Hunter x Hunter: Best Order to Watch the Anime Series

The Recommended Watch Order for Hunter x Hunter

The best way to watch Hunter x Hunter is in this order. It makes sure you see the story as it happens and understand how the characters grow.

Hunter x Hunter (1999): This is the first anime series. It shows the Hunter Exam, the Zoldyck Family, Heavens Arena, and the start of the Yorknew City stories. It’s a good place to begin, but it doesn’t show the whole manga story.
Hunter x Hunter: OVA Series: These OVAs continue the story from the 1999 series. There are three OVA series:
- Hunter x Hunter: Yorknew City OVA: Finishes the Yorknew City story.
- Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island OVA: Shows the Greed Island story.
- Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island Final OVA: Ends the Greed Island story.
Hunter x Hunter (2011): This is a reboot, meaning it starts the story over from the beginning. It shows the entire manga story up to where it is now (May 18, 2025). Many fans like this version because the animation is newer and it follows the manga closely. It includes:
- Hunter Exam story
- Zoldyck Family story
- Heavens Arena story
- Yorknew City story
- Greed Island story
- Chimera Ant story
- 13th Hunter Chairman Election story

Why This Order Works

Starting with the 1999 series lets you see the original animation and meet the main characters. The OVAs connect the 1999 series to the 2011 series. The 2011 series gives you a complete and modern version of the story.

Should You Skip the 1999 Version?

A lot of people ask this. The 2011 version has more content, but the 1999 version has its own fans. Some like its darker feel and different ways of showing the characters. It’s really up to you. If you have time, watching both can be fun. If you don’t have much time, you can go straight to the 2011 version and not miss anything important.

Hunter x Hunter in 2025: What’s New?

As of May 18, 2025, the Hunter x Hunter manga is still being written, but it takes breaks sometimes. There are no announcements yet for a new anime season after the 13th Hunter Chairman Election story. But the series is still very popular, and fans are waiting for news about more anime. You can easily find the existing anime series on streaming services and start watching.

Where to Watch Hunter x Hunter

You can watch Hunter x Hunter (both the 1999 and 2011 versions) on popular anime streaming services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and maybe Netflix, depending on where you live. Always check if it’s available in your country before you start.

A Deeper Dive into the Arcs

Let’s look at each main story arc to give you a better idea of what to expect:

Hunter Exam Arc

This is where everything starts! Gon Freecss wants to become a Hunter and faces many challenges, making friends (and enemies) along the way. You’ll see tough tests, interesting characters, and the introduction of Nen.

Zoldyck Family Arc

Gon and his friends go to Killua’s family home, a mountain where a family of assassins lives. This story explores Killua’s past and shows the special abilities of the Zoldyck family.

Heavens Arena Arc

The group enters Heavens Arena to improve their skills and earn money. This arc focuses on developing their Nen abilities and introduces new fighting styles.

Yorknew City Arc

This is a darker and more complex story with the Phantom Troupe, a group of famous thieves. This arc tests Gon and Killua’s skills and makes them make hard choices.

Greed Island Arc

Gon and Killua enter a virtual reality game called Greed Island to train and find a way to remove Nen restrictions. This arc has exciting challenges and strong enemies.

Chimera Ant Arc

Many people think this is the best arc in the series. The Chimera Ant arc is a long story that explores ideas about humanity, right and wrong, and what happens when you have too much power. It has intense battles and the characters change a lot.

13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc

After the Chimera Ant arc, this story is about choosing a new Hunter Chairman. It’s more about politics, but it still has interesting things happening and action.

More Reasons to Watch Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter isn’t just another action anime; it’s a deep dive into friendship, ambition, and what it truly means to be human. The characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique motivations and backstories that make them relatable and engaging. You’ll find yourself rooting for Gon and Killua, but also understanding the perspectives of their rivals and even the villains they face.

The Nen system is another aspect that sets Hunter x Hunter apart. It’s a complex and versatile power system that allows for a wide range of unique abilities and fighting styles. The characters’ creativity in using their Nen is always impressive, and it leads to some truly unforgettable battles. The fights aren’t just about brute strength; they’re about strategy, intelligence, and understanding your opponent’s weaknesses.

Beyond the action and adventure, Hunter x Hunter also explores some thought-provoking themes. The Chimera Ant arc, in particular, delves into questions of morality, identity, and the nature of humanity. It challenges viewers to consider what it means to be human and whether power corrupts absolutely. These deeper themes add a layer of complexity to the series that makes it more than just a fun action show.

The humor in Hunter x Hunter is also worth mentioning. The series knows when to lighten the mood with some well-placed comedic moments, often involving the quirky personalities of the characters. This helps to balance out the darker and more serious aspects of the story, making for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or new to the genre, Hunter x Hunter is a series that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Its captivating story, memorable characters, and unique power system make it a truly remarkable anime. So, grab some snacks, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a world of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable battles.

Final Thoughts

Hunter x Hunter is a truly amazing anime with a great story, characters you’ll remember, and a special power system. By watching in this order, you’ll really enjoy Gon and Killua’s journey as they try to become the best Hunters they can be. Happy watching!