So you're wondering how many episodes of Hunter x Hunter are there? Straight answer: There are two anime versions totaling 148 episodes. The 1999 adaptation has 62 episodes, while the 2011 reboot runs for 148 episodes. But if you're like me when I first searched this, that number alone doesn't tell you squat about which version to watch, where to find them, or why there are two different series in the first place. Let's unpack everything.
I remember binging the 2011 version during a snowstorm last year. Got so hooked I burned through 30 episodes in two days – my eyes were killing me but no regrets. That's when I discovered the confusing reality of multiple adaptations. Why does this matter? Because picking the wrong version could mean missing crucial content or getting outdated animation.
The Core Answer: Episode Counts Explained
When folks ask "how many episodes of hunter x hunter are there?", they're usually blindsided by the dual adaptations. Here's the essential breakdown:
| Version | Total Episodes | Release Period | Content Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Original Series | 62 episodes | 1999-2001 | Hunter Exam through Greed Island (partial) |
| 2011 Madhouse Reboot | 148 episodes | 2011-2014 | Full story through Chimera Ant Arc |
| OVA Add-ons (1999) | 30 episodes | 2002-2004 | Greed Island & Yorknew City conclusions |
Quick reality check: If you add the OVAs to the 1999 version, you'd get 92 episodes total. But honestly? The 2011 version's 148 episodes are what most people care about today. It's the complete package without hunting down scattered releases.
Breaking Down the 2011 Series Episode Count
That 148-episode reboot everyone recommends? Here's how it structures out arc by arc:
- Hunter Exam Arc (Episodes 1-21): Gon meets Killua/Leorio/Kurapika
- Zoldyck Family Arc (Episodes 22-26): Rescue mission at Killua's home
- Heavens Arena Arc (Episodes 27-36): Nen training and battles
- Yorknew City Arc (Episodes 37-58): Phantom Troupe showdown
- Greed Island Arc (Episodes 59-75): Video game adventure
- Chimera Ant Arc (Episodes 76-136): Infamous 61-episode saga
- Election Arc (Episodes 137-148): Political aftermath and wrap-up
Side note: The Chimera Ant Arc gets criticized for pacing issues around episodes 110-130. I nearly dropped it during the endless narration phases – felt like watching a nature documentary sometimes. Still worth it for Meruem's character development though.
Where to Watch All Episodes Legally
Okay, you know how many hunter x hunter episodes there are, but where do you actually stream them? Availability changes constantly, but here's the current landscape:
Crunchyroll
Content: Full 2011 series (148 eps)
Quality: HD with subs/dubs
Regions: Worldwide (partial restrictions)
Netflix
Content: First 100 episodes only
Quality: HD Japanese audio
Regions: Varies by country (US has it)
Hulu
Content: Full 2011 series + 1999 version
Quality: SD to HD
Perk: Dual adaptations available
Personal tip: Crunchyroll's the most reliable for the complete 148-episode run. Tried Netflix last month and got frustrated when episodes cut off mid-Chimera Ant arc. Hulu's great if you want to compare both versions though – their 1999 episodes actually include the rare OVAs.
Physical media heads-up: The 2011 Blu-ray sets from Viz Media contain all 148 episodes across 7 box sets. Pricy at around $50 per set, but extras include:
- OVA comparison featurettes
- Episode 0 (pilot)
- Clean opening/closing animations
1999 vs 2011: Which Version Should You Watch?
When calculating how many hunter x hunter episodes there are, the version difference matters massively. Here's my take having watched both:
| Factor | 1999 Version | 2011 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Darker, slower psychological focus | Brighter shonen aesthetic (early arcs) |
| Filler Content | +8 original episodes | Zero filler (faithful adaptation) |
| Content Completion | Requires OVAs to finish arcs | Complete story through manga's end |
| Animation Quality | 90s cel animation charm | Modern digital fluidity |
| Soundtrack | Jazzy, atmospheric (iconic OP) | Orchestral/epic battle themes |
That filler point needs emphasis: The 1999 version added entire episodes like Gon/Killua's airship ride (Episode 17) or Whale Island detour (Episodes 13-14). Some fans love these for character development – I found them painfully slow. Your mileage may vary.
My recommendation? Start with the 2011 version for its complete 148-episode run. Then revisit the 1999 version for Yorknew City Arc (Episodes 40-55) – its Phantom Troupe portrayal is unmatched for tension and atmosphere.
Beyond the Episodes: Movies and Specials
Wait, there's more beyond the main series! When tallying how many episodes of hunter x hunter are there, these often get overlooked:
Hunter x Hunter Movies
- Phantom Rouge (2013): Focuses on Kurapika's backstory (timeline: post-Yorknew)
- The Last Mission (2013): Original storyline about Nen conflicts (non-canon)
Quality check: These feel like extended filler arcs. Phantom Rouge has emotional moments with Kurapika's clan, but Last Mission's plot is forgettable. Worth seeing only after finishing the main series.
TV Specials & OVAs
- Hunter x Hunter (1998): Pilot film preceding 1999 series
- 1999 OVA Series: 8-episode Greed Island conclusion + 14-episode Yorknew/GI bridge
Practical note: Finding the 1999 OVAs legally is tough. They're not on streaming services – I had to hunt down second-hand DVDs. Unless you're a completionist, the 2011 version covers these events better.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Let's tackle common follow-ups about how many episodes of hunter x hunter are there:
Manga Context: What the Anime Doesn't Cover
Since we're discussing episodes, let's address the elephant in the room: the Dark Continent arc. After Episode 148 ends, the manga continues with:
- Succession War Arc (ongoing): Political thriller on a boat
- Dark Continent Expedition (setup): Beyond known world exploration
Real talk: Author Yoshihiro Togashi's health issues mean releases are sporadic. Since 1998, the manga has been on hiatus over 500 weeks! We've gotten just 60 chapters since the anime ended – barely enough for half a season.
Will we see more animated episodes? Unlikely before 2026 at current pace. Rumors surface annually about "new seasons", but studios won't touch it until substantial source material exists. Gut feeling? We'll get a Brotherhood-style remake before direct sequels.
Personal View: Why Episode Count Matters
Here's why I dug into how many hunter x hunter episodes there are so intensely: Back in college, a friend swore it was "around 60 episodes". I blasted through the 1999 version only to hit a cliffhanger at Episode 62 – no resolution for Kurapika's revenge plot! Had to scavenge fan-subbed OVAs to continue.
The 148-episode 2011 version fixes this beautifully. Everything flows seamlessly from Hunter Exam to Election Arc. That said, the 1999 version nails atmosphere better in early scenes. Gon's departure from Whale Island? The 1999 version lingered on that fishing village melancholy – the reboot rushes it.
Biggest surprise researching this? Discovering how much filler the 1999 version hid. Those "extra" fishing episodes? Pure padding. Still nostalgic though – that 90s graininess hits different.
Wrapping Up: Your Episode Checklist
To recap how many episodes of hunter x hunter are there across all content:
- Main Anime (2011): 148 episodes (definitive version)
- Original Anime (1999): 62 TV episodes + 30 OVAs
- Movies: 2 feature-length films
- Specials: 1998 pilot + recap episodes
Best approach for newcomers:
- Watch the 2011 version's 148 episodes
- Supplement with 1999's Yorknew City Arc (Episodes 40-55)
- Skip movies unless craving more Kurapika lore
Final thought: That 148-episode journey is worth every minute. The Chimera Ant Arc alone transformed how I view villain narratives. Just power through the narration-heavy bits – it pays off brutally.
Still hungry for Hunter x Hunter content? Track the manga's glacial releases on Shonen Jump's app. But maybe pack a sleeping bag – this expedition could take decades.
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