So, you finally decided to see what all the fuss is about. You’ve heard for years that Hunter x Hunter is the "thinking man’s shonen," or that the Chimera Ant arc will fundamentally change your DNA. But then you open your favorite app and realize it’s a total jigsaw puzzle. One site has three seasons. Another has six, but they’re numbered weird. And where on earth is the 1999 version?
Honestly, Hunter x Hunter anime streaming is one of the most frustrating things to navigate in the anime world right now. Licenses expire, platforms merge, and for some reason, the two different versions of the show are treated like they’re on witness protection.
If you’re trying to figure out where to watch Gon and Killua without losing your mind, here is the ground reality of the situation in early 2026.
The Streaming Landscape for Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Most people are looking for the 2011 remake by Madhouse. It’s the "main" one. It’s the one with 148 episodes. If you want the full story—or at least as much as Togashi has actually finished—this is it.
Right now, Crunchyroll remains the most reliable home for the series. They have all 148 episodes. Usually, you can find them in both subtitled and English dubbed versions. It’s basically the "safe" choice. If you have a subscription there, you’re good.
Netflix is where things get annoying. For a while, they had all six seasons. Then they didn't. Then they came back. Currently, in the US, Netflix availability is a bit like a revolving door. One month you’ve got the Hunter Exam and Yorknew City, the next month it’s gone. If you see it on your dashboard, binge it fast. Don't wait.
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Hulu and Peacock also have chunks of the show, but they often stop right before the Chimera Ant arc begins. Imagine watching a marathon and being told to stop at mile 20. It's cruel.
Where to watch for free?
You actually have some decent legal options if you don't want to pay for another subscription:
- Tubi: They often carry the first few seasons. The ads are a bit much, but it's legal and the quality is solid.
- Pluto TV: They have a dedicated "Anime All Day" channel that cycles through Hunter x Hunter episodes. You can't choose your episode, but it’s great background noise.
- The Roku Channel: Surprisingly, they’ve been hosting the early arcs for free (with ads) lately.
What About the 1999 Version?
This is the "old" one. It’s darker, slower, and has a vibe that feels like a 90s fever dream. Many die-hard fans actually prefer the first episode of the 1999 version because it includes Kite, a character who is basically deleted from the start of the 2011 version.
Finding Hunter x Hunter anime streaming for the 1999 series is nearly impossible on major platforms. It’s not on Crunchyroll. It’s not on Netflix. It’s basically "lost media" in the corporate sense.
If you want to watch the 99' version, you’re usually looking at retro-focused sites or, honestly, YouTube. Sometimes fans upload the entire series in 480p playlists before the copyright bots find them. It’s a bit of a Wild West situation.
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Why the 2011 and 1999 split matters
The 1999 version covers the Hunter Exam through Yorknew and finishes with some OVAs for the Greed Island arc. It never reached the Chimera Ant arc.
The 2011 version starts from zero and goes all the way to the Election arc.
You don't need to watch both, but if you're a completionist, you'll eventually find yourself digging through obscure forums to find those 99' episodes just to see the different art style. It's just how it goes.
Regional Headaches and Global Access
If you are outside the US or Canada, things get even weirder. In Southeast Asia, Muse Asia often streams the show for free on YouTube. It’s a godsend. They have the licenses and they just put it out there.
In Europe, the rights are split between a dozen different local distributors. Sometimes a platform called Wakanim has it; sometimes it’s local versions of Netflix.
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The "Movies" Trap
Don't get distracted by Phantom Rouge or The Last Mission.
These are "non-canon."
They weren't written by Yoshihiro Togashi.
Most fans agree they range from "okay" to "kind of a mess."
You can find these on Amazon Prime Video or for digital rent/purchase on Apple TV. But honestly? If you’re a first-time viewer, skip them until you’ve finished the main 148 episodes. They don't add anything to the real story and the power scaling makes zero sense compared to the show.
How to Actually Watch It in Order
If you want the best experience for Hunter x Hunter anime streaming, follow this specific path:
- Start with Episode 1 of the 2011 series on Crunchyroll. (Or, if you can find it, watch just Episode 1 of the 1999 version first to meet Kite, then switch to 2011).
- Watch straight through Episode 148. Do not skip the "filler" because there basically isn't any. It’s one of the most faithful adaptations ever made.
- Ignore the movies until you are desperate for more content.
- Check the Manga. Since the anime ends at chapter 339, and Togashi has (miraculously) released more chapters recently, you’ll have to switch to the Shonen Jump app to see what happens on the Dark Continent.
Actionable Next Steps
Check your current subscriptions first. Open Netflix and search "Hunter" to see if the license is active in your area today. If it only shows a few seasons, head over to Crunchyroll for the full 148-episode run. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to start, download the Tubi app on your TV or phone—you can usually get through the first 50 episodes there without spending a dime. Once you hit the Chimera Ant arc (Episode 76), that's when you'll likely need a paid Crunchyroll or Hulu plan to finish the journey.