Understanding Filler in My Hero Academia

Navigating the world of shonen anime often means confronting the dreaded “filler” episode. For shows like Naruto or Bleach, filler arcs can stretch for dozens of episodes, pulling viewers away from the main story. My Hero Academia takes a completely different approach. Because the anime closely follows Kohei Horikoshi’s ongoing manga with a seasonal release schedule, the series contains remarkably little true filler. Instead, you will encounter a handful of specials, recaps, and a single stand-alone episode that never appear in the source material. Knowing exactly what to skip can save you time and keep your experience focused on Izuku Midoriya’s growth from Quirkless dreamer to the world’s greatest hero.

This guide breaks down every non-canon episode in the My Hero Academia anime, explains why each was created, and helps you decide whether to watch it or move on. By the end, you will have a clean watch order that removes all filler while preserving the emotional and narrative payoff of the series.

What Counts as Filler in My Hero Academia?

In anime, canon content is material adapted directly from the original manga. Filler content is created by the animation studio to pad the runtime, often while waiting for the manga to release more chapters. Because My Hero Academia airs in contained seasons (typically 25 episodes each) rather than running weekly year-round, the production team rarely needs to invent new storylines. The manga provides a steady stream of arcs that can be adapted faithfully.

That said, you will still see a few types of non-canon entries:

  • Recap specials – Short episodes that summarize previous events with minimal new animation.
  • Stand-alone filler episodes – Entire episodes produced outside the manga to offer lighthearted side stories.
  • OVAs (Original Video Animations) – Bonus episodes released on home video or bundled with events; they often explore “what-if” scenarios or character backstories.

None of these affect the main plot, and skipping them will never leave you confused about future events. However, a few can add enjoyable character moments for fans who want to spend extra time with the cast.

Complete List of My Hero Academia Filler Episodes and Specials

My Hero Academia has a total of four episodic fillers and two OVA specials worth noting. The breakdown below organizes them by season and type so you can plan your viewing.

Season 1 Fillers

  • OVA: All Might Rising – Often labeled as Episode 4.5 on some streaming platforms, this 25-minute special premiered alongside the first movie. It depicts Toshinori Yagi’s early days in America under the tutelage of Nana Shimura and his first battle against All For One. While emotionally resonant, the events are non-canon and not referenced in the main series.

Season 2 Fillers

  • Episode 13.5: Hero Notebook – A pure recap that reuses footage from the first season with commentary from the main characters. It was broadcast as a bridge between Seasons 1 and 2.
  • Episode 26 (Some Listings): The High-Speed Quirk Analysis – Sometimes slotted between Episodes 25 and 26, this is actually a recap special that aired after the Sports Festival arc. It summarizes the festival battles and adds no original story content. On Crunchyroll and other official platforms, the episode numbering skips this entry entirely, so many viewers never encounter it.

Season 3 Fillers

  • Episode 58: Special Episode: Save the World with Love! – The sole fully original filler episode in the core TV broadcast. It takes place during the Provisional Hero License Exam arc but focuses on the female students of U.A. competing in a poolside popularity contest. The episode is played for comedy and fan service and does not advance the plot.

Season 4 and Beyond

  • No additional filler episodes have been produced. Every episode from Season 4 onward is directly adapted from the manga.

OVA Specials Outside the Main Series

  • OVA 2: Training of the Dead – A joint training exercise involving Class 1-A and students from Isamu Academy High School. The scenario features a mock zombie outbreak and is entirely non-canon. It was released with the manga’s 14th volume.

Additional Non-Canon Bonus Content: Movies and More

Beyond TV episodes and OVAs, My Hero Academia has produced multiple theatrical movies. While these movies are not necessary for understanding the anime’s main story, they offer spectacular action and character moments. However, their canonicity is a gray area.

  • My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018) – Set during the first-year summer break, this film introduces a young girl named Melissa Shield and explores All Might’s past. Horikoshi provided character designs and plot concepts, but the story is not adapted from the manga. Minor elements, such as the quirk-enhancing device, appear later in the manga as a brief call-back, but the film itself is not essential.
  • My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019) – Takes place after Season 4 and features a villain named Nine. The film’s climax includes a moment that foreshadows later manga developments, but the overall plot remains non-canon. It is widely praised for its high-stakes battles and character focus on Bakugo and Midoriya.
  • My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021) – Set after Season 5, this movie sees Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki team up with the mysterious Rody Soul. The film introduces a global terrorist organization called Humarise. Again, Horikoshi supervised, but the events are not referenced in the main series.
  • My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024) – The fourth film, released shortly after Season 7, follows an original villain claiming to be All Might’s successor. As with the others, it is self-contained and designed for theatrical spectacle.

If you are doing a strict canon watch, skip all movies. If you want extra action and character interactions without breaking the flow, watch them after completing the season that precedes their release date. For example, watch Two Heroes after Season 1 or 2, and Heroes Rising after Season 4.

Which Filler Episodes Should You Skip?

If your priority is following the core narrative as efficiently as possible, you can safely skip every entry listed above. Watching only canon episodes will give you the complete story of My Hero Academia without a single missing detail. Below are the specific filler entries you should bypass, with brief explanations.

Recap Episodes: Skip Without Exception

Both Hero Notebook (Episode 13.5) and The High-Speed Quirk Analysis are the easiest cuts. They consist entirely of recycled footage and add nothing new. Skipping them also prevents dilution of the emotional tension between arcs; for example, jumping straight from Season 1’s finale into the U.A. Sports Festival maintains momentum perfectly.

Episode 58: A Light Filler With No Story Weight

Save the World with Love! is the only TV episode you need to actively skip. It interrupts the intense pacing of the license exam arc to deliver a comedic side story that never happened in the manga. While it does provide a few charming interactions among the female cast, it does not influence character growth, relationships, or future episodes in any way. For a first-time viewer, watching this episode can feel jarring. For a rewatch, it can be a fun detour—but only if you are already invested in the show’s humor.

OVAs: Optional Bonus Content

The two OVAs are separate from the weekly broadcast and can be watched at any time without affecting your understanding of the story.

  • All Might Rising offers a touching look at All Might’s origins. Though not canon, the emotional beats resonate with the manga’s later revelations about One For All. Some fans enjoy watching it after Season 3 as a thematic companion piece. Skipping it costs you nothing plot-wise.
  • Training of the Dead is pure spectacle. It is fun but entirely inconsequential. If you want to see Class 1-A in a zombie survival scenario, watch it; otherwise, move on.

Why Skip Filler in My Hero Academia?

The series already packs immense character development and world-building into its canon episodes. Introducing fillers can create three key issues:

  1. Pacing disruption – Even a single comedic filler episode can undercut the dramatic stakes built by a major arc. The Provisional License Exam is a critical turning point for several characters; Episode 58’s lighthearted tone clashes with the surrounding tension.
  2. Character inconsistencies – Because filler episodes are written by the anime staff rather than Horikoshi, characterizations can occasionally feel slightly “off.” Jokes and reactions may not align with the nuanced personalities established in the manga.
  3. Time investment – With 130+ episodes and multiple movies, the canon series already demands a significant commitment. Removing the handful of filler entries saves roughly two hours of watch time without sacrifice.

That said, some viewers enjoy small detours. If you are the type who loves seeing the students in slice-of-life moments, Episode 58 and the OVAs can be pleasant bonuses. The key is to watch them after completing the main arcs so they never interfere with your emotional immersion.

How to Enjoy My Hero Academia Without Filler

Following a filler-free watch order is straightforward. Here are several practical strategies to maximize your experience:

1. Follow the Canon-Only Episode Guide

Use the episode list below as your core roadmap. Simply skip the marked entries:

  • Watch Episode 1 through Episode 13 (Season 1).
  • Begin Season 2 directly at Episode 14 (skip 13.5).
  • Watch Episodes 14–57 continuously.
  • Skip Episode 58 (“Save the World with Love!”).
  • Resume with Episode 59 and continue through the rest of the series.

The recap specials (Hero Notebook and High-Speed Quirk Analysis) are not even part of the official episode numbering on most streaming platforms, so following the standard season playlists automatically filters them out.

2. Leverage Streaming Platform Markers

Services like Crunchyroll and Funimation separate OVAs into their own sections. They typically appear as “Specials” or “Extras,” preventing accidental viewing during a sequential watch. Stick to the main episode list labeled by season and you will encounter only canon material.

3. Treat the Movies as Standalone Bonuses

The My Hero Academia movies (Two Heroes, Heroes Rising, World Heroes’ Mission, and You’re Next) exist in a gray area. While they feature original stories supervised by Horikoshi, they are not required viewing for the anime’s plot. Some characters and Quirks introduced in the movies later receive brief manga cameos, but the films can be watched at any point after their corresponding release seasons without confusion. Save them for after you finish the main episodes if you want a pure canon run.

4. Engage With the Community for Discussion

Online communities on Reddit, MyAnimeList, and Discord often produce updated filler guides as new seasons air. The MyAnimeList episode discussion pages can help you identify any future filler entries that might appear. Bookmark a reliable fan-maintained anime filler list to stay current.

5. Read the Manga for the Fullest Picture

To experience the story exactly as Horikoshi envisioned it, consider reading the manga alongside the anime. The official English release from Viz Media offers crisp translations and includes author notes that add depth. The manga also clarifies small moments that the anime compresses for time, giving you a richer understanding of character motivations and Quirk mechanics. You can find the official series on Viz Media’s website.

A Quick Reference Table: Filler vs. Canon at a Glance

For convenience, here is a streamlined summary of every non-canon entry in the My Hero Academia anime, along with a verdict on whether to skip it.

  • Hero Notebook (Ep 13.5) – Type: Recap | Skip? Yes
  • High-Speed Quirk Analysis (Special) – Type: Recap | Skip? Yes
  • Save the World with Love! (Ep 58) – Type: Filler | Skip? Yes (or watch after Season 3 for fun)
  • All Might Rising (OVA) – Type: OVA | Skip? Yes (optional)
  • Training of the Dead (OVA) – Type: OVA | Skip? Yes (optional)
  • Two Heroes (Movie 1) – Type: Movie | Skip? Yes (optional)
  • Heroes Rising (Movie 2) – Type: Movie | Skip? Yes (optional)
  • World Heroes’ Mission (Movie 3) – Type: Movie | Skip? Yes (optional)
  • You’re Next (Movie 4) – Type: Movie | Skip? Yes (optional)

The Value of Watching Canon Only

Choosing a filler-free path through My Hero Academia sharpens the emotional arcs that make the series special. Without detours, you experience Izuku’s tears, Bakugo’s rage, and Todoroki’s quiet healing in an unbroken chain. Scenes like All Might’s final stand against All For One and the violent intensity of the Paranormal Liberation War land with maximum force when no out-of-place comedy precedes them.

Even so, My Hero Academia’s filler load is so light that skipping it is more about personal taste than necessity. The series never leaves you wandering through a 20-episode beach arc. When you do encounter the occasional pool episode or recap, you can simply click “next” and lose nothing of substance. This lean filler profile is one reason the anime remains one of the most accessible long-running shonen titles for new viewers.

Final Recommendations

If you are a first-time viewer who wants the most direct route through the story, your best plan is to ignore every special, OVA, and Episode 58 entirely. Start with Season 1 and let the canon episodes carry you through U.A.’s hallways. If you later become a superfan craving more time with the characters, circle back to the OVAs and the pool episode for lighthearted bonus moments.

My Hero Academia’s strength lies in its focused storytelling and the relentless forward drive of its young heroes. By knowing what to skip, you keep that engine running at full throttle from the first “Detroit Smash” to the final page of the manga brought to life on screen. Enjoy the journey, and go beyond—Plus Ultra.