Hunter x Hunter has 148 episodes across two anime adaptations, plus two animated films and a series of original video animations (OVAs). The 2011 remake by Madhouse is the version most fans watch today, running 148 episodes that cover the manga through the end of the Chimera Ant arc. The older 1999 Nippon Animation series covers the first 58 episodes of the story, with additional OVAs continuing the plot.
The Two Anime Adaptations Explained
Hunter x Hunter, based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, has been adapted twice. The first anime ran from 1999 to 2001 on Fuji TV, produced by Nippon Animation. It covers the Hunter Exam arc, the Zoldyck Family arc, and the Heavens Arena arc. The story continues in three OVA series: Hunter x Hunter: Original Video Animation (2002, 8 episodes), Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island (2003, 8 episodes), and Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island Final (2004, 14 episodes). These OVAs adapt the Yorknew City and Greed Island arcs.
The 2011 remake by Madhouse aired on Nippon TV from October 2011 to September 2014. It reboots the story from the beginning and continues past where the 1999 version stopped, adapting the Chimera Ant arc and the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc. This version is widely considered the definitive adaptation due to its complete coverage and consistent animation quality.
Season Breakdown of the 2011 Anime
The 2011 anime is not officially divided into seasons on streaming platforms, but it is commonly grouped into six story arcs. Each arc functions like a season in terms of narrative structure.
- Hunter Exam Arc (episodes 1–21): Gon Freecss takes the Hunter Exam to find his father, Ging. He meets Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio.
- Zoldyck Family Arc (episodes 22–26): Gon and friends travel to the Zoldyck estate to retrieve Killua.
- Heavens Arena Arc (episodes 27–38): Gon and Killua train in Nen under Wing, learning the basics of this power system.
- Yorknew City Arc (episodes 39–58): Kurapika hunts the Phantom Troupe while Gon and Killua try to make money at an auction.
- Greed Island Arc (episodes 59–75): Gon and Killua enter a video game that uses Nen, training with Biscuit Krueger.
- Chimera Ant Arc (episodes 76–136): A colony of insect-like creatures threatens humanity. This arc is the longest and most complex.
- Election Arc (episodes 137–148): After the Chimera Ant events, the Hunter Association elects a new chairman, and Gon reunites with his father.
How the 1999 Version and OVAs Fit In
The 1999 anime and its OVAs cover the same source material as the first 75 episodes of the 2011 version, but with some differences. The 1999 series includes filler episodes that expand on the Hunter Exam, such as a journey on a ship that is not in the manga. The OVAs continue directly from the TV series, so you would watch them in this order:
- Hunter x Hunter (1999) – episodes 1–58
- Hunter x Hunter OVA – 8 episodes (Yorknew City arc)
- Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island OVA – 8 episodes
- Hunter x Hunter: Greed Island Final OVA – 14 episodes
If you start with the 1999 version, you must switch to the 2011 anime after the Greed Island Final OVA to see the Chimera Ant and Election arcs, as the 1999 adaptation never covered them.
Feature Films and Their Place
Two animated films were released in 2013, both set within the 2011 anime timeline but not based directly on the manga.
- Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge – takes place after the Yorknew City arc, featuring Kurapika and a character named Omokage. It is not considered canon.
- Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission – set after the Greed Island arc, involving a Nen user named Jed. Also non-canon.
These films are optional. They do not affect the main storyline, and some fans skip them entirely.
Manga Status and Why the Anime Stopped
The manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump and later Jump GIGA, has been on frequent hiatus since 2006 due to the author’s health issues. The 2011 anime ended in 2014 because it caught up to the manga, which was still in the middle of the Dark Continent Expedition arc. As of 2025, the manga has resumed several times but remains incomplete. The anime has not been renewed, and there is no announced release date for a new season.
Where to Watch and What to Expect
The 2011 anime is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix (in some regions), and Hulu. The 1999 version is harder to find legally, but it is sometimes available on DVD or through less official channels. The 2011 version is the recommended starting point because it covers the entire story and has modern animation. The 1999 version has a distinct aesthetic and is appreciated for its atmosphere, but it is incomplete.
When watching the 2011 anime, note that the Chimera Ant arc starts slowly and features a narrator who explains events in detail. Some viewers find this pacing challenging, but the arc is widely praised for its themes and character development. The anime is rated TV-14 for violence and some dark themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hunter x Hunter on Netflix?
Yes, the 2011 anime is available on Netflix in many countries, though availability varies by region. In the United States, it is also on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Do I need to watch the 1999 version before the 2011 one?
No. The 2011 version is a complete adaptation of the manga up to the Election arc. Watching the 1999 version is optional and only for those interested in comparing adaptations.
Will there be a season 7 of Hunter x Hunter?
There is no official announcement. The anime ended in 2014, and a new season would require the manga to progress significantly. As of 2025, the manga is still ongoing but with frequent breaks.
Are the movies canon?
No. Both films are original stories not written by Yoshihiro Togashi. They are considered non-canon and do not affect the main plot.
What is the correct watch order?
For a first-time viewer, start with the 2011 anime, episodes 1–148. If you want to see the films, watch Phantom Rouge after episode 58 and The Last Mission after episode 75. The 1999 version is an alternative for the early arcs but requires switching to the 2011 version afterward.
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