Why Hunter x Hunter Transcends Typical Shonen Final Battles
Ava Arnold
Published May 17, 2026
By Published Apr 12, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT Branson is a Senior Writer for ScreenRant. Anime has been a major part of his life since he was able to raise his hands in the air for a Spirit Bomb. As a journalist, Branson focuses heavily on listicles and op-eds detailing the industry's greatest shonen series. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
Almost every major shōnen series is defined by the final fight of the franchise, but is different. Some of its biggest, most important moments don't involve any action whatsoever, and that's just one of the reasons why the series is so incredible.
Don't get us wrong, Hunter x Hunter has some of , but they aren't what define the series. Hunter x Hunter has become a staple of the shōnen genre because of seemingly small moments that are anything but.
At its core, Hunter x Hunter is a series shaped by its characters. Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and even villains like Chrollo bring life to the series through their actions and interactions with each other, and out of every moment, there's one that truly captures the magic of Hunter x Hunter better than anything else.
Hunter x Hunter Is a Staple of Shōnen
Hunter x Hunter is such an amazing shōnen series that we're jealous of anyone who hasn't seen it because they get to experience it for the first time. It's a pillar of modern-day shōnen, and while , the 150+ episodes that are currently available to watch are nothing short of stellar.
Hunter x Hunter tells the story of Gon Freecss as he leaves his small hometown, travels around the world, and looks for his absentee father. He meets amazing friends, terrible enemies, and seemingly unconquerable obstacles on the way to his destination, creating one of the best narratives in shōnen in the process.
The Best Moment in Most Shōnen Series Is the Final Battle
Shōnen anime series are battle anime series, period. There isn't a shōnen series that doesn't have , and it doesn't always have to be a physical fight. Sports shōnen series like Haikyu!!, Kuroko no Basket, and Ao Ashi prove that great battles can be done on the court or the field as well.
Most of the major shōnen giants don't have this problem, but a lot of smaller shōnen franchises try and compensate for lackluster stories with massive battles. It works sometimes, but most of the time, these series end up feeling hollow. A great shōnen series needs both top-tier battles and great story lines.
Related
Hunter x Hunter will always be considered one of the best shōnen anime series, and Crunchyroll's latest hit looks to continue where it left off.
Posts By
Black Clover, Dragon Ball Z, and My Hero Academia have both, but even they don't always have great moments outside of battle. Hunter x Hunter stands out from these shows through its smaller moments, as these moments define the characters who, in turn, define the series as a whole.
Netero Pointing Pitou Out to Gon Is Peak
The single best moment in Hunter x Hunter doesn't involve a fight at all. During the Chimera Ant arc, arguably , Gon is searching desperately for Pitou. He believes that she's the only being who can heal Kite, and he'll do anything to get his master back.
Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Hunter x Hunter insights
Crave deeper looks at moments that define Hunter x Hunter? Subscribe to the newsletter for scene-focused analysis, character-driven breakdowns, and broader shōnen context so you can better appreciate standout moments across the genre. Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our and . You can unsubscribe anytime.
While searching for Pitou, Gon finds Meruem, Netero, and Zeno walking out of the palace. Netero notices the young Hunter, understands what he's looking for, and points to Pitou's location with a smile on his face. Gon's aura erupts, forcing even Meruem to notice him.
It's a moment without a word, and yet, it's a moment that defines Hunter x Hunter. Gon's unshakable determination, Netero's blasé attitude, and Meruem's care only for the strong are all put on display, highlighting exactly who they are as characters. It's an amazing moment that skyrockets Hunter x Hunter to the top of shōnen, and there are few moments in the genre that can compare.
Expand Collapse
Follow Followed Like Share Close Trending Now
