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Hunter x Hunter Watch Order: The Complete Guide (2026)
Hunter x Hunter is one of the most beloved shonen ever made. It is also one of the most confusing to get into because of two different anime adaptations, multiple OVAs, and an ongoing-but-frequently-paused manga. This is the definitive 2026 guide.
The Short Answer
Watch the 2011 series. Stop after episode 148. Optionally read the manga from chapter 340 onward.
That is the entire watch order. Everything else below is context for why.
1999 vs 2011: Which Should You Watch?
The 1999 series, animated by Nippon Animation, is darker in tone, slower in pacing, and only adapts the first portion of the manga (Hunter Exam through Yorknew). It also leaves the Chimera Ant arc, Election arc, and Dark Continent setup completely untouched.
The 2011 series, animated by Madhouse, covers everything from the Hunter Exam through the end of the Election arc — about 148 episodes. Animation is more modern, pacing is tighter, and it includes the universally-acclaimed Chimera Ant arc.
Recommendation: watch the 2011 version. The 1999 series has charm and is worth revisiting if you fall in love with the franchise, but it is not the right starting point in 2026.
The 2011 Watch Order
- 1Hunter Exam Arc (episodes 1–21) — Introductions, friendships, first major test.
- 2Zoldyck Family Arc (episodes 22–26) — Short, character-focused.
- 3Heaven's Arena Arc (episodes 27–36) — Introduces Nen, the show's power system.
- 4Yorknew City Arc (episodes 37–58) — Phantom Troupe debut, auction heist.
- 5Greed Island Arc (episodes 59–75) — Game-within-a-world arc.
- 6Chimera Ant Arc (episodes 76–136) — The masterpiece. The reason most people call HxH a top-five anime.
- 7Election Arc (episodes 137–148) — Political wrap-up and emotional payoff.
What About the OVAs?
The 1999 OVAs (Greed Island, GI Final) are essentially extensions of the 1999 series. The 2011 anime covers the Greed Island material in better quality. You can skip all 1999 OVAs.
What About the Movies?
Both 2011 movies (Phantom Rouge, The Last Mission) are non-canon side stories. They contradict the manga timeline. Skip unless you are a completionist.
Where the Anime Ends and the Manga Begins
The 2011 anime stops at the end of the Election Arc. The manga continues with the Dark Continent Expedition and the ongoing Succession War Arc. The manga is widely regarded as some of Yoshihiro Togashi's best work — but Togashi's health has caused multi-year hiatuses, and there is no announced anime continuation.
Should you read the manga continuation? If you adored the anime, absolutely. The Succession War is dense, intricate, and rewarding. Just be prepared for slow release schedules.
Common Newcomer Questions
Do I need to watch the 1999 series first? No. The 2011 version stands alone.
Does HxH have filler? Almost none. The 2011 series is one of the cleanest shonen adaptations ever.
Where does Chimera Ant start being incredible? Around episode 90, the tonal shift is total. By episode 116, it is on a different plane.
After You Finish
Looking for the next big shonen to fall into after HxH? Our Vibe Search can match you with shows that share its themes — moral complexity, layered power systems, and earned emotional payoffs.