There are currently four theatrical anime films based on Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia manga series. Each movie expands upon the world and characters established in the main anime series, offering exciting new storylines and intense battles.
A Deep Dive into the My Hero Academia Film Universe
My Hero Academia has exploded in popularity since its debut, captivating audiences with its compelling story of aspiring heroes and their fight against villainy. Beyond the anime series, which faithfully adapts the manga, the My Hero Academia movies provide a different, yet equally engaging, experience for fans. They offer a chance to see beloved characters in new situations, fighting alongside each other in ways the main series doesn’t always allow. Understanding the films’ place in the larger My Hero Academia narrative is crucial for any serious fan.
The Theatrical Releases: A Chronicle
To fully answer “how many MHA movies are there,” we need to examine each film in chronological order:
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My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018): This film takes place between the second and third seasons of the anime. It sees Izuku Midoriya and All Might travel to I-Island, a moving city dedicated to research and development of Quirks and Hero Support items. There, they encounter a young woman named Melissa Shield, who is quirkless but incredibly intelligent. When a villainous organization attacks I-Island, Deku, All Might, and their friends must rise to the occasion.
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My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019/2020, depending on region): Set after the Provisional Hero License Exam arc, this movie initially served as the intended ending for the series according to Horikoshi himself (before he continued the manga, of course). Class 1-A is stationed on Nabu Island, a peaceful place with few heroes. They must protect the island’s residents when a powerful villain, Nine, and his henchmen arrive seeking a mysterious Quirk.
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My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021): This film occurs sometime during the Endeavor Agency arc. A terrorist organization called Humarize, which believes Quirks are a disease and aims to eradicate them, unleashes a global threat. Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki must work together with heroes around the world to stop Humarize’s plans.
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My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: You’re Next (2024): This movie is the fourth movie of the My Hero Academia franchise. Following the events of Heroes Rising, a mysterious threat emerges that resembles All Might.
Canon or Not Canon? A Matter of Interpretation
A common question surrounding anime films, particularly those based on ongoing series, is whether or not they are canon. In the context of My Hero Academia, the films are considered to be semi-canon. While they don’t directly influence the core narrative of the manga or anime series, they are supervised by Kohei Horikoshi and are generally considered to fit within the established world and timeline. Events that contradict the main story are usually overlooked or explained away. Therefore, while they are enjoyable additions, they aren’t essential for understanding the central plot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About My Hero Academia Movies
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the My Hero Academia movie landscape:
Question 1: In what order should I watch the My Hero Academia movies?
The recommended viewing order is the same as the release order:
- My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
- My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
- My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: You’re Next
This order aligns with the films’ placement within the overall timeline of the My Hero Academia story and avoids potential spoilers for the anime series.
Question 2: Where do the My Hero Academia movies fit into the anime timeline?
- Two Heroes: Between seasons 2 and 3.
- Heroes Rising: After the Provisional Hero License Exam arc (Season 4).
- World Heroes’ Mission: Sometime during the Endeavor Agency arc (Season 5/6).
- You’re Next: Between Seasons 6 and 7.
Question 3: Are the My Hero Academia movies available on streaming services?
Availability varies depending on your region. Typically, they are released on home media (Blu-ray/DVD) and then eventually become available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation (now Crunchyroll), or other regional streaming services. Check your local providers for the most up-to-date information.
Question 4: Are the My Hero Academia movies dubbed in English?
Yes, all of the My Hero Academia movies have been dubbed in English, featuring the voice actors from the main anime series.
Question 5: Did Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia, have any involvement in the movies?
Yes, Kohei Horikoshi has been heavily involved in the production of each My Hero Academia movie. He provides the original story concepts, character designs, and oversees the overall creative direction. His involvement ensures that the films maintain the spirit and tone of the original manga.
Question 6: Are the villains in the My Hero Academia movies featured in the main series?
Generally, the villains in the movies are original characters created specifically for the films. While they may not appear in the manga or anime, they are designed to be credible threats that test the heroes’ abilities and push them to their limits.
Question 7: Which My Hero Academia movie is considered the best by fans?
This is subjective, but My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising is often cited as the fan-favorite due to its high-stakes plot, intense action sequences, and strong emotional core. The idea of it being an initial intended ending also adds to its appeal.
Question 8: Do I need to watch the My Hero Academia anime series to understand the movies?
Yes, it is highly recommended to watch at least the first few seasons of the anime before watching the movies. The movies assume a certain level of familiarity with the characters, their Quirks, and the overall world of My Hero Academia. Without this context, you may find yourself lost or confused.
Question 9: Are there any spin-off movies or OVAs related to My Hero Academia?
While there aren’t any direct spin-off movies, there are Original Video Animations (OVAs) that expand on the My Hero Academia universe. These are usually shorter episodes that are released with the Blu-ray or DVD releases of the anime series and movies.
Question 10: Will there be more My Hero Academia movies in the future?
Given the continued popularity of the My Hero Academia franchise, it’s highly likely that more movies will be produced in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements from Bones (the animation studio), Funimation/Crunchyroll, and Kohei Horikoshi for any news.
Question 11: How much do the My Hero Academia movies gross at the box office?
Each of the My Hero Academia movies has performed well at the box office, both in Japan and internationally. Heroes Rising was particularly successful, demonstrating the franchise’s global appeal. Specific box office numbers can be found on sites like Box Office Mojo.
Question 12: Where can I buy the My Hero Academia movies on Blu-ray or DVD?
The My Hero Academia movies are typically available at major retailers that sell movies, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and specialized anime stores. They are also available online through digital retailers like Google Play Movies and the Apple TV app.