The Most Popular Hunter x Hunter Characters, Ranked

Hunter x Hunter, as one of the best shounen anime out there, offers a diverse variety of likable characters. This means that it’s hard to even pick a favorite among them since they are all awesome.

But I also know that you are keen to find out which one of them is the most popular (although I think everyone already knows who will come in at number one).

I used MAL’s most favorite characters to find out who the most popular character in Hunter x Hunter is, so the ranking below should reflect reality to some extent.

*Cover picture by Pixiv Id 8652120 

10. Feitan Portor

• Member Favorites: 3,136
• Age: ~28
• Occupation: Phantom Troupe’s member
• Nen Type: Transmutation

Feitan is a member of the Phantom Troupe, and he’s one of the most feared and dangerous members of the group.

He’s got a quiet intensity about him—he doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s usually something important.

Feitan a master of Nen, with the ability to manipulate pain and turn it into power. When he gets angry, he becomes almost unstoppable, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get revenge on those who have wronged him or the Phantom Troupe.

In a nutshell, his icy demeanor belies a sinister allure that inspires a mixture of admiration and horror not only among his Phantom Troupe teammates but also viewers.

9. Neferpitou

• Member Favorites: 3,555
• Age: ~60 d/o
• Occupation: Meruem’s Royal Guard
• Nen Type: Specialization

Neferpitou is a member of the Chimera Ants and serves as one of Meruem’s royal guards.

What makes them so interesting is their unique blend of loyalty and cruelty. They’re passionately devoted to the Chimera Ant cause and will do whatever it takes to protect their king, but at the same time, they’re capable of committing horrific acts of violence without batting an eye.

With that being said, Neferpitou is not without their own sense of morality and ethics: they show genuine concern for the well-being of the Chimera Ants.

Neferpitou is also an impressive Nen user, with the ability to heal injuries and manipulate the bodies of others.

8. Isaac Netero

• Member Favorites: 4,134
• Age: 120
• Occupation: Hunters Association’s Chairman
• Nen Type: Enhancement

Isaac Netero is one of the most legendary Hunters in the world of Hunter x Hunter, and for good reason.

He’s a total powerhouse, with incredible physical strength and an almost unmatched mastery of Nen.

Netero is also incredibly wise and perceptive, with a keen understanding of human nature and an ability to see through people’s motives and intentions.

Despite his immense power, he’s a surprisingly humble and down-to-earth person, and he’s always looking for ways to improve himself and become an even better Hunter.

Moreover, his fight against Meruem is one of the most iconic moments in the series, and it’s a testament to his strength and resolve.

7. Leorio Paladiknight

• Member Favorites: 6,870
• Age: 19
• Occupation: Hunter
• Nen Type: Emission

Leorio is also a fairly popular Hunter x Hunter character and claims the number 7 spot on this list.

The most probable reason why he is not as popular as the rest of the main cast is that he can rub people the wrong way with his brash, rough-around-the-edges personality.

However, as we find out later, Leorio is also incredibly passionate and dedicated to his goals. Specifically, he wants to become a doctor so that he can help people and make a difference in the world.

He is not as flashy or powerful as some of the other characters in the series, but he makes up for it with his determination and heart. Plus, Leorio has a bit of a goofy side, which makes him a fun character to be around.

Overall, Leorio is a bit of an underdog, but he’s definitely someone you want on your side.

6. Chrollo Lucifer

• Member Favorites: 8,534
• Age: 26
• Occupation: leader of the Phantom Troupe
• Nen Type: Specialization

Chrollo, the leader of the infamous Phantom Troupe, is a total enigma. What we know about him is that he is incredibly intelligent and charismatic.

He’s a master strategist and has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of different types of Nen abilities, which he can use to devastating effect.

What’s interesting about Chrollo is that he doesn’t seem to be motivated by money or power. Instead, he’s driven by a sort of intellectual curiosity. He’s always seeking out new challenges and experiences, and he’ll go to great lengths to acquire rare and overpowered abilities.

Despite his criminal background, he’s got a sort of charm and magnetism that makes it hard not to be drawn to him.

5. Meruem

• Member Favorites: 16,128
• Age: 40 days
• Occupation: King of Chimera Ants
• Nen Type: Specialization

Meruem is one of the most complex and fascinating characters in the series.

At first, he comes off as a cold, calculating monster—and, well, he is a monster, since he’s the king of the Chimera Ants. But as you get to know him, you start to see that there’s more to him than meets the eye.

He’s incredibly intelligent and analytical, and he’s always striving to become stronger and more powerful.

But at the same time, he’s capable of feeling genuine emotion, and he even develops a bit of a soft spot for a human girl named Komugi.

Watching his character evolve over the course of the series is truly a treat.

4. Gon Freecss

• Member Favorites: 20,717
• Age: 12 (beginning), 14-15 (current)
• Occupation: Hunter
• Nen Type: Enhancement

Gon is a total ray of sunshine (as most shounen protagonists are). Interestingly, he didn’t even claim the first three positions despite being the main character!

Gon’s got this infectious optimism and boundless energy that just makes you want to root for him. He’s also incredibly determined—once he sets his mind to something, there’s no stopping him.

Despite being a bit naive at times, Gon is surprisingly perceptive and has a knack for figuring out the right thing to do in a tough situation. Plus, he’s got some seriously impressive powers.

3. Kurapika

• Member Favorites: 22,381
• Age: 17 (beginning), 19 (current)
• Occupation: Hunter
• Nen Type: Conjuration/ Specialization (when his eyes are Scarlet)

Among the main cast, Kurapika is the most serious and enigmatic. Not only is he the only one whose surname is not known but he is also the only HxH character who falls under two different Nen categories.

Kurapika has an intense, brooding personality that can be a little off-putting at first, but once you get to know him, you realize that he’s just incredibly focused on his goals. Specifically, he’s on a mission to avenge his clan, which was massacred by a group of criminals known as the Phantom Troupe. To that end, he’s become an expert in hunting down and capturing these guys, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his revenge through.

2. Hisoka Morow

• Member Favorites: 34,805
• Age: 28
• Occupation: Hunter
• Nen Type: Transmutation

Everyone can agree that Hisoka is one creepy dude.

He’s got this twisted, sadistic personality that makes you want to stay as far away from him as possible. But at the same time, you can’t help but be intrigued by him: there’s just something about his unpredictability that draws you in.

He’s also an incredibly skilled fighter, with a penchant for using playing cards as weapons. And let’s not forget about his…uh…unique fashion sense. 🤡

Suffice it to say, Hisoka is a character you won’t soon forget.

1. Killua Zoldyck

• Member Favorites: 91,694
• Age: 12 (beginning); 14-15 (current)
• Occupation: Ex-assassin Hunter
• Nen Type: Transmutation

When I started assembling this list, I already knew who was going to rank first on this list of the best Hunter x Hunter characters. Did you also assume the same?

I mean, Killua is a total badass. He’s a kid assassin with lightning-fast reflexes and killer instincts, which make him an incredibly skilled fighter. Plus, he’s got a sharp wit and a wicked sense of humor, which make him a blast to hang out with. Gon totally agrees!

But don’t be fooled by his tough exterior—Killua’s got a sensitive side too, and he’s fiercely loyal to the people he cares about.

All in all, he’s a total package, and it’s no wonder he’s a fan favorite.