Hunter x Hunter is one of the most well-known and beloved Shounen anime series of all time. Unlike other iconic series such as Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach, Hunter x Hunter barely has any filler episodes/non-canon content.
While the two movies can be considered filler content, only three of the show's 148 episodes can be accused of the same. This is mostly unheard of when it comes to long Shonen anime series, and is just another reason why fans love the show so much.
Disclaimer: The list contains spoilers for the Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime.
Complete list of Hunter x Hunter filler episodes that every fan should know
Filler episodes are quite infamous in the anime community. These are episodes that are usually used to give the manga a chance to get further ahead in the series or recap the anime up to that point. None of the material shown in these episodes is included in the source material, so the storyline can be entirely credited to the studio animating the show. Due to various popular Shounen anime having hundreds of filler episodes, they get a bad rap.
Thankfully, the Hunter x Hunter filler list only has two recap episodes, which is quite low for any popular and long-running Shonen series. The low filler count ensures an uninterrupted experience for the fans without getting sidetracked from the main plot. The 2011 reboot version by Madhouse was well-received compared to the previous run from 1999-2001.
Episode 13: Letter x From x Gon
This is the first filler episode, and it features Aunt Mito reading a letter Gon sent to her. The letter narrates Gon's journey from the time he first met Kurapika and Leorio and the beginning of the Hunter Exam to the end of the Exam's Final Phase. It serves as the first recap of the series and helps fans remember the major events that happened prior.
Episode 26: Then x And x After
This is the last Hunter x Hunter filler episode and is similar to episode 13 as it revolves around a letter Gon sent to Mito giving a summary of his journey. Like episode 13, it features Gon recapping his adventures from his fight with Hanzo up to the journey Kurapika, and Leorio and he went on to save Killua from his family. This seems to be the last recap episode in the series, most likely due to fans expressing disinterest in these types of episodes.
Mixed Filler/Canon Episodes
Mixed filler/canon episodes feature content from the original source material as well as original content made by the studio. Fans tend to like these episodes more than purely filler episodes since they contribute to continuing the storyline. However, they are not as popular as regular canon episodes.
Episode 12: Last x Test Of x Resolve!
This is the first and only mixed filler/canon episode of the series. Gon and the gang are forced to spend 50 hours in a room due to Leorio's incompetence. Leorio and Tonpa get into a heated argument where the latter blames Leorio for getting the team penalized. Gon's antics break off their fight and then it becomes a long wait till they get out. They do different things to keep themselves occupied and pass the time. Once they are out, it is again a barrage of traps and challenges till they reach the end of the third phase.
Also read: Hunter x Hunter arcs
They had two paths to choose from: the longer one which would allow all five of them or the shorter one which would allow only three of them. Leorio and Tonpa get into a physical skirmish with the the latter throwing weapons at Leorio that were hanging around the room. Gon noticed that these weapons could break through the walls. He then planned to enter with all five through the longer path and then break into the shorter one. Only 24 candidates remain in total now and the gang moves on to the fourth phase.
Hunter x Hunter non-canon movies
The Hunter x Hunter movies, like filler episodes, are completely non-canon. They have no connection to the main story and only serve to add content to the series. Due to not being written by Yoshihiro Togashi, Hunter x Hunter's mangaka, the films do not seem to be enjoyed by many fans. On MyAnimeList, they score much lower than the main anime.
Hunter x Hunter Movie 1: Phantom Rouge
The Phantom Rouge movie features the series' main cast. Leorio and Kurapika went to investigate sightings of someone with eyes like Kurapika's. However, Kurapika's hope that another Kurta Clan member survived the massacre clouded his judgment and led him to lose both of his Scarlet Eyes. Tending to Kurapika's wounds, Leorio sent both Gon and Killua to take back Kurapika's lost eyes.
Hunter x Hunter Movie 2: The Last Mission
The series typically features the light side of Nen, rather than the dark side known as On, thanks to Isaac Netero, who, years ago, sealed away a Hunter who perfected the usage of Nen's dark side. The Hunter's name is Jed, and The Last Mission movie features him making a comeback. He takes Netero captive, and the fighters of Heaven's Arena must work together to save Netero and take down Jed and On once again.
Be sure to follow us for all anime and manga news.