Overview and Answer Summary
Hunter x Hunter has two major animated films and one animated television movie. As of 2025 there are no new Hunter x Hunter feature films in active production or imminent release. The key question is not so much when new movies will arrive, but in what order to watch the existing material for clarity and continuity. In short: watch the 1999 film Journey to the Greed Island after the Greed Island arc of the 2011 series; watch the 2013 film The Last Mission after the series’ Succession Contest arc, or after the 2011 series ends if you prefer to keep films separate. If you are new to the property, start with the 2011 series and then choose either the Greed Island film or The Last Mission based on your interest in compact side stories versus a full finale event.
Primary Viewing Order Recommendations
The most widely recommended pattern for newcomers prioritizes the TV series for narrative context, then inserts the films at points that minimize plot disruption. Below are two practical pathways, one optimized for continuity and one that keeps films as optional supplements.
Recommended Path A: Series First, Films After
Begin with the 2011 Hunter x Hunter TV series through its final arc. Immediately follow the series conclusion with The Last Mission. This preserves the series finale’s impact while giving the movie a fresh viewing context. The 1999 film can be watched earlier if you specifically want the Greed Island story, but be aware it concludes before the Chimera Ant arc begins and is not required to understand the later parts of the 2011 series.
Recommended Path B: Interleave for Specific Storylines
Watch the 2011 series up to the start of the Greed Island arc, then watch Journey to the Greed Island. Resume the 2011 series to reach the finale, then watch The Last Mission. This interleaving can make Greed Island feel like an extension of the series and keeps major character developments temporally aligned.
| Title | Release Period | Relation to 2011 Series | Recommended Watch Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter x Hunter 2011 TV Series | 2011–2014 | Primary canon source material | Start here if new to the property |
| Hunter x Hunter: Journey to Greed Island (1999 film) | 2000–2001 (episodic OVA) | Adapts Greed Island arc but ends before Chimera Ants | After Greed Island arc in the 2011 series or as an early supplement |
| Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2013 film) | 2013 | Original film story set after the series’ main conflict | After the 2011 series finale or after Succession Contest arc |
Background: What Gets Counted as a Movie
In Hunter x Hunter fandom, the term movie usually refers to two distinct animated productions. The first is the 1999 OVA-length film covering the Greed Island story, sometimes released as a multi-episode OVA. The second is The Last Mission, a 2013 theatrical original story that takes place after the main series conflicts. Both are considered canon by most fans, but neither is essential to understanding the core themes of the manga or the 2011 series. They expand worldbuilding and action rather than drive foundational narrative development.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter x Hunter TV series (2011) episodes | 148 episodes | Official studio and broadcaster listings |
| Hunter x Hunter: Journey to Greed Island OVA episodes | 19 episodes | Studio Pierrot materials |
| Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission runtime | 92 minutes | Official film listing |
Differences Between the Two Films
The 1999 OVA focuses on the Greed Island video game arc, adapting roughly the same material you encounter in that segment of the 2011 series, but in a condensed format. It does not include later developments such as the Chimera Ant arc or the emotional weight of the series’ conclusion. The 2013 film, The Last Mission, is an original story set after the main conflicts, created specifically for the screen. Because of this, the film can feel like a bonus epilogue rather than a required continuation of the main plot.
When You Might Watch Earlier or Later
Some fans prefer the flexibility of rewatching the series and treating the films as complementary, non-essential content. If your goal is to experience every animated moment as soon as possible, you might watch the 1999 OVA shortly after finishing the Greed Island arc for immersion. If you prioritize narrative cohesion and minimizing spoilers, delaying both films until after the full series is complete is a reliable strategy. Neither choice affects the canonical integrity of the overall story, because the films offer side material and closure rather than core plot pivots.
How to Choose for Different Goals
- Complete the canon story: follow the 2011 series and treat both films as optional extras.
- Experience every animated adaptation: add the 1999 OVA after the Greed Island arc, then add The Last Mission at the end.
- Understand themes and character arcs: prioritize the 2011 series; use the films to deepen context rather than define understanding.
- Time-constrained viewing: skip the 1999 OVA and watch The Last Mission once you know how the series concludes.
Common Questions and Caveats
No new Hunter x Hunter feature films have been announced or confirmed beyond the existing releases. When talking about when to watch, the focus is entirely on ordering the existing movies relative to the widely available 2011 series. Streaming availability and local broadcast windows can vary, but the recommended logic remains stable. Because both films are non-essential to the central arc, there is no strict deadline for watching them as long as you eventually reach the parts of the story they touch upon.
Ultimately, the best time to watch each Hunter x Hunter movie is the point in your viewing journey that matches your goals for completeness, pacing, and emotional impact. By placing the 2011 series first and choosing a logical insertion point for each film, you preserve the series’ narrative power while still enjoying the extra adventures they provide.