My Hero Academia has established itself as a monumental force in contemporary anime, captivating audiences with its intense battles, richly developed characters, and a dynamic universe brimming with heroes and villains. However, the impact of its seasons has varied, with some achieving remarkable heights while others have faltered. This article delves into a comprehensive ranking of all seasons of My Hero Academia, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and evaluating their contributions to the overarching narrative.
7 Season 5
MyAnimeList: 7.35
Season 5 of My Hero Academia faced challenges not due to a lack of quality content, but because of an incoherent narrative structure. Attempting to balance multiple storylines—such as the Joint Training Arc, Endeavor’s family tensions, and the much-anticipated My Villain Academia arc—resulted in a disjointed viewing experience.
The Joint Training Arc showcased strategic conflicts between Class 1-A and Class 1-B and highlighted Shinso’s development; however, the stakes felt minimal, causing tension to drag out. The transition to the Endeavor Agency Arc, while promising with its focus on Hawks’ undercover mission and Endeavor’s character growth, lacked a sufficient build-up to make a significant impact.
Most disappointingly, the My Villain Academia arc, adored in the manga community, felt rushed, losing its emotional gravitas as it was hastily crammed into the latter episodes. This compression undermined Shigaraki’s backstory and the League’s complex journey into darkness, resulting in a season that, while paving the way for future events, ultimately fell short of establishing a lasting legacy.
6 Season 4
MyAnimeList: 8.29
Season 4 is predominantly marked by the impactful Shie Hassaikai arc, which culminated in an epic confrontation between Midoriya and Overhaul, defined by its visuals and emotional stakes. The heart-wrenching introduction of Eri and Mirio Togata’s selfless heroism served as emotional anchors for the season. However, the buildup to the climactic battle lacked a consistent emotional resonance.
While the confrontation with Overhaul was visually dazzling, the pacing felt uneven, and his character didn’t leave a lasting impression as a villain. Following this intense action, the tonal shift to the School Festival Arc introduced a stark contrast that left viewers feeling disoriented, as the narrative oscillated between high-stakes action and light-hearted themes. The significant emotional developments, including Mirio’s loss of his Quirk and Nighteye’s tragic fate, helped maintain the season’s integrity, yet the impression of inconsistency lingered.
5 Season 1
MyAnimeList: 7.84
The inaugural season set the stage for My Hero Academia, introducing viewers to a world steeped in the complexities of Quirks and the struggles of aspiring heroes. Condensed into just 13 episodes, it effectively established crucial character relationships and narrative arcs—from Midoriya’s first encounter with All Might to the initial thrills of UA High.
The USJ incident marked the introduction of fundamental threats, unveiling Shigaraki and Nomu as serious adversaries and setting a high-stakes tone for the series. Season 1 is particularly noted for its blend of heartfelt character moments and exhilarating action, capturing the audience’s engagement through relatable stakes rather than grand-scale catastrophes.
4 Season 3
MyAnimeList: 8.01
Season 3 is regarded as a pivotal point in the My Hero Academia narrative, beginning with the summer training camp arc that sets off a chain reaction leading to significant confrontations, including Bakugo’s abduction and the unforgettable face-off: All Might vs. All For One.
The monumental showdown in Kamino Ward represented not just a clash of titans, but a symbolic transition, marking All Might’s last stand and ushering in a new era for the series. The second half of the season highlighted the Provisional Hero License Exam arc, showcasing character development and dynamic team interactions but lacked the emotional weight of All Might’s retirement, thus signaling a deeper tone beginning to emerge within the series.
3 Season 2
MyAnimeList: 8.08
Fans often hail Season 2 as the series’ breakout moment, with the UA Sports Festival transforming the typical tournament format into a platform of character exploration, especially for Todoroki. The highly anticipated battle between Todoroki and Midoriya was more than just a display of skills—it represented a clash of their respective ideologies and personal conflicts, culminating in a significant character turning point.
Following this arc, the Hero Killer: Stain arc introduced a morally complex antagonist, placing the themes of heroism and authenticity under scrutiny. Stain’s radical beliefs resonated strongly, instigating significant ramifications for both the heroes and villains in the series, allowing Season 2 to avoid filler content and delve deep into character and plot significance.
2 Season 7
MyAnimeList: 8.07
Though still in its early stages, Season 7 is primed to make significant waves, continuing the narrative from Season 6 amidst a world engulfed in chaos and shattered trust in heroes. This season marks the anticipated introduction of Star and Stripe, whose confrontation with Shigaraki not only highlights the villain’s escalating threat but serves as a pivotal moment of character evolution for both sides.
As Midoriya and the students strategize for the impending Final War, themes of alliance-building and questioning the essence of heroism take center stage, setting the tone for a climactic showdown that promises to redefine the series’ trajectory.
1 Season 6
MyAnimeList: 8.28
Season 6 brought the long-awaited Paranormal Liberation War arc to fruition, marking a transparent shift into a grim narrative landscape. As Shigaraki awakens to wreak unprecedented havoc, the season escalates in intensity, showcasing some of the most breathtaking and heart-wrenching moments in the series’ history.
This arc is a vivid exploration of consequence, as viewers witness Mirko’s brave charge against insurmountable odds, Midnight’s heart-stopping fate, and Bakugo’s selfless act of heroism. The aftermath paints a tragic portrait of a broken society, punctuated by Deku’s solitary struggle and his descent into darkness.
As Class 1-A rallies to bring him back, particularly through Uraraka’s emotional appeal, the season exemplifies peak storytelling within My Hero Academia—fast-paced, richly emotional, and unafraid to dismantle its own world to spark new growth from its ruins.
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