There are many popular anime series that have amassed hundreds of episodes across lengthy spans of time, yet Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia hits the ground running and establishes its voice right from the premiere. My Hero Academia has been able to evolve in important ways, which respects its growing characters, over the course of its five seasons.
My Hero Academia continues to connect with so many people because each new story arc raises the stakes and features more insurmountable challenges. There are even more exciting adventures to come in My Hero Academia, but in the meantime, there are some extremely satisfying episodes that are always fun for any fan to revisit.
10 “His Start” Proves Why Endeavor Is Worthy To Be Society’s Protector
Acting as the culmination of My Hero Academia’s fourth season, “His Start” marks an important period of transition for both the series and My Hero Academia’s society as they try to accept Endeavor as the new Number One Pro Hero over All Might. Up until this point, the audience still has copious reasons to resent Endeavor. It seems unlikely that a successful redemption arc will be possible, but “His Start” does such an effective job at its depiction of Endeavor’s stress and the fear that he faces as a role model when he continues to resent himself.
9 “The Unforgiven” Puts Endeavor’s Progress To The Test With His Family On The Line
Season five of My Hero Academia provides exceptional development for the entire Todoroki family once Midoriya and Bakugo join Endeavor’s Agency and begin to spend more time with his family. “The Unforgiven” is a brutal episode that centers around the idea that no matter how much somebody improves, there will still be sins to atone for from the past. Ending is a villain who’s obsessed with ruining Endeavor’s life and carrying out an old grudge. Endeavor’s family are made the targets, which truly opens his eyes and becomes a crucial step in the hero’s rehabilitation.
8 “Deku Vs. Kacchan, Part 2” Is A Breakthrough Moment For The Two Heroes
There’s been an extra level of attention placed on the friendship that exists between Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo right from the first episode of My Hero Academia. There are many episodes that put their relationship to the test, but season three’s “Deku vs. Kacchan, Part 2” feels like an important breakthrough for them both.
The two engage in an emotional showdown following the events of the Provisional Hero License Exam, with them both having a lot to prove. The episode is such a cathartic release for them both, and it concludes with the duo stronger than ever.
7 “Tenko Shimura: Origin” Is An Enlightening Look Into The Birth Of A Villain
One of the most satisfying decisions that’s been made by My Hero Academia is to devote nearly half of its fifth season to an extensive look into the series’ most fascinating villains, especially Tomura Shigaraki. The whole “My Villain Academia” arc is incredibly fulfilling, but “Tenko Shimura: Origin” is a fascinating look into the tragic circumstances that first push Shigaraki toward villainy. The episode’s follow-up, “Tomura Shigaraki: Origin,” is equally powerful in the way in which it deconstructs the series’ major villain and how it juxtaposes him as a painful counterpoint to Izuku Midoriya.
6 “Hero Killer: Stain Vs U.A. Students” Is A Celebration Of Teamwork Against A Tough Target
The vigilante instigator, Hero Killer: Stain, has a thoroughly frightening look and blood-based Quirk, but the character makes the biggest impact with his incendiary beliefs that are able to incite rebellion over the nature of heroics. Stain causes a lot of damage and some of the villain’s best material is reserved for “Hero Killer: Stain vs U.A. Students,” which allows Deku and company to show how much they’ve matured since the start of the series until the Pro Heroes are able to arrive for reinforcements. It’s a great early moment that allows the heroes to shine, as a team.
5 “Lemillion” Puts Mirio Togata Through The Ultimate Test
Season four of My Hero Academia never pulls Midoriya out of the spotlight, but it also devotes a lot of time to Mirio “Lemillion” Togata and why he’s arguably an equally impressive hero as Deku. This season compares and contrasts Deku and Lemillion as they prove individually and together why they’re the epitome of a hero.
“Lemillion” pushes Togata to take on Overhaul and Chrono by himself, with him experiencing devastating consequences when it comes to his Quirk. “Lemillion” proves that Togata is a true hero, regardless of whether he has a superpower or not.
4 “Let It Flow! School Festival!” Changes Gears For A Necessary Burst Of Fun
Shonen series like My Hero Academia are sometimes criticized for how they can tonally fluctuate between life or death battles to playful beach episodes or school-centric celebrations. “Let It Flow! School Festival” is a much-needed pressure release from the dark events of season four. Class 1-A preparing for a concert may not initially seem that exciting, but it’s such a fun party with My Hero Academia’s lovable characters. Eri’s pure happiness over Class 1-A’s performance is up there with the very best moments from the entire series.
3 “Shoto Todoroki: Origin” Sets The Stage For Shoto Supremacy
Currently, Shoto Todoroki has become one of Izuku Midoriya’s very best friends, and the two work closely together at Endeavor’s Agency. My Hero Academia recognizes the potential in both of these budding heroes early on and sets them against each other during the climax of season two’s Sports Festival. Shoto Todoroki’s character continues to develop in satisfying ways, but “Shoto Todoroki: Origin” begins to peel back the layers of his painful past and fractured relationship with his father. Neither Shoto’s backstory nor the Sports Festival fight disappoints.
2 “One For All” Celebrates The Glory Of All Might & The Fall Of All For One
Season three of My Hero Academia hits some suspenseful heights for the series as the true threat of All For One makes itself known. What’s so intimidating about this force of evil is that it doesn’t just plague Midoriya as a future obstacle, but it also has a long history as the ultimate rival to All Might. “One For All” brings this longstanding feud to a temporary finish. It’s a satisfying close on the growing All For One drama, but it’s also such a passionate celebration of why All Might has been the Number One Pro Hero for so long.
1 “Infinite 100%” Presents Deku As A True Hero And The Symbol Of Peace
My Hero Academia has set the stage for the biggest showdown between heroes and villains that’s ever been experienced as All For One progressively takes over Shigaraki’s body to carry out his evil whims. The final fight between All For One and One For All will truly be legendary, but until that occurs, Deku’s biggest milestone involves his defeat of the Shie Hassaikai’s Overhaul. “Infinite 100%” finally allows Deku to take over, and thanks to Eri’s Quirk, he’s able to temporarily access the full extent of his power without his body crumbling under the weight of his Quirk.
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