Hunter x Hunter

A Masterpiece of Adventure, Friendship, and Moral Depth

Hunter x Hunter stands as one of the greatest shonen anime ever created — a thrilling, emotional, and intellectually complex story about adventure, ambition, and the price of power. Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s legendary manga, the series follows young Gon Freecss on his journey to become a Hunter and find his father, but what begins as a simple dream becomes an extraordinary tale that reshapes the entire world.

Across multiple adaptations, movies, and OVAs, Hunter x Hunter remains a timeless anime that blends strategic battles, psychological storytelling, and deeply human themes.

Anime Overview

Title: Hunter x Hunter
Japanese Title: ハンター×ハンター (Hantā Hantā)
Original Manga: Written & illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi
Studios:

• Nippon Animation (1999 Series + OVAs)

• Madhouse (2011 Series)

Genres: Adventure, Shonen, Fantasy, Psychological, Action, Drama
Adaptations:

• Hunter x Hunter (1999)

• Hunter x Hunter OVAs (2002–2004)

• Hunter x Hunter (2011)
  Movies:

• Phantom Rouge (2013)

• The Last Mission (2013)

Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD / Blu-ray

Story Summary

The world of Hunters is filled with mystery, danger, and limitless possibilities. Hunters are elite individuals licensed to explore uncharted lands, hunt criminals, investigate supernatural events, and uncover the secrets of the world.

Gon Freecss, a cheerful and determined boy, dreams of becoming a Hunter like his father, Ging — one of the greatest Hunters alive. As Gon embarks on the Hunter Exam, he forms unbreakable bonds with Killua Zoldyck, Leorio, and Kurapika.

But the deeper Gon travels into the Hunter world, the more he encounters darkness — from assassins and criminal syndicates to monsters, political conspiracies, and the terrifying world of Nen. Hunter x Hunter grows with its characters, evolving from adventure shonen to deep psychological drama, while exploring themes of morality, identity, and the price of obsession.

Adaptation Breakdown (ALL VERSIONS)

Hunter x Hunter (1999) 

A classic adaptation with a darker tone and emotional storytelling. Leads into the OVAs to continue the story.

OVAs (2002–2004) 

• Hunter x Hunter OVA (2002) — Continues the Yorknew City Arc, focusing on Kurapika vs. Phantom Troupe.

• Greed Island (2003) — Gon & Killua enter a game world to search for clues about Ging.

• G.I. Final (2004) — Completes the Greed Island arc and concludes the 1999 continuity.

Hunter x Hunter (2011)

The definitive adaptation — fast-paced, accurate, beautifully animated. Considered one of the best anime adaptations ever made.

Movie Timeline

• Phantom Rouge (2013) — Focuses on Kurapika and the Phantom Troupe’s pursuit of stolen Scarlet Eyes.

• The Last Mission (2013) — Centers on the past of the Hunter Association and a vengeful rogue faction.

Both films are set in the 2011 anime continuity.

Main Characters

• Gon Freecss — A cheerful, determined boy with an unbreakable spirit.

• Killua Zoldyck — An ex-assassin escaping his cruel upbringing to find freedom.

• Kurapika — The last survivor of the Kurta Clan, driven by vengeance and justice.

• Leorio Paradinight — A future doctor whose kindness and loyalty make him essential.

• Hisoka — A deadly, unpredictable magician obsessed with strong opponents.

• Chrollo Lucilfer — Leader of the Phantom Troupe — calm, brilliant, and terrifying.

• Meruem — A profound, tragic antagonist who reshapes the meaning of life and humanity.

Themes and Style

• Friendship & Loyalty – One of the core emotional pillars.

• Moral Ambiguity – No clear good or evil; everyone has motives.

• Growth & Challenge – Characters evolve through hardship.

• Strategy Over Power – Battles are won by intelligence, not brute force.

• Psychological Depth – Especially in Yorknew and Chimera Ant arcs.

Hunter x Hunter stands out for taking shonen storytelling to a philosophical level.

Animation & Visuals

1999 Version — Emotional, darker tone, classic hand-drawn look.

OVAs — Smooth animation upgrades but consistent with the 1999 style.

2011 Version (Madhouse) — Phenomenal animation — fluid fights, vibrant colors, and striking visual design.

Soundtrack by Yoshihisa Hirano heightens tension, emotion, and epic scale.

Where to Watch Hunter x Hunter

You can stream/remaster these versions on:

• Crunchyroll

• Netflix

• Amazon Prime

• DVD / Blu-ray (available for both 1999 and 2011 series)

Similar Anime Recommendations

If you enjoyed Hunter x Hunter, check out:

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Deep themes and worldbuilding

• Naruto – Friendships, ambition, and moral conflict

• Jujutsu Kaisen – Curses, power systems, dark themes

• Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic – Adventure and magic with emotional depth

• Yu Yu Hakusho – Togashi’s other classic work

• Attack on Titan – Psychological tension and layered worldbuilding

Final Thoughts

Hunter x Hunter is more than a shonen anime — it is a masterpiece of storytelling that evolves with every arc. From childhood adventure to philosophical exploration, from laughter to heartbreak, it creates a world that feels alive and real.

Whether you watch the nostalgic 1999 series or the iconic 2011 Madhouse version, Hunter x Hunter remains unforgettable.

A world of Hunters awaits… and Gon’s journey continues to inspire fans worldwide.