Highlights

  • Leorio's goal in Hunter x Hunter is to become a hunter and a doctor to help as many people as possible.
  • Leorio forms meaningful friendships with characters like Morel, Zepile, and Melody who support him on his journey.
  • Leorio's best friend in the series is Kurapika, and their understanding and trust are evident throughout their adventures together.

Hunter x Hunter has proven to be one of the great animes and mangas of its time due to its incredible world-building and variety of characters. Hunter x Hunter's success has spawned many animes following its footprints, although only a few have been able to reach its level. One of the protagonists in Hunter x Hunter is Leorio Paradinight, known for his stubbornness and heart of gold.

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Hunter X Hunter: Kurapika’s Best Friends, Ranked

The vengeful Kurapika may have different motivations from the other heroes of Hunter X Hunter, but he still has a loyal group of friends at his back.

Leorio's goal in Hunter x Hunter is to become a hunter, which would grant him the financial needs to become a doctor who can help as many people as possible. On Leorio's mission to attain his goal, he makes plenty of friends along his journey that keep him on a straight and narrow path.

7 Morel

One Of The Heroes Of The Chimera Ant Arc

Morel in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 85/Manga Chapter 199

As one of the heroes alongside Chairman Netero from the Chimera Ant arc, Morel is viewed in high regard by characters such as Gon and Killua. However, Leorio thinks the exact opposite when first interacting with Morel. When Leorio tries to organize Killua's arrival in order to save Gon, Leorio initially knocks off Morel's idea of letting him take charge of the situation.

Once Leorio fails, Morel takes control of the arrangements, showing his experience and wisdom compared to Leorio. After their initial meeting, Leorio acknowledges Morel as a good individual, as the pair both stand by Gon's side when he recovers from his near-death experience. Leorio and Morel's relationship may be brief, but both recognize that each other has an excellent character and a shared admiration for their friend Gon.

6 Zepile

Accomplished Antiques Trader

Zepile in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 48/Manga Chapter 86

When Leorio, Gon, and Killua fish for ways to generate money for the Yorknew City auction, Zepile comes to aid the trio in their objective. When Killua and Gon head off to tail the Phantom Troupe, Leorio and Zepile get to know each other. When Killua and Gon return from their mission, Zepile and Leorio are found to be having a good time in their hotel room as they become friends.

Later, Zepile and Leorio are shown selling a wooden vault that gives the pair a large amount of money, thanks to Zepile's trading skills. After helping the group accumulate large sums of cash, Zepile's interactions with Leorio, Gon, and Killua lead to the trader being inspired to become a professional hunter.

5 Melody

Kurapika's Ally

Melody in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 39/Manga Chapter 67

In the Yorknew City arc, Melody becomes a prominent character as she faces the Phantom Troupe alongside Leorio, Kurapika, Gon, and Killua. With Kurapika having enormous trust in Melody as a colleague, Leorio and the gang automatically view Melody as a friend as they take on the Phantom Troupe in a battle of wits and strategy.

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Hunter x Hunter: Gon's Best Friends, Ranked

Gon's open-hearted nature sees him making loads of friends, but only a handful of them are there when he needs them most.

When the pair become more familiar with each other, Melody acknowledges Leorio's heartbeat, stating that his heartbeat is the most pleasant in the entire city. Before Melody and Kurapika leave Leorio, Melody promises Leorio that she will keep Kurapika safe, knowing how much Leorio cares for Kurapika.

4 Pietro

Leorio's Childhood Friend

Pietro and Leorio in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 4/Manga Chapter 7

Despite only being named in the 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter, Pietro was Leorio's childhood friend who died due to a curable illness. Not much is revealed about Pietro, although the character and his death are the main reason behind Leorio's goal of becoming a hunter and doctor.

Due to not having the financial means to access doctors or adequate medical care, Leorio watched his childhood friend perish from a curable illness. Since that event, Leorio has strived to become a doctor in order to care for the marginalized, just like he wished he could have done for Pietro.

3 Killua Zoldyck

Cold-Blooded And Callous Individual

Killua in Heavens arena in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 3/Manga Chapter 6

When Killua and Leorio first meet at the start of the Hunter exam, Killua shows a cold shoulder, with Killua gravitating towards Leorio's friend Gon. As time goes on, the pair's relationship begins to grow, particularly when Leorio, Gon, and Kurapika come to rescue Killua from the Zoldyck estate.

From their escapades in Yorknew City to the 13th Hunter Chairman Election, the pair have become very good friends who rely on each other for support in dire situations. When Gon nearly dies from his transformation, Killua and Leorio try to help their friend, as Leorio tries to facilitate Killua's arrival to save Gon.

2 Gon Freecss

The Main Protagonist

Gon in Heavens arena in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 1/Manga Chapter 1

Since the start of Hunter x Hunter, Leorio and Gon's friendship has been undeniable, with the pair hitting it off ever since the beginning of their adventure. Leorio, among many others, finds Gon's unique optimism and persona inspiring, with Gon's actions towards others bringing the best out of people, including Leorio. Throughout many arcs, Leorio stands by Gon's side as they aim to achieve their goals.

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Hunter x Hunter's Nen abilities are very strong, and these Enhancement ones are especially powerful. These are the top ones in terms of strength.

Even when Gon is on the verge of death after his battle with Neferpitou, Leorio is there to help his friend, no matter the cost. When Gon regains consciousness, Leorio's reaction to seeing his friend is made up of joy and relief, showing how much Gon means to Leorio.

1 Kurapika

Leorio's Best Friend

Kurapika in Hunter x Hunter
  • Debut: Anime Episode 1/Manga Chapter 2

In Hunter x Hunter, Kurapika is Leorio's best friend. Initially starting on rocky footing, the pair are brought together due to the heroism of Gon when on their way to the hunter exam. Early in their relationship, the pair share their goals and insecurities, allowing them to have a relationship of understanding and trust. Throughout their travels, Kurapika, Leorio, Gon, and Killua work together to progress and strengthen as hunters. However, Kurapika and Leorio's understanding of each other shines due to their similar age and attitudes.

When Kurapika faces off against the Phantom Troupe, Leorio plays a significant role in the confrontation. In the fight against the Phantom Troupe, Kurapika cares about avenging his fallen comrades, so Leorio gets involved, showing true friendship despite the dangers.

hunter x hunter
Hunter x Hunter (2016)

Release Date
October 2, 2011
Studio
Madhouse
Creator
Yoshihiro Togashi
Number of Episodes
148
Streaming Service(s)
Amazon Prime Video , Crunchyroll , Hulu , Netflix , Tubi , YouTube