan, they are definitely worth watching for the expanded character interactions, unique storylines, and impressive animation. However, if you are strictly focused on the canon story, they might not be as crucial. They offer an enjoyable extension of the Hunter x Hunter universe and provide more content featuring your favorite characters.
FAQ 5: Do I Need to Watch the Anime Series Before Watching the Movies?
Answer: Yes, it’s highly recommended to watch at least a significant portion of the Hunter x Hunter anime series before watching the movies. Familiarizing yourself with the characters, their abilities, and the world’s lore is essential to fully appreciate the movie’s plot and character dynamics. Watching through the Yorknew City arc is probably the minimum requirement.
FAQ 6: Do the Movies Adapt Any Manga Chapters?
Answer: No, the movies do not adapt any existing manga chapters. They are entirely original stories, conceived and written specifically for the cinematic format. This allows the filmmakers to explore new facets of the Hunter x Hunter universe and create unique scenarios for the characters to navigate.
FAQ 7: Which Movie is Considered Better: Phantom Rouge or The Last Mission?
Answer: This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Phantom Rouge often receives praise for its focus on Kurapika’s backstory and its visually stunning animation. The Last Mission, on the other hand, delves deeper into the Hunter Association’s history and presents a more complex plot. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s best to watch both and form your own opinion.
FAQ 8: Who are the Main Villains in the Hunter x Hunter Movies?
Answer: In Phantom Rouge, the main villain is Omokage, a former member of the Phantom Troupe with the ability to create lifelike puppets. In The Last Mission, the primary antagonists are the members of “Shadow,” a group of hunters wielding the dark Nen power of “On,” led by Jed.
FAQ 9: Do the Movies Feature Any New Characters?
Answer: Yes, both movies introduce original characters that are not present in the manga or anime series. Omokage in Phantom Rouge and the members of “Shadow” in The Last Mission are prime examples. These characters add new dynamics to the Hunter x Hunter universe and provide unique challenges for the main protagonists.
FAQ 10: Are the Movies Available with English Dubs?
Answer: Yes, both Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission are available with English dubs. These dubs typically feature the same voice actors as the English dub of the anime series, allowing for a consistent and familiar viewing experience for English-speaking audiences.
FAQ 11: Are There Any Plans for Future Hunter x Hunter Movies?
Answer: As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for any future Hunter x Hunter movies. The focus remains on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga and its potential continuation. However, given the popularity of the franchise, the possibility of future films should not be entirely ruled out. It depends heavily on the author’s progress and the overall market demand.
FAQ 12: Do the Movies Impact the Main Story in Any Way?
Answer: No, the movies have minimal impact on the main Hunter x Hunter story. They are self-contained narratives that do not alter the established canon. While they might offer some interesting insights into certain characters or organizations, they are not essential for understanding the core plot of the manga or the anime. They provide supplemental entertainment but do not change the overall direction of the Hunter x Hunter narrative.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Cinematic Side of Hunter x Hunter
While only two in number, the Hunter x Hunter movies offer a delightful, albeit non-canon, glimpse into the world created by Yoshihiro Togashi. They are worth exploring for dedicated fans, offering new stories, enhanced animation, and opportunities to connect with beloved characters in unique situations. Whether you consider them essential viewing or simply enjoyable side quests, these films contribute to the enduring legacy of Hunter x Hunter.