Saying I loved Hunter x Hunter (2011) might not even fully express how much this anime means to me. This was my very first anime, the show that introduced me to the world of anime as a whole, and in hindsight, I don’t think I could have made a better choice. Since then I’ve watched over 60 different series and more than 200 seasons, but Hunter x Hunter remains my all-time favorite.
The things that makes Hunter x Hunter special is how consistently good its story arcs are.
Hunter Exam Arc
A brilliant way to start a series. Most anime don’t start with a tournament arc, but Hunter x Hunter does, and it works beautifully. It introduces the main cast Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio , also shows us just how brutal and unpredictable the world is.
Zoldyck Family Arc
For me, this is when the series shifts into high gear. Killua’s family is fascinating, and it’s the moment Killua became my favorite character
Heaven’s Arena Arc
Another tournament arc, even better than the Hunter Exam. This is where Nen is introduced, and honestly, it’s the best power system I’ve ever seen in anime. The Gon vs. Hisoka rematch here is unforgettable.
Yorknew City Arc
This is where HxH became peak fiction for me. The mix of action, tension, and character drama is perfect. The Phantom Troupe is one of the coolest villain groups in anime every member has stylish abilities, and Chrollo is just such a badass leader. (I can’t help but joke that Naruto later “borrowed” his ability concept for Kakashi!)
Greed Island Arc
For me the weakest arc, but honestly, that only shows how strong the rest of the series is. It’s weaker because the villain feels a bit too cartoonish, Still it was enjoyable, especially with the clever use of Nen in a game-like setting.
Chimera Ant Arc
The pinnacle of Hunter x Hunter and one of the greatest arcs in all of anime only behind Enies Lobby (One Piece) and Thousand-Year Blood War (Bleach).It’s dark, emotional, and layered with themes of politics, morality, love, and betrayal. Meruem, is such a well-written character his journey from a ruthless conqueror to someone capable of love and vulnerability is heartbreaking. His tragic death is one of the most powerful moments in anime. And of course, the fight between Chairman Netero and Meruem is an animation spectacle that words can’t do justice.
13th Chairman Election Arc
After the emotional rollercoaster of Chimera Ant Arc, this arc is a welcome shift in tone. It balances comedy, politics, and character drama, providing a kind of catharsis for the audience. It may not reach the heights of earlier arcs, but it gives the series a satisfying, if bittersweet, conclusion.
Killua is my favorite character. His struggle between the expectations of his family and his desire for freedom and friendship is so well-written. Gon, meanwhile, is the perfect protagonist for this story. it might not seem like it but the other character get the development because of the way Gon is. Kurapika is another standout, though much of his deeper development comes later in the manga . Leorio, Hisoka, Meruem, the Phantom Troupe every character leaves an impression, and that’s part of what makes this series so unforgettable.
The show taught me a lot when I first watched it, especially since I was younger and more naive at the time. It balances adventure with deep lessons about morality, ambition, friendship, and sacrifice. Nen makes every fight feel tactical and meaningful instead of just relying on brute force. Some battles, like Netero vs. Meruem or Gon’s transformation fight against Pitou, are simply majestic in execution.
Even though the anime ends before the manga’s story is complete, I genuinely loved the ending. The Election Arc provides closure while leaving the door open for the future, which feels fitting for a world as expansive as Hunter x Hunter.
Hunter x Hunter (2011) isn’t just another anime for me it’s the series that made me fall in love with anime in the first place. It has everything: thrilling action, an unmatched power system, unforgettable characters, and story arcs that range from fun and adventurous to dark and deeply emotional.
It’s not just peak shounen it’s peak fiction.
⭐ Rating: 10/10
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