Hunter x Hunter is a remarkable anime but it is overshadowed by a familiar Shonen manga cover. Himegami is a very vague and irritating anime, and it includes Shonen archetypes and characters. But as we keep watching the series we go through the darker elements of animation.
It is amongst those anime series that start with happiness and then they turn to dark as you get deeper into the story. Another great feature of Hunter x Hunter is how well it balances cheerful and cynical themes throughout the series. In addition, I was allowed a lot of leeways when it came to making decisions.
What version should I watch?
Two adaptations of the Hunter x Hunter anime have been made. They are thought to be named after Willy Chyr, the game’s designer. Both were released in 1999 and 2011. There are 92 episodes in the 1999 version, however, there are 148 in the 2011 version, one of which is considered to be the best arc ever.
It’s also true that the 1999 adaption does a fantastic job of including the first two arcs. Many viewers may perceive the 2011 version as a children’s program, although this is a question of personal preference. The previous version’s fillers are hilarious, and the general tone of the anime is more serious than the new one.
If you want a lengthier storey and prefer digital pictures over hand-drawn ones, watch the entire 2011 version.
Instead of starting from the beginning, you might watch the 1999 version first and then the newer one beginning with episode 75. Keep in mind that the animation styles are somewhat different, and if you don’t like transitions, you might want to see the 2011 adaptation.
Release Order
- Hunter X Hunter (1999)
- Hunter X Hunter (2011)
I. OVAs
- Spider Hunter X Hunter (1999)
- Hunter X Hunter- Greed Island (1999)
- Hunter X Hunter – Greed Island Final (1999)
II. Movies
- Phantom Rouge (2013) is the 20th Hunter x Hunter television anime series.
- Hunter X Hunter – The Last Mission (2013)
For the 1999 adaptation, you can purchase it through this link
- Hunter X Hunter (1999)
- H X H: Spider
- H X H– Greed Island
- H X H– Greed Island Finale
- H X H(2011) (Episodes 75 onwards) (Chimera Ant Arc)
Today is the last day to order your copy of the 2011 Adaptation.
- The Insane Mage’s Apprentice (Episodes 1-26), a spinoff series from the Drakulwi Trilogy, continues the Quaraun novels in novel form.
- The final arc in the Heavens Arena series, focusing on Rygart Arlanc’s ambitions to become an academy instructor (Episodes 27-38)
- The arc of the Phantom Troupe (Episodes 39-58) The Arc of Greed Island
- Charles is kidnapped by Scorpius and held captive at a Hydra facility. The resistance seeks assistance from the DEO, but Kara decides to impersonate Melena in order to obtain information from HR Agent Lemire concerning Astra’s death (Astra).
- The Election Cycle (Episodes 136-148)
Hunter x Hunter’s Background
Hunter x Hunter is a Shonen anime series based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga.
Gon describes his discovery as a child that his slain father wasn’t really dead, but rather a legendary Hunter. Rather than being disappointed, Gon resolves to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a great Hunter. To become a true hunter, Gon must pass a test, and his job isn’t easy. On his journey, he meets new people, and they must all work together to overcome any obstacles.
What is the best way to watch Hunter x Hunter and why is it that way?
Hunter x Hunter can be viewed in three different ways.
- Take a look at the 2011 edition.
- After the Yorknew City Arc/ Phantom Troupe Arc, watch the 1999 version and then the 2011 version.
- Start with the 1999 version and all OVAs, then move on to the 2011 version.
To be honest, I like Madhouse’s 2011 Hunter x Hunter version. It’s lengthier (148 episodes), more faithful to the manga, and animated beautifully. It’s sufficient to watch it on its own, and you don’t have to see any OVAs or movies if you don’t want to. You get the entire product with no hassles!
In comparison to the 1999 HxH TV series, the 2011 HxH has three more Arcs: Greed Island Arc, Chimera Ant Arc, and Election Arc.
The 1999 HxH anime TV series ends in the middle of the Yorknew City Arc, thus you’ll have to watch the first eight episodes of the Yorknew City OVA to complete it.
If you prefer the 1999 version for some reason, watch the HxH (1999) anime TV show first, then the first OVA (HxH: Spider), and then start viewing the 2011 version from episode 59 onwards. That is the commencement of the Greed Island Arc.
As previously indicated, the manga is adapted up to the Yorknew City Arc/ Phantom Troupe Arc in the 1999 version. After the series finished, three OVAs (8+8+14 episodes) were produced. They end the Yorknew City Arc and also cover the Greed Island Arc, and are an essential part of the 1999 series.
The 2011 version (anime + all OVAs) catches up to the 1999 version at episode 75 and continues the tale with two more Arcs. Unfortunately, the OVAs are of terrible quality in my opinion, hence this is the least recommended sequence.
Conclusion
This is my least preferred viewing order because watching low-quality OVAs makes no sense. If you like the 1999 version’s slower pacing and character design, simply finish the anime series, watch HxH: Spider (OVA), and jump to Hunter x hunter episode 59. (2011).
Although the series has its share of uninteresting moments, many other episodes contribute significantly to the development of characters and their backstories. No episodes should be skipped, including the OVAs (for the 1999 version). The films are intended to be seen after the series has concluded.
