How to Watch Hunter X Hunter in Order: The Complete Guide

The masterpiece manga and anime, Hunter X Hunter has a lot of installments to showcase its story. From manga, anime, to movies, here’s how you watch it in order.

Hunter Exam pass
Candidates who passed the 287th Hunter Exam (Images via Madhouse Studio)

Gon’s adventure to be a hunter is long and treacherous, yet exciting at the same time. From his first encounter with other Hunter Exam candidates to the exploration of the Dark Continent, Gon’s journey is far from over. The manga just made a comeback after a two-year hiatus. So, if you’re planning to rewatch the anime or get into this franchise for the first time, it is just the right time.

Hunter X Hunter is a longstanding manga and anime title. It dates way back to 1998 when it got serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, and it’s older than some fans. The first anime adaptation made its debut in 1999. But then, it got a remake back in 2011. It was an attempt to bring the manga to life in a more accurate and faithful adaptation. And, it worked wonderfully.

The 2011 anime by Madhouse received universal praise. It was considered as one of the greatest anime adaptations at the time. Nowadays, its popularity stays at the top with a large fan base. So, if you’d like to catch up with this franchise, you might want to check out this Hunter X Hunter watch order.

Hunter X Hunter Watch Order

Gon Freecss hunter x hunter
Gon Freecss, the main protagonist (Images via Madhouse Studio)

Hunter X Hunter begins its story with Gon’s journey throughout the Hunter exam. This is a series of tests to determine whether or not a person is worthy to earn their title as a Hunter. After all, this profession comes with plenty of high-class privileges and equally high-stake risks. This arc should be the first one that you watch.

Alongside the anime adaptations, the franchise also has its own movies. Thankfully, it’s pretty simple to watch Hunter X Hunter (2011) in chronological order, here’s the complete list of Hunter X Hunter watch order:

  • Season 1 (Hunter Exam arc)
  • Season 2 (Heavens Arena arc)
  • Season 3 (Yorknew City arc)
  • Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rogue
  • Season 4 (Greed Island arc)
  • Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission
  • Season 5 (Chimera Ant arc)·        
  • Season 6 (Chairman Election arc)

As mentioned, there are a couple of movies that came after the anime. The Phantom Rogue explores Kurapika’s past and the group responsible for the massacre of his clan, the Phantom Troupe. Kurapika’s clan, the Kurta clan, has eyes that glow scarlet whenever they feel intense emotions. The eyes stay in this reddish color after their passing, and they are considered precious jewels by many.

The Last Mission follows the story of a group that used to be a part of the strongest roster of Hunter Association called The Shadow. However, this group experienced discrimination and violence pushed against them, and now they are on the move for payback. This movie explores the hidden truth behind Hunter Association that Netero doesn’t want you to know.

Do You Need To Watch the 1999 Hunter X Hunter Anime?

The 1999 Hunter X Hunter anime adaptation offers some character developments that might be not found in the 2011 version. Although the plot lines are essentially the same, the 1999 anime is worth checking out if you want a lot more plot details in the animated form. Unfortunately, it can be a bit finicky to find the 1999 Hunter X Hunter online.

However, it doesn’t necessarily mean the 2011 Hunter X Hunter is lacking when it comes to storytelling. If anything, the 2011 remake by Madhouse offers more watch time, with six seasons available. Also, the 1999 anime is not completely manga canon. So, in terms of accuracy, the 2011 adaptation does more justice to the source material.

Should You Watch Hunter X Hunter Movies?

Hunter X Hunter DVD Covers
DVD covers for The Last Mission and The Phantom Rogue (Images via Toho)

There are currently three movie adaptations of Hunter X Hunter. The first one was made in 1998 even before the debut of the first anime called Hunter X Hunter Pilot by Pierrot Studio. Following the 2011 remake, Toho produced Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rogue and Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission.

The two movies released after the 2011 anime are not considered canon but can give you more insight into the characters’ depth and backstory. Phantom Rogue and The Last Mission respectively, revolve around Kurapika’s clan story and the dark past of Hunter Association’s Chairman, Netero.

Anime movies often divert from the main plotline to showcase other characters’ backstories or to give a recap for an entire season. The two Hunter X Hunter movies are still enjoyable to watch, and they explore Kurapika’s and Netero’s characters. But, there are a few details that contradict Hunter X Hunter main storyline.

Where to Pick Up the Manga after Hunter X Hunter Anime (2011)

Hunter X Hunter manga covers
Manga covers for Hunter X Hunter volume 1 (left) and 38 (right) (Images via Shueshia)

The manga is currently covering the Succession Contest arc, which hasn’t got its anime adaptation. As of now, there are 68 chapters in it. If you have finished all the anime and want to jump back to Hunter X Hunter story, the plot picks up at chapter 340.

The story unravels with a new expedition to the Dark Continent, led by Netero’s son, Beyond. However, this expedition faced a slight obstacle after the V5 ordered it to be put to a halt. Not satisfied with this circumstance, Beyond seeks out the support of the Kakin Empire, a nation which is not affiliated with the V5.

This arc is by far the most complicated storyline in Hunter X Hunter. Not only does it dive deeper into the world’s political dynamic and issues but it also explores the role of Nen abilities and Kakin Empire’s Nen heritage.

Where to Watch Hunter X Hunter

Hunter profession
Hunter profession shot in Hunter X Hunter intro (Images via Madhouse Studio)

There are some services where you can watch Hunter X Hunter. If you’re looking for a marathon-watch experience, you can watch season 1 to 6 of Hunter X Hunter on Netflix and Hulu.

However, fans must keep in mind that sometimes some anime, including Hunter X Hunter, aren’t available to watch depending on the viewers’ locations. It can happen if your IP address is outside the licensed regions for viewing.

Conclusion

Hunter X Hunter is a longstanding title that has lived decades of popularity. The manga has gotten many adaptations including anime, a remake, and movies. The two versions of the anime have their own quirks, but the 2011 adaptation is more faithful to the source material. However, it never hurts to watch all of Hunter X Hunter installments if you are a fan of this franchise.



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