The Hunter x Hunter universe boasts a complex timeline, and while the movies aren’t considered strictly canon, they offer enjoyable side stories. To watch the Hunter x Hunter movies in order, follow this simple sequence after completing the relevant portions of the anime series: watch Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge first, then Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission.
The Correct Order: Anime First, Then the Movies
Understanding where the Hunter x Hunter movies fit within the broader anime narrative is crucial for the best viewing experience. The movies contain characters and abilities that are introduced in the anime, and watching them beforehand might lead to spoilers or a lack of context.
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Prioritize the Anime: Before diving into the movies, dedicate time to watching the Hunter x Hunter (2011) anime adaptation. This ensures you’re familiar with the characters, Nen abilities, and the overarching storyline.
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Chronological Order of Movies: After familiarizing yourself with the characters and worldbuilding of the Hunter x Hunter anime, the movies themselves are best watched in chronological release order.
Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013)
This movie introduces Omokage, a former member of the Phantom Troupe, and focuses on Kurapika’s quest for revenge against the Troupe while also dealing with new threats. It’s a standalone story, but familiarity with the Phantom Troupe arc in the anime is essential for full enjoyment.
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Placement in the Timeline: Watch Phantom Rouge after completing the Yorknew City arc in the anime (episodes 37-58). This ensures you’re familiar with the Phantom Troupe and Kurapika’s motivations.
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Synopsis: Kurapika must rescue his childhood friend, Pairo, whose eyes have been stolen by Omokage. The movie explores Kurapika’s past and delves deeper into his connection to the Kurta Clan massacre.
Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2013)
The second Hunter x Hunter movie introduces a shadowy organization known as “Shadow,” whose members wield a dark form of Nen known as “On.” It involves a past conflict between the Hunter Association and “Shadow” and explores Chairman Netero’s past.
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Placement in the Timeline: Watch The Last Mission after the Greed Island arc in the anime (episodes 59-75). While technically it could be viewed slightly later, after the Chimera Ant arc is ideal, understanding the state of the main characters is essential.
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Synopsis: Gon and Killua become entangled in a conflict between the Hunter Association and “Shadow,” forcing them to confront powerful opponents and uncover the secrets of the past.
The Importance of Context
Understanding the narrative context is paramount. The movies, while standalone, heavily rely on pre-existing character relationships and plot points. Ignoring the anime can lead to a disjointed and confusing viewing experience.
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Character Development: The movies assume a certain level of character familiarity. You’ll miss nuances and emotional impacts if you haven’t witnessed the characters’ journeys in the anime.
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Nen Abilities: The understanding of Nen is fundamental to enjoying the battles in the movies. The anime thoroughly explains Nen concepts, which are briefly touched upon in the movies.
FAQs: Demystifying the Hunter x Hunter Movie Order
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the viewing order and address common concerns:
FAQ 1: Are the Hunter x Hunter Movies Canon?
Neither Hunter x Hunter movie, Phantom Rouge or The Last Mission, is considered canon to the main storyline of the Hunter x Hunter manga or the 2011 anime adaptation. They are considered non-canon side stories.
FAQ 2: Where can I watch the Hunter x Hunter movies?
Availability varies by region, but the movies are typically found on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and sometimes Netflix. You can also find them on Blu-ray and DVD.
FAQ 3: Do I need to watch the 1999 Hunter x Hunter anime before the movies?
No, it is recommended you watch the 2011 anime adaptation instead. While the 1999 version covers a similar storyline, the 2011 version is generally considered the definitive adaptation and the movies align better with its character designs and overall aesthetic.
FAQ 4: Will I be lost if I watch the movies before the anime?
Yes, you likely will be. The movies assume you have prior knowledge of the characters, Nen abilities, and the world of Hunter x Hunter. Watching the anime first provides the necessary context.
FAQ 5: Is there a significant difference in quality between the two movies?
Opinions vary, but generally, Phantom Rouge is considered to be slightly better received than The Last Mission due to its focus on Kurapika and its exploration of his backstory. Both are considered fun but ultimately not essential viewing.
FAQ 6: Do the movies introduce any new characters that appear later in the anime?
No. The characters introduced in the movies are largely confined to those storylines and do not appear in the main Hunter x Hunter canon.
FAQ 7: What if I don’t like the Phantom Troupe or Kurapika? Should I still watch Phantom Rouge?
While the movie heavily features Kurapika and the Phantom Troupe, it’s still a Hunter x Hunter story with action, Nen battles, and themes of friendship. However, if you strongly dislike these elements, you might not enjoy it as much.
FAQ 8: Is it necessary to watch the movies for a complete Hunter x Hunter experience?
No, the movies are not necessary for a “complete” experience. They are optional side stories that add extra content for fans who enjoy the series. The main storyline is fully contained within the manga and the anime.
FAQ 9: Are there any post-credit scenes in the movies?
It’s advisable to check for post-credit scenes, as some anime movies include bonus content after the main credits. Search online beforehand to avoid missing anything.
FAQ 10: Are the movies dubbed in English?
Yes, both Hunter x Hunter movies have been dubbed in English. Check the availability of English dubs on your chosen streaming platform or physical media.
FAQ 11: Where does the 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter fit in to all of this?
The 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter is an alternative anime adaptation of the same manga material. It covers a portion of the story, ending around the Greed Island arc (though shorter than the 2011 version). Its existence is separate from the movies, which are based on the characters and world of the main manga storyline.
FAQ 12: Are there any plans for future Hunter x Hunter movies?
As of this writing, there are no announced plans for any further Hunter x Hunter movies. The focus remains on the manga (currently on hiatus) and the existing anime adaptation.