The My Hero Academia franchise, beloved for its compelling characters, thrilling action, and inspiring themes, extends beyond the main anime series. To fully appreciate the cinematic additions to this world, it’s crucial to watch the movies in the correct chronological order, which aligns with their release alongside the anime seasons. Watching them in this order ensures a seamless narrative experience, avoiding any potential spoilers or inconsistencies with character development and plot progression.
The Ultimate Viewing Order: Movies and Anime Seasons
To experience the My Hero Academia movies in their intended context, follow this sequence, watching each movie after the corresponding season:
- My Hero Academia Season 1
- My Hero Academia Season 2
- My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018) – Watch after Season 2
- My Hero Academia Season 3
- My Hero Academia Season 4
- My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019) – Watch after Season 4
- My Hero Academia Season 5
- My Hero Academia Season 6
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021) – Watch after Season 5, or preferably, during Season 6 after episode 25 (the final episode of season 5) before starting the next arc.
This order ensures that you encounter the movies at the optimal time, when their themes and characters resonate most strongly with the events of the anime series. You’ll gain the full intended impact of the storylines and character arcs as they weave in and out of the main plot. Ignoring this order might lead to unintended spoilers or a diminished appreciation for the nuances within the films.
Why Watching in Order Matters
Skipping around or watching movies out of sequence can significantly impact your understanding and enjoyment of the franchise. Here’s why chronological viewing is crucial:
- Avoiding Spoilers: The movies often contain subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints about character development or plot points that are later explored in the anime series. Watching them out of order can ruin these surprises and diminish the impact of certain reveals.
- Character Consistency: The movies assume a certain level of familiarity with the characters and their powers. Watching them before reaching that point in the anime can lead to confusion or a lack of appreciation for the characters’ growth.
- Narrative Coherence: The My Hero Academia universe is rich and interconnected. The movies often build upon events and themes established in the anime, creating a more cohesive and rewarding experience when viewed in the proper order.
- Enhanced Emotional Impact: Understanding the relationships and struggles of the characters within the context of the anime series amplifies the emotional impact of the movies.
Decoding the Timeline: A Deeper Dive
While the viewing order is relatively straightforward, understanding the when and where of each movie within the overall timeline can enhance your appreciation.
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
This movie serves as a bridge between the Hideout Raid Arc and the Provisional Hero License Exam Arc. It takes place after the end of Season 2 and showcases the summer adventures of Deku and All Might as they travel to I-Island, a moving city of science where they encounter new allies and face a formidable threat. It provides valuable insight into All Might’s past and his relationship with David Shield.
My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
This film is situated after Season 4, focusing on Class 1-A being assigned to Nabu Island. The students, acting as the sole heroes on the island, face a powerful villain named Nine, whose abilities are derived from stolen Quirk factors. This movie delves into themes of sacrifice, teamwork, and the future of hero society, posing the hypothetical scenario of what would happen if Deku passed on his Quirk, One For All.
My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
Chronologically, World Heroes’ Mission best fits during or after the Endeavor Agency Arc. Ideally, it is recommended to watch it at the point of Season 6 episode 25 to better understand it’s place within the main storyline, before continuing to the next arc. The film depicts Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki’s involvement with World Hero Association’s program, tackling a global crisis caused by a terrorist organization aiming to eradicate Quirks. The scale of this film is massive, making it feel grander and more impactful when placed within the already-high stakes timeline of the anime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the order and context of the My Hero Academia movies:
1. Do I have to watch the movies to understand the anime?
No, the movies are considered largely non-canon. While they provide interesting side stories and character development, they aren’t essential for understanding the main plot of the anime. However, they enrich the overall experience.
2. Are the movies available on streaming services?
Availability varies depending on your region and streaming service. Check platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix for current offerings. Some may require a premium subscription.
3. Where can I find the My Hero Academia anime series?
The anime series is widely available on popular streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and potentially Netflix, depending on regional licensing agreements.
4. Are the movies dubbed in English?
Yes, all three My Hero Academia movies have been dubbed in English. You can usually find both the original Japanese (with subtitles) and the English dubbed versions on streaming services or physical media.
5. Are there any spoilers in the movies if I’m only partway through the anime?
Yes, absolutely. As emphasized, watching the movies before completing the corresponding seasons will likely expose you to spoilers regarding character abilities, relationships, and plot developments.
6. Can I watch the movies in any order if I’m not concerned about spoilers?
While possible, it’s still recommended to watch them in the chronological order outlined above. This ensures a more natural progression of character development and a better understanding of the overall narrative.
7. Are there any post-credit scenes in the movies that I should watch for?
Yes, there are post-credit scenes in all three My Hero Academia movies. They often offer humorous or intriguing hints about future events or character interactions, so be sure to watch them!
8. Is My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising considered the “end” of the series by some fans?
The movie Heroes Rising has plot points that mirror many of the events that were planned to happen in the manga, but scrapped, which is why some fans call it an ending point. No one should assume that it is the end of the anime until it has actually reached the end point of the manga series.
9. Will there be more My Hero Academia movies in the future?
As of late 2023, there are no official announcements regarding future My Hero Academia movies. Given the popularity of the franchise, it is possible that more films will be produced after the anime series concludes.
10. Do I need to read the manga to understand the movies?
No, reading the manga isn’t essential for understanding the movies. The movies are designed to be accessible to viewers who have watched the corresponding seasons of the anime.
11. Are the movies available on Blu-ray/DVD?
Yes, all three My Hero Academia movies are available on Blu-ray and DVD. Purchasing physical copies is a great way to support the franchise and ensure you can watch them anytime.
12. If I’m new to the franchise, where should I start?
Start with Season 1 of the anime. Watching the seasons in order is the best way to introduce yourself to the world of My Hero Academia and appreciate the characters and their journey. Once you reach the end of a season, refer to the list at the top for the next film to watch!
By following this guide, you can ensure you watch the My Hero Academia movies in the correct order, maximizing your enjoyment and deepening your appreciation for this incredible franchise. Remember to consult your local streaming services for availability and happy viewing!