Hunter X Hunter is one of the most iconic manga series of all time. It is a long-running manga series that has been transformed into a shounen anime. If you are a beginner and unsure of where to begin, then you’re in the right place.
The scene starts with a little kid named Gon Freecs discovering his father, whom he had believed to be dead, is actually still alive. He finds out that Ging, his father, is a great hunter. Gon decides to continue in his father’s legacy even though Ging abandoned him.
Hunter X Hunter has two different versions. The first series was released in 1999, and a new one was in 2011. You can choose to watch Hunter X Hunter in one of three ways: by starting with the 2011 release, by watching the 1999 release and continuing with the 2011 release, or by watching the 1999 release plus all original video animations (OVAs) before moving on to the 2011 release. Let’s begin!
Hunter x Hunter 2011 Version
It is generally advised to start with the 2011 version of Hunter X Hunter if you’re a newbie. It boasts better animation, exceptional graphics, and fantastic music, considering that it is a remake of the 1999 version.
The 2011 version also catches up to the 1999 version at episode 75, and from that point on, the story moves past the 1999 version. Keep in mind that the 2011 version has 148 episodes total and aired till 2014.
Hence, it is ideal for you to watch the complete 2011 version if you want to engage and have some fun with advanced designs and graphics. The Hunter X Hunter watch orders are listed below (2011).
- Hunter Exam arc (Episodes 1-26)
- Heavens Arena arc (Episodes 27-38)
- Phantom Troupe arc (Episodes 39-58)
- Greed Island arc (Episodes 58-75)
- Chimera Ant arc (Episodes 76-136)
- Election arc (Episodes 136-148)
To make sure you don’t miss any of these episodes, have a reliable streaming service like Planet Dish. It’s a wise decision, especially if the streaming platform you choose offers on-demand and live TV channels.
Hunter X Hunter 1999 Version + 2011 Version
If you were born in the 1990s, you would probably enjoy starting with the 1999 edition. The timeless atmosphere of 1990s animation is incomparable. Compared to the more recent version, the original Hunter X Hunter version features more episodes that are entertaining and have a more serious overall tone.
It has a unique appeal that will make viewers feel nostalgic while they watch. The 1999 version ended in the middle of the Yorknew City Arc, then you can continue watching the 2011 version after the Phantom Troupe storyline.
Remember that the 1999 adaptation ran from 1999 to 2003 and contained just 92 episodes in all. This version of the Hunter x Hunter series is recommended if you wish to see a more detail-oriented version. Here are the watch orders for the 1999 version plus the 2011 version.
- Hunter X Hunter 1999
- Hunter X Hunter 2011 (Episode 75 Onwards)
Hunter X Hunter 1999 Version + all OVAs + 2011 Version
The 1999 version of Hunter X Hunter, which has 62 episodes total, adapts the first series all the way up to the Yorknew City Arc. Three OVAs were produced to continue the story after the television series ended. You can regard these 3 OVAs as being a part of the 1999 series. However, the character design, tempo, and quality of the three OVAs could be better.
If you want to watch all the different Hunter X Hunter versions, consider watching the episodes in the order given below, including the special episodes. Keep in mind that having a high-speed internet connection will allow you to stream these episodes without interruption.
- Hunter X Hunter 1999
- Hunter X Hunter: Spider (OVA)
- Hunter X Hunter: Greed Island (OVA)
- Hunter X Hunter: Greed Island Final (OVA)
- Hunter X Hunter 2011 (Episode 75 Onwards)
Final Thoughts
The Hunter X Hunter’s animation went through a major transformation from its old, outdated design to one with stellar animation. Both versions contain strong points that will grab your interest, such as the 1999 version’s superb start in the Hunter Exam Arc as well as the 2011 version’s superior performance in the succeeding arcs. Yet, your experience will ultimately depend on which version you choose to watch first. Hopefully, this article has helped you decide where to start watching Hunter X Hunter.
