The best episodes of My Hero Academia

Summary

• Emotional rollercoaster episodes define My Hero Academia's best moments.

• Epic battles showcase character growth and deep narratives within the series.

• The tragic background of the villains brings depth, complexity and unforgettable storytelling to the fore.

Since its first episode aired in 2016, My Hero Academia has captured the hearts and minds of many with its amazing characters and storylines. In a world of Pro-Heroes, Villains and powerful Quirks, the line between good and evil seems clear at first, only to blur as the series progresses.

Let's retrace the most decisive moments of the series. My Hero Academia doesn't end with mind-blowing or tear-jerking episodes, and while it's difficult, we've narrowed down the ten best episodes of the entire franchise.

10

Todoroki Shouto: Origin

Season 2, episode 10

The sports festival arc reaches its climax when Midoriya and Todoroki finally face off. In previous episodes, Todoroki made no secret of his intent to defeat Midoriya and surpass All Might using only his ice in retaliation against his father, Endeavor.

This episode takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride and adds the icing on the cake with a masterful fight sequence. Midoriya helps Todoroki face painful memories from his past and free himself from his father's influence by finally using his fire, as well as begin the journey of moving forward.

9

One for all

Season 3, episode 11

Following Bakugo's kidnapping, the heroes mount a rescue operation, locating the League of Villains' hideout in Kamino Ward. Just when things seemed to be going the way the heroes wanted, All For One emerges from hiding, revealing himself to the world.

All Might clashes with All For One in this long-awaited rematch, pushed to the limit to the point of exceeding the time limit. All For One goads him with the revelation of Shigaraki's identity, and though things look bleak for All Might, he gathers the last vestiges of One For All to deliver the final, final blow to his nemesis.

8

Deku vs. Kacchan, part 2

Season 3, episode 23

The rivalry between Midoriya and Bakugo is one of the show's defining aspects, and their relationship is one of the most complex ever depicted. But things seem to have taken a turn after the events of Kamino Ward, as Bakugo has kept his turbulent emotions under tight control, only for them to come rushing out in this episode.

Bakugo explains everything to Midoriya, showing a rare moment of vulnerability. Midoriya's successes, his kidnapping, and All Might's retirement have led to feelings of guilt and inferiority, causing another clash between the two. Although All Might arrives to resolve the situation, the episode ends with the two childhood friends reaching a level of mutual understanding.

7

Infinity 100%

Season 4, episode 13

The culmination of the Shie Hassaikai raids arc features one of the best fights of the series, a collaborative effort between Eri and Midoriya to defeat Overhaul once and for all. With numerous heroes injured or incapacitated, Midoriya takes advantage of Eri's lack of control over her Rewind Quirk to go all out with One For All.

The episode hit all the high points, with the League of Villains completing their agenda and delving into Overhaul's motivations and the lead-up to his takeover of the Shie Hassaikai. Not only did it show how much Midoriya and his classmates have improved, but it treated us to a cinematic battle of epic proportions.

6

Shimura Tenko: Origin

Season 5, episode 23

In a heartbreaking episode, Shigaraki Tomura's tragic past is brought to light. While his allies are fighting against the Meta Liberation Army, Shigaraki battles Re-Destro and has flashes of his past as Shimura Tenko.

Shimura Tenko was simply a shy and awkward boy who loved playing with his dog Mon-chan and dreamed of becoming a hero just like any other child. But the combination of an oppressive home life, an abusive father, and a destructive Quirk drove Tenko to an inevitable breaking point that was heartbreaking to see, setting him on the path to becoming Shigaraki Tomura.

5

Dabi's dance

Season 6, episode 11

Fan theories and suspicions were finally confirmed in this episode, as the Heroes suffer another devastating blow. The raid on the Jaku Hospital quickly turned into a disaster for the heroes, with the awakening of Shigaraki, Gigantomachia, and several Nomus causing widespread chaos. Things only seem to get worse from there on out when Dabi shows up.

Despite Endeavor's attempts to make amends, his past actions end up haunting him in the worst ways. Dabi reveals himself to be Todoroki Touya and proceeds to air the family's dirty laundry around the world, causing the tide of public opinion to turn especially against the Heroes and Endeavour. Among the many things that happened during the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, Dabi's revelation was the final nail in the coffin for the hero society.

4

The wrong way to put out a fire

Season 6, episode 17

In light of Dabi's sensational revelation, this episode focuses on uncomfortable truths and accepting the past. We get a deeper look at the life of the Todoroki family and how Endeavor's passion turned into a single-minded obsession that negatively affected his family.

Touya was more affected than the others, becoming obsessed with having his father's attention at all costs, which ultimately led to his “death”. While Endeavor recovers from his wounds, his wife and children visit him. They all admit their faults and feel responsible for how Touya ended up, but ultimately decide to save him from himself.

3

Spectrum

Season 7, episode 2

Star and Stripe showed us exactly why he's America's number one hero in this episode. Her fight against Shigaraki and All For One continues, but despite her and her allies' best efforts, they fail to completely defeat the powerful villain.

All seemed lost when Shigaraki/AFO stole Star and Stripe's New Order Quirk, only for Star to have the last laugh by using his own Quirk at the last minute. Even though it ultimately cost her her life, Star was willing to sacrifice herself to ensure All For One didn't get his Quirk.

With her dying breath, Star was able to inflict significant damage on Shigaraki and his numerous Quirks, as well as buying precious time for the Heroes to launch a final offensive against All For One.

2

A girl's ego

Season 7, episode 20

In the penultimate episode of season seven, Toga Himiko goes on a rampage, consuming Twice's blood and using her Double Quirk to overwhelm the Heroes. Consumed by anger, she refuses to listen to Uraraka and Asui's words, instead reacting with more violence.

Despite being wounded and later stabbed by Himiko, Uraraka refuses to give up and manages to stop the clones when her Zero Gravity Quirk evolves. Uraraka's sympathetic and understanding words connect with Himiko and she stops just as her Quirk's time limit expires.

My Hero Academia does justice to its main villains by highlighting their tragic backgrounds and personal motivations, and the conclusion of the Toga Himiko story arc is a perfect example of this.

1

I'm here

Season 7, episode 19

The Todoroki family drama reaches its conclusion in the later episodes of season seven, with Touya intent on detonating his Quirk and taking everyone with him in a huge explosion. Endeavor desperately tries to stop him, but Touya is now too far away.

In one of the most emotional episodes of the series, the entire Todoroki family steps forward to save Touya, with Rei, Natsuo, and Fuyumi showing up to use their ice quirks to ward off the oppressive heat. Although Touya is removed from action, he is severely disfigured due to his Quirk and begins the difficult journey of healing for the Todoroki family.