PDF download Download Article
Your guide to all the seasons, OVAs, and movies of the MHA series
PDF download Download Article

If you’re new to the My Hero Academia fandom, we can’t blame you for being confused—there’s a lot of content to get through, from eight seasons of the anime to all the movies and OVAs released in between. That’s why we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll show you the recommended watch order for all MHA content, as well as how to watch it in release order. We’ll also break down each season and movie, and explain which entries are safe to skip. Let’s get started!

What Is the Correct Order to Watch MHA?

The easiest way to watch My Hero Academia in order is in order of release, starting with the first season of the anime series and watching the movies and OVAs in between seasons. Otherwise, you could opt for a “canon” watch order, viewing certain OVAs and movies in the middle of seasons for maximum watchability.

Section 1 of 5:

My Hero Academia Canon Watch Order

PDF download Download Article
  1. My Hero Academia’s “canon” watch order isn’t quite in release order; some OVAs and movies are shuffled around (or squeezed in the middle of seasons) for maximum watchability. If you’re going for perfect chronological order, you’d have to watch the Two Heroes movie first, before even season 1—but generally, it has more emotional impact if you save it for post-season 2. Thus, the canon watch order for MHA is:[1]
    • My Hero Academia Season 1 (2016)
    • OVA: ''Save! Rescue Training! (2016)
    • My Hero Academia Season 2, episodes 1 - 20 (2017)
    • OVA: Training of the Dead (2017)
    • My Hero Academia Season 2, episodes 21 - 25 (2017)
    • My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (movie, 2018)
    • OVA: All Might Rising (2019)
    • My Hero Academia Season 3, episodes 1 - 14 (2018)
    • OVA: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training (2020)
    • My Hero Academia Season 3, episodes 15 - 25 (2018)
    • My Hero Academia Season 4 (2019)
    • My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (movie, 2019)
    • My Hero Academia Season 5, episodes 1 - 18 (2021)
    • OVA: My Hero Academia: Hero League Baseball (2022)
    • OVA: My Hero Academia: Laugh! As if You Are in Hell (2022)
    • My Hero Academia Season 5, episodes 19 - 25 (2021)
    • OVA: My Hero Academia: Departure (2022)
    • My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021)
    • My Hero Academia Season 6 (2022)
    • OVA: UA Heroes Battle (2023)
    • OVA: A Piece of Cake (2025)
    • My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024)
    • My Hero Academia Season 7 (2024)
    • My Hero Academia Season 8 (2025)
  2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

How to Watch My Hero Academia in Release Order

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’d rather watch My Hero Academia in order of release, you can certainly do that, too—it’s not super different from the “canon” watch order above, so you shouldn’t have trouble following the plot. The My Hero Academia anime series began airing in 2016 and is now concluding with its final season; the franchise’s release order is:
    • My Hero Academia Season 1 (2016)
    • OVA: ''Save! Rescue Training! (2016)
    • My Hero Academia Season 2 (2017)
    • OVA: Training of the Dead (2017)
    • My Hero Academia Season 3 (2018)
    • My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)
    • OVA: All Might Rising (2019)
    • My Hero Academia Season 4 (2019)
    • My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)
    • OVA: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training (2020)
    • My Hero Academia Season 5 (2021)
    • My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021)
    • OVA: My Hero Academia: Departure (2022)
    • OVA: My Hero Academia: Hero League Baseball (2022)
    • OVA: My Hero Academia: Laugh! As if You Are in Hell (2022)
    • My Hero Academia Season 6 (2022)
    • OVA: UA Heroes Battle (2023)
    • My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024)
    • My Hero Academia Season 7 (2024)
    • OVA: A Piece of Cake (2025)
    • My Hero Academia Season 8 (2025)
Section 3 of 5:

Breaking Down the MHA Anime & Movies

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    MHA Season 1The first season of MHA follows Izuku Midoriya’s (Deku’s) bid to become a superhero, despite being born Quirkless. It covers volume 1 through part of volume 3 of the original MHA manga. The events of the season are split into four main arcs:[2]
    • Entrance Exam arc - Deku meets his hero, All Might, and learns that All Might’s Quirk is unique in that it can be passed from person to person. All Might decides to pass this Quirk, One For All, to Deku.
    • Quirk Apprehension Test arc - Deku gets into the country’s top hero school, U.A., and is put in class 1-A. He must learn to use his Quirk without destroying himself while dealing with his childhood friend-turned-bully, Katsuki Bakugo.
    • Battle Trial arc - Midoriya (Deku) and Bakugo go head-to-head during a classroom test. This leads Deku to declare that the cruel nickname Bakugo gave him, “Deku,” will be his hero name.
    • U.S.J. arc - Not long after the battle trial, Class 1-A must face down Tomura Shigaraki and the League of Villains, a group trying to take out All Might.
  2. 2
    MHA Season 2Season two of My Hero Academia adapts part of the MHA manga’s 3rd volume through the end of the 8th volume, covering over 25 chapters in total. It mainly follows Deku’s participation in U.A.’s Sports Festival, and then continues to the end of Class 1-A’s first semester at U.A. There are three main arcs:[3]
    • U.A. Sports Festival arc - This arc takes place during U.A.’s annual sports festival, wherein students throughout U.A. compete in a televised stadium event to see who is the best of the best.
    • Vs. Hero Killer arc - When a villain named Stain begins killing heroes and injures the brother of class president Tenya Iida, Tenya must figure out what it means to be a “good” hero (despite his desire for revenge).
    • Final Exams arc - In this arc, Class 1-A must prepare for their final exams, which involve battling their teachers to prove their skills. Even more harrowing, Deku and Bakugo are forced to team up!
  3. 3
    MHA Season 3My Hero Academia’s season 3 adapts the MHA manga from volume 8 through the beginning of volume 14. In this season, Izuku (Deku) and Class 1-A must hone their skills while preparing to get their Provisional Hero Licenses. The arcs covered in this season include:[4]
    • Forest Training Camp arc - The first arc of season 3 starts with Class 1-A enjoying a pool day before heading out to an important training exercise alongside Class 1-B. At the same time, the League of Villains starts trying to increase its numbers.
    • Hideout Raid arc - Bakugo has been kidnapped by the League of Villains, so the pro heroes set out to save him—culminating in a battle with Deku and his classmates versus All For One.
    • Provisional License Exam arc - In this arc, U.A.’s students prepare to take the exam that will allow them to obtain their hero licenses.
    • Shie Hassaikai arc (start) - The final arc is actually only the partial story; it continues at the beginning of the next season! In this arc, Class 1-A meets the “Big Three” at U.A.: the best third-year students at the school.
  4. 4
    My Hero Academia: Two HeroesTwo Heroes is the first MHA movie—one that explores All Might’s past, and his time in America. The movie also covers some ground in the present day, when All Might is invited to meet the man who designed many of his old suits, David, on a floating island. The villain Wolfram shows up and threatens the island’s residents, so Deku and All Might work together to stop him.[5]
  5. 5
    MHA Season 4In My Hero Academia’s season 4, the students of Class 1-A are off to complete their Hero Work-Studies—but, in the process, they’re also pitted against new and old foes. This season covers the 14th volume of the MHA manga through the beginning of the 21st volume. Its arcs include:
    • Shie Hassaikai arc (end) - The back half of this arc sees the League of Villains ally with Kai Chisaki (the leader of a Yakuza group). Meanwhile, Deku meets Eri, a girl being used to create a Quirk-erasing drugs.
    • Remedial Course arc - This arc follows the students who failed to get their provisional hero license in the previous season, and must now take remedial courses.
    • U.A. School Festival arc - This fun arc is all about U.A.’s annual School Festival, in which Class 1-A stages a dance performance (live band included!)
    • Pro Hero arc (start) - In the wake of All Might’s retirement, Endeavor has gained the number one spot in the hero rankings—and must figure out what that means for him going forward.
  6. 6
    My Hero Academia: Heroes RisingHeroes Rising sends Class 1-A to a remote island for training. But, before they can spend too much time actually training, a villain called “Nine” appears; he has multiple Quirks, and he’s hunting for another child so he can steal their Quirk, too.
  7. 7
    MHA Season 5My Hero Academia’s season 5 follows Izuku as he dreams of previous One For All users. Meanwhile, two villainous organizations go head-to-head, and the Hero Public Safety Commission orders a second Work-Study for the heroes in anticipation of the coming war. The season covers volumes 21 through 26 of the original MHA manga, with the following arcs:
    • Pro Hero arc (end) - After a lighthearted filler episode, the first arc of season 4 sees Endeavor still healing; meanwhile, Hawks is revealed to be a spy for the Hero Public Safety Commission.
    • Endeavor Agency arc - Deku and Bakugo are invited to become interns alongside Shoto at his father’s agency.
    • Meta Liberation Army arc - This arc focuses more on the villains and their backstories as the League of Villains gains a new opponent: the Meta Liberation Army.
  8. 8
    My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ MissionWorld Heroes’ Mission is the third MHA movie—and in this one, Class 1-A is pitted against a villain trying to get rid of all Quirk users in the world. This villain, Flect Turn, devises a plan to use bombs to take out anyone with a Quirk; meanwhile, Deku gets framed for murder and must clear his name.[6]
  9. 9
    MHA Season 6The action ramps up in My Hero Academia’s season 6 with a devastating war, as well as its aftermath. This season covers volumes 26 through 33 of the MHA manga, with the following arcs included:
    • Paranormal Liberation War arc - By the time this arc rolls around, the League and the Meta Liberation Army ally, and an epic, devastating war begins between heroes and villains.
    • Dark Hero arc - In this arc, Deku becomes All For One’s target and leaves U.A. to work with Endeavor. Class 1-A stages an “intervention” of sorts, determined to get Deku back where he belongs.
  10. 10
    MHA Season 7My Hero Academia’s penultimate season introduces an important new hero, while following the U.A. students and Pro Heroes as they prepare to fight in the Final War. In this season, the fate of the very world is at stake! Volumes 34 through 39 of the manga are covered here, including the following arcs:[7]
    • Memories - “Memories” consists of four special episodes that recap important moments throughout the entire MHA series thus far (not just the previous season).
    • Star and Stripe arc - Star and Stripe, a hero from America, arrives in Japan to defeat Shigaraki. At the same time, Class 1-A works to take on All For One (and Shigaraki) as well.
    • U.A. Traitor arc - Time is running out before Shigaraki’s body is complete, and Class 1-A is training for the upcoming battle. However, it’s revealed that there’s a traitor within the ranks of the students.
    • Final War arc - In this arc, the heroes unite to take on All For One, Shigaraki, and the League. They attempt to “divide and conquer,” facing off against villains in separate groups, in hopes of defeating them.
  11. 11
    My Hero Academia: You’re NextMHA’s fourth movie is You’re Next. In it, Deku and Class 1-A face off against a villain attempting to imitate All Might—and possibly surpass All Might’s power.[8]
  12. 12
    My Hero Academia Season 8 (Final Season)As of November 2025, My Hero Academia’s eighth and final season is currently airing. It picks up where season 7 ends, covering the final battles between Izuku Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki—as well as the other Heroes and Villains still in play. This season premiered on October 4, 2025.
  13. 13
    My Hero Academia OVAsOVAs (original video animations) are basically short, bonus side stories and standalone episodes of MHA—and, to counterbalance all the drama and carnage in the anime, they’re generally more lighthearted. While it isn’t essential to watch the OVAs, it’s still a chance to take in some bonus content that isn’t in the main series, and get a little more screentime with favorite characters.
    • Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training! - In this two-part OVA, Class 1-A undergoes disaster rescue training. Of course, this immersive training includes forcing the class to work together to escape an actual disaster.
    • Hero League Baseball - The plot is all in the name. There’s a baseball league for heroes, and everyone ends up playing!
    • Laugh! As if you are in Hell - This OVA tells the story of Endeavor, Deku, Bakugo, and Shoto as they work to defeat Mr. Smiley—a villain whose Quirk causes people to go into fits of laughter.
    • U.A. Heroes Battle - In this lighthearted OVA, Class 1-A decides to play a new card game while bored in the dorms during the winter season. Naturally, their card game turns chaotic!
  14. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Are the MHA movies canon?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Yes, the MHA movies are considered canon. Episode 156 of the My Hero Academia anime features appearances from characters who previously only appeared in the movies, thus making them officially part of MHA canon. However, that doesn’t mean the movies are a critical part of the franchise; they’re largely standalone, meaning you don’t need to watch them to follow the anime series.
    • So, if you’re trying to catch up on the My Hero Academia anime as fast as possible, you can skip the movies with no problems (and go back to watch them later, if you like).
Section 5 of 5:

Where to Watch My Hero Academia

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can watch MHA with Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. All seasons of My Hero Academia are available on Crunchyroll’s streaming platform, with season 1 even being available for free (meaning you don’t need a subscription). Hulu (and therefore Disney+) also has all seasons of MHA, with a subscription required to watch them all. Netflix carries some seasons of the anime, but not all of them.
    • You can watch the MHA movies on Crunchyroll with a subscription or through Amazon Prime. Alternatively, you can buy them as physical DVDs or Blu-rays.
    • Finally, the MHA OVAs are also available to stream on Crunchyroll.

    Tip: Why stop at MHA? Check out more of our watch order lists for popular anime series, including Code Geass, Naruto, JJK, Ghost in the Shell, Bleach, and Made in Abyss.

  2. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Haikyuu Watch Order Watch Haikyuu!! in Order of Release Date or Chronologically
Attack on Titan Watch OrderAttack on Titan Watch Order Guide: All Episodes & Specials
Demon Slayer in Order Watch Demon Slayer in Order: TV Show & Movie Guide
Made in Abyss Watch Order Watch Made in Abyss in Order (Chronological & Streamlined)
Fullmetal Alchemist Watch OrderWhat's the Best Way to Watch Fullmetal Alchemist?
Watch Jjk in Order Watch JJK in Order: Jujutsu Kaisen Episode Timeline
MHA QuizWhich MHA Character Am I Quiz
Re Zero Watch OrderRe:Zero Watch Order Guide for All Seasons & OVAs
Watch Bleach in Order Watch Bleach in Chronological or Release Order
My Hero Academia Quotes50 My Hero Academia Quotes from All Might, Deku & More
My Hero Academia Vigilantes CharactersWhich My Hero Academia Vigilantes Character Am I Quiz
Who Is Your My Hero Academia BoyfriendWho Is Your My Hero Academia Boyfriend Quiz
Code Geass Watch OrderChronological Code Geass Watch Order: TV Series, Movies & OVAs
Ghost in the Shell Watch OrderThe Ultimate Ghost in the Shell Watch Order Guide (Chronological & More)
Advertisement

About This Article

Nicole Favarelli
Co-authored by:
Film and Video Director and Branded Content Creator
This article was co-authored by Nicole Favarelli and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Nicole Favarelli is a film and video director and branded content creator based in London, England. With over 6 years of experience, Nicole specializes in blending psychological horror with emotionally driven storytelling. Nicole’s work explores trauma, isolation, grief and more. Some of her award-winning shorts include Chocolate Tronchetto (2022), The Boogeyman (2021), and Vakuum (2019), and her work has screened at festivals including the BAFTA-qualifying Bolton Film Festival. Nicole also has diverse experience in digital and branded content creation, delivering end-to-end campaigns for platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. In 2021, Nicole received her BA in Directing for Film and Television from MetFilm School in London. This article has been viewed 5,062 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: December 3, 2025
Views: 5,062
Categories: Anime
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,062 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement