What Is the Correct Watch Order for My Hero Academia?

My Hero Academia, also known as MHA or Boku no Hero Academia, is one of the most popular anime series of the past decade. It follows a boy named Izuku Midoriya who lives in a world where almost everyone has superpowers called “Quirks.”

The story is full of action, friendship, and personal growth. If you are new to the series, knowing the right watch order for My Hero Academia is very important so you do not miss anything or get confused.

This article will walk you through everything — from the first episode to the latest season — in a simple and clear way.

What Is My Hero Academia About?

Before diving into the watch order of My Hero Academia, it helps to understand what the show is about. Izuku Midoriya, also called “Deku,” is born without a Quirk in a world where most people have one. He dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, the greatest hero alive.

One day, All Might sees Deku’s bravery and decides to pass on his powerful Quirk to him. Deku then works hard to get into U.A. High School, a top school for heroes, and trains alongside his classmates to become the best hero he can be.

The story has humor, emotional moments, intense battles, and deep characters that keep fans coming back season after season.

• The main character, Deku, starts with no powers but earns them through hard work and courage
• The world is filled with heroes and villains, each with unique Quirks
• U.A. High School is where most of the action and character development takes place
• The series balances school life, hero training, and large-scale battles very well

The Watch Order of My Hero Academia (Season by Season)

Following the correct watch order of My Hero Academia means watching the main seasons first, then adding the movies in the right places. Here is the full breakdown:

Season 1 (2016) — 13 Episodes

This is where it all begins. You meet Deku, All Might, and the rest of Class 1-A. Season 1 sets up the entire world and introduces the main characters. Do not skip this even if someone tells you to.

• Introduces Deku and his dream of becoming a hero
• Shows how Deku receives his Quirk from All Might
• Ends with the U.A. entrance exam and first days of school
• Essential viewing — nothing makes sense without Season 1

Season 2 (2017) — 25 Episodes

Season 2 is where the show truly takes off. It includes the famous U.A. Sports Festival arc, which is one of the best story arcs in the entire series. You also meet Stain, one of the most talked-about villains in MHA.

• The Sports Festival arc showcases everyone’s Quirks in exciting matches
• Deku faces his rival Todoroki in a battle that becomes a fan favorite
• The Hero Killer Stain arc adds dark themes and moral questions to the story
• Many fans consider Season 2 the best season of the series

Movie 1: Two Heroes (2018) — Watch After Season 2

After finishing Season 2, watch the first movie, My Hero Academia: Two Heroes. This movie is set after the events of Season 2 and features All Might’s past. It fits naturally into the story at this point.

• Takes place on a floating artificial island called I-Island
• Explores All Might’s history with a friend from his younger days
• Deku and his classmates team up to stop a villain attack
• Does not affect the main plot but adds great character depth

Season 3 (2018) — 25 Episodes

Season 3 raises the stakes. The heroes face a direct attack from the League of Villains during their training camp. This season also includes the Provisional Hero License Exam, where students try to earn the right to act as real heroes.

• The Forest Training Camp arc starts with danger arriving unexpectedly
• Bakugo is captured by villains, and heroes must fight to rescue him
• All Might’s final battle is one of the most emotional moments in the entire show
• Students take the license exam to prove they are ready for hero work

Season 4 (2019-2020) — 25 Episodes

Season 4 focuses on a darker, more emotional story. Deku takes on an internship under a pro hero named Sir Nighteye and gets involved in a mission to rescue a little girl named Eri from a powerful villain called Overhaul.

• The Shie Hassaikai arc is dark but deeply emotional and well-written
• Eri’s story will break your heart and warm it at the same time
• Gentle Criminal and La Brava arc adds a lighter, creative break mid-season
• The season ends with the U.A. School Festival, giving a fun and emotional finish

Movie 2: Heroes Rising (2019) — Watch After Season 4

The second movie, My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising, should be watched after Season 4. Class 1-A is sent to a remote island to do hero work, but a powerful villain named Nine arrives with dangerous plans.

• Features an incredible final battle involving Deku and Bakugo working together
• This movie is considered better than the first by many fans
• Has one of the most powerful and emotional endings of any MHA content
• Best watched after Season 4 for full emotional impact

Season 5 (2021) — 25 Episodes

Season 5 is a transition season. It sets up the next big arc with Class 1-A vs Class 1-B training battles and dives deep into the backstory of the League of Villains. This is important to watch before Season 6.

• The Joint Training arc shows growth in Class 1-A and highlights 1-B characters
• Shigaraki’s backstory is revealed and changes how you see the main villain
• My Villain Academia arc focuses entirely on the villains — and it is excellent
• Sets the stage for the most intense arc in the whole series

Season 6 (2022-2023) — 25 Episodes

Season 6 is where everything explodes. The heroes launch a massive war against the villains, and things will never be the same. This is the most action-packed and emotionally heavy season yet.

• The Paranormal Liberation War arc features the biggest battle in MHA history
• Many characters face serious consequences — the show gets very real here
• Deku leaves U.A. and goes on a solo mission in the second half of the season
• Fans agree this season changes the tone of the entire series permanently

Movie 3: World Heroes’ Mission (2021) — Watch After Season 5, Episode 2

The third movie is a special case. It is best placed right after the second episode of Season 5, before the main story gets heavy. It features a mystery where Deku is accused of mass murder and must clear his name.

• A fun, fast-paced movie with great action and a unique mystery angle
• Best watched early in Season 5 to fit the timeline properly
• Features a new original character named Rody Soul who is a fan favorite
• Does not heavily impact the main plot but is very enjoyable

Season 7 (2024) — Ongoing

Season 7 continues directly from Season 6. It covers the Star and Stripe arc and moves into major battles that define the final phase of the story. This season contains big reveals and shocking developments.

• Introduces the American hero Star and Stripe in an unforgettable episode
• The battles between Deku and Shigaraki grow more intense and personal
• This season is part of the final arc of the series
• Still airing, so new episodes continue to arrive

Is MHA Finished?

Many fans ask: is MHA finished? The answer depends on what you mean.The manga by Kohei Horikoshi ended in August 2024 after 430 chapters. The story is fully complete in the manga.

However, the anime is still ongoing and is adapting the final arc. Season 7 is currently airing, and more seasons are expected to finish the story.

• The MHA manga finished in August 2024 — the full story is complete in manga form
• The anime is still ongoing and has not yet reached the manga ending
• Season 7 is airing and covers the final arc’s beginning
• Expect one or two more anime seasons before the story is fully adapted on screen
• No new manga chapters are being released — the story is done in print

Full Watch Order Summary

Here is a quick reference list of the complete watch order for My Hero Academia:

• Season 1 (2016)
• Season 2 (2017)
• Movie 1: Two Heroes (2018) — after Season 2
• Season 3 (2018)
• Season 4 (2019)
• Movie 2: Heroes Rising (2019) — after Season 4
• Season 5, Episodes 1–2
• Movie 3: World Heroes’ Mission (2021) — after Season 5, Episode 2
• Season 5, Episodes 3–25
• Season 6 (2022–2023)
• Season 7 (2024 — ongoing)

Conclusion

My Hero Academia is a fantastic anime that rewards fans who follow it in the right order. Every season builds on the last, and skipping ahead will leave you confused and missing key emotional moments. Whether you are brand new to the series or coming back after a break, following this guide will give you the best possible experience.

The movies are not required to understand the main story, but they are very enjoyable and worth watching. And if you are eager to know how the story ends, the manga is fully complete and available to read.

Now that you know the full watch order for My Hero Academia, there is nothing stopping you from starting your hero journey today. Plus Ultra!

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