Hunter x Hunter Officially Unveils Most Beloved Villain After Hisoka (It’s Not Meruem)

Hunter x Hunter has introduced fans to some of the greatest anime characters of all time. Some are loved because they never give up, while others have become fan favorites thanks to their mysterious personalities or unforgettable fights. With such a massive cast, every fan has their own favorite.

Now, a 2026 popularity poll (via Animate Times) has revealed who readers love the most. While Hisoka remains the series’ most popular villain, another famous antagonist has quietly taken the second spot. Surprisingly, it isn’t Meruem or Chrollo Lucilfer – it’s Illumi Zoldyck.

Illumi Is Hunter x Hunter‘s Second Most Popular Villain

The latest fan poll conducted online by the Japanese media outlet Animate Times ranked Illumi Zoldyck as the 4th most popular character in Hunter x Hunter. Since Hisoka finished in second place overall, that also makes Illumi the second most popular villain in the entire series.

That result came as a surprise because Illumi finished ahead of some of the franchise’s biggest names. Phantom Troupe leader Chrollo Lucilfer ranked fifth, while Feitan Portor took sixth place. Shalnark and Machi also made the top 10 in ninth and tenth place. Even more surprising, Chimera Ant King Meruem missed the top 10 completely.

Illumi has always been one of the series’ most interesting characters. As the oldest son of the famous Zoldyck family, he was raised from childhood to become a deadly assassin. He rarely shows emotion, always stays calm, and never lets others know what he is really thinking. That quiet and creepy personality makes every one of his appearances memorable.

His relationship with Killua is another reason fans continue to talk about him. Illumi truly believes he is protecting his younger brother, but he does it by controlling every part of Killua’s life. That twisted idea of love has created some of the darkest and most emotional moments in Hunter x Hunter.

Kurapika, Killua, and the Rest of the Top 20 Fan Favorites

The full rankings also show just how many unforgettable characters Hunter x Hunter has created over the years. Kurapika claimed the number one spot, with fans praising his tragic story, powerful Chain Nen abilities, and his determination to avenge the Kurta Clan. Hisoka followed in second place, showing that his unpredictable personality and love of battle still make him one of anime’s most popular villains.

Killua Zoldyck finished in third place thanks to his incredible character growth and his strong friendship with Gon. Illumi came next in fourth, followed by Chrollo Lucilfer in fifth. Feitan Portor ranked sixth, Gon Freecss placed seventh, and Leorio Paradinight took eighth. Shalnark and Machi completed the top 10.

The rest of the rankings featured many familiar faces from across the series. Kite came in 11th place after winning fans over as Gon’s mentor and for his unforgettable role in the Chimera Ant arc. Neferpitou ranked 12th. Despite being one of the story’s cruelest villains, the Royal Guard’s unique personality, incredible strength, and emotional moments with Meruem made the character a fan favorite.

Alluka Zoldyck took 13th place. Fans continue to love Alluka’s sweet personality, close bond with Killua, and the mysterious power of Nanika that helped save Gon. Knuckle Bine finished 14th after winning fans with his kind heart, loyalty, and memorable battles during the Chimera Ant arc. Phantom Troupe member Phinks Magcub followed in 15th thanks to his incredible physical strength and his deep loyalty to his fellow troupe members.

Biscuit Krueger claimed 16th place. Although she usually looks like a young girl, fans love her hilarious personality, overwhelming strength, and the way she trained Gon and Killua during the Greed Island arc. Wing ranked 17th for introducing Gon, Killua, and Zushi to Nen. His calm teaching style helped shape the future of all three characters.

Former Hunter Association Vice Chairman Pariston Hill secured 18th place. Even though he rarely fights, his clever mind, mysterious personality, and constant mind games with Ging made him one of the Election arc’s most memorable characters.

One of the biggest surprises was Meruem finishing in 19th place. Many fans consider the Chimera Ant King one of the greatest anime villains ever written because of his emotional growth and his beautiful relationship with Komugi. That is why seeing him outside the top 10 may surprise many readers.

Shizuku Murasaki rounded out the top 20. The Phantom Troupe member remains popular thanks to her calm personality, signature glasses, and her unique Nen ability, Blinky (Deme-chan), which can vacuum up almost anything except living things. The latest poll once again proves what makes Hunter x Hunter so special. The series is filled with memorable heroes, unforgettable villains, and supporting characters who continue to win fans’ hearts years after they first appeared.

Here is a quick overview of the ranking of Hunter x Hunter fan-favorite characters from the recent Animate Times poll –

RankCharacter

1	Kurapika
2	Hisoka Morow
3	Killua Zoldyck
4	Illumi Zoldyck
5	Chrollo Lucilfer
6	Feitan Portor
7	Gon Freecss
8	Leorio Paradinight
9	Shalnark
10	Machi Komacine
11	Kite
12	Neferpitou
13	Alluka Zoldyck
14	Knuckle Bine
15	Phinks Magcub
16	Biscuit Krueger
17	Wing
18	Pariston Hill
19	Meruem
20	Shizuku Murasaki

Now the big question: Do you agree with the rankings, or do you think another Hunter x Hunter character deserved to finish ahead of Illumi? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Hunter x Hunter is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.