Fact Check: Are hxh movies canon?

Are Hunter × Hunter Movies Canon?

Introduction

The question of whether the Hunter × Hunter movies are canon to the main storyline has sparked considerable debate among fans of the series. Canon refers to content that is officially recognized as part of the original narrative, typically created or approved by the author. This inquiry is particularly relevant given the franchise's complex storytelling and the inclusion of multiple adaptations, including anime and films.

What We Know

Movies Overview: The Hunter × Hunter franchise includes several films, notably Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission. These films feature characters and themes from the original manga and anime but have sparked questions regarding their narrative legitimacy within the established canon.
Phantom Rouge: According to its Wikipedia page, Phantom Rouge is described as a film that includes elements of Kurapika's backstory, but it is not explicitly stated to be canon within the main storyline 1. A similar assertion is made on Hunterpedia, which notes that while some aspects of the film are tied to Kurapika's origins, the overall plot diverges from the manga's established events 4.
The Last Mission: This film is said to occur between significant arcs of the anime but has also been labeled as non-canon by various sources 8. A forum discussion on MyAnimeList suggests that while it contains some elements that fans might find interesting, it does not contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative 3.
General Consensus: Articles from various fan sites and forums indicate a general consensus that the Hunter × Hunter movies are not considered canon. For instance, a post on Playbite states that none of the films are part of the main storyline, although they may provide enjoyable content for fans 5. Similarly, another source emphasizes that the films are largely viewed as filler and do not align with the manga's plot 2.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources varies significantly. Wikipedia, while a good starting point, can be edited by anyone, which raises questions about the accuracy of its content. However, it does provide a structured overview of the films and their relation to the series. Hunterpedia, being a fan-operated site, may also reflect community consensus but lacks the rigor of academic or professional sources.

The articles from fan sites like Playbite and The Nerds Junction offer insights based on community discussions but may also reflect the biases of their authors or the communities they represent. The forum discussions on MyAnimeList provide anecdotal evidence but lack authoritative backing, making them less reliable for definitive claims about canon status.

Moreover, the assertion that the films contain "some kind of nonsense stuff never mentioned in the manga" 3 suggests a subjective interpretation of the films' content, which may not be universally accepted among fans.

The lack of official statements from the original creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, regarding the canon status of these films further complicates the matter. Without direct commentary from the author, the classification of the films remains ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The evidence suggests that the Hunter × Hunter movies are not considered canon to the main storyline. Key sources, including fan sites and community discussions, indicate that both Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission diverge from the established narrative of the manga and are largely viewed as non-canon or filler content. While these films may incorporate familiar characters and themes, they do not contribute meaningfully to the overarching plot as recognized by the original creator or the broader fan community.

It is important to note that the classification of canon can be subjective and may vary among fans. The lack of definitive statements from Yoshihiro Togashi regarding the films' status adds a layer of ambiguity to the discussion. Therefore, while the current consensus leans towards non-canon, interpretations may differ.

Readers should also be aware of the limitations in the available evidence, as much of it relies on community consensus and anecdotal claims rather than authoritative sources. As always, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when forming conclusions about media content.