The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers his father, Ging, is a world-renowned Hunter. Gon leaves home to pass the grueling Hunter Exam and become a Hunter himself in hopes of finding his father and understanding the profession that caused him to leave his family.

The four main protagonists are Gon Freecss, Killua Zoldyck (a former assassin and Gon's best friend), Kurapika (the last survivor of the Kurta clan seeking revenge), and Leorio Paradinight (an aspiring doctor). Notable antagonists include Hisoka Morow, the Phantom Troupe, and the Chimera Ants.

It is a Shonen adventure series known for deconstructing standard genre tropes. It blends action, fantasy, psychological thriller, and strategy, often taking dark and complex narrative turns.

Despite its bright art style initially, the series becomes progressively darker and more violent. It features dismemberment, psychological trauma, and complex moral themes, making it rated TV-14 or TV-MA in later arcs. It is recommended for older teens and adults.

The 2011 Madhouse adaptation has 148 episodes covering the story up to the Election Arc. The original 1999 Nippon Animation series ran for 62 episodes plus OVAs. The 2011 version is the most complete adaptation.

The series is written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, who is also the creator of YuYu Hakusho. He is known for his hiatuses due to chronic health issues.

The series features 'Nen,' a complex system involving the manipulation of life energy (aura). Users fall into six categories (Enhancer, Transmuter, Emitter, Conjurer, Manipulator, Specialist) and can create highly specific, condition-based abilities that reflect their personality.

There are two non-canon movies: 'Phantom Rouge' and 'The Last Mission'. The manga is currently ongoing (slowly) and explores the Dark Continent Expedition arc, which takes place after the anime's conclusion.

The 2011 anime is available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. The manga is available via VIZ Media and the Shonen Jump app.

It is praised for its intricate and logical power system (Nen), subversion of shonen clichés, moral ambiguity (villains are humanized, heroes can be monstrous), and complex, unpredictable story arcs like Yorknew City and Chimera Ant.