Hunter x Hunter

A young boy named Gon sets out to become a Hunter, a licensed adventurer with access to rare resources and dangerous assignments, because he wants to follow in his father's footsteps. To reach that goal he takes a brutal admission exam where only a few succeed, makes fast friendships, and keeps chasing clues about his missing parent. The show balances lighthearted travel and competition with sudden shifts into darker, morally messy situations. Along the way Gon and his friends test their limits, learn a structured power system, and face opponents who demand more than brute force, forcing clever strategy and personal sacrifice without resolving every mystery right away.

Premiering in 2011, this TV adaptation comes from Yoshihiro Togashi's long-running manga, reintroducing the story to a new audience with updated animation and voice cast while following the original narrative arcs.

The series earned steady praise within anime communities and has appeared on multiple critics' and fan year-end lists, reflecting wide recognition in industry circles and sustained popularity among viewers.

Hunter x Hunter has left a clear mark on pop culture, with the "Nen" power system becoming a common reference in discussions about well-constructed abilities, and Gon and Killua becoming popular figures for cosplay, art, and online memes. Several intense fight sequences and character moments are frequently cited in fan rankings and social media conversations.

Critics and fans rate the 2011 series highly, reflected in an average score of 8.663/10 from 1998 votes. Reviewers highlight deep character work, morally ambiguous storytelling, inventive combat that rewards planning over raw strength, and themes of friendship, ambition, and loss. The pacing and tonal shifts divide some viewers, but many appreciate its willingness to take risks and avoid simple answers.