Hunter x Hunter (2011) – Season 1

The Beginning of an Extraordinary Adventure

Season 1 of Hunter x Hunter (2011) brings audiences into a brilliantly crafted world filled with mysterious creatures, dangerous quests, and unforgettable friendships. This season sets the foundation for one of the most beloved shonen stories ever told — following Gon Freecss as he begins his journey to become a Hunter and find his father.

With its clean storytelling, emotional depth, and masterful pacing, Season 1 remains one of the strongest openings in modern anime.

Season 1 Overview

Title: Hunter x Hunter – Season 1 (2011)
Japanese Title: ハンター×ハンター (Hunter × Hunter)
Episodes: 1–26
Air Date: October 2, 2011 – April 8, 2012
Studio: Madhouse
Director: Hiroshi Kōjina
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD/Blu-ray
Opening Theme: “Departure!” by Masatoshi Ono
Ending Themes: “Just Awake” by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas / “Hunting for Your Dream” by Galneryus

Story Summary

Season 1 adapts the Hunter Exam Arc, where Gon Freecss leaves his peaceful home on Whale Island to take the notoriously lethal Hunter Exam — the first step toward finding his father, Ging.

Along the way, he forms deep bonds with Killua Zoldyck, Kurapika, and Leorio, each with their own dreams and traumas. Together, they face ruthless opponents, deadly trials, psychological battles, and moral dilemmas that test far more than just their strength.

This season introduces viewers to the heart of Hunter x Hunter: friendship, ambition, sacrifice, and the price of becoming exceptional.

Major Arcs Covered

Hunter Exam Arc

• Gon leaves Whale Island and enters the brutal Hunter Exam.

• Meets Killua (future best friend), Kurapika, and Leorio.

• Faces Hisoka, a deadly and unpredictable magician.

• Competes in phases testing endurance, survival, deception, and combat.

Zoldyck Family Introduction (Post-Exam Mini Arc)

• After Killua’s breakdown during the exam, the group travels to the Zoldyck estate.

• This short arc sets up Killua’s emotional journey and complex family background.

Main Characters

• Gon Freecss — A pure-hearted boy with sharp instincts, incredible talent, and unbreakable determination.

• Killua Zoldyck — An assassin prodigy escaping his violent family in search of freedom and friendship.

• Kurapika — The last survivor of the Kurta Clan, driven by his vow to take revenge on the Phantom Troupe.

• Leorio Paradinight — Honest, passionate, and stubborn — pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor.

• Hisoka Morow — An enigmatic clown-like fighter whose interest in Gon is as dangerous as it is mysterious.

Themes and Style

• Friendship Forged Through Trial — Season 1 explores how hardship forms genuine bonds.

• Human Potential vs. Human Morality — Candidates are pushed to their limits — often forced to confront moral dilemmas.

• Destiny & Personal Growth — Gon’s journey shows how determination shapes one’s future.

• Psychological and Strategic Depth — Hunter x Hunter focuses heavily on mind games, decisions, and consequences.

Animation & Visuals

Madhouse delivers smooth action, expressive character animation, and consistent quality from start to finish. The 2011 remake uses brighter palettes and sharper linework than the 1999 version, while remaining faithful to Yoshihiro Togashi’s original manga.

The combination of:

• beautifully choreographed battles

• atmospheric lighting

• detailed backgrounds

makes Season 1 visually timeless.

Where to Watch

You can stream Hunter x Hunter (2011) — Season 1 on:

• Crunchyroll

• Netflix

• Amazon Prime

• DVD/Blu-ray (Available via VIZ Media)

Popularity & Reception

Season 1 received widespread acclaim for:

• its pacing

• character chemistry

• emotional depth

• faithful adaptation

• Hisoka’s unforgettable introduction

It successfully pulled both new fans and manga veterans into the world of Hunters, setting the stage for the legendary arcs that follow.

Final Thoughts

Hunter x Hunter (2011) – Season 1 is a masterclass in establishing characters, worldbuilding, and emotional investment. It introduces profound themes, unforgettable characters, and an intricate universe while maintaining excitement, humor, and heart.

The journey begins here — with adventure, danger, and destiny waiting just beyond the next phase of the Hunter Exam.