The Enduring Art of Filler: Navigating My Hero Academia’s U.A. Sports Festival Arc

For millions of fans, My Hero Academia delivers a masterclass in shonen storytelling—blending high-stakes heroism with deeply personal journeys. Yet, like almost every long-running anime adapted from a weekly manga, it’s peppered with episodes that deviate from the core narrative. These so-called “filler” installments can frustrate viewers who want to stay locked into the main plot, especially during an arc as propulsive as the U.A. Sports Festival. This guide dissects every episode within that arc, distinguishes essential viewing from optional detours, and offers a clear roadmap so you can experience Midoriya’s iconic rise without the padding.

Originally airing in 2017 as part of the second season, the U.A. Sports Festival Arc adapts chapters 22–44 of Kohei Horikoshi’s manga. It is rightly celebrated for its intense one-on-one battles, Todoroki’s emotional backstory, and the explosive growth of Class 1-A. But the anime also inserts bridge episodes, recap content, and slower character beats that some viewers find expendable. Understanding which of these are pure filler, which are “mixed canon,” and which quietly enrich the world will transform your watch experience.

What Makes an Episode “Filler”?

In anime terms, filler refers to content that does not originate from the source material—in this case, Horikoshi’s manga. Studios produce filler for several practical reasons: to prevent the anime from overtaking the manga’s release schedule, to give the production team a buffer for higher-quality episodes, or occasionally to explore side characters in ways the manga hasn’t. In My Hero Academia, filler episodes aren’t always entirely invented; many are partial adaptations that blend new material with canon scenes. An episode might use ten minutes of original school-life antics to bridge two canon scenes that would otherwise feel abrupt. That makes categorization trickier than simply checking a box.

Filler often falls into three buckets: pure filler (entirely anime-original and skippable without missing any plot), mixed canon/filler (some manga-adapted moments alongside original content), and recap episodes that reuse footage to summarize earlier events. The U.A. Sports Festival Arc contains at least one pure filler episode and a recap, plus several episodes that most guides label as “mostly canon” but still carry extended original sequences. Being aware of these nuances helps you decide whether to skip ruthlessly or to savor the extra character moments.

Why the U.A. Sports Festival Arc Is Sacred Ground

Before we dip into the skip list, it’s worth remembering why this arc matters so much. Taking place immediately after the U.S.J. Incident, the festival serves as U.A. High School’s grand replacement for a traditional sports day—broadcast live across the country and scouted intensely by pro heroes. For Midoriya, it’s the first real chance to show the world that he’s not a fluke, even as he struggles to control One For All without shattering his body. For Todoroki, the tournament becomes a psychological crucible that forces him to confront his abusive father, Endeavor, and the scarred half of his own Quirk. And for Bakugo, it’s a stage upon which his ferocious pride is both validated and humbled.

The arc is structured in three stages: an obstacle course race, a cavalry battle, and a series of one-on-one tournament fights. These rigid competition formats keep the narrative momentum blistering. However, the anime intersperses them with hallway conversations, training flashbacks, and character vignettes that the manga either handled in a single panel or omitted entirely. Some of these embellishments are gems—they round out the supporting cast and relieve tension. Others are well-intentioned but ultimately slowing. Our job is to tell them apart.

Complete Episode Breakdown: U.A. Sports Festival Arc (Episodes 13–25 of Season 2)

Season 2 of My Hero Academia begins with a brief epilogue to the U.S.J. Arc, then dives straight into the festival. The standard episode numbering for the arc is 15–25, though the transitional episode 14 is sometimes included. To make things as clear as possible, we’ll reference the absolute season episode numbers as they appear on streaming services like Crunchyroll. The table below summarizes every episode, its filler status, and our verdict.

Episode 13 (Season 2, Episode 13): “Time to Pick Some Names”

Status: Mostly Canon. This episode wraps up the aftermath of the U.S.J. attack and introduces the hero name selection. While a few comedic skits are extended, it’s crucial for establishing character motivations heading into the festival. Do not skip.

Episode 14: “Bizarre! Gran Torino Appears”

Status: Canon with minor expansions. Midoriya’s internship preparation with Gran Torino is faithfully adapted. The episode is packed with foreshadowing and essential for understanding Midoriya’s new movement style. Mandatory viewing.

Episode 15: “Roaring Sports Festival”

Status: Mostly Canon. The festival officially begins. The anime adds a few brief scenes of students interacting before the opening ceremony, but the bulk adapts the manga’s opening chapters of the arc. It’s efficient and full of character beats that pay off later. Watch it.

Episode 16: “In Their Own Quirky Ways”

Status: Pure Filler – Skip. Here lies the first entirely anime-original episode of the arc. The plot revolves around a completely fabricated event where Class 1-A students are challenged to a “test of endurance” that has no counterpart in the manga. While it attempts to give screen time to characters like Koda and Hagakure, it halts the festival dead in its tracks and creates no lasting consequences. If you’re chasing the main narrative, this is the single most skippable episode in the entire season.

Episode 17: “Strategy, Strategy, Strategy”

Status: Mixed Canon/Filler. This episode adapts the preparation for the cavalry battle, but the anime adds lengthy original sequences of Midoriya brainstorming support gear and training with Hatsume. The core team-forming moments are canon, so skipping entirely would cause confusion. However, about 40% is padding. Watch, but you can fast-forward through the extended Hatsume gadget montage without missing vital plot.

Episode 18: “The Cavalry Battle Finale”

Status: Canon. The cavalry battle conclusion and the emotional fallout for several teams are directly adapted. The animation shines here, and Midoriya’s inventive use of his squad is a turning point. Absolutely essential.

Episode 19: “The Boy Born with Everything”

Status: Canon – Do Not Miss. This is arguably the most critically acclaimed episode of the arc. It delves into Todoroki’s traumatic childhood and his complex relationship with Endeavor. The flashback is straight from the manga and pivotal to the thematic heart of My Hero Academia. Watching it is non-negotiable.

Episode 20: “Victory or Defeat”

Status: Mostly Canon. The first round of one-on-one matches begins. Small anime-original cutaways to the audience (like Present Mic’s commentary) are peppered throughout, but the major fights proceed as Horikoshi wrote them. Akaashi’s match against Midoriya is a highlight. Watch in full.

Episode 21: “Battle on, Challengers!”

Status: Canon. The tournament continues with more pivotal fights, including Todoroki’s dominant display and Uraraka’s heartbreaking struggle against Bakugo. The emotional weight of Uraraka’s resolve is a core series moment. Do not skip.

Episode 22: “Bakugo vs. Uraraka”

Status: Canon. While some lists split this match across two episodes, this episode focuses purely on the clash between Bakugo and Uraraka. The animation is exquisite, and the character writing is among the series’ best. Mandatory viewing.

Episode 23: “Shoto Todoroki: Origin”

Status: Canon. The title says it all. Midoriya’s self-sacrificing attempt to save Todoroki from his own hatred unfolds in a visceral, bone-breaking battle that forever changes the trajectory of both characters. One of the best episodes in the entire show. You cannot skip this.

Episode 24: “Fight On, Iida”

Status: Recap Episode – Skimmable. Immediately before the final match, the anime pauses for a recap. This episode compiles footage from earlier in the season to show Iida’s perspective and the recent events. It’s a classic filler buffer episode. While it contains a few new wraparound scenes of Iida talking to his family, the bulk is reused animation. If you’re binging the season, skip it. If you’re watching weekly and need a refresher, it serves its purpose. For maximum efficiency, fast-forward to the last three minutes for the tiny bit of new content.

Episode 25: “Todoroki vs. Bakugo”

Status: Canon, with extended finale. The final showdown of the festival delivers the explosive clash the arc promised. The anime expands the post-battle scenes slightly to show more character reactions, but these additions are thoughtfully executed and don’t feel like padding. This is the arc’s climactic payoff. Watch in its entirety.

A Quick Reference: What to Skip at a Glance

  • Episode 16: Pure filler. Completely original endurance test. Skip.
  • Episode 24: Recap episode. Only the final couple of minutes are new. Skip or skim.
  • Episode 17: Half filler. Watch, but feel free to skip the long Hatsume support-gear montage.

The Case for Watching “Filler” (When It’s Good)

While the skipping instinct is understandable, it’s worth acknowledging that My Hero Academia’s anime-original content isn’t universally terrible. The series has a reputation for being leaner than peers like Naruto or Bleach, with an overall filler percentage of just under 8% according to Anime Filler List. When the studio does invent episodes, they often focus on character interactions that the manga’s breakneck pace couldn’t afford. For example, Episode 16 might be skippable for plot, but it offers a rare chance to see how Class 1-A functions under a less life-threatening challenge—a slice-of-hero-life vignette that some fans genuinely enjoy. If you’re invested in the entire class and not just Midoriya’s circle, it might be worth your time.

Similarly, Episode 24’s recap, while mechanically unnecessary, carries emotional resonance by reframing earlier events through Iida’s familial crisis. Viewers who skip it won’t be lost, but they’ll miss a quiet narrative beat that strengthens the Tragedy of the Iida family, which becomes important in the Hero Killer arc that follows. Your mileage will vary based on how much you value these quieter character moments.

Should You Skip Mixed Episodes or Recap Episodes Entirely?

Mixed canon/filler episodes like Episode 17 pose the biggest dilemma. The safest approach during a first watch is to experience them normally, because you can’t always predict which anime-original lines will be referenced later (and sometimes the studio subtly mirrors filler conversations in future canon scenes). For rewatches, these episodes are prime candidates for selective skipping. If you’re using a guide like this one, note the timestamps: in Episode 17, the canon-heavy second half of the cavalry battle preparation begins around the 12-minute mark, so you can jump straight there.

Recap episodes are the easiest call. Unless you’ve taken a long break between seasons, watching a full episode of reused footage almost never adds value. However, My Hero Academia occasionally includes a brief post-credits scene in recap episodes that teases the next arc. In Episode 24, there is no such post-credits scene, so the recap is completely safe to skip. For future arcs, always check whether a new segment is tacked onto the end before deleting the episode from your queue.

The Bigger Picture: Filler Across My Hero Academia

Many viewers approach the U.A. Sports Festival with the broader series in mind, wondering if they can expect similar filler patterns later. Season 3’s Forest Training Camp arc and Provisional Hero License Exam arc are remarkably dense, with minimal filler—only a single recap episode and a handful of short mixed episodes. Season 4 introduces a few more original episodes during the Shie Hassaikai arc, notably the “All Might Rising” backstory, which is actually well-received canon material from a special chapter. By Season 5, however, filler becomes more frequent as the Joint Training Arc was padded significantly with flashbacks and extended matches, drawing criticism from manga readers. The takeaway: the Sports Festival Arc remains one of the best-paced stretches in the anime, with only a couple of speedbumps.

For completionists, resources like the My Hero Academia Wiki provide episode-specific notes on what’s adapted from which chapters. The r/BokuNoHeroAcademia FAQ also crowdsources detailed filler analyses. Using these alongside official streaming platforms can help you customize your watch list perfectly.

Crafting Your Optimal Viewing Order

If your goal is to experience the U.A. Sports Festival Arc in its most essential, tightly-edited form, the following order strips away all filler and recap bloat while preserving every crucial character beat:

  1. Episode 13 – “Time to Pick Some Names”
  2. Episode 14 – “Bizarre! Gran Torino Appears”
  3. Episode 15 – “Roaring Sports Festival”
  4. Skip Episode 16 (pure filler)
  5. Episode 17 – “Strategy, Strategy, Strategy” (watch, optionally skip Hatsume montage)
  6. Episode 18 – “The Cavalry Battle Finale”
  7. Episode 19 – “The Boy Born with Everything”
  8. Episode 20 – “Victory or Defeat”
  9. Episode 21 – “Battle on, Challengers!”
  10. Episode 22 – “Bakugo vs. Uraraka”
  11. Episode 23 – “Shoto Todoroki: Origin”
  12. Skip Episode 24 (recap)
  13. Episode 25 – “Todoroki vs. Bakugo”

This order reduces the arc from 13 episodes to 11, saving approximately 44 minutes of runtime while losing none of the narrative momentum or emotional impact.

The Rare Value of a Well-Placed Filler Moment

It would be unfair to dismiss every original addition as inferior. The anime’s decision to linger on Uraraka’s phone call with her father after her loss to Bakugo, for example, is technically filler—the scene is expanded from a single manga panel into a full voice-acted moment. But it crystallizes her motivation and the quiet dignity of her defeat. Moments like these remind us that filler in My Hero Academia isn’t always a distraction; sometimes it’s a deliberate amplification of themes the manga could only sketch. Recognizing which expansions serve the story and which simply serve the schedule is the mark of an informed viewer.

Common Misconceptions About the Sports Festival Filler

A few myths circulate in online forums that are worth debunking. First, some viewers mistakenly label Episode 15 as filler because it doesn’t immediately launch into the festival matches; it actually adapts chapter 36 onwards faithfully, just with enhanced boarding. Second, the so-called “filler” parts of Episode 17 involving Hatsume aren’t total fabrications—they animate concepts Horikoshi mentioned in volume extras. They’re just stretched. Finally, Episode 24 sometimes gets a bad rap as “completely useless,” but it does contain a very brief new scene of Iida’s brother Tensei, which adds a layer of foreboding for the Hero Killer arc. That doesn’t make it unskippable, but it’s not entirely devoid of value.

Final Recommendations for Different Viewer Types

For the first-time viewer: Watch every episode except 16 and 24. You won’t notice the filler in 17, and the character richness will outweigh the slight drag.

For the plot-focused rewatcher: Follow the optimal viewing order above. The story won’t suffer, and you’ll maintain the arc’s breakneck pace.

For the completionist: Watch everything, including the filler. The extra moments with Class 1-A’s supporting cast like Sero, Kaminari, and Mina are fleeting and can make the school feel more alive.

For the time-limited binger: Use this guide as a checklist, but keep an eye out for fan-edited “kai” versions that incorporate only the essential cuts. Some fan projects splice the arc into movies that remove all padding.

Stepping Beyond the Festival

The U.A. Sports Festival Arc isn’t just an adrenaline tour; it’s the foundation upon which the rest of My Hero Academia’s character dynamics are built. Skipping filler ensures you appreciate that foundation in its purest form, but occasionally, the filler itself becomes part of the conversation. As you move on to the Hero Killer and Final Exams arcs, you’ll find even fewer interruptions, allowing the anime to deliver some of the best adaptational work in modern shonen. Armed with this guide, you can now sit back, skip what needs skipping, and let Plus Ultra wash over you.

For those who want to explore similar guides for later seasons or check real-time viewer polls on which episodes fans consider filler, the Anime Filler List remains an invaluable up-to-date resource. Happy watching, and may your journey through U.A. High be as efficient as Gran Torino’s movements.