Hunter x Hunter captivates audiences with its exhilarating blend of adventure, fantasy, and intricate storytelling, navigating through themes of hunting, assassination, and the supernatural. Central to its narrative is the pervasive theme of death, which not only shapes the destiny of its protagonists and antagonists but also profoundly impacts its viewers.
While numerous characters face their demise throughout the series, certain deaths linger more poignantly, evoking feelings of heartbreak and despair among fans and characters alike. The fatalities depicted in Hunter x Hunter are intense and often unexpected, leaving a lasting impression due to the abrupt loss of cherished characters and the innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Updated December 30, 2024, by Oluwatokiloba Folami: Despite featuring child protagonists, Hunter x Hunter doesn’t shy away from presenting a multitude of deaths—many occurring on-screen and proving devastating for audiences. Iconic scenes such as the deaths of Meruem and Komugi resonate deeply due to their emotional weight. This exploration highlights that beyond main characters, several others experience tragic ends that challenge viewers’ expectations. These deaths, though often brutal, serve a critical role in propelling the overarching narrative of this gripping series.
WARNING! Spoilers ahead.
21 Frame
Killua’s Transformation Through Rammot’s Death
- Death occurs in Episode 94
Rammot, a notable Chimera Ant, was initially ambitious but quickly dashed his dreams of power upon facing stronger foes like Neferpitou. Despite his sadistic tendencies, his death served as a pivotal moment for Killua. Struggling with a needle placed by Illumi that made him flee from challenges, Killua’s ultimate victory over Rammot marked a critical turning point in his character arc.
20 Squala
A Devastating Death of Hope
- Death occurs in Episode 56
As a bodyguard for the Nostrade family, Squala exemplified weariness in the treacherous world of Mafia politics. Eager to escape this life with his lover Eliza, his death was particularly devastating. As the Phantom Troupe discovered his secret, Squala’s panic caught him off guard, leading to a swift and tragic end, illustrating the perilous nature of his choices.
19 Porcupine
Death by a Scream of Terror
- Death occurs in Episode 76
Porcupine’s unique skills as a member of the Shadow Beasts made him a formidable fighter. However, during his confrontation with Uvogin, his skills proved insufficient. In a haunting twist, Uvogin’s fierce combat strategy culminated in Porcupine’s gruesome demise, offering a stark representation of the series’ unpredictability in character arcs.
18 Gyro’s Father
A Traumatic Yet Just Punishment
- Death occurs in Episode 80
Gyro’s father’s death was not just an ending; it was a culmination of years of abuse toward his son. Seen through flashbacks, Gyro’s recognition of his father’s cruel nature propelled him to a brutal conclusion. Killed by his own son, the act was both a release and a haunting moment of catharsis for Gyro, symbolizing his long-sought liberation from trauma.
17 Pike
A Horrific End by Blood Loss
- Death occurs in Episode 97
Pike’s demise highlights the intelligence and strategy often overshadowed by brute strength in this series. When confronted by Shizuku, Pike’s web-slinging tactics initially gave him an edge. Nevertheless, his eventual trickery led to a bizarrely passive end, where blood loss transformed him into a lifeless husk, illustrating the chilling consequences of underestimating opponents.
16 Cheetu
Instant Death Amidst Lightning Speed
- Death occurs in Episode 117
Expectations for Cheetu’s battle seemed high, but it culminated in an unexpected twist of fate. While calculating his movements against Morel and Zeno, he failed to anticipate the sudden appearance of Silva, resulting in an instantaneous, crushing death, underscoring the fragility of life even for the swift.
15 Castro
The Perils of Deviating from Nature
- Death occurs in Episode 32
Kastro’s demise exemplifies the dangers of straying from one’s Nen category. During his rematch with Hisoka, Kastro’s adoption of manipulation techniques hindered his innate enhancing abilities. This tactical misstep ultimately led to his death at the hands of Hisoka, emphasizing the lessons about specialization and the risks of experimentation.
14 Shaiapouf
Love Turned to Regret
- Death occurs in Episode 135
Shaiapouf’s devotion to Meruem ultimately yielded nothing but sorrow. His demise came not with a climactic battle but through poison from the Miniature Rose, as he grappled with Meruem’s evolving character. This transformation marked the emotional climax of his character arc, as he succumbed quietly, reflecting on his perceived failures as a guardian.
13 Zazan
A Harrowing Death by Flame
- Death occurs in Episode 97
As the Chimera Ant Queen’s offspring, Zazan displayed considerable power, yet her encounter with Feitan sealed her fate. The burning intensity of Feitan’s abilities extinguished Zazan’s life shockingly, illustrating the fierce realities characters face in this dark universe.
12 Johness
A Gruesome End for a Notorious Killer
- Death occurs in Episode 11
Johness, a minor yet vicious character, met a swift and brutal end at the hands of Killua. Accused of grotesque crimes, he had survived long enough to challenge Killua but suffered an ignoble demise, showcasing the series’ darker undertones, even for minor characters.
11 The Kurta Clan
Offscreen Tragedy with Lasting Impact
- Deaths occur before the series begins
Though the Kurta Clan’s annihilation happens offscreen, its repercussions resonate throughout the series. Kurapika’s quest for vengeance against the Phantom Troupe is deeply motivated by the brutal extermination of his people—a harrowing reflection on the consequences of unchecked malevolence.
10 Uvogin
A Quick End for a Rugged Phantom
- Death occurs in Episode 47
Once perceived as invincible due to his strength, Uvogin met his untimely end at the hands of Kurapika, who, fueled by revenge, meticulously planned his approach. This confrontation opened new narrative pathways while solidifying Kurapika’s resolve in the series.
9 Kurt & Reina
The Tragic Loss of Innocence
- Deaths occur in Episode 77
The Chimera Ant Arc is notorious for its grim scenes. The anguishing deaths of young Kurt and Reina, who fall victim to the Chimera Ant Queen, poignantly illustrate the narrative’s brutal truth: even children are not spared in this violent realm.
8 Pokkle
Tormented Brain Before a Gruesome End
- Death occurs in Episode 84
Pokkle’s end represents one of the most psychologically disturbing sequences in the series. Captured by the Chimera Ants, he endured ceaseless torment while Neferpitou dissected his mind to uncover hunters’ secrets. This brutal exploration twisted both his psyche and mortality, making for a haunting depiction of cruelty.
7 On demand
A Selfless Sacrifice for the Collective
- Death occurs in Episode 58
Pakunoda’s poignant sacrifice was a remarkable twist in the Phantom Troupe’s saga. Identifying Kurapika as a threat, she revealed his identity at the cost of her own life, exemplifying the deep bond within the Troupe and the harsh reality of their existence.
6 Ponzu
A Tragic Demise Indicative of the Series’ Darkness
- Death occurs in Episode 80
Ponzu’s brutal end during the Chimera Ant Arc underscored the show’s darker tones. Her legacy was cut short after a ferocious encounter, as she was savagely attacked and devoured by an enemy, reminding viewers of the persistent danger within the Hunter x Hunter universe.
5 Gotoh
A Devastating Loss of Loyalty
- Death occurs in Episode 142
Gotoh’s loyalty to the Zoldyck family was unquestionable, yet his shocking demise at the hands of Hisoka illustrated that even the most devoted allies are not invulnerable. His fall from grace resonated as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life in the series.
4 Neferpitou
- Death occurs in Episode 131
The audience will always remember Neferpitou’s shocking end. As a fierce protector of Chimera Ant King Meruem, her demise was a pivotal moment for Gon, reflecting the transformation of his character from an innocent boy into someone consumed by vengeance and darkness, showcasing the emotional depths of Hunter x Hunter.
3 Meruem & Komugi
A Bittersweet Farewell to a Unique Pair
- Deaths occur in Episode 135
Meruem and Komugi’s relationship introduced a nuanced discussion of morality and humanity within the series. Their simultaneous demise was both tragic and touching, as it marked the end of Meruem’s journey from a self-serving king to a being capable of love, resonating deeply with the audience.
2 Nether
The Departure of a Legendary Leader
- Death occurs in Episode 126
The demise of Netero, the stalwart figure of hope for many characters, reverberated through the storyline. His passing marked not only a significant turning point for the series but also signified the end of an era filled with hope and strength, leaving fans to grapple with the loss of such a pivotal character.
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