Watch Hunter x Hunter: The Ultimate Guide for New and Returning Fans

If you want to watch Hunter x Hunter, you are about to enter one of the greatest anime series ever made. This show has everything — action, friendship, mystery, and deep emotions. Whether you are a beginner or coming back after a break, this guide will help you get started the right way.

What Is Hunter x Hunter?

Hunter x Hunter is a Japanese anime based on the manga written by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows a young boy named Gon Freecss who dreams of becoming a Hunter — a licensed professional who can do amazing things like find rare treasures, explore unknown lands, or hunt dangerous creatures.

• Gon’s father, Ging, is a legendary Hunter who left him as a child
• Gon sets out on a journey to find his father and become a Hunter himself
• Along the way, he meets lifelong friends and faces powerful enemies

The show is loved by millions of fans around the world for its smart storytelling and unforgettable characters.

Why Should You Watch Hunter x Hunter?

Before we talk about the right order to watch Hunter x Hunter, let’s talk about why this anime is worth your time.

• Deep Characters — Every character has a backstory that makes you care about them
• Unique Power System — The “Nen” power system is one of the most creative in all of anime
• Emotional Story Arcs — You will laugh, cry, and feel shocked — sometimes all at once
• Smart Writing — The show never talks down to its audience
• No Filler Episodes — Almost every episode moves the story forward

Many anime fans say Hunter x Hunter is in their top 3 anime of all time. Once you start, it is very hard to stop.

The Right Order to Watch Hunter x Hunter

This is one of the most common questions fans ask. Here is the right order to watch Hunter x Hunter so you get the best experience:

Step 1: Watch the 2011 Anime Series First

There are two anime versions of Hunter x Hunter:

• 1999 version — Older, slower, and not fully complete
• 2011 version — Modern, complete, and highly recommended for new viewers

Always start with the 2011 version. It has 148 episodes and covers all the major story arcs beautifully. The animation is clean, the pacing is great, and the voice acting is top-notch.

Step 2: Follow This Arc Order (2011 Series)

Watch the story arcs in this exact order:

• Hunter Exam Arc (Episodes 1–21) — Gon tries to pass the Hunter Exam
• Zoldyck Family Arc (Episodes 22–26) — Gon rescues his friend Killua
• Heaven’s Arena Arc (Episodes 27–36) — Gon and Killua learn about Nen
• Yorknew City Arc (Episodes 37–58) — The Phantom Troupe appears
• Greed Island Arc (Episodes 59–91) — A dangerous game world
• Chimera Ant Arc (Episodes 92–136) — The darkest and most emotional arc
• 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc (Episodes 137–148) — The final arc

Do not skip any arc. Each one builds on the last and every arc is important to the full story.

Step 3: Watch the Two Movies (Optional but Fun)

After finishing the 2011 series, you can enjoy the two Hunter x Hunter movies:

• Phantom Rouge (2013) — A story about Kurapika and his eyes
• The Last Mission (2013) — Gon and his friends defend Heavens Arena

These movies are not part of the main timeline but they are fun to watch after the series ends.

Where to Watch Hunter x Hunter Online

If you want to watch Hunter x Hunter online, you have many great options. Here are the best platforms available right now:

Paid Streaming Platforms

• Netflix — Available in many countries with both dubbed and subbed versions
• Crunchyroll — The best anime streaming site; has the full 2011 series
• Funimation — Great for English dub lovers
• Hulu — Also has Hunter x Hunter available in the US

Free Options

• Tubi — Free with ads in some regions
• YouTube — Some episodes are officially available on the Viz Media channel

Tip: Always use legal streaming platforms. They support the creators and give you the best video and audio quality.

How to Watch Hunter x Hunter in English

Many fans prefer to watch Hunter x Hunter in English — either with English subtitles or full English dubbing. Here is what you need to know:

English Subtitles (Sub)

• Available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu
• The Japanese voice acting is incredible — especially Gon’s voice actress Megumi Han
• Most anime fans prefer the sub version for the authentic feel

English Dubbed Version

• Available on Funimation and Netflix
• The English dub is high quality and very easy to enjoy
• Great option for viewers who don’t want to read subtitles
• Erica Mendez voices Retsugu and the whole cast delivers strong performances

Which one should you pick?

• If you are new to anime → Try the English dub first
• If you want the full experience → Go with Japanese audio + English subtitles

Both versions are excellent. There is no wrong choice.

Watch Order Hunter x Hunter: Quick Summary Table

Here is a clean summary of the watch order for Hunter x Hunter:

Order	Content	Episodes/Length
1	HxH 2011 Series	148 Episodes
2	Phantom Rouge Movie	~98 minutes
3	The Last Mission Movie	~97 minutes
4	Read the Manga (Optional)	Chapter 339+

Tips for First-Time Viewers

Starting a long anime series can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you enjoy Hunter x Hunter from episode one:

• Do not judge it by the first 5 episodes — The show takes off around episode 20
• Pay attention to the Nen system — Understanding it makes the fights much more exciting
• Do not look up spoilers — This show has some of the biggest plot twists in anime
• Take breaks between arcs — Each arc has a different tone; give yourself time to process
• The Chimera Ant Arc is long but worth it — Many fans say it is the best arc in anime history

The Best Characters in Hunter x Hunter

One reason so many fans watch Hunter x Hunter again and again is the amazing cast of characters:

• Gon Freecss — Pure-hearted, brave, and sometimes scary when angry
• Killua Zoldyck — Cool, fast, and has one of the best character developments in anime
• Kurapika — Driven by revenge and one of the most intelligent characters
• Leorio — Funny, caring, and wants to become a doctor
• Hisoka — The most unpredictable villain who is sometimes an ally
• Meruem — A villain so complex he becomes one of anime’s greatest characters

Every character in this show feels real and three-dimensional.

Is Hunter x Hunter Finished?

This is a question many fans have. The honest answer is — the manga is on a very long hiatus. Yoshihiro Togashi has health problems that have slowed down his writing for many years.

• The 2011 anime ended in 2014 and has not continued since
• The manga resumed in 2022 after a long break but is still ongoing slowly
• Fans are still hoping for a new anime season or continuation

For now, the 2011 anime gives you a complete and satisfying story. If you want more after finishing it, you can continue from Chapter 339 of the manga.

Conclusion

If you have been thinking about whether to watch Hunter x Hunter, stop thinking and just start it. It is one of the best anime ever made and it will stay with you long after it ends. Start Episode 1 of the 2011 series tonight — you will not regret it.

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