When was hxh made anime

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Hunter x Hunter (HxH) anime was first released on October 2, 1999, and ran until January 24, 2001, covering the initial story arcs. A new adaptation by Madhouse premiered on October 2, 2011, and concluded on September 23, 2014, adapting the entire manga up to that point.

Key Facts

The original HxH anime premiered on October 2, 1999
The 1999 version ended on January 24, 2001, after 62 episodes
A new HxH anime adaptation began on October 2, 2011
The 2011 series concluded on September 23, 2014, with 148 episodes
The 2011 version was produced by Madhouse and covered all manga arcs

Overview

Hunter x Hunter (HxH) is a popular Japanese anime and manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. It follows the journey of Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out to become a Hunter—a licensed professional who explores uncharted territories, discovers rare artifacts, and confronts dangerous creatures.

The franchise has seen multiple anime adaptations, each capturing different arcs of the manga. While the original series introduced fans to the world of Hunters, the later version expanded significantly on the source material with higher production quality and broader narrative coverage.

Original anime release date: The first HxH anime premiered on October 2, 1999, produced by Nippon Animation and aired on Fuji TV.
Original series conclusion: The 1999 version concluded on January 24, 2001, after 62 episodes, diverging from the manga with an original ending.
Revival announcement: A new adaptation was announced in 2011, marking the 12th anniversary of the original series' debut.
2011 anime premiere: The rebooted series began airing on October 2, 2011, produced by Madhouse, known for high-quality anime like Death Note and One Punch Man.
Final episode date: The 2011 adaptation ended on September 23, 2014, totaling 148 episodes, and is widely regarded as the definitive anime version.

How It Works

The Hunter x Hunter anime adapts the manga’s story through episodic storytelling, character development, and animated action sequences. Each arc introduces new rules, powers, and challenges, particularly through the Nen system.

Nen System:Nen is the foundation of combat in HxH, introduced around episode 56 in the 2011 series. It allows users to manipulate their life energy for attacks, healing, or enhancements based on six categories.
Chimera Ant Arc: Beginning at episode 78, this arc is critically acclaimed for its dark themes and complex morality, lasting over 40 episodes and considered one of anime’s best storylines.
Animation Studio:Madhouse handled the 2011 adaptation, elevating visual quality with fluid fight scenes and expressive character designs compared to the 1999 version.
Episode Count: The 2011 series has 148 episodes, significantly longer than the 1999 version’s 62 episodes, allowing for more faithful manga adaptation.
Global Streaming: The 2011 anime was licensed by Crunchyroll and Hulu, making it accessible worldwide with subtitles and dubs in multiple languages.
Original Manga Source: Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since March 1998, remains ongoing but frequently on hiatus, influencing anime production schedules.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a detailed comparison of the two major HxH anime adaptations:

Feature	1999 Anime	2011 Anime
Episodes	62	148
Studio	Nippon Animation	Madhouse
Original Run	Oct 2, 1999 – Jan 24, 2001	Oct 2, 2011 – Sept 23, 2014
Manga Fidelity	Low (original ending)	High (covers up to current manga)
Global Availability	Limited, older distribution	Streaming on Crunchyroll, Hulu

The 2011 version is widely preferred due to its faithful adaptation, superior animation, and broader international reach. While the 1999 series holds nostalgic value, it deviated significantly from the manga after the Greed Island arc, introducing non-canon content that was later disregarded.

Why It Matters

Hunter x Hunter remains a cornerstone of modern shōnen anime, influencing storytelling depth and character complexity in the genre. Its exploration of morality, power systems, and psychological depth sets it apart from typical action series.

Critical Acclaim: The 2011 anime holds a 9.0/10 on MyAnimeList, ranking among the top 10 anime of all time.
Influence on Anime: HxH’s Nen system inspired power mechanics in later series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Mob Psycho 100.
Cultural Impact: The series has sold over 30 million manga copies worldwide as of 2023, boosting interest in anime globally.
Fan Engagement: Despite no new anime since 2014, the series maintains a strong fanbase through cosplay, fan art, and online discussions.
Hiatus Challenges: Togashi’s health-related breaks have delayed manga chapters, affecting potential for a new anime season.
Legacy: HxH is studied in pop culture courses for its narrative complexity and philosophical themes on ambition and friendship.

With its rich world-building and emotional depth, Hunter x Hunter continues to attract new viewers and remains a benchmark for anime excellence.