Few anime series command the level of devotion that 'Hunter x Hunter' enjoys. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the manga started serialization in 1998 and quickly earned fame for its elaborate power systems, morally nuanced characters, and arcs that refuse to follow genre clichés. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who leaves his quiet island home to take the grueling Hunter Exam after learning that his supposedly deceased father is alive and is one of the most accomplished Hunters in the world. What begins as a straightforward quest snowballs into a sprawling saga about friendship, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity.

Because the series spans two separate TV adaptations, multiple OVAs, and a pair of theatrical films, figuring out how to watch it can seem confusing at first. Whether you are a complete newcomer or someone revisiting the material, this guide lays out the optimal path through the 'Hunter x Hunter' anime and its movies, so you can experience every major beat without filler-induced fatigue or continuity snags.

The Two Anime Adaptations

Before diving into episode orders, it helps to understand exactly what each version offers. There are two full-length 'Hunter x Hunter' anime productions: the 1999 series (plus its OVA sequels) and the 2011 reboot. Both have passionate fanbases, but they serve different purposes for today's viewer.

Hunter x Hunter (1999) & the OVAs

Produced by Nippon Animation and directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, this adaptation began airing in 1999 and ran for 62 episodes. It covers the Hunter Exam, Zoldyck Family, Heaven's Arena, and Yorknew City arcs. Three subsequent OVA series—spanning from 2002 to 2004—extended the story into the Greed Island arc, wrapping up with a total of 92 episodes when you count all the OVA entries. The 1999 version is known for its richer shading, a slightly darker atmosphere, and a soundtrack that leans into orchestral melancholy. It also introduces certain character moments through filler that some fans argue deepen the early relationships, particularly between Gon and Killua.

The main drawback is pacing and availability. The series pads several episodes with original content that can slow the narrative, and it ends right on the brink of the Chimera Ant arc—the most ambitious part of the story. Furthermore, tracking down the OVAs legally can be a challenge in many regions. For these reasons, the 1999 adaptation is often recommended as a companion experience rather than the primary entry point for new viewers.

Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Madhouse’s 2011 revival is the version most fans now consider the definitive adaptation. Running for 148 episodes, it adapts the same arcs as its predecessor but goes further, covering the Chimera Ant and 13th Hunter Chairman Election arcs, which the 1999 series never touched. The 2011 version streamlines the early storytelling, removing most filler while maintaining a brisk, modern pace. The animation is cleaner, the action choreography sharper, and the voice cast—though largely different from the 1999 version—delivers powerful performances across the board.

This series does not ignore the 1999 adaptation entirely; it subtly references it in certain visual homages, and some fans argue the first episode of the 1999 series adds context to Gon’s background that the 2011 premiere skips. Nevertheless, the 2011 series is a complete, self-contained journey from the Hunter Exam to a satisfying narrative endpoint. For anyone who wants to watch the entire story as the author envisioned it via anime, this is the go-to choice.

The Definitive Viewing Order for Newcomers

If you have never seen 'Hunter x Hunter' before, the cleanest path is to commit to the 2011 series from start to finish. Skip the 1999 adaptation—at least on your first run—because splitting your attention between two versions often causes confusion over what is canonical and when to jump ship. The 2011 show was designed to be a fresh beginning, and it does not assume prior knowledge of the older material.

Here is the straightforward episode walkthrough for first-time viewers, broken down by arc so you can track your progress:

  • Hunter Exam Arc (Episodes 1–21): Gon meets Leorio, Kurapika, and Killua as they tackle the deadly exam. The arc establishes the core quartet and introduces Hisoka, one of anime’s most unpredictable antagonists.
  • Zoldyck Family Arc (Episodes 22–26): Gon and friends attempt to rescue Killua from his assassin family’s estate. A short but emotionally charged arc that deepens the bond between Gon and Killua.
  • Heaven's Arena Arc (Episodes 27–36): The group climbs a skyscraper where fighters earn money and fame. This arc teaches the fundamentals of Nen, the series’ signature power system, through creative battles.
  • Yorknew City Arc (Episodes 37–58): The Phantom Troupe, a band of ruthless thieves, clashes with Kurapika in a revenge-fueled saga that blends crime thriller tension with strategic Nen confrontations.
  • Greed Island Arc (Episodes 59–75): Gon and Killua enter a real-life video game created by Ging Freecss. The arc focuses on training, card-collecting mechanics, and a memorable dodgeball match against a psychotic opponent.
  • Chimera Ant Arc (Episodes 76–136): The series’ longest and most philosophical arc. A colony of ants with a taste for human flesh evolves into an existential threat, forcing characters to confront the limits of humanity, morality, and power. The arc delivers some of the most harrowing moments in shounen history.
  • 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc (Episodes 137–148): A political and emotional epilogue that resolves lingering threads, introduces Alluka Zoldyck, and gives Gon’s story a poignant rest point while setting up the world beyond.

Watch episodes 1–148 without skipping any canon content. The 2011 series includes two recap episodes—Episode 13 and Episode 26—which you can safely skip if you do not need a refresher. Otherwise, do not mistake the slower buildup of certain arcs for filler; every scene pays off later.

Alternative Viewing Order for Retrospective Fans

If you are already familiar with the series or you want to experience the 1999 adaptation’s distinct flavor, you can weave the two versions together, though it takes more effort. This path is best suited for people who have already seen the 2011 series and wish to compare, or for those who insist on the older style.

One common approach: watch the 1999 series (Episodes 1–62) and then continue with the 2011 series from Episode 59 onward to finish the story. Episode 59 of the 2011 series marks the beginning of the Greed Island arc, which is where the 1999 OVAs would pick up, but using the 2011 version for the remainder ensures consistent animation quality and gets you all the way through the Chimera Ant arc. If you want the full 1999 experience, you can watch the OVAs (the eight-episode "Greed Island" OVA and the eight-episode "Greed Island Final" OVA) before switching to 2011 at Episode 76, but that creates an awkward visual and tonal shift right as the story enters its darkest chapter.

For most viewers, the novelty of the 1999 adaptation is best appreciated after completing the main story. Treat it the way you would a director’s cut: go back and watch select arcs like the Yorknew City arc (1999 episodes 45–62) to see how the character designs and musical choices alter the mood. There is no wrong way to enjoy it as long as you understand that the 2011 series is the canonical anime storyline.

If you do decide to watch the 1999 series first, be aware of its filler. Several episodes in the Hunter Exam arc (Episodes 3–11) include original material that expands the candidates’ boat journey and adds side trials. The 1999 version also adds a few filler scenes during the Zoldyck Family arc. While these can enrich character interactions, they are not essential. A detailed filler list for both adaptations is available on community resources like AnimeFillerList.

Understanding the Movies and Where They Fit

'Hunter x Hunter' has two feature films: Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission. Neither is considered strict manga canon, but both were produced with input from the original author. Watching them at the correct point in the overall story prevents spoilers and maintains emotional continuity.

Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge

Released in January 2013, Phantom Rouge is a side story focusing on Kurapika’s ongoing hunt for the Phantom Troupe, alongside a new character named Omokage, a former member of the Troupe with the ability to create dolls that steal memories. The film’s opening sequence adapts a brief flashback from the manga about Kurapika’s childhood, which adds context to his motivation. Even though the events are not part of the main manga timeline, the film preserves the tone of the Yorknew City era.

For optimal placement, watch Phantom Rouge after finishing the Yorknew City arc (Episode 58 of the 2011 series). By that point, you have seen all the relevant Troupe dynamics and Kurapika’s Nen conditions, so the movie feels like an extended, high-stakes epilogue to that arc. Watching it earlier will spoil the reveal of certain Troupe members’ abilities and undercut the tension of Episode 58’s conclusion. You can also watch it after the Greed Island arc if you prefer, but the emotional weight connects more directly to Yorknew.

Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission

The Last Mission opened in Japanese theaters in December 2013. It centers on a conflict with a group known as the Shadow Beasts’ remnants, who wield a dark Nen power called "On" that threatens the Hunter Association. The story brings Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio back together and features high-energy battles that draw on skills developed throughout the series. The movie references the dark history of the Hunter Association’s founders, offering lore that supplements the worldbuilding without altering the show’s ending.

This film should be watched after you complete the 2011 series. It assumes you know the full capabilities of every main character, the state of the Zoldyck family, and the outcome of the 13th Chairman Election. Watching it any earlier will introduce characters and power dynamics that won't make sense, and it includes a cameo that spoils a major reveal from the final episodes. Consider it a bonus mission that reunites the squad for one last spectacle before you close the book on the anime.

If you want a single chronological list that includes the films, here is a clean path:

  1. Hunter x Hunter (2011) Episodes 1–58 (Hunter Exam through Yorknew City)
  2. Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge
  3. Hunter x Hunter (2011) Episodes 59–148 (Greed Island through Chairman Election)
  4. Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission

Some viewers insert Phantom Rouge after Episode 47 (right after the auction sequence) because that is roughly when the film’s prologue would fit, but the safest approach is to wait until the arc finishes so you do not break the narrative flow. You can always rewatch the relevant arc if you need a refresher – community discussions on MyAnimeList frequently feature timeline debates that can help you decide which placement works best for your taste.

Filler and Pacing: What You Can Skip

Filler is one of the main reasons people seek viewing guides. The 2011 series is remarkably light on filler, but the 1999 version is a different story. Here is a quick reference for each adaptation so you can tailor your watch.

2011 Series: Minimal Filler

Madhouse kept filler to almost zero. The only episodes widely considered skippable are two recap episodes: Episode 13 (a retelling of the first phase of the Hunter Exam) and Episode 26 (a recap of the first few arcs). Neither contains new material, so you can jump right past them. Episode 13 originally aired as a stopgap, and Episode 26 served as a mid-series refresher. All other episodes adapt canon material directly from the manga, including the slower-paced palace invasion stretch of the Chimera Ant arc, which some mistakenly label filler but is actually the intense, methodical progression that makes the arc's payoff so devastating.

1999 Series: Filler You Can Bypass

The 1999 adaptation adds original episodes and scenes, particularly during the Hunter Exam arc. If you want to skip the fluff, use this list:

  • Episodes 3–11: The boat trip to the exam site is padded with extra trials and character-building moments that are entertaining but do not move the plot forward. You can condense this by watching Episode 1–2 (essential setup) and then skipping to Episode 12, though you may miss some character interactions.
  • Episode 17: An original story about a ghost ship that does not exist in the manga.
  • Episode 19: Focuses on a side character’s backstory with no impact on the main narrative.

A full, community-maintained filler guide for the 1999 version and its OVAs can be found at AnimeFillerList. When using such lists, remember that some filler adds atmosphere, so if you enjoy the slower pace, there is no harm in watching everything.

Where to Stream Hunter x Hunter Legally

Accessibility changes over time, but as of now, the 2011 series is widely available. You can stream all 148 episodes on Crunchyroll with subtitles or English dub in many regions. Netflix also carries a selection of episodes depending on your location, though it may not have the complete series. The films are trickier; Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission have been released on Blu-ray and occasionally pop up on digital storefronts like Amazon Prime Video, but availability varies by country. Your best bet for the movies is checking physical media or official streaming platforms in your region, as rights frequently rotate.

The 1999 series and its OVAs are not officially streaming in most territories, which further solidifies the 2011 series as the practical choice. For hardcore collectors, the original adaptation was released on DVD, but tracking down a complete set can be expensive. Enthusiast sites like MyAnimeList often have up-to-date links to legal streams and home video releases, so check there if you need current purchasing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read the manga after the 2011 anime?

The 2011 anime concludes at a natural stopping point, but the manga continues beyond it with the Dark Continent Expedition arc and the ongoing Succession Contest arc. If you want to see what happens after the Chairman Election, pick up Volume 32 of the manga or start reading from Chapter 340 on a legal platform like VIZ Media's Shonen Jump. The manga releases are sporadic due to the author’s health, but the material that does exist is top-tier.

Does watching the 1999 series first ruin the 2011 experience?

No, but it will spoil plot twists up through Greed Island. For a first-time viewer who wants the most impactful ride, starting with the 2011 series is the stronger recommendation. If you start with the 1999 version, you may also feel whiplash when you switch to the 2011 style for the Chimera Ant arc. Many fans who began with the older series still loved the 2011 show, but they had to accept a shift in voice acting and visual tone.

Are the movies important for the main story?

Not at all. They are fun detours that expand on character relationships and invent new villains, but nothing that happens in them is referenced within the anime’s main timeline. Think of them as high-budget OVAs that exist outside the canon. If you skip them entirely, you won't miss any critical plot points.

What order should I watch the movies if I am rewatching?

Follow the chronological path described earlier: Phantom Rouge after Episode 58, The Last Mission after Episode 148. This preserves the narrative flow and respects the character development arcs. Both films are best enjoyed after you already know the characters well, so on a rewatch you can place them exactly between arcs without worrying about spoilers.

Is the Chimera Ant arc really that slow?

The Chimera Ant arc is methodical by design. Togashi uses its extended length to build a psychological chess match between the Hunters and the Ants, with entire episodes devoted to a few seconds of in-universe time. Some viewers find the narrator-heavy approach tedious, but those who stick with it often rank the arc among the best in anime. Going in with patience and an appreciation for thematic depth will reward you immensely.

A Parting Thought

No viewing order is perfect for everyone, but the 2011 series stands as the most accessible and complete adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi’s world. Whether you choose to watch Phantom Rouge as a Yorknew coda or save The Last Mission for a nostalgic reunion, you are stepping into a story that reshapes what a battle shounen can be. The journey from that first boat ride to the final chairman ballot is long, unpredictable, and unforgettable. Follow the order that fits your style, press play, and let the adventure teach you why so many consider 'Hunter x Hunter' a masterpiece.