Hunter x Hunter is a pretty well-known anime. In fact, at one point in time, you’ve probably seen it pop up on your recommendations page or mentioned in a comment. People have raved about it since the anime came out in 2011, but you may be wondering, why? Why is Hunter x Hunter a phenomenal anime to watch?
Let me break it all down for you in this article. These are the things that make Hunter x Hunter a phenomenal anime to watch.
Hunter x Hunter is phenomenal because it’s the OG
Hunter x Hunter inspired the likes of Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, which is WILD. This is why it is considered one of the most influential shounen animes there is. The plot somehow manages to capture the complexity of real life, with all the messiness and wonder alike. It challenged a lot of writers and producers, eventually becoming known to have shaped the way the anime industry is today.
Hunter x Hunter has phenomenal writing that impacts the entire show
When it comes to animes or even movies or regular TV series, the way the story was written will always affect the entire feel of the show. In this case, the writing propelled Hunter x Hunter to the heights it has achieved.
The series follows the journey of Gon, a mere 12 year old boy intent on becoming a Hunter. He goes on a quest, with the universe eventually expanding to encompass many weaving plotlines and characters. It’s a LOT, so it’s amazing how the anime manages to pull this off with consistency. This form of writing set the bar high.
The Hunter x Hunter anime has stunning animation
This is especially true in 2011 when the anime first came out, but it’s still able to hold to today’s standards as well. This really isn’t a surprise, since it was made by MadHouse, one of the most established studios.
But even beyond the sheer art is the art direction and the frames of the shots. Everything looks clean and well-choreographed, making the anime an absolute delight to watch.
Hunter x Hunter characters are much more nuanced than meets the eye
Things aren’t black and white in the Hunter x Hunter anime, and that’s what makes it phenomenal. The villains are morally gray, which then leads our main character to hit a character development beyond his years. This isn’t the typical anime wherein all the conflicts are dealt with fights. Sometimes, they choose to show their strength through conversations.
What’s even more interesting is that, unlike most animes, Gon’s sacrificial tendencies are not always framed to be heroic. In fact, they are mostly displayed as toxic, not just to him but to the people around him. The series then unpacks his unhealthy ideas of honor, revenge, and self-worth.
In the process, the viewers are also led to evaluate what they know about life and heroism.
Hunter x Hunter successfully features a full cast of characters – a truly phenomenal feat for anime
This anime has a lot of minor characters, and what’s great is that they are all given their time in the spotlight. Hunter x Hunter isn’t the type to just focus on the protagonists, as it explores the stories of even the side characters.
What’s even better is that nearly all of the characters in this anime interact with each other at a certain point. Their stories are woven together, and they create a dynamic universe together.
Hunter x Hunter has a power system that makes it different from other battle animes
In shounen anime, battles typically revolve around power moves that are discovered in the middle of a fight. I’m pretty sure just by reading that, you already had a scene play in your mind. It’s just the pattern in these kinds of shows.
That’s why Hunter x Hunter is such a phenomenal anime to watch. The world has a system called Nen, and it has a bunch of applications and flexible rules that characters can wield anytime. There is no one way to win in the show, which leads us to the next point.
Hunter x Hunter is phenomenal because it keeps viewers on their toes
There is nothing quite likely unpredictability to keep viewers hooked. After all, most viewers are tired of lead characters having one-punch wins. Even if they aren’t instant knockouts, you just know that even when the odds are stacked against the protagonist, he will win at the end of the day.
But Hunter x Hunter isn’t like that. Each fight has multiple possible outcomes, and there are a lot of factors involved in every result. It’s not just about who’s the protagonist. It’s not even about who’s implicitly stronger. The crux boils down to the entire situation at hand. It’s never just one thing.
Hunter x Hunter is comfortable with its emotions
Because Hunter x Hunter is a shounen anime, it is targeted towards the male teenager demographic. For the most part, these kinds of animes are encouraging, breezing past the negative depths of emotion.
But that’s not at all the case with this phenomenal anime, as Hunter x Hunter comfortably dives into even macabre emotions. Think: utter anger and darkness enveloping our good Gon after Kite’s death. Because in reality, isn’t that what death does to the people who are left behind? The fact that the series is able to portray this so well for growing boys lets them know that they, too, can deal with the full breadth of their feelings.
So, why is Hunter x Hunter a phenomenal anime to watch? Because it excels on every level.
It simply knocks other animes out of the park. From writing to animation to characterizations, Hunter x Hunter exhibits a depth rarely seen in shounen anime. That is what makes it such a good watch.
Do you agree with our answers to the question, why is Hunter x Hunter a phenomenal anime to watch?
Let us know in the comment section down below!
Share it with your friends and give your answers to this question: why is Hunter x Hunter a phenomenal anime to watch?
Want more?
Subscribe and follow us on our socials, and we’ll be sure to update you on the new releases in the anime, manga, and entertainment world!
