Kohei Horikoshi’s acclaimed superhero manga, My Hero Academia, took the anime world by storm with its adaptation by the renowned Studio Bones. Over the years, the MHA anime has surged in popularity, establishing itself among the best superhero anime ever. As the series embraces its intriguing Final War arc, we’ve taken a close look at each season and ranked them from least to most impressive.
Spoiler Warning:
This article includes significant highlights from each season of the My Hero Academia anime, so it’s best to watch the series before diving in.
7. My Hero Academia Season 5
- MAL: 7.37
- Arcs: Joint Training Arc, Meta Liberation Army Arc, Endeavor Agency Arc, and Paranormal Liberation War Arc
- Release Year: 2021
After outstanding previous seasons, expectations for Season 5 were high. However, the initial arcs—the Joint Training and Endeavor Agency arcs—did not resonate as well with fans. Fortunately, the second half picked up with the gripping Meta Liberation Army Arc, which delved into Tomura Shigaraki’s backstory and elegantly set the stage for the much-anticipated Paranormal Liberation War Arc. Overall, it served primarily as buildup, yet offered exciting battles showcasing the villains’ origins.
6. My Hero Academia Season 1
- MAL: 7.86
- Arcs: Entrance Exam Arc, Quirk Apprehension Test Arc, Battle Trial Arc, and U.S.J. Arc
- Release Year: 2016
The inaugural season of My Hero Academia offers an engaging introduction to its superhero-laden universe and its key characters. The arcs effectively immerse viewers in U.A. High School, highlighting the unique quirks of aspiring heroes. The season builds excitement as the U.S.J. Arc culminates in All Might’s victorious clash against the League of Villains. Overall, Season 1 is a delightful entry point into the thrilling journey of superheroism.
5. My Hero Academia Season 2
- MAL: 8.08
- Arcs: U.A. Sports Festival Arc, Vs. Hero Killer Arc, Final Exams Arc
- Release Year: 2017
With a powerful follow-up, Season 2 strengthened the series’ foundation. It introduced the U.A. Sports Festival Arc, typical for shonen anime. This season captivated with fierce battles and richer character arcs, particularly during the thrilling Vs. Hero Killer Arc, where Izuku and friends confront the enigmatic Hero Killer Stain. Concluding with the Final Exams Arc, featuring an intense showdown of Deku and Bakugo against All Might, Season 2 solidified MHA’s explosive traction.
4. My Hero Academia Season 4
- MAL: 7.87
- Arcs: Shie Hassaikai Arc, Remedial Course Arc, U.A. School Festival Arc, and Pro Hero Arc
- Release Year: 2019-2020
Following impressive seasons, MHA reached new heights with Season 4. Featured arcs like the Shie Hassaikai engaged viewers deeply, highlighted by Overhaul, one of the most compelling villains. The U.A. School Festival offered a lighthearted look at heroes before climaxing in the exhilarating battle where Endeavor faces off against a formidable Nomu. This season’s blend of excitement and emotional depth made for a memorable viewing experience.
3. My Hero Academia Season 3
- MAL: 8.01
- Arcs: Forest Training Camp Arc, Hideout Raid Arc, and Provisional Hero License Exam Arc
- Release Year: 2018
Season 3 marked a pivotal moment for My Hero Academia, showcasing its potential with remarkable storytelling and character evolution. The iconic All Might vs. All For One battle in the Hideout Raid Arc stands out as one of the series’ greatest moments. With action-packed sequences and compelling narratives, including Deku’s growth through the Forest Training Camp arc, this season became integral to the series’ expansion.
2. My Hero Academia Season 6
- MAL: 8.28
- Arcs: Paranormal Liberation War Arc and Dark Hero Arc
- Release Year: 2022-2023
Season 6 achieved new heights with the compelling Paranormal Liberation War and Dark Hero arcs. This season delivered fast-paced action and unexpected twists, raising the stakes for heroes and villains alike. Viewers experienced emotional highs and thrilling fights, with standout moments like Deku’s battle against Lady Nagant. This season concluded the Rise of the Villains Saga while the buildup toward the Final War was nothing short of spectacular.
1. My Hero Academia Season 7
- MAL: 8.07
- Arcs: Star and Stripe Arc, U.A. Traitor Arc, and Final War Arc
- Release Year: 2024
With a powerful start to the final war, Season 7 continues the thrilling story with the Star and Stripe Arc. It introduces the formidable “New Order” quirk, while the U.A. Traitor arc showcases clever strategies deployed by heroes against the villains. Iconic battles, such as Deku vs. Shigaraki, excited fans and maintained high engagement, leading to an epic conclusion full of anticipation for the upcoming Season 8.
Note:
The final season of My Hero Academia, Season 8, is premiering on October 4 globally. We’ll be updating our rankings as the final arcs unfold throughout the season.
This ranking reflects fan sentiment and the engaging narratives that My Hero Academia offers. Did your favorite season make the list? Let us know what resonates with you in the comments below.
For more anime insights and related content, feel free to explore Moyens I/O.