Uncover the Ultimate Must-Watch Anime Selection for Hunter x Hunter Fans!

Hunter x Hunter, a beloved shonen series, follows the journeys of four protagonists as they strive to achieve their individual goals by becoming Hunters. The series explores the deep bonds of friendship that they develop along the way, while skillfully balancing lighthearted and playful moments with darker and emotionally impactful concepts. Just like in any other series, each character faces their own challenges that have shaped their present selves.

For viewers seeking anime similar to Hunter x Hunter, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Fans of Hunter x Hunter are likely to find enjoyment in these other shonen series due to their shared themes and the presence of unique cast members who come together to form meaningful friendships.

10 Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho is a must-watch for Hunter x Hunter fans for several reasons, one being that they share the same creator, Yoshihiro Togashi. Both series revolve around four main characters who fight together, form friendships, and pursue their personal goals. Moreover, these characters exhibit striking similarities to their counterparts in the other series. Take Gon and Yusuke, for example, who share similar visual aesthetics and color palettes, given that they were both created by the same artist. Additionally, both Gon and Yusuke have a tendency to form bonds with the people they encounter during their battles.

Another aspect that parallels the two series is the usage of life force. Hunter x Hunter utilizes Nen, while Yu Yu Hakusho introduces Spirit Energy. These energy sources serve different purposes and manifest in various unique forms according to each user.

9 One Piece

Similar to Hunter x Hunter, One Piece strikes a balance between lighthearted and amusing interactions among its main characters, while also delving into the darker and more profound aspects of its world. Although One Piece leans more toward comedy, Hunter x Hunter also has its fair share of lighter moments, particularly in the early stages of the series when the entire cast is united.

Both anime revolve around action and adventure, resulting in the main characters encountering and engaging in battles with a diverse range of characters possessing remarkable abilities. However, while the crew in One Piece generally stays together for the majority of the series, Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua often go their separate ways in order to accomplish their individual objectives.

8 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Similar to Hunter x Hunter, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood also delves into darker themes, presenting characters facing tragic circumstances and the loss of loved ones. Both series also emphasize the importance of family.

Gon, the protagonist of Hunter x Hunter, has a non-blood related parental figure who played a significant role in his upbringing. However, he is determined to uncover the truth about his own father and meet him one day. On the other hand, the protagonists of Fullmetal Alchemist, Ed and Alphonse, had a father in their early years but ended up without parents after their father left and their mother passed away. While Ed holds resentment towards his father and is hesitant to forgive him for abandoning them, Gon is more interested in understanding what was more important to his father than staying with his family – his career as a Hunter.

7 Naruto

There is a clear parallel between the initial major story arcs of Naruto and Hunter x Hunter. In both shows, the main characters are faced with arduous and perilous tests that they must conquer in order to obtain a specific license or advance their status. Whether it is becoming a licensed Hunter or elevating their ninja ranking, these tests involve intense battles and ultimately grant the characters greater opportunities within their respective professions.

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, has openly acknowledged the influence that Togashi's works such as Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho have had on his own series. The two creators are acquainted with each other and have participated in numerous joint interviews, discussing their sources of inspiration, including the intricate world-building aspects of their manga series.

6 Jujutsu Kaisen

In Hunter x Hunter, Itadori's initial motivations for following his chosen path stem from his relationship with a parental figure. For Itadori, his grandfather's final conversation before his death serves as a profound inspiration to become a jujutsu sorcerer and assist others.

Similarly, Gon's desire to uncover the truth about his father and eventually meet him drives him. Both Itadori and Gon possess kind hearts and possess exceptional, unconventional strength which they develop throughout the series. Additionally, Fushiguro and Kurapika, two supporting characters in the show, share similar circumstances with complex backgrounds tied to their respective clans.

5 My Hero Academia

In both My Hero Academia and Hunter x Hunter, the main characters face similar challenges in the beginning. In My Hero Academia, Midoriya and his friends strive to enroll and excel at U.A. High School, while in Hunter x Hunter, Gon and his friends aim to pass the rigorous and dangerous Hunter Exam. These monumental tasks serve as crucial milestones that the characters must overcome in order to achieve their ultimate goals, whether it is to become the top superhero or to finally meet their elusive father.

Additionally, each character has their own personal reasons for enduring these exams. Whether it is the desire to become a Hunter or a hero, several attendees share similar motivations, such as the opportunity to earn a better income, following in someone's footsteps, or fulfilling a lifelong dream. Both the Hunter and Hero professions are highly esteemed in their respective fictional worlds, with dedicated organizations overseeing their operations.

4 Blue Exorcist

Blue Exorcist and Hunter x Hunter share a significant similarity in terms of their main characters' motivations. Gon aims to become a certified Hunter to gain a deeper understanding of his father's beloved profession and hopes to one day reunite with his father. Rin, on the other hand, aspires to become a powerful exorcist in order to avenge the death of his father figure, Fujimoto, at the hands of Satan.

Both protagonists are fueled by their connection to their enigmatic father figures. Additionally, both series incorporate supernatural elements into their narratives. While Blue Exorcist primarily focuses on demons and the supernatural, Hunter x Hunter takes place in a modern yet fantastical fictional world with a wide array of unique and mysterious creatures.

3 D.Gray-Man

Both D.Gray-Man and Hunter x Hunter explore the themes of grief and tragedy. Tragic circumstances are common among characters in both series, leading them to cope with their pain in different ways. In D.Gray-Man, numerous characters face devastating fates, similar to the four main characters in Hunter x Hunter. Kurapika, driven by the murder of his clan, seeks revenge as a Hunter. Leorio, having lost his closest friend to illness due to poverty, aspires to become a doctor to prevent others from suffering the same fate. Killua, isolated from meaningful connections throughout his life, finds true happiness in his bond with Gon. Likewise, Gon witnesses the death of a significant mentor figure and dedicates years of his life to seek retribution. Additionally, both series regularly explore the concept of moral ambiguity.

2 Demon Slayer

To join the Demon Slayer Corps, aspiring members must undergo an examination similar to the one Hunters face in Hunter x Hunter. However, the length of the arcs depicting Tanjiro's acceptance into the Demon Slayer Corps and Gon's certification as a Hunter differ significantly within their respective series.

In the 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter, the exam arc spanned approximately 31 episodes. The 2011 remake condensed this arc to 21 episodes, although it remains considerably longer than the few episodes dedicated to Tanjiro's training and involvement in the Final Selection Arc in Demon Slayer.

1 Cowboy Bebop

Like Hunter x Hunter, Cowboy Bebop revolves around a crew of four main characters, each possessing their own set of unique skills and strengths. A prominent theme in Cowboy Bebop, much like in Hunter x Hunter, is the idea that one's past cannot be escaped. This becomes particularly evident when examining the tragedies that the main cast of Hunter x Hunter has endured.

Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio are all driven by the challenging experiences they have faced in their pasts. Some of them suffer as a result, as seen in instances like Kurapika's relentless pursuit of revenge, which consumes his present. However, in both series, the bond formed among the group of friends helps alleviate the burden of past hardships and leads to more carefree and joyful moments among the characters. Their relationships provide solace and make their respective worlds a little less lonely.

For fans of Hunter x Hunter, there are numerous anime options that share similar themes, captivating worlds, and complex characters with their own distinct motivations. While there is no exact replica of Hunter x Hunter, these series offer enjoyable similarities and successfully deliver their own compelling narratives.