Deku’s Journey: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching My Hero Academia in Order!
Hey, fellow Quirk-wielders and anime enthusiasts! If you’re anything like us at PakGamersHub, you’ve probably been swept away by the epic world of My Hero Academia. From Izuku Midoriya’s inspiring journey to become the greatest hero to the intense battles against villains, MHA has firmly cemented its place as a modern shonen masterpiece. It hit at just the right time, riding that superhero wave and giving us a fresh take on powers, society, and what it truly means to be a hero.
But let’s be real: with its ever-expanding universe, figuring out the best way to watch MHA can feel like tackling a villain with an unknown Quirk! With multiple seasons, action-packed movies, and fun OVAs (Original Video Animations), it’s easy to get lost. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got your back. Whether you’re just starting your hero journey or looking to catch up on everything you might have missed, this guide will help you navigate the MHA universe like a pro.
How Much MHA Is There, Anyway?
Based on Kōhei Horikoshi’s fantastic manga, the main My Hero Academia anime has graced our screens for eight seasons, totaling around 170 episodes over nearly a decade! Beyond the main story, there are ten OVAs that either add hilarious side stories or adapt one-shot manga chapters. Plus, we’ve been treated to four blockbuster movies that take the action to cinematic heights. And let’s not forget the spin-off, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which gives us a peek into the world before Deku’s time.
Canon vs. Non-Canon: Do the Movies and OVAs Matter?
A common question among fans! Generally, anything that doesn’t directly adapt the manga – like the movies and most OVAs – isn’t considered “canon” to the main storyline. Think of them as awesome bonus content! While they’re not essential to understand the core plot, they’re incredibly fun, often tease future power-ups, and give us more time with our favorite characters. So, while you *can* skip them, we highly recommend diving in for the full experience!
Where to Watch Your Favorite Heroes Online
For most of the MHA universe, including every season (yes, even the latest ones!), most OVAs, and all four movies, your go-to platform is Crunchyroll. This is hands down the best place for anime streaming globally, and it often offers a free, ad-supported tier or a free trial for its premium membership. For those who prefer physical copies, the MHA movies are also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
The Ultimate MHA Watch Order: Chronological Style
Want to experience the story as it unfolds in the MHA timeline? This is the order for you, ensuring every plot point and character development lands perfectly!
- Spin-Off: My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
While not where most start, this prequel technically happens before Deku’s story. It follows underground “vigilantes” and offers fascinating background on some key characters and plotlines. A great watch for context, but maybe after you’ve got a grasp on the main series. - My Hero Academia Season 1 (Episodes 1-13)
This is where it all begins! Witness Deku’s dream, his encounter with All Might, gaining One For All, and his first steps at U.A. High. - OVA: My Hero Academia: Save! Rescue Training!
A fun, fourth-wall-breaking episode set after the USJ incident in Season 1, showing Class 1-A’s quirky rescue training. - My Hero Academia Season 2 (Episodes 14-38)
The iconic U.A. Sports Festival, the intense Vs. Hero Killer arc, and the Final Exam arc – this season is packed with growth! - OVA: My Hero Academia: Training of the Dead
A hilarious zombie-themed training exercise gone wrong, featuring students from another academy. Pure comedic gold! - OVA: My Hero Academia: All Might Rising
This fantastic prequel OVA gives us a glimpse into All Might’s early days, his grief, and his rise as the Symbol of Peace. Best watched before the first movie. - My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (Movie 1)
Deku accompanies All Might to I-Island, a floating city of scientists, where a villain plot unfolds. A must-watch for All Might fans! - My Hero Academia Season 3 (Episodes 39-63)
From the thrilling Forest Training Camp to the Provisional License Exam, this season ramps up the stakes significantly. - OVA: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training
Class 1-A’s training in an abandoned mall turns into a survival mission when the building starts collapsing. Classic early-season shenanigans! - My Hero Academia Season 4 (Episodes 64-88)
The unforgettable Shie Hassaikai arc introduces Overhaul and Eri, followed by the U.A. School Festival and the start of the Pro Hero arc. - My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (Movie 2)
Many fans’ favorite movie! Class 1-A works together as proper heroes without a mentor on a remote island. Features an incredible joint attack from Deku and Bakugo. - My Hero Academia Season 5 (Episodes 88-106)
Continues the Pro Hero arc, then dives into the Joint Training arc and the Endeavor Agency arc, showing our heroes growing stronger. - OVA: Departure
A short, beautifully animated comedy sketch featuring Hawks, tying into the next movie. - My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (Movie 3)
High stakes, cool visuals, and the introduction of fan-favorite Rody Soul, who has amazing chemistry with Deku. - My Hero Academia Season 5 (Episodes 107-113)
After the movie, this picks up with the intense Meta Liberation Army arc, crucial for understanding the looming threats. - OVA: Laugh! As If You Are in Hell
A super funny episode where our heroes face a Joker-like villain whose Quirk makes everyone laugh uncontrollably. - OVA: HLBA (Hero League Baseball)
A classic anime trope! Watch your favorite heroes use their Quirks in a wild, over-the-top baseball match. - My Hero Academia Season 6 (Episodes 114-138)
The epic Paranormal Liberation War arc and the Dark Hero arc. This season is a game-changer, with massive battles and emotional tolls. - OVA: U.A. Heroes Battle
The 1-A students play a hero card game during winter break, leading to hilarious “what if” battles in a VR setting. - My Hero Academia Season 7 (Episodes 139-159)
Introduces Star and Stripe, delves into the U.A. Traitor arc, and builds towards the final war. - OVA: A Piece of Cake
A heartwarming and funny side story where Class 1-A discovers Deku’s detailed hero journal, offering a light moment amidst darker times. - My Hero Academia: You’re Next (Movie 4)
The latest cinematic adventure, featuring jaw-dropping visuals, a fascinating anti-All Might villain, and a new protagonist with great chemistry with Deku. - My Hero Academia Season 8
The grand finale of the main anime! An all-out war between All For One and One For All, bringing virtually every character back for an emotional conclusion. - OVA: More
Released for the anime’s tenth anniversary, this epilogue chapter takes place eight years after the main series, offering closure and a look at Deku’s new tech.
Prefer Release Order? We Got You!
If you’re old-school and want to watch MHA just as it came out, here’s a simpler list:
- Season 1 (2016)
- OVA: Save! Rescue Training! (2016)
- Season 2 (2017)
- OVA: Training of the Dead (2017)
- My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)
- Season 3 (2018)
- OVA: All Might Rising (2019)
- My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)
- Season 4 (2020)
- OVA: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training (2020)
- Season 5 (2021)
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission (2021)
- OVA: Departure (2022)
- OVA: Hero League Baseball (2022)
- OVA: Laugh! As If You Are in Hell (2022)
- Season 6 (2022-2023)
- OVA: U.A. Heroes Battle (2023)
- Season 7 (2024)
- My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024)
- OVA: A Piece of Cake (2025)
- Season 8 (2025)
- OVA: More (2026)
What’s Next for the MHA Universe?
Even though the main My Hero Academia anime has wrapped up, the world of Quirks isn’t over! The Vigilantes spin-off is continuing, and official MHA channels have confirmed a brand-new spin-off anime based on “I Am A Hero Too” is set to release this summer. So, there’s still plenty of hero action to look forward to!
So, there you have it, folks – your definitive guide to watching My Hero Academia! Whether you prefer the chronological deep dive or the release order experience, you’re now equipped to enjoy every single moment of this incredible series. Which order will you choose? Let us know in the comments!