The world of My Hero Academia (MHA) has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, drama, and fantasy. For those looking to dive into this expansive universe, understanding the correct watching order is crucial to fully appreciate the story and its characters. MHA has grown to include multiple seasons of the anime, several movies, and a variety of spin-offs, making it a bit complex for newcomers to navigate.
Introduction to My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is set in a world where superpowers, known as “Quirks,” are the norm, and heroes with these abilities protect society from villains. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born without a Quirk, who dreams of becoming a hero despite his handicap. His life changes when he meets All Might, the world’s greatest hero, who chooses Izuku as his successor, gifting him with the powerful Quirk known as One For All.
Main Anime Series
The core of the MHA experience is the anime series, which is currently divided into several seasons. Each season builds upon the previous one, continuing the story of Izuku Midoriya and his classmates at U.A. High School as they learn to master their Quirks and face various challenges.
- Season 1: Introduction to the world of My Hero Academia, focusing on Izuku's entry into U.A. High School and his early adventures.
- Season 2: Expands on the characters and their abilities, introducing new villains and story arcs.
- Season 3: The students face their toughest challenge yet as they participate in the U.A. Sports Festival and deal with the aftermath.
- Season 4: Introduces a new villain and explores the darker aspects of the hero course, with a significant increase in action and drama.
- Season 5: Focuses on the Joint Training Arc and the Meta Liberation Army Arc, further deepening the story and character relationships.
- Season 6: Adapts the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, one of the most critical storylines in the manga, marking a significant shift in the series.
Movies
Besides the main series, there are several movies that expand on the MHA universe. These movies are designed to fit within the timeline of the series but can be enjoyed as standalone stories.
| Movie Title | Release Year | Timeline Placement |
|---|---|---|
| My Hero Academia: Two Heroes | 2018 | Between Season 3 and Season 4 |
| My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising | 2019 | After Season 4, before Season 5 |
| My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission | 2021 | After Season 5 |
OVAs and Specials
There are also several OVAs (Original Video Animations) and specials that provide additional stories or background information on characters. While not essential to the main storyline, they offer interesting insights and can enhance the viewing experience.
Watching Order Recommendation
To enjoy My Hero Academia to its fullest, the recommended watching order is as follows:
- Season 1 of the anime
- Season 2 of the anime
- Season 3 of the anime
- Movie: My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
- Season 4 of the anime
- Movie: My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
- Season 5 of the anime
- Movie: My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission
- Season 6 of the anime
Do I need to watch the movies to understand the series?
+No, the movies are not essential to understanding the main storyline, but they do provide additional context and character development that can enhance your viewing experience.
Can I start with the movies or should I begin with the anime series?
+It's recommended to start with the anime series. The movies are designed to fit within the timeline of the series and will make more sense after you've become familiar with the characters and the world of My Hero Academia.
In conclusion, My Hero Academia offers a rich and engaging world that can be fully appreciated by following the recommended watching order. With its blend of action, adventure, and heartfelt moments, this series has something for everyone, making it one of the most beloved anime franchises today.
