My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) has grown into one of the most popular shonen anime of the modern era, blending superhero spectacle with heartfelt coming-of-age stories. The series spans multiple seasons, movies, and over 400 manga chapters, which can make it feel daunting for newcomers or viewers looking to revisit the highlights. Each narrative arc introduces new heroes, villains, and moral questions that shape Izuku Midoriya’s journey from a Quirkless dreamer to a symbol of hope. This guide breaks down every major story arc of the anime, explains what each contributes to the overall plot, and helps you decide which parts are essential viewing and which can be skipped without losing the core experience.

How the My Hero Academia Story Is Structured

Kohei Horikoshi’s manga divides its saga into clearly labeled arcs that the anime adapts across seasons. The early arcs focus on school life and hero training, while later ones escalate into all-out war with devastating consequences. The anime often adds original filler episodes—especially in seasons 2, 3, and 4—that provide extra character moments but aren’t part of the main plot. Knowing this structure allows you to build a streamlined watch list. The official seasons are available on Crunchyroll, and the manga is published in English by VIZ Media.

Season 1: The Origin

The debut season covers the first two arcs and sets the emotional foundation for the entire series. It introduces Midoriya’s idolization of All Might, the discovery that he may yet inherit a Quirk, and his entrance into the hero course at U.A. High School.

U.A. Entrance Exam Arc (Episodes 1–4)

This arc is absolutely essential. It shows Midoriya’s desperate struggle to earn a place alongside more naturally gifted candidates like Katsuki Bakugo. The entrance exam’s battle against the giant zero-point robot is one of the anime’s most iconic moments. The arc also introduces core classmates—Ochaco Uraraka, Tenya Iida, and others—and establishes the rivalries and friendships that will define the series.

Quirk Apprehension Test Arc (Episodes 5–8, manga only briefly covered)

Often folded into the first season’s early episodes, this mini-arc is when Shota Aizawa (Eraser Head) pushes Class 1-A through brutal physical tests while threatening expulsion. It highlights that heroism isn’t just about flashy Quirks; it’s about resourcefulness. While not a full story arc, these episodes are part of the foundational U.A. classroom experience and shouldn’t be skipped.

Battle Trial Arc (Episodes 9–13)

The first practical exercise pitting students against each other in mock hero-villain scenarios is a fan favorite. The Midoriya/Bakugo showdown reveals early cracks in Bakugo’s pride and Midoriya’s growing control over One For All. This arc cements the show’s action tone and teaches key lessons about responsibility and teamwork.

Season 2: The Rise of Rivals

Season 2 expands the world dramatically, introducing the wider hero community and several rivals who become central players later on.

U.A. Sports Festival Arc (Episodes 14–25, covers first half of season 2)

This is a must-watch arc. The Sports Festival is a televised tournament that gives students the chance to catch the eye of professional hero agencies. Beyond the spectacle, the arc explores Todoroki’s traumatic backstory and his refusal to use his fire side, a conflict that defines his character arc for multiple seasons. The one-on-one fights, cavalry battles, and obstacle course are packed with memorable moments. It also introduces Hitoshi Shinso, whose brainwashing Quirk and desire to transfer into the hero course resonate deeply with Midoriya’s own story of proving oneself. The emotional climax where Midoriya deliberately sacrifices his own victory to help Todoroki is one of the series’ defining acts of heroism.

Vs. Hero Killer Stain Arc (Episodes 26–33)

This brief but intense arc introduces the vigilante hero killer Stain, whose extremist ideology forces both heroes and society to question what true heroism means. His confrontation with Iida, Midoriya, and Todoroki in the alley is a masterclass in tension and character growth. Stain’s message later inspires the League of Villains, making this arc critical to the long-term plot. It also marks the first time the students face a genuine lethal threat, maturing them beyond school competitions.

Final Exams Arc (Episodes 34–38)

In a clever twist, the students are paired against their own teachers in practical exams. The arc emphasizes that raw power is meaningless without wit and cooperation. Teams like Midoriya/Bakugo against All Might force explosive character dynamics to simmer into reluctant teamwork. While some of these fights are less plot-heavy, the arc’s role in preparing the class for what comes next makes it valuable viewing.

Season 3: Training, Trip, and Tragedy

Season 3 continues the school format but then throws the students into a brutal assault that changes the status quo.

Forest Training Camp Arc (Episodes 39–45)

Class 1-A heads to a remote forest training camp to strengthen their Quirks under the guidance of the Wild, Wild Pussycats. The arc provides important development for characters like Koda and Tokoyami, but its true weight comes from the League of Villains’ sudden attack. The kidnapping of Bakugo and the horrific introduction of the villain Muscular, whom Midoriya must fight to protect Kota, deliver some of the series’ most harrowing moments. This arc transitions the story firmly toward darker territory and launches the rescue mission that follows.

Hideout Raid Arc (Episodes 46–50, often considered part of the camp arc but structured as a rescue)

The rescue of Bakugo from the League of Villains’ bar sees a clandestine group of students team up with pro heroes for a high-stakes infiltration. The emotional climax when All Might faces his nemesis All For One in a cataclysmic battle is a turning point for the entire series. All Might’s retirement and the symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation redefines the world. This arc is unskippable for anyone invested in the series’ core themes.

Provisional Hero License Exam Arc (Episodes 51–62, continues into season 4 setup)

After the Kamino incident, the students aim to earn their provisional licenses so they can operate as heroes in the field. The exam introduces rival schools like Shiketsu High and characters like Camie and Inasa, who bring fresh dynamics. This arc is heavy on world-building and features the comedic yet insightful fight against Gang Orca. While some parts feel like school filler, the license plays a major role in later arcs, and the exam’s final test—rescuing civilians during a simulated disaster—reinforces the series’ core ideal that heroism is about saving people, not beating villains.

Season 4: The Internship and the Festival

Season 4 adapts two substantial arcs that contrast sharply: a grim, lengthy raid on a yakuza organization and a lighthearted cultural festival.

Shie Hassaikai Arc (Episodes 63–76, also known as the Overhaul Arc)

The longest and most emotionally draining arc of the series centers on the rescue of a young girl named Eri from the yakuza group Shie Hassaikai, which uses her Quirk to create Quirk-destroying drugs. The arc features the hero work-study program with Sir Nighteye, a former sidekick of All Might who challenges Midoriya’s worthiness to wield One For All. The raid itself is a tense, multi-stage operation involving the Big Three (Mirio, Nejire, Tamaki) and multiple pro heroes. Mirio’s sacrifice as he loses his Quirk yet continues fighting has become legendary among fans. Midoriya’s climactic battle against Overhaul at 100% power with Eri’s help is a series high point. The arc also explores the ethics of hero society, the treatment of Quirks as weapons, and the cost of heroism. It is essential viewing and deeply impacts the trajectory of the main cast.

Remedial Course Arc (Episodes 77–80, a short interlude)

After the intensity of the Shie Hassaikai arc, a handful of episodes focus on Bakugo, Todoroki, Camie, and Inasa taking a remedial course for their provisional licenses. These episodes focus on character growth, particularly Bakugo’s awkward attempts to connect with children. While mostly filler in terms of plot, they provide needed levity and show Bakugo’s gradual shift toward maturity. Time-pressed viewers can skip without missing critical story beats.

U.A. School Festival Arc (Episodes 81–86)

The school festival arc gives the students a chance to celebrate and bring joy back to a campus shaken by recent attacks. The main narrative thread involves a gentle villain named Gentle Criminal, who wants to infiltrate the festival to gain notoriety. The arc is divisive: some fans love the low-stakes character interplay and Eri’s smile, while others find it a jarring slowdown. Gentle Criminal’s backstory is charming, but his threat level is minor compared to the League of Villains. This arc can be considered optional if you’re focused on main plot progression, though it does contain a small piece of character development for Midoriya about what it means to be a villain in a society that discarded you.

Season 5: Joint Training and the Rise of the Paranormal Liberation Front

Season 5 adapts three arcs that set the stage for an all-out war, though the anime reordered events from the manga, which affected pacing.

Joint Training Arc (Episodes 87–100)

Class 1-A faces Class 1-B in a series of team battles. This arc puts the spotlight on numerous side characters and gives Midoriya a strange new manifestation of One For All—a mysterious black tendril Quirk. While the fights are creative and the introduction of Hitoshi Shinso’s development is a highlight, the arc can feel like a tournament filler with limited long-term stakes. If you’re short on time, you can read a summary of the key development: Midoriya’s awakening of past users’ Quirks and the brief appearance of a vestige world. The arc is enjoyable for fans of ensemble combat but not strictly necessary for the core narrative.

Meta Liberation Army Arc (Episodes 101–107, also called My Villain Academia)

This arc is an essential turning point because it shifts perspective entirely to the League of Villains and their struggle against the massive Meta Liberation Army. It develops characters like Twice, Toga, Shigaraki, and Spinner in profound ways, giving each a tragic backstory or a moment of personal victory. Shigaraki’s evolution into a terrifyingly powerful leader capable of leading a unified Paranormal Liberation Front redefines the threat level for the rest of the series. The anime truncated some of the arc’s original content (notably the Re-Destro anime) by switching the order with the Endeavor Agency arc, which weakened its impact. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important arcs for understanding the villains’ motivations and the coming war.

Endeavor Agency Arc (Episodes 108–113)

After the intense villain arc, Season 5 closes with Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki interning under Endeavor, the new Number One hero. The arc tackles Endeavor’s attempt at atonement for his abusive past and the fractured Todoroki family. The trio’s encounter with a high-speed villain and Endeavor’s self-reflection offer crucial character work that pays off massively in season 6. Skipping this arc would rob the Paranormal Liberation War of its emotional weight, especially regarding the Todoroki family drama and Endeavor’s redemption struggle.

Season 6: War, Fallout, and Dark Hero

Season 6 adapts two massive arcs that represent the narrative’s highest stakes and most harrowing battles. The anime covered them with strong pacing and breathtaking animation.

Paranormal Liberation War Arc (Episodes 114–131)

This arc is the culmination of everything built across five seasons. Heroes launch a coordinated raid on the Paranormal Liberation Front, and the battle lines span multiple cities. It delivers devastating losses, including the deaths of several pro heroes and the revelation of Dabi’s true identity. The arc also features the awakening of Shigaraki’s full power, which brings society to its knees. Bakugo’s sacrifice, Mirio’s return, and the heartbreaking goodbyes push the series into its darkest territory. No other arc has such profound consequences for the entire cast and the world. It is absolutely unmissable.

Tartarus Escapees / Dark Hero Arc (Episodes 132–138, part of season 6’s second half)

Following the war, the breakdown of hero society leads to a mass prison breakout and a public rejection of heroes. A traumatized Midoriya leaves U.A. to hunt villains alone, becoming a ragged vigilante determined to carry the burden of One For All by himself. This arc is deeply introspective, showing Midoriya’s mental collapse and his friends’ desperate effort to bring him back. The emotional payoff when Class 1-A confronts him—and U.A. itself becomes a fortress for the innocent—redefines the series’ definition of strength. The Dark Hero Arc is essential for understanding Midoriya’s character evolution and the new status quo heading into the final saga.

What to Watch and What to Skip: A Streamlined Guide

Not every arc carries the same narrative weight, and some viewers prefer a tighter experience. The table below categorizes arcs into must-watch, contextually important, and skippable for those who want to focus on the main plotline without sacrificing emotional impact.

  • Essential Arcs (Don’t Skip)
    • U.A. Entrance Exam & Battle Trial (Season 1)
    • U.A. Sports Festival (Season 2)
    • Vs. Hero Killer Stain (Season 2)
    • Forest Training Camp & Hideout Raid (Season 3)
    • Shie Hassaikai / Overhaul (Season 4)
    • Meta Liberation Army / My Villain Academia (Season 5)
    • Paranormal Liberation War (Season 6)
    • Tartarus Escapees / Dark Hero (Season 6)
  • Important but Can Be Condensed
    • Provisional License Exam (Season 3) – provides license context, but you can read a summary of key results.
    • Endeavor Agency (Season 5) – family drama critical for later, but can be watched at 1.5x speed or in a compilation.
  • Optional / Filler-Heavy Arcs
    • Remedial Course (Season 4) – light character fluff, entirely skippable.
    • U.A. School Festival (Season 4) – skippable if you want to stay with main threat escalation; Gentle Criminal has minimal long-term plot relevance.
    • Joint Training (Season 5) – fun battles but can be summarized; only Midoriya’s new power is critical.

If you’re pressed for time, follow the Essential list and supplement with a brief synopsis of the arcs you skip. The anime also includes several filler episodes that aren’t part of these arcs—like the “Save! Rescue Training” episode (season 3) and recap specials—so a watch guide like the one on Anime Filler List can help you bypass those entirely.

The Role of Movies and Spin-Offs

My Hero Academia has released multiple feature films (Two Heroes, Heroes Rising, World Heroes’ Mission, and You’re Next) that are largely non-canon side stories, though Horikoshi supervised them and some original characters like Melissa Shield and Rody Soul later appeared in manga cameos. The movies are enjoyable extra content but not required to understand the main arcs. Spin-off manga like Vigilantes offers a prequel story set in the same universe and enriches the lore, but it’s separate from the main storyline.

Where the Story Goes Next

After the Dark Hero Arc, the series enters its Final Act, with season 7 (and upcoming installments) covering the remaining manga arcs: the Star and Stripe introduction, the U.A. Traitor reveal, and the final battle against Shigaraki and All For One. These arcs promise to close character arcs and deliver the climactic resolution fans have been waiting for. With the manga already completed, the anime’s adaptation will follow a clear path. Following the story via Shonen Jump can also help you decide which future arcs to prioritize without waiting for the anime.

By understanding the structure of My Hero Academia and the distinct purpose of each arc, you can craft a viewing experience that matches your interests—whether you’re in it for the action, the character growth, or the philosophical questions about what it means to be a hero. The series rewards long-term investment, but even a focused journey through its essential arcs will leave you with a powerful appreciation for Midoriya’s journey and the world Horikoshi built.