To watch Hunter x Hunter in its entirety and chronological order, begin with the 1999 series (if desired), proceed to the 2011 series, and then conclude with the two movies, Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission, placed after the Greed Island Arc in the 2011 series timeline. This ensures you experience the complete Hunter x Hunter story as intended by the creators.
Why Order Matters: Following Gon’s Journey
The appeal of Hunter x Hunter lies in its carefully crafted narrative, character development, and power progression system. Watching the series and movies in the correct order is crucial to fully appreciate these elements. Each arc builds upon the previous one, introducing new characters, concepts, and challenges for Gon and his friends. Skipping or watching content out of sequence can lead to confusion, spoilers, and a diminished overall experience. Understanding the Nen system, the intricacies of the Hunter Association, and the motivations of key antagonists all depend on experiencing the story as it unfolds. The movies, while not strictly canon, offer valuable insights into characters and add further depth to the Hunter x Hunter universe.
The Definitive Hunter x Hunter Viewing Order
This is the ideal order to experience the complete Hunter x Hunter saga:
- Hunter x Hunter (1999 Series): Consisting of 62 episodes, this adaptation provides a foundation for the story, covering the Hunter Exam, Zoldyck Family, Heaven’s Arena, and the beginning of Yorknew City arcs. Note: It ends before the conclusion of the Yorknew City Arc. While visually dated compared to the 2011 version, it offers a different artistic style and some unique scenes.
- Hunter x Hunter (2011 Series): This is the definitive adaptation, encompassing 148 episodes. It remakes the first few arcs covered in the 1999 series with improved animation and a more faithful adaptation of the manga.
- Hunter Exam Arc (Episodes 1-21)
- Zoldyck Family Arc (Episodes 22-26)
- Heaven’s Arena Arc (Episodes 27-36)
- Yorknew City Arc (Episodes 37-58)
- Greed Island Arc (Episodes 59-75)
- Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (Movie 1): This movie should be watched after the Greed Island Arc but before the Chimera Ant Arc. It features original characters and explores Gon’s past. Although not considered strictly canon, it’s a fun addition to the Hunter x Hunter world.
- Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (Movie 2): This movie, like Phantom Rouge, is best viewed after the Greed Island Arc but before the Chimera Ant Arc. It delves into the darker side of the Hunter Association and introduces new Nen abilities. Again, while not strictly canon, it’s an enjoyable watch for fans.
- Hunter x Hunter (2011 Series) – Continuation:
- Chimera Ant Arc (Episodes 76-136)
- 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc (Episodes 137-148)
Detailed Breakdown of Each Section
The 1999 Series: A Nostalgic Beginning
The original Hunter x Hunter anime holds a special place for many fans. It was the first adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga and introduced audiences to the world of Hunters. While the animation style is dated by today’s standards, it retains a certain charm and features a unique soundtrack that many find appealing. However, it is incomplete, concluding before the Yorknew City Arc is finished.
The 2011 Series: The Definitive Adaptation
The 2011 Hunter x Hunter series is widely considered the definitive adaptation of the manga. With its modern animation, faithful storytelling, and excellent voice acting, it’s the preferred choice for most viewers. It covers a significant portion of the manga, including arcs that the 1999 series did not. This series is the backbone of your Hunter x Hunter viewing experience.
The Movies: Non-Canon Fun
The two Hunter x Hunter movies, Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission, offer additional adventures for Gon and his friends. While they are not considered canon (meaning they don’t directly affect the main storyline), they provide interesting character interactions and explore new aspects of the Hunter world. Placing them after the Greed Island Arc keeps them separate from the main storyline’s critical developments.
Understanding the Arcs
Each arc in Hunter x Hunter focuses on a specific storyline and introduces new challenges for Gon and his companions. It’s important to understand the context of each arc to fully appreciate the overall narrative. The Hunter Exam Arc introduces the main characters and their motivations, the Yorknew City Arc delves into the darker side of the Hunter world, the Greed Island Arc explores a virtual reality game, and the Chimera Ant Arc presents a formidable threat unlike anything Gon and his friends have faced before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the 1999 version necessary to watch the 2011 version?
No, the 1999 version is not essential to enjoy the 2011 version. The 2011 series retells the initial arcs with improved animation and a more faithful adaptation of the manga. You can start directly with the 2011 series without missing any crucial plot points.
2. Are the movies canon?
The movies are generally considered non-canon. They offer entertaining side stories but do not directly impact the main storyline presented in the manga and the 2011 anime series.
3. Where can I watch Hunter x Hunter?
Hunter x Hunter (both the 1999 and 2011 series) is available on various streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Netflix (depending on your region), and Hulu. You can also purchase physical copies of the series. The movies may also be available on these platforms or for rent/purchase on digital storefronts.
4. What is the difference between the 1999 and 2011 versions?
The main differences lie in the animation style, faithfulness to the manga, and the extent of the story covered. The 2011 version boasts modern animation, adheres more closely to the manga’s plot, and covers a larger portion of the story. The 1999 version has a different artistic style and some added scenes but ends before the conclusion of the Yorknew City Arc.
5. Should I watch the movies before or after the Chimera Ant Arc?
It’s recommended to watch the movies after the Greed Island Arc and before the Chimera Ant Arc. This placement avoids any potential spoilers and keeps the movies separate from the major plot developments of the Chimera Ant Arc.
6. Which version has better animation?
The 2011 version has significantly better animation than the 1999 version. The updated visuals and fluid movements enhance the viewing experience, especially during action sequences.
7. Are there any manga chapters that the 2011 anime did not cover?
Yes, the 2011 anime ends before the Dark Continent Expedition Arc in the manga. To continue the story beyond the anime, you’ll need to read the manga. However, note that the manga has been on hiatus for extended periods.
8. What makes Hunter x Hunter so popular?
Hunter x Hunter’s popularity stems from its well-developed characters, intricate Nen system, complex plot lines, and its ability to subvert genre tropes. The series tackles mature themes while maintaining a sense of adventure and camaraderie.
9. Is Hunter x Hunter suitable for children?
While it starts with a seemingly lighthearted tone, Hunter x Hunter delves into darker themes and features intense violence, particularly in later arcs like the Chimera Ant Arc. It’s generally recommended for teenagers and adults due to its mature content.
10. Is there an English dub for both series and the movies?
Yes, English dubs are available for both the 1999 and 2011 series, as well as the movies. Streaming platforms typically offer both the original Japanese audio with subtitles and the English dub.
11. Is there any news about a new season of the anime?
As of now, there is no official confirmation of a new season of the Hunter x Hunter anime. The production depends on the progression of the manga, which has been on hiatus for a considerable period.
12. If I can only watch one version, which one should I choose?
If you have to choose only one, opt for the 2011 series. It provides a more complete and visually appealing experience, covering a larger portion of the story and offering a faithful adaptation of the manga.