Navigating the world of My Hero Academia movies can be tricky, especially when considering their place within the overarching anime narrative. To watch the MHA movies in a way that enhances your enjoyment and understanding, it’s crucial to view them in chronological order after reaching the appropriate point in the anime series.
The Optimal Viewing Order: A Hero’s Timeline
The My Hero Academia movies, while standalone adventures, are designed to complement the main anime series. Watching them at the wrong time can lead to spoilers or a disjointed viewing experience. Here’s the definitive order to follow:
- My Hero Academia: Two Heroes: Watch after completing Season 3, episode 25 (the end of the season). This film sets the stage for character development that carries forward.
- My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising: Watch after completing Season 4. This film offers a significant narrative arc that is best experienced after fully immersing yourself in Season 4’s events.
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission: Watch after completing Season 5. The events of this movie connect directly to plot threads introduced and explored in Season 5.
This order ensures minimal spoilers and maximizes your appreciation for the characters’ growth and relationships within the My Hero Academia universe. Failing to adhere to this order might result in seeing characters use abilities or knowing plot points that haven’t been revealed yet in the anime.
Finding the Movies: Where to Stream and Buy
Fortunately, accessing the My Hero Academia movies is relatively straightforward. Various platforms offer streaming or digital purchase options:
- Streaming Services: Major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation (now integrated with Crunchyroll), and Hulu often carry the movies. Check your local availability as licensing agreements may vary by region.
- Digital Retailers: Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV offer the movies for purchase or rental. This provides a permanent (or long-term) way to watch the movies.
- Physical Media: For collectors and enthusiasts, Blu-ray and DVD editions of the movies are available from various retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and local anime stores. This allows you to own a physical copy and enjoy high-quality visuals.
Remember to compare prices and availability across different platforms to find the best deal for your viewing preferences. Always ensure you are watching from legitimate sources to support the creators and avoid illegal streams.
Understanding the Canonicity of the Films
A frequent question among fans revolves around the canonicity of the My Hero Academia movies. While the movies are not strictly considered part of the core anime storyline, they are officially licensed and approved by Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia.
Horikoshi’s Involvement
Kohei Horikoshi plays a significant role in the creation of the movies, contributing to the character designs, story outlines, and overall narrative direction. This ensures that the movies align with the themes and spirit of the main series.
Soft Canon Status
Therefore, the movies can be considered “soft canon”. This means that while their events may not be directly referenced in the main anime series, they don’t contradict the established lore and contribute to the overall character development. The movies can be seen as side stories that enhance the My Hero Academia universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about watching the My Hero Academia movies, answered to provide further clarity and guidance:
1. Will watching the movies spoil the anime if I haven’t caught up?
Yes, watching the movies out of order can definitely lead to spoilers. Each movie is designed to be watched after a specific season of the anime. Refer to the “Optimal Viewing Order” section above to avoid any unwanted revelations.
2. Are the movies available in English dub?
Yes, all the My Hero Academia movies are available in both English dubbed and Japanese with English subtitles. Most streaming and retail platforms offer both options.
3. Which movie is considered the best by fans?
While subjective, My Hero Academia: Two Heroes is often cited as a fan favorite due to its focus on All Might’s backstory and its exciting action sequences. However, each film offers unique elements and appeals to different viewers.
4. Do I need to watch the OVAs before the movies?
While the OVAs provide additional character development and context, they are not essential for understanding the movies. However, watching them can enrich your overall My Hero Academia experience.
5. Are there any post-credit scenes in the movies?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to stick around until the end credits finish. Some movies feature short post-credit scenes that provide additional context or hints at future events.
6. How long are the My Hero Academia movies?
Each movie runs for approximately 95-105 minutes. This makes them a convenient and enjoyable watch for an evening or weekend.
7. Will there be any more My Hero Academia movies in the future?
While no official announcements have been made recently, given the ongoing popularity of My Hero Academia, it’s highly likely that future movies will be produced. Stay tuned to official announcements from the anime studio and creators for updates.
8. Are the movies available on Blu-ray and DVD?
Yes, all three My Hero Academia movies are available on Blu-ray and DVD, often with bonus features such as behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and trailers.
9. Can I watch the movies if I only read the manga?
While the movies are primarily aimed at anime viewers, manga readers can also enjoy them. However, be aware that the movies may contain content that hasn’t yet been covered in the manga, depending on your reading progress.
10. Is there a specific order in which to watch the promotional shorts related to the movies?
Generally, the promotional shorts are designed to complement the movies they are associated with and are best watched after the respective movie. This avoids any potential minor spoilers.
11. What is the plot of each movie in a nutshell?
- Two Heroes: Izuku Midoriya (Deku) and All Might travel to I-Island, a city dedicated to scientific research. They face a villainous plot threatening the island’s security.
- Heroes Rising: Class 1-A is stationed on Nabu Island, where they protect the locals from a group of powerful villains. Deku and Bakugo must work together to overcome a formidable threat.
- World Heroes’ Mission: A terrorist organization threatens to eradicate quirks worldwide. Deku, Bakugo, and Shoto Todoroki team up to stop the organization and clear Deku’s name after he’s wrongly accused of a crime.
12. Where can I find reliable reviews and ratings for the movies?
Reputable anime review websites such as MyAnimeList, Anime News Network, and IGN offer comprehensive reviews and ratings for the My Hero Academia movies. These resources can help you gauge the overall quality and reception of each film.
By following this guide, you can ensure a truly heroic viewing experience of the My Hero Academia movies, enriching your understanding and enjoyment of this beloved anime franchise. Remember to watch in the correct order and enjoy the journey!