"My Hero Academia," a beloved anime series, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of superhero elements and coming-of-age storytelling. For newcomers or even returning fans, understanding how to watch the series in the correct order—including its movies—can enhance the viewing experience. This article is designed to guide you through the chronological order of episodes and films, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action-packed adventures of Midoriya and his friends.
Understanding My Hero Academia
Before diving into the order of episodes and movies, it’s essential to understand what "My Hero Academia" is all about. Created by Kohei Horikoshi, the anime is set in a world where the majority of the population possesses superpowers known as "Quirks." These individuals aspire to be heroes, and the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero.
The series combines elements of action, friendship, and personal growth, appealing to a broad audience. Its critical acclaim and popularity have fueled the production of multiple seasons, OVAs, and films. Now, let’s explore how to watch it in the correct order.
Watching the Main Series
To immerse yourself fully in the universe of "My Hero Academia," watching the main series is your first step. The anime premiered in April 2016 and has released several seasons since then. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and how many episodes each one contains:
Season 1: 2016
The inaugural season introduced us to the core characters and the world they inhabit. With 13 episodes, it sets the foundations for the story.
Season 2: 2017
This season expands on the characters and their development. It consists of 25 episodes that delve into the U.A. High School sports festival and various training arcs.
Season 3: 2018
Building on previous seasons, Season 3 consists of 25 episodes that cover significant arcs, including the Jungle Training Camp and the U.A. Vs. Shie Hassaikai arc.
Season 4: 2019-2024
This season offers a thrilling mix of new challenges, featuring 25 episodes that revolve around the Pro Hero Arc and the Shie Hassaikai Arc, showcasing the growth of Midoriya and his classmates.
Season 5: 2024
With another 25 episodes, Season 5 focuses on the Joint Training Arc and the introduction of the Meta Liberation Army arc, bringing deeper character developments and plot twists.
Season 6: 2024-2024
The most recent season continues the thrilling adventures, featuring the Paranormal Liberation War arc. As of 2024, it’s essential to stay updated on episode releases to keep up with the unfolding storyline.
To get the most out of the main series, watch the seasons in the order of their release. This ensures you follow the story as intended by the creators, helping you appreciate the character developments and overarching plot.
My Hero Academia Movies
In addition to the series, "My Hero Academia" has produced several original films that complement the main storyline. Each movie can be enjoyable on its own but watching them alongside the series can provide more context and depth to the characters’ journeys.
1. My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)
Set between Season 2 and Season 3, this film introduces new characters, including Melissa Shield, and takes place in a futuristic city where heroes and innovations collide. You should watch it after completing Season 2 for the best experience.
2. My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)
Taking place after Season 4, this film showcases the students of Class 1-A as they embark on a mission to protect a small island from a villainous threat. This action-packed story reveals more about the characters and their abilities.
3. My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2024)
Positioned just after the events of Season 5, this film focuses on a new villainous organization threatening the world and is centered around an exciting mission that requires teamwork and heroism.
4. My Hero Academia: The Two Heroes – Brief (2024)
A short film that accompanies the ongoing series, providing insights and backstories that enrich the viewing experience and give fans a closer look into the characters’ lives.
Where to Fit Movies into Your Watch Order
To get the most out of your viewing experience, watch the films at these points in your series order:
- After Season 2: "My Hero Academia: Two Heroes"
- After Season 4: "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising"
- After Season 5: "My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission"
This approach allows you to enjoy the films while remaining engaged in the overarching narrative and character development from the series.
OVAs and Specials
"My Hero Academia" also features Original Video Animation (OVA) episodes that provide additional stories and insight into characters not deeply explored in the main series. These OVAs can be enjoyable supplements but are not essential for understanding the main plot. Here are some notable OVAs:
1. My Hero Academia: Training of the Dead
Set between Season 1 and Season 2, this OVA features a comedic approach where Class 1-A faces a training exercise with a zombie theme.
2. My Hero Academia: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training!
Taking place between Season 3 and Season 4, this OVA offers character interactions and light-hearted moments during survival training exercises.
3. My Hero Academia: Save! Rescue Training!
This OVA focuses on rescue simulation training, providing additional layers to the character dynamics and relationships.
While these OVAs aren’t crucial for the main storyline, they add humor and depth to the characters, enriching the overall viewing experience.
Recommended Viewing Schedule
To make your viewing experience seamless, here’s a recommended schedule to follow:
- Watch Season 1 (13 episodes)
- Watch Season 2 (25 episodes)
- Watch "My Hero Academia: Two Heroes"
- Watch Season 3 (25 episodes)
- Watch Season 4 (25 episodes)
- Watch "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising"
- Watch Season 5 (25 episodes)
- Watch "My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission"
- Watch Season 6 (ongoing episodes)
- Watch any OVAs as you wish for added context.
Following this order ensures you experience the narrative as it was intended, blending character arcs, plot points, and thematic developments into a cohesive viewing adventure.
Final Thoughts
"My Hero Academia" is not just an anime; it’s a comprehensive universe that explores themes of heroism, friendship, and personal struggles. Watching it in the correct order, including movies and OVAs, allows fans to truly appreciate the depth of the story and its characters. By following the recommended viewing guide, you’ll embark on an adventure that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of heroes or a seasoned fan, the journey through U.A. High School and beyond is one that promises excitement and inspiration at every turn.
