7 Best Hunter x Hunter Characters, Ranked

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Though it appears to be a typical adventure story about a boy searching for his father, Hunter x Hunter is much more complex. Creator Yoshihiro Togashi adds layers of psychological insight, moral gray areas, and incredibly detailed world-building, making it comparable to the greatest modern fantasy stories. The series isn’t afraid to pause and examine difficult questions about what it means to be a hero, the darker side of human nature, and the idea that personal growth doesn’t automatically equal becoming a better person.

The show treats its main characters and rivals with equal depth, making it hard to tell who’s truly good or bad. It excels at exploring complex characters, prompting viewers to understand even those who do questionable things, and also making sure its heroes face consequences for their mistakes.

7. Hisoka Morow

Hisoka is a mysterious and captivating character in Hunter x Hunter. He calls himself a magician and is known for his dramatic personality and unsettling goals. He enjoys creating chaos and is only interested in things—like strong opponents—that provide him with excitement. His constant desire to test the skills of powerful fighters, particularly Gon and Killua, creates a lot of suspense throughout the series. Many fans consider his battle with Chrollo to be one of the most brilliantly planned and executed fights in the show, highlighting both his cruel intelligence and his impressive control over his unique ability, Bungee Gum.

Hisoka is a fascinating character because you never know what he’ll do next. He changes sides quickly, always acting in his own self-interest. Though he’s often a villain, Hisoka is undeniably compelling. His appeal comes from his complicated personality – it’s hard to tell if you should be cheering for him or running away. Whether you love him or hate him, Hisoka perfectly captures the dangerous excitement that makes Hunter x Hunter so captivating.

6. Neferpitou

Neferpitou, a powerful Royal Guard serving Meruem, is a truly formidable opponent. Their incredible strength and unwavering loyalty are both impressive and terrifying. Pitou’s Nen abilities, including Doctor Blythe for healing and Terpsichora for controlling others like puppets, are among the most dangerous and adaptable seen in the series. The fight with Kite demonstrated their ruthless effectiveness, and their clash with Gon highlighted just how dedicated they were to Meruem. Despite being a villain, Pitou is a complex and memorable character, especially within the Chimera Ant arc.

Pitou’s unwavering devotion to Meruem makes them a deeply tragic figure. Despite committing terrible acts, Pitou acts with a firm belief in their purpose. The confrontation between Gon and Pitou is one of the most powerful and sad moments in the series. It’s heartbreaking not only because of Gon’s drastic change, but because it highlights how easily the line between being a hero and seeking revenge can blur.

5. Killua Zoldyck

I’ve always been fascinated by Killua’s story in Hunter x Hunter. Seeing him grow from a little kid forced into being an assassin, burdened by his family’s legacy, into someone who values friendship and thinks for himself is really compelling. He was raised from birth to be a ruthless killer as part of the Zoldyck family, but his bond with Gon really brought out his human side and helped him escape that life. Killua is incredibly strong – super intelligent, agile, and a master of Nen with his electricity powers – but what really makes him stand out is how much he changes and grows emotionally throughout the series.

Killua is a compelling character because he grapples with questions of right and wrong and struggles with his own self-doubt, something many viewers can connect with. Throughout the series, we see him mature as he fiercely protects Gon and repeatedly risks his life for others. From his conflicts with the Phantom Troupe to his deeply emotional relationship with Alluka, Killua consistently develops, showing that he’s much more than just a skilled assassin – he’s a young person figuring out how to live life his own way.

4. Kurapika

Kurapika is a complex and compelling character in Hunter x Hunter, driven by loss and a desire for revenge. As the sole survivor of the Kurta Clan, he’s determined to recover his people’s stolen Scarlet Eyes and make the Phantom Troupe pay for their crimes. Kurapika is a powerful enemy thanks to his sharp mind and careful planning, especially after mastering Nen chains that allow him to attack with incredible accuracy. His unique ability, Chain Jail, is specifically designed to capture members of the Phantom Troupe, showcasing both his unwavering commitment and his consuming grief.

Kurapika’s story powerfully shows how revenge can take over someone’s life. Although his dedication is impressive, it also pushes people away, like when he separates from his friends Gon, Killua, and Leorio to focus on his goals. Even though he often appears cold, especially during the Yorknew City arc, we see glimpses of the hurt that fuels his quest. Ultimately, Kurapika’s journey highlights the heavy price of revenge and how hard it is to find peace after experiencing loss.

3. Chrollo Lucilfer

Chrollo is the leader of the Phantom Troupe and a hugely dangerous character in Hunter x Hunter. He’s known for his calm and clever approach to fighting, which makes him a frightening opponent. His Nen ability, Skill Hunter, lets him steal other people’s powers and use them for himself, making him incredibly adaptable. The Yorknew City arc really highlights his intelligence, especially how skillfully he controls both the Mafia and his own Troupe.

Chrollo is a compelling character because he’s full of contradictions. While he’s a dangerous criminal, he clearly cares deeply for the Phantom Troupe, acting as both a leader and a close friend to them. This blend of ruthlessness and genuine connection makes him more interesting than a simple villain – he’s a mysterious figure whose true motivations are hard to grasp. Whenever Chrollo appears, he makes the story much more captivating.

2. Meruem

Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants, is considered one of the most fascinating villains in anime. He begins as a cold and heartless leader, but dramatically changes as he gets to know Komugi, a blind Gungi player. While incredibly strong and intelligent, what truly makes Meruem stand out is his emotional development. His connection with Komugi forces him to question everything he once believed and ultimately makes him surprisingly human – a rare achievement for a villain.

1. Gon Freecss

I’ve always felt that Hunter x Hunter really centers around Gon, and he’s the emotional core of the whole story. He’s this incredibly optimistic and curious kid who sets out to find his dad, Ging, and along the way, he discovers so much more about the world – and about himself. It’s easy to root for Gon because he’s so determined and cheerful. But what’s really striking about him is that he’s not just a simple hero; he has a dark side. Seeing him lose control and fall into despair during the Chimera Ant arc, especially when he fought Neferpitou, was one of the most intense and disturbing things I’ve ever seen in an anime.

What makes Gon such an interesting character isn’t that he’s flawless, but that he isn’t. He starts with a very innocent way of seeing the world, but repeatedly faces difficult truths that change him. Even when things get tough, he always feels relatable and genuinely human.

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2026-01-05 22:14