Capcom’s Monster Hunter franchise has spent nearly two decades building one of the most immersive and beloved action RPG worlds in video game history. With over 88 million units sold worldwide as of 2024, the series has grown from a niche Japanese hit into a global cultural phenomenon. While the games remain the true heart of the series—each new installment like Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise pushing the boundaries of cooperative hunting—a growing library of anime films, television series, and a live-action movie gives fans and curious newcomers new ways to experience the thrill of the hunt. Knowing where to begin, which releases are worth your time, and how they connect to the larger lore can be tricky. This guide lays out every major Monster Hunter animated and live-action adaptation, then walks you through the best viewing order so you can enjoy the Monster Hunter cinematic universe without missing a beat.

The Monster Hunter Universe at a Glance

Before jumping into the visual media, it helps to understand the foundation. The core games drop players into a vibrant, untamed world where humans coexist with colossal monsters. You play as a hunter who tracks, traps, and slays these creatures while gathering resources to craft better gear. The series is famous for its cooperative multiplayer, deep crafting systems, and a sense of ecology that makes every battle feel like part of a living ecosystem. Each monster has unique behaviors, weaknesses, and territorial patterns—hunting isn’t just about swinging a giant sword; it’s about studying your prey, preparing the right items, and working as a team to bring down beasts that could crush you with a single step.

Over time, Capcom expanded the franchise into spin-offs such as Monster Hunter Stories, which offers a more colorful, RPG-focused take complete with monster befriending mechanics. The anime and film adaptations draw from both the mainline titles and the Stories branch, so understanding this split helps when choosing where to start. The mainline games (numbered titles, plus World and Rise) emphasize hunting and crafting, while the Stories sub-series replaces slaying with taming—players become “Riders” who bond with monsters and ride them into battle. This philosophical difference carries directly into the anime adaptations.

Anime Adaptations: A Hunter’s Guide

Monster Hunter anime projects range from a full-length TV series to a Netflix CGI film and a forthcoming animated series. While each tells a self-contained story, they share the same DNA—tense monster hunts, camaraderie, and a deep respect for the game’s lore. The animation styles vary from traditional cel-shading to modern CGI, but all strive to capture the scale and danger of facing creatures like Rathalos and Diablos.

Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On (2016–2018)

Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On is a 75-episode anime series based on the Monster Hunter Stories spin-off game for Nintendo 3DS. Instead of slaying monsters, the story follows young riders who form bonds with monsters and raise them as companions. The show centers on Lute, a cheerful aspiring rider, and his monster partner Navirou—a talking Felyne with a mischievous streak—as they explore a world threatened by a mysterious black blight that drives monsters into a frenzy. The blight, called the “Kin” in the game, is the central mystery; Lute and his friends must uncover its origin while battling corrupted beasts and rival riders.

This series is ideal for younger audiences and anyone who enjoys a more narrative-driven approach. It adapts the game’s plot while adding original characters and arcs that flesh out the world. Animation studio David Production (known for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Fire Force) delivers bright, fluid action sequences that make monster battles stand out. The show also introduces popular monsters like the Tigrex, Lagiacrus, and Zinogre, each rendered with careful attention to their game counterparts. While Ride On sits in a separate canon from the mainline hunting games, it introduces the Rider philosophy that later influenced Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, which itself received a manga adaptation—but no anime sequel yet.

You can stream Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On on Crunchyroll, where both subbed and dubbed versions are available. The English dub features a lively cast, but purists may prefer the original Japanese audio for the authentic vocal performances of characters like Navirou.

Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild (2021)

Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild is a 58-minute CGI anime film that premiered on Netflix. Set before the events of Monster Hunter World, it tells the origin story of Aiden, a self-taught young hunter who must protect his remote village from a migrating elder dragon. Aiden later appears in the game as the Excitable A-Lister—a fan-favorite NPC who fights alongside the player during World’s climactic moments against Xenojiva. The film’s opening sequence shows Aiden as a child watching a Rathalos attack, sparking his obsession with hunting. Years later, he trains alone, using makeshift traps and crude weapons until he encounters veteran hunters Julius and Nadia, who take him under their wing.

Produced by Pure Imagination Studios and animated in a style faithful to Capcom’s game cinematics, the film captures the tension of a high-stakes hunt. The story moves swiftly as Aiden teams up with Julius and Nadia to fell a deadly Velocidrome and then face the true threat: an ancient Lunastra. The movie respects the games’ rules—traps, elemental weaknesses, and team roles all matter. Aiden learns to use a flash pod to blind a monster, plant bombs on a sleeping beast, and sharpen his weapon mid-battle. These details make it a treat for longtime fans who know the mechanics. The fight choreography mirrors actual gameplay: hunters roll to dodge, use the environment for cover, and coordinate attacks like a real party.

While a bit light on character development—Julius and Nadia feel like archetypes rather than fully rounded individuals—Legends of the Guild works as a tight prequel that enriches Monster Hunter World’s narrative. It also introduces newcomers to the guild structure and the mounting dread that comes with an elder dragon on the rampage. The musical score borrows themes from the game, adding to the authenticity. You can watch it exclusively on Netflix.

Monster Hunter: The Animated Series (Upcoming)

In 2022, Capcom and Pure Imagination Studios announced a new Monster Hunter animated series for a global audience, with the working title Monster Hunter: The Animated Series. Details remain scarce, but early reports suggest it will follow an original cast of hunters and explore iconic environments directly inspired by the games—the Ancient Forest, the Wildspire Waste, the Coral Highlands, and possibly locales from Monster Hunter Rise like the Shrine Ruins. With Pure Imagination’s experience from Legends of the Guild, expectations are high for a visually faithful adaptation that captures the series’ blend of giant monsters and tactical combat. The announcement also hinted at a deeper narrative focus, possibly weaving together multiple story arcs from the games, such as the Elder Crossing or the Rampage.

No release date has been confirmed yet, though production updates hint at a possible 2025 premiere. Series creator information and casting are still under wraps. When it arrives, it will likely land on a major streaming platform like Netflix or Amazon Prime, given Capcom’s existing partnerships. Fans are hoping for a serialized story that mirrors the game’s progression—starting with low-rank monsters like Great Jagras and building toward elder dragons like Kushala Daora. Bookmark the official Monster Hunter website for the latest news, and keep an eye on Capcom’s social channels for teasers.

Live-Action Film: Monster Hunter (2020)

The first and currently only live-action Monster Hunter movie arrived in 2020, written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich. In it, U.S. Army Ranger Captain Artemis and her squad are pulled through a portal into a harsh desert world teeming with creatures straight out of the games. Stranded without modern technology, Artemis must learn to survive alongside a mysterious hunter (played by Tony Jaa) and battle monsters ranging from the sand-swimming Diablos to the fire-breathing Rathalos. The film’s opening sequence shows the massive scale of the monsters—the Diablos eruption from the sand is genuinely intimidating, and the Rathalos aerial attack is a CGI spectacle.

Anderson, best known for the Resident Evil film series, takes significant creative liberties. The movie introduces an ancient civilization and a dimensional rift, which veers far from the games’ ecological focus. Purists might wince at the military framing and dialogue—Artemis’s squad carries modern rifles and grenades, which feel out of place in a world where hunters rely on bone and steel. However, the film delivers on its promise of colossal monster brawls, with the Rathalos fight in particular offering a satisfying spectacle. Jovovich’s Artemis gradually adopts hunter tactics—she learns to use a bow and arrow, craft armor from monster parts, and even ride a Rathalos at the climax. Her chemistry with Tony Jaa grounds the otherwise fantastical story; Jaa’s character speaks only in the invented Monster Hunter language, and their physical performances compensate for the language barrier.

The film received mixed reviews: on Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at a 44% critics score but a 70% audience score, indicating that viewers generally enjoyed it more than critics did. It earned $42 million worldwide on a $60 million budget, making it a modest box office disappointment. Yet it found an audience among action fans and die-hard Monster Hunter players who appreciated the Easter eggs—the Canteen, the Palico companion, and the famous “Proof of a Hero” theme playing during the finale. If you approach it as an alternate-universe take, it’s an entertaining ride. The post-credits scene teases a potential sequel involving a white fatalis, but no follow-up has been confirmed. Monster Hunter (2020) is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and other digital retailers.

How to Watch in Order: Chronological or Release?

Deciding the best viewing order depends on whether you want to follow the in-universe timeline or experience the productions as they were released. Both approaches have merit, especially because the adaptations live in separate continuities. The table below summarizes the key differences.

ApproachProsCons
Release OrderShows evolution of technology and storytelling; easier to track availabilityMixed canon can confuse newcomers
Chronological OrderBuilds lore connection; fits game timelineScatters separate canons; “Ride On” doesn’t align

Watching in release order lets you appreciate how the franchise’s multimedia presence evolved and how each title builds on available technology and storytelling trends.

  • 1. Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On (2016–2018) — The longest and most story-driven entry. Watch this first to settle into the world’s lighter side. It establishes the Rider lore and gives context to the monster-bonding theme.
  • 2. Monster Hunter (2020) — The live-action film. Approach it after the anime series to compare tones. It’s a self-contained action blockbuster that requires no prior knowledge.
  • 3. Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild (2021) — The CGI film that ties directly into Monster Hunter World. Save it for when you want a more faithful game-like experience. It benefits from familiarity with the game’s mechanics.
  • 4. Monster Hunter: The Animated Series (TBA) — Likely to be the most polished and lore-accurate animated project. Slot it in once it releases. Expect this to bridge the gap between the movie and the games.

Chronological Order (For Lore Enthusiasts)

If you want to trace the timeline as it aligns with the games, here’s how the pieces fit together—acknowledging that Ride On and the live-action film exist in separate canons.

  • 1. Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild — Takes place before Monster Hunter World. This is the earliest narrative in the main game timeline. Watch it first to see Aiden’s origin and understand the guild system.
  • 2. Monster Hunter (2020) — An alternate reality where the modern world collides with the Monster Hunter universe. Its timeline is self-contained, but you can place it after Legends if you want a logical flow of escalating stakes—from primitive monsters to modern military clashes.
  • 3. Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On — Set in a separate universe focused on riders, not hunters. Because it’s its own canon, chronology doesn’t matter as much, but watching it early gives context before the next main series stories. Some fans place it between Legends and the live-action film just for variety.
  • 4. Monster Hunter: The Animated Series — Likely set in the main hunting universe; details will confirm its placement. It may pick up after the events of Monster Hunter World or Rise.

Most viewers will find the release order the smoothest introduction, while hardcore fans may enjoy slotting Legends first to see the earliest canonical hunt. There’s no right answer—pick the order that sounds most fun to you.

Where to Stream Every Monster Hunter Title

Tracking down these adaptations is straightforward once you know which platforms hold the rights. Here’s a quick reference:

  • Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On — Stream on Crunchyroll (sub and dub). The entire series is available in both languages.
  • Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild — Exclusively on Netflix. It’s a Netflix original in many regions.
  • Monster Hunter (2020) — Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, YouTube, and other digital storefronts. Physical Blu-ray and 4K discs are also available from major retailers.
  • Monster Hunter: The Animated Series — Platform TBA; check Capcom’s site for updates. Likely to debut on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

For fans in regions where Crunchyroll or Netflix may not carry the titles, VPN services can help access the correct catalog. Physical media remains an option for the live-action film, which is widely available on disc.

Other Monster Hunter Media Worth Knowing

Beyond the major anime and film adaptations, the franchise has produced several niche spin-offs and short-form content that enrich the world.

Monster Hunter Nikki: Poka Poka Airu Mura (2010)

This is a series of short, comedic episodes focused on the cute Felyne companions—the cat-like creatures that assist hunters in the games. The show follows the daily life of a Felyne village, filled with slapstick humor and light adventure. It’s more a curiosity than essential viewing, but if you love the Palicoes from the games, these shorts are a fun way to spend 30 minutes. They were originally released as bonus content on the Japanese Nintendo Wii.

Manga Adaptations

Multiple Monster Hunter manga exist, including Monster Hunter: Flash Hunter and Monster Hunter Orage. These are primarily text-based adaptations that expand on game stories. While no anime version exists, reading them can deepen your appreciation for the lore. Flash Hunter is particularly praised for its realistic depiction of hunting tactics and team dynamics.

Monster Hunter Movie Short Films

In 2021, Capcom released a series of 3D animated shorts titled Monster Hunter: Blades of the Sky to promote Monster Hunter Rise. These silent films showcase breathtaking aerial combat against monsters like the Magnamalo. They are available on YouTube and serve as excellent visual appetizers for the upcoming animated series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play the games before watching?

Not at all. Each adaptation is designed to stand on its own. That said, playing Monster Hunter World before Legends of the Guild adds a layer of nostalgia, and fans of Monster Hunter Stories will catch more references in Ride On. The live-action film requires zero game knowledge—it even explains the monsters’ weaknesses through in-universe logic.

Are there any other Monster Hunter anime or films I missed?

There are a couple of niche spin-offs. Monster Hunter Nikki: Poka Poka Airu Mura (2010) is a series of short, comedic episodes focused on the cute Felyne companions. It’s more a curiosity than essential viewing. Additionally, the manga Monster Hunter: Flash Hunter has no anime adaptation. If you’re interested in the live-action film, there’s also a brief post-credits scene hinting at a sequel, but nothing has been greenlit yet. Also, a Monster Hunter Rise animated short titled “The Legend of the 5” exists as a promotional piece.

Is there a post-credits scene in the 2020 movie, and does it set up a sequel?

Yes. After the credits, a scene shows a group of hunters from the game world discovering a portal that leads to the modern desert where Artemis fought. They encounter a new monster—a white Fatalis—implying a larger crossover threat. However, director Paul W.S. Anderson has stated that a sequel depends on fan interest and studio support. As of 2025, no production is underway.

Should I watch the anime before the live-action film?

It’s not necessary, but watching Ride On or Legends of the Guild first can help you understand the tone and lore. The live-action film shares more DNA with the games than with the anime—it features the same monster designs, but the story is much darker and more action-oriented. If you want a gentle introduction, start with Ride On. If you prefer gritty survival, jump into the live-action film.

Are all titles available in English dub?

Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On has a complete English dub, available on Crunchyroll. Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild is originally in English with a voice cast including Dante Basco. The live-action film is naturally in English. The upcoming animated series is expected to have a multi-language release. The Felyne shorts and manga are only in Japanese.

Bringing the Hunt to Your Screen

Monster Hunter’s jump from console to screen has produced a varied collection of stories that capture the franchise’s spirit in different ways. From the heartfelt rider adventures of Ride On to the gritty survival of the live-action film and the faithful monster showdowns of Legends of the Guild, there’s something here for every type of fan. By following this guide, you can chart a clear path through the series and experience the world of hunting giants without ever picking up a controller. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements—the animated series could soon become the definitive adaptation the community has been waiting for, and with Capcom’s continued support of the franchise, the hunting grounds on screen are only set to expand.