Why the Viewing Order Matters

The sprawling narrative of Hunter x Hunter spans multiple television adaptations, OVA series, and feature films. For someone stepping into this richly built universe, the sheer number of episodes and the existence of two separate anime versions can be overwhelming. A clear, intentional viewing order does more than just prevent confusion—it preserves the emotional weight of each arc, maintains pacing, and lets you experience Gon’s journey exactly as the storytellers intended. Without a guide, you risk accidentally watching filler that stalls momentum, overlapping arcs that rehash the same events, or missing pivotal character development that only appears in the OVA continuations. This breakdown eliminates all guesswork, mapping both the 1999 and 2011 series alongside the official OVA releases so you can choose a path that suits your taste while never losing the thread of Togashi’s masterpiece.

Every fan eventually asks the same questions: Should I start with the older version or the modern reboot? Do the OVAs replace episodes or add to them? And what exactly is “canon” in an adaptation that closely follows the manga but occasionally branches off? In this guide, you’ll find meticulously verified episode counts, a side-by-side look at both anime’s strengths, and two primary viewing routes—one streamlined for newcomers and one hybrid path for completionists who want to experience every frame of animation the franchise has produced.

The Tale of Two Adaptations: 1999 vs. 2011

Before mapping out the order, it’s essential to understand what each adaptation brings to the table. The original 1999 anime, produced by Nippon Animation, and the 2011 reboot by Madhouse are not merely two versions of the same story; they diverge significantly in tone, aesthetic, and narrative scope.

The 1999 Series – Atmosphere and Character Depth

The 1999 Hunter x Hunter is revered for its moody, hand-painted backgrounds, a slower pace that lingers on character moments, and a soundtrack that often leans into melancholic orchestration. It covers the Hunter Exam, Zoldyck Family, Heavens Arena, and Yorknew City arcs across 62 episodes before the broadcast concluded. This version invests extra time in quieter interactions—Gon’s growing bond with Killua, Kurapika’s inner turmoil, and the moral ambiguity of the Phantom Troupe—that many fans argue makes the Yorknew saga feel even more weighty. However, its run stopped before the Greed Island arc, leaving the story unfinished on television. The 1999 series also incorporates minor filler episodes and some original material, but all the major story beats remain faithful to the manga until episode 62.

Visually, the 1999 adaptation ages gracefully as a product of its era, with a muted color palette and character designs that closely mirror Togashi’s early art style. The voice acting in the original Japanese dub is especially praised for its raw emotion, and the English dub, while inconsistent in later OVA releases, has a dedicated following. If you value atmosphere over sheer volume of content, the 1999 series is a compelling entry point—but you’ll need the OVAs to continue past Yorknew.

The 2011 Reboot – Faithful Adaptation and Complete Sagas

Madhouse’s 2011 Hunter x Hunter is the definitive, all-in-one package for most modern viewers. Spanning 148 episodes, it adapts every arc present in the manga at the time of its production: from the very beginning through the Chairman Election arc, including the notoriously brutal Chimera Ant arc and the emotionally charged finale. The pacing is tighter, with fewer sidesteps, and the art direction is brighter and more dynamic, aligning with Togashi’s later manga style. The series maintains a remarkably consistent animation quality throughout its run, and the soundtrack by Yoshihisa Hirano delivers both high-energy battle themes and tender piano pieces.

While the 2011 version rushes through the first arc slightly compared to the 1999 series (condensing the Hunter Exam into fewer episodes), it more than compensates with the depth given to later arcs like Chimera Ant, which spans over 60 episodes. The English dub, produced by Viz Media, covers the entire series and is widely available on streaming platforms. For anyone who wants one continuous, complete experience without juggling different formats, the 2011 series is the cleanest choice. You can stream it in full on Crunchyroll or find it on Netflix in many regions.

Canon Episode List for Both Series

“Canon” refers strictly to material that directly adapts Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga without inventing new storylines or characters that alter the main narrative. Below are the canon episode ranges, stripped of any optional filler or recap specials. Note that the 1999 series includes some original scenes within canon episodes, but the core plot remains intact.

  • Hunter x Hunter (1999) – Canon Episodes: 1–62
  • Hunter x Hunter (2011) – Canon Episodes: 1–148

For the 1999 adaptation, episodes 1–62 encompass the first four story arcs: Hunter Exam (Episodes 1–31), Zoldyck Family (Episodes 32–36), Heavens Arena (Episodes 37–44), and Yorknew City (Episodes 45–62). There is no canonical filler block at the end of the 1999 run—the episode 63–75 “filler” sometimes cited in older guides is a mislabeling. In actuality, the Greed Island arc was continued not as part of the TV broadcast but through the OVA series.

The Role of Filler in the 1999 Adaptation

While the 1999 anime does not contain a lengthy filler arc after its finale, it does weave in standalone filler episodes and expanded scenes throughout its first 62 episodes. Most notably, Episode 17 (a lighthouse challenge) and Episode 22 (a shipboard crisis) are entirely original content designed to slow the pacing and develop character interactions. There are also a few recap episodes that summarize past events. These insertions are skippable without losing any crucial plot points, but some fans appreciate the extra breathing room they provide during the Hunter Exam phase. For a purely canon-only experience, you can safely bypass Episodes 17 and 22, as well as any episodes marked as recaps in episode guides. Just remember: skipping them does not create narrative gaps.

Inside the OVA Series: Greed Island and Greed Island Final

Once the 1999 television run ended, the story needed a bridge to continue. The Greed Island arc—one of the most inventive stretches of the manga, blending card-game mechanics with high-stakes combat—was produced as two separate OVA series. Together, they form a complete adaptation of that arc, and they are essential for viewers who started with the 1999 anime and wish to see what happens after Yorknew. Unlike the 2011 series, which integrates Greed Island seamlessly into its episode run (Episodes 59–75), the OVAs are the only way to experience the arc with the 1999 cast, art style, and musical score.

Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island OVA (8 Episodes)

This first OVA series adapts the beginning of the Greed Island arc, covering Gon and Killua’s entry into the deadly real-world game and the initial phase of collecting cards and forming alliances. It directly picks up from the emotional climax of Yorknew, making it mandatory viewing for continuity. The episode count is frequently misreported as 14, but that figure actually belongs to the second series. The Greed Island OVA consists of eight tightly paced episodes that introduce Bisky, the dodgeball match against Razor, and the mechanics of the game world.

Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island Final OVA (14 Episodes)

Following the first OVA, Greed Island Final delivers the arc’s back half, including the strategic showdowns with Genthru and his bombers, the completion of the game, and the long-awaited setup for the journey to the Dark Continent. These 14 episodes maintain the same production values and voice cast as the first OVA, providing a cohesive conclusion to the Greed Island storyline. For anyone using the 1999 series as their foundation, watching this OVA right after the first one is the only way to achieve a complete pre-Chimera Ant experience.

The Ultimate Hybrid Viewing Order (Completionist Path)

For the fan who wants to soak in every animated frame and experience the unique flavor of both adaptations, this hybrid path stitches everything together without repeated content. It starts with the emotional depth of the 1999 series, transitions through the OVAs, and then switches to the 2011 reboot for the arcs that never made it into the original anime. This is not the quickest route, but it’s the most immersive.

  1. Hunter x Hunter (1999) – Episodes 1–62

    Watch the entire original television run. Include or skip the filler episodes at your discretion. This will take you through the end of Yorknew City, where the 1999 series sets a powerful tone for the relationships between Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio.

  2. Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island OVA (8 episodes)

    Immediately transition to this OVA. It picks up the story right where episode 62 leaves off. No viewing gap exists—the OVA functions as a direct continuation with the same creative team.

  3. Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island Final OVA (14 episodes)

    Complete the arc with these 14 episodes. By the end, you’ll have fully wrapped the Greed Island saga in the 1999 aesthetic. The OVA ends at the exact narrative point where the Chimera Ant arc begins.

  4. Hunter x Hunter (2011) – Episodes 76–148

    Here you make the jump to Madhouse’s adaptation. Episode 76 of the 2011 series marks the start of the Chimera Ant arc. Since you’ve already seen Greed Island, there is no need to watch Episodes 59–75 of the 2011 version. This crossover point allows you to experience the remaining arcs—Chimera Ant, Chairman Election—with the 2011 series’ high production values and complete English dub availability. The tonal shift from the OVAs to the 2011 series is noticeable but not jarring; the storytelling remains consistent because both follow the same manga source.

This path results in a total viewing experience that respects the history of the franchise while ensuring you miss none of the later, critically acclaimed sagas. Note that you can also watch the two non-canon movies, Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission, at any point after finishing the Yorknew arc, but they are not part of the core story.

If you prefer simplicity and want the most consistent visual and narrative experience, simply watch Hunter x Hunter (2011) from Episode 1 through Episode 148. This path requires no shifting between formats, no worrying about filler, and no missing arcs. Every canon beat of the manga through the Election arc is present, and the direction is unified under one studio. The faster pacing of the early arcs might feel rushed compared to 1999, but it allows the series to reach the meat of the Chimera Ant arc without losing momentum. This route also makes it easy to follow with modern streaming services—you can pull up the entire series on Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Netflix and press play. For an even deeper dive, you can later revisit the 1999 version and OVAs to appreciate the tonal differences without it being a prerequisite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the 1999 OVAs necessary if I’m only watching the 2011 series?

No. The 2011 series fully covers the Greed Island arc, so the OVAs are redundant for that path. They exist solely as a continuation for those who started with the 1999 anime.

Can I skip the filler episodes in the 1999 series?

Absolutely. Filler episodes like 17 and 22, as well as recap episodes, do not affect canon continuity. Skipping them tightens the pacing. If you choose the hybrid order, you can stick strictly to the plot-essential episodes without any downside.

Where do the movies fit in the viewing order?

Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission are non-canon side stories. For context, Phantom Rouge can be watched after the Yorknew City arc (post-episode 62 of 1999 or post-episode 58 of 2011). The Last Mission fits best after the Greed Island arc. Neither impacts the main story, so treat them as optional extras.

What about the manga? Is that the most canon source?

Yes. Yoshihiro Togashi’s original manga, which began serialization in 1998 and continues today, is the definitive canon. Both anime adaptations follow the manga closely but compress some scenes and add anime-only details. For the purest experience, reading the manga alongside or after watching the anime is highly recommended. The official Viz Media translation is available digitally.

Is there a filler guide for the 2011 series?

The 2011 series contains almost no filler. Episodes 13 and 26 are recap episodes, and Episode 75.5 exists as a recap special. You can skip those without missing any canon story. Beyond that, every episode directly adapts manga content.

Choose Your Adventure

Hunter x Hunter rewards patience and a carefully chosen route. The hybrid order suits those who want the atmospheric richness of the 1999 production and the complete narrative closure of the 2011 reboot. The 2011-only order is the no-fuss, modern route that delivers a breathtaking, self-contained saga. Either way, you’re embarking on one of anime’s most layered journeys—a story that constantly reinvents itself, challenges its characters, and refuses to follow expected shonen conventions. The correct order simply ensures you get the full impact of every betrayal, every alliance, and every moment of transcendent storytelling that has made Hunter x Hunter an enduring masterpiece.

Whichever path you pick, remember that the heart of the series lies in Gon’s unwavering curiosity and the bonds he forms along the way. Take your time, savor the arcs, and don’t be afraid to revisit scenes that hit differently after the bigger truths are revealed. For the most comprehensive episode-by-episode breakdown, you can always consult the extensive episode guides on Wikipedia or fan wiki resources. Now, the only thing left to do is start watching.