The Hunter x Hunter anime was made by different studios depending on which version you mean. The 1999 Hunter x Hunter anime was made by Nippon Animation, while the 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime was made by Madhouse.
So, what studio had Hunter x Hunter anime? The direct answer is Madhouse for the 2011 anime and Nippon Animation for the 1999 anime. Most modern fans mean the 2011 version when they ask this question.
On KunManga, readers can follow anime studio guides, manga status explainers, and watch order breakdowns before starting long-running series like Hunter x Hunter.
This guide explains which studio made each Hunter x Hunter anime, how the 1999 and 2011 versions differ, and why most viewers today associate the series with Madhouse.
Quick Answer: What Studio Made Hunter x Hunter Anime?
The quick answer to what studio had Hunter x Hunter anime is that the 2011 anime was produced by Madhouse, while the 1999 anime was produced by Nippon Animation.
| Version | Studio | Episode Count | Main Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter x Hunter 1999 | Nippon Animation | 62 TV episodes | Older adaptation with a darker classic anime tone |
| Hunter x Hunter 2011 | Madhouse | 148 episodes | Modern reboot and the most popular anime version today |
The simplest answer is this: Madhouse made the Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime, and Nippon Animation made the 1999 anime.
Which Studio Made Hunter x Hunter 2011?
Hunter x Hunter 2011 was made by Madhouse. This is the version most new fans watch today because it starts from the beginning and adapts much more of Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga.
The 2011 anime has 148 episodes and covers Gon’s journey from the Hunter Exam through the 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc.
Madhouse’s version is known for clean pacing, bright early visuals, strong action direction, and a more complete anime run compared with the 1999 TV version.
When most viewers ask what studio had Hunter x Hunter anime, they are usually asking about this Madhouse adaptation.
Which Studio Made Hunter x Hunter 1999?
Hunter x Hunter 1999 was made by Nippon Animation. This was the first TV anime adaptation of Hunter x Hunter.
The 1999 version has 62 TV episodes and covers the earlier parts of the manga. It has a different mood from the 2011 anime, with a darker color palette and a more old-school adventure atmosphere.
Many longtime fans still appreciate the 1999 version because of its direction, music, and tone.
However, beginners usually start with Hunter x Hunter 2011 because it adapts more story and is easier to follow as one main anime run.
Is Madhouse the Only Hunter x Hunter Studio?
No, Madhouse is not the only studio connected to Hunter x Hunter. Madhouse made the 2011 anime, but Nippon Animation made the 1999 anime.
This is why the studio answer depends on the version. Saying only “Madhouse” is correct for the 2011 anime, but incomplete if the question includes every Hunter x Hunter anime adaptation.
A more complete answer is:
- Nippon Animation: Hunter x Hunter 1999 TV anime
- Madhouse: Hunter x Hunter 2011 TV anime
This distinction helps avoid confusion between the older adaptation and the modern reboot.
Is Hunter x Hunter 2011 a Remake?
Yes, Hunter x Hunter 2011 is a new adaptation that restarts the story from the beginning. It is not a sequel to the 1999 anime.
This means viewers can start with Episode 1 of the 2011 version without watching the 1999 anime first.
The Madhouse version adapts the story from Gon leaving Whale Island, meeting Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, and taking the Hunter Exam.
For the full release timeline, read when did Hunter x Hunter come out.
Why Do Fans Prefer the Madhouse Version?
Many fans prefer the Madhouse version because it adapts more of the manga and gives the anime a stronger stopping point.
The 2011 anime reaches the Election Arc, while the 1999 TV anime ends much earlier and needs OVA continuation material to go further.
Madhouse’s version also became more widely available through modern streaming, which made it the default Hunter x Hunter anime for many viewers.
That does not mean the 1999 version is bad. It simply means the 2011 version is more complete and easier for new fans to start.
Does Hunter x Hunter 2011 Cover the Whole Manga?
No, Hunter x Hunter 2011 does not cover the whole manga. It has 148 episodes and ends after the Election Arc, but the manga continues beyond that point.
The anime gives Gon’s original goal a satisfying stopping point, but the larger Hunter x Hunter story continues with later manga material.
This is important because some fans finish the Madhouse anime and assume the entire story is over.
The anime is finished for now, but the manga is not fully finished.
How Many Episodes Did Madhouse Make?
Madhouse made 148 episodes of Hunter x Hunter 2011. This is the main episode count most anime fans refer to today.
The older Nippon Animation TV version has 62 episodes, so the Madhouse version is much longer as a main TV anime run.
For a complete breakdown of the episode count, read how many episodes does Hunter x Hunter have.
The 148-episode count is also why the 2011 version is usually recommended to beginners.
Should You Watch the Nippon Animation or Madhouse Version?
Most new viewers should start with the Madhouse version from 2011. It starts from the beginning, adapts more story, and has a clean watch path from Episode 1 to Episode 148.
The Nippon Animation version from 1999 is better as an alternate experience after you already know the story.
The 1999 anime has a unique atmosphere, while the 2011 anime gives a broader adaptation.
A simple beginner path is to watch Hunter x Hunter 2011 first, then try the 1999 version later if you want to compare the two styles.
Why the Studio Question Matters
The studio question matters because the two Hunter x Hunter anime versions feel different. Studio, direction, pacing, music, color design, and episode count all affect how viewers experience the story.
Nippon Animation’s version feels more like a late-1990s adventure anime. Madhouse’s version feels more like a modern long-form shonen adaptation.
Both versions come from the same manga, but they are not identical in presentation.
That is why answering what studio had Hunter x Hunter anime requires separating the 1999 and 2011 adaptations.
Final Answer: What Studio Had Hunter x Hunter Anime?
The final answer to what studio had Hunter x Hunter anime is that Hunter x Hunter 2011 was made by Madhouse, while Hunter x Hunter 1999 was made by Nippon Animation.
If you are talking about the popular 148-episode anime that most people watch today, the studio is Madhouse.
If you are talking about the older 1999 TV anime, the studio is Nippon Animation.
FAQs
What studio made Hunter x Hunter 2011?
Hunter x Hunter 2011 was made by Madhouse.
What studio made Hunter x Hunter 1999?
Hunter x Hunter 1999 was made by Nippon Animation.
Is Hunter x Hunter 2011 a sequel to the 1999 anime?
No, Hunter x Hunter 2011 is a reboot that starts from the beginning of the manga.
Which Hunter x Hunter anime should I watch first?
Most new viewers should start with Hunter x Hunter 2011 because it adapts more of the manga and has 148 episodes.
Did Madhouse make all Hunter x Hunter anime?
No. Madhouse made the 2011 anime, while Nippon Animation made the 1999 anime.
How many episodes did Madhouse make for Hunter x Hunter?
Madhouse made 148 episodes for Hunter x Hunter 2011.
Is the 1999 Hunter x Hunter anime worth watching?
Yes, the 1999 anime is worth watching if you like older anime style and want to compare it with the 2011 Madhouse version.
Conclusion
So, what studio had Hunter x Hunter anime? The 2011 anime was made by Madhouse, and the 1999 anime was made by Nippon Animation.
The Madhouse version is the most common answer because it is the 148-episode adaptation most modern viewers watch. The Nippon Animation version is the older TV adaptation with a different tone and style.
For beginners, Hunter x Hunter 2011 by Madhouse is usually the best starting point. After that, the 1999 Nippon Animation version can be watched as an older alternate adaptation.

