My Hero Academia: The Ultimate Watch Order (Including Movies!)

Confused about the correct order to watch My Hero Academia? Don’t worry, aspiring heroes! This guide breaks down the complete viewing order, including all seasons and movies, ensuring you experience the full emotional impact and narrative flow of Kohei Horikoshi’s masterpiece. Follow this chronology to become a true MHA expert.

The Definitive My Hero Academia Watch Order

To experience My Hero Academia as intended, adhere to this chronological order of release:

1. Season 1 (2016): Episodes 1-13 – The beginning! Introduces Izuku Midoriya and his journey to inherit One For All.
2. Season 2 (2017): Episodes 14-38 – The Sports Festival arc showcases the abilities of Class 1-A.
3. Season 3 (2018): Episodes 39-63 – Confrontation with the League of Villains escalates; All Might’s ultimate battle.
4. My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (Movie, 2018) – This movie fits neatly between Seasons 2 and 3, specifically after the Forest Training Camp arc of Season 3. It’s canon and introduces Melissa Shield. Watch after episode 51 of the main series.
5. Season 4 (2019-2020): Episodes 64-88 – Sir Nighteye and the Shie Hassaikai arc introduce a new level of danger.
6. My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (Movie, 2019) – Taking place after Season 4 but before Season 5, this movie is largely considered canon (though some elements are contradicted later). Watch after episode 88.
7. Season 5 (2021): Episodes 89-113 – The Joint Training arc and the controversial My Villain Academia arc.
8. My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (Movie, 2021) – Set roughly during the Endeavor Agency arc of Season 6 (after the Meta Liberation Army arc of Season 5). Watch after episode 113 of the main series.
9. Season 6 (2022-2023): Episodes 114-138 – The Paranormal Liberation War arc – the most intense and devastating battles yet.
10. Season 7 (2024): Ongoing – The final battle looms.

Diving Deeper into the MHA Universe

This section addresses common questions that arise while navigating the My Hero Academia world.

Understanding the Timeline

It’s crucial to understand where the movies fit within the larger narrative of the series. While not strictly essential to understanding the main plot, they provide valuable character development and expand the world of MHA. The placement above ensures minimal spoilers for the main storyline.

Is Filler Content Important?

My Hero Academia generally stays close to the source material, meaning there’s very little filler. Most episodes contribute meaningfully to the plot or character development. Even “recap” episodes often include snippets of new content or perspectives.

The Significance of the Movies

Each movie adds a unique layer to the overall MHA experience. Two Heroes explores All Might’s past, Heroes Rising tests the strength of Class 1-A, and World Heroes’ Mission presents a global threat. They’re fun, action-packed, and contribute to the lore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about watching My Hero Academia in the correct order.

1. Do I have to watch the movies to understand the main plot? No, the movies are not strictly necessary to understand the core storyline. The main series provides a complete narrative arc. However, the movies offer character development and world-building that enrich the experience. Skipping them won’t ruin the plot, but you’ll miss out on extra content.

2. Are the movies considered canon? This is a complex question. Two Heroes is generally accepted as canon. Heroes Rising introduces elements that are partially contradicted later in the main series. World Heroes’ Mission feels more separate, but could still be considered loosely canon. Ultimately, think of them as “semi-canon” – they add to the universe but don’t drastically alter the core plot.

3. Where can I watch My Hero Academia? My Hero Academia is widely available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. Availability may vary depending on your region. Blu-ray and DVD versions are also available for purchase.

4. Is there a dub available? Yes, My Hero Academia has a very popular English dub available on most streaming platforms that offer the series. Many fans prefer the dub, finding it well-acted and faithful to the original.

5. What’s the difference between subbed and dubbed versions? The subbed version features the original Japanese audio with English subtitles. The dubbed version replaces the Japanese audio with English voice acting. Choose whichever you prefer!

6. Is it okay to skip Season 5’s “My Villain Academia” arc? While some viewers dislike this arc, it is crucial for understanding Shigaraki’s development and the League of Villains’ motivations. Skipping it will leave gaps in your understanding of the villains’ perspective as the series progresses. Do not skip it.

7. When will Season 7 be released? Season 7 of My Hero Academia premiered in Spring 2024. Specific release dates for individual episodes are generally announced closer to their air date, so keep an eye on anime news websites and streaming platforms.

8. What’s the best way to avoid spoilers? The best way to avoid spoilers is to watch the series in order and avoid online forums, social media, and YouTube comments until you’ve caught up. Use spoiler tags when discussing the series online with others.

9. Are there any OVAs (Original Video Animations) to watch? Yes, there are several OVAs, some of which are more skippable than others. “Training of the Dead” is a fun side story. Check online resources for a complete list and their placement within the timeline, but they are largely non-essential.

10. Where does the manga fit in relation to the anime? The anime is an adaptation of the My Hero Academia manga. The anime generally follows the manga very closely. If you want to get ahead of the anime, you can start reading the manga after you finish the latest episode.

11. Is My Hero Academia worth watching? Absolutely! My Hero Academia is a critically acclaimed and incredibly popular series for a reason. It features compelling characters, exciting action sequences, and a heartwarming story about overcoming adversity. It’s a must-watch for any anime fan.

12. Will there be a Season 8? As of now, there’s no confirmation of a Season 8. Season 7 is adapting the final arc of the manga, suggesting the anime is nearing its conclusion. However, given the franchise’s popularity, spinoffs or sequels are always a possibility.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy My Hero Academia in its entirety, experiencing the full depth and emotional impact of this beloved series. Now go forth and plus ultra!