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. While the games remain the true heart of the series, a growing library of anime films, television series, and a live-action movie give 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.

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.

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.

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 as they explore a world threatened by a mysterious black blight that drives monsters into a frenzy.

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) delivers bright, fluid action sequences that make monster battles stand out. 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.

You can stream Monster Hunter Stories: Ride On on Crunchyroll, where both subbed and dubbed versions are available.

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.

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 veteran hunters 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—making it a treat for longtime fans.

While a bit light on character development, 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. 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. 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.

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. Bookmark the official Monster Hunter website for the latest news.

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.

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, but 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, and her chemistry with Tony Jaa grounds the otherwise fantastical story.

The film received mixed reviews but found an audience among action fans. It serves as a popcorn-friendly entry point for those unfamiliar with the franchise, though it doesn’t try to replicate the games’ methodical hunting loop. If you approach it as an alternate-universe take, it’s an entertaining ride. 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.

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.
  • 2. Monster Hunter (2020) — The live-action film. Approach it after the anime series to compare tones.
  • 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.
  • 4. Monster Hunter: The Animated Series (TBA) — Likely to be the most polished and lore-accurate animated project. Slot it in once it releases.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 4. Monster Hunter: The Animated Series — Likely set in the main hunting universe; details will confirm its placement.

Most viewers will find the release order the smoothest introduction, while hardcore fans may enjoy slotting Legends first to see the earliest canonical hunt.

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).
  • Monster Hunter: Legends of the Guild — Exclusively on Netflix.
  • Monster Hunter (2020) — Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and other digital storefronts.
  • Monster Hunter: The Animated Series — Platform TBA; check Capcom’s site for updates.

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.

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.

Will there be a sequel to the 2020 movie?

Despite a sequel tease and input from Capcom, a second live-action film has not been confirmed. Director Paul W.S. Anderson has expressed interest, but no production start date has been announced.

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.