Absolute Masterpiece. It's a mixed bag and doesn't stick to one or two themes. Every arc is very different to each other like: Exam, Business, Mafia, Politics, Biological Warfare, Science, etc. and it goes on! The world of HxH is very diverse and interesting that you will crave for even more, very similar to that of One Piece. Also this anime has antagonists that are very well written and is nothing like in other shows.

The very archetypal Hero's Journey and 'Father Quest' trope elements, which are quite common in shōnen anime, this series still stands out the most personally for me, second only to Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood. Naruto comes in third, and dunno about Bleach (planning to continue watching it soon). Even though the first few episodes (the initial arc, Hunter Exam) might bore you to death, if you patiently wait, it will progressively and unexpectedly reward you with the richest characters with interesting power systems. Each one comes with their own motivations, desires, and so on. The world feels alive and its characters do too, they aren't just there for the main hero to interact with and progress the plot. Plus, クラピカは今言いようのないむなしさを抱えていた—♪ (kurapika is now drowning in an indescribable emptiness.)⁠ the 'Hunting for Your Dream' ost ending's clever switch-up after the narrator finishes, with its meta-commentary, is beautifully poetic.

Really great main cast! But I think the pacing can definitely be improved during the ants arc -- I paused watching for over a year because the exposition and slow pace wore on me so much, even though I was loving it up to then. Even so, I would recommend this even to people who are not usually fans of the genre just because Gon and Killua are so endearing. And the pacing discrepancies may not bother everyone.

I just finished it, can't stop crying. It was so damn good.

Second Favorite anime after Death Note.