10 Best Episodes of My Hero Academia, Ranked (#1 Is a Masterpiece)

With the My Hero Academia anime now finished, we can look back at the best episodes – and many of them are from Season 8. The Final War arc features some of the most exciting action and emotional character development in Izuku Midoriya’s journey, and it’s brilliantly adapted from Kohei Horikoshi’s manga. The earlier seasons also have fantastic episodes. The anime consistently builds towards its ending, adding depth to the characters over time and constantly raising the stakes.

It’s easy to see why the most memorable moments in the anime combine exciting action with powerful emotions. This is a key part of what makes the series so compelling – it builds tension by making us care about the characters and their struggles. Choosing just 10 of My Hero Academia‘s best chapters is difficult, but these episodes truly deliver on the emotional connection we’ve built with the story.

10) “Shoto Todoroki: Origin” (Season 2, Episode 10)

As a huge fan of My Hero Academia, I always go back to “Shoto Todoroki: Origin.” While the later fights are incredible, this early Season 2 episode really stands out. It’s the match between Deku and Shoto during the Sports Festival, and honestly, it’s way more emotional than I expected! It perfectly captures what the series is all about – it’s not just about winning, it’s about saving people. Deku doesn’t actually beat Shoto in this fight, but he manages to connect with him on a really deep level, something no one else had ever done. It’s a pivotal moment that completely shifts Shoto’s path, and it’s one of the best episodes in the whole series, in my opinion!

Despite its relatively early placement in the series, “Shoto Todoroki: Origin” showcases one of the most compelling friendships in My Hero Academia. The episode also features an intense, captivating battle that will keep even experienced anime fans thoroughly engaged. The animation beautifully complements the emotional weight of the story, making it a truly successful installment. While it doesn’t reach the scale of later fight scenes or resolve long-running storylines, it’s definitely among the best episodes My Hero Academia has to offer and deserves a place in the top ten.

9) “Deku vs. Class A” (Season 6, Episode 23)

Season 6 of My Hero Academia focuses on Deku struggling with trauma following the intense Paranormal Liberation War. This leads to a confrontation with his classmates, known as the “Deku vs. Class A” arc, where they address his emotional state. The season powerfully portrays the depth of Deku’s trauma while also showcasing his growth – he’s now significantly more powerful than his peers, easily avoiding them despite previously lagging behind. However, he isn’t able to escape completely, as Iida eventually catches up and uses Deku’s own words against him, creating a poignant and impactful moment that brings the story full circle.

This episode finally features Bakugo’s long-awaited apology, showing how much he’s developed as a character – just like Deku. It’s a really satisfying moment that brings his story full circle. Combining emotional depth with an exciting chase, this is easily one of the best episodes of My Hero Academia so far. While it’s fantastic, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of the series’ biggest emotional moments or action-packed fights.

8) “Infinite 100%” (Season 4, Episode 13)

Season 4 of My Hero Academia sometimes feels separate from the rest of the series because of its concentration on the villain Overhaul, rather than the League of Villains. However, it’s a crucial part of the story, as it introduces the character Eri and shows Deku making substantial progress in his training. The season’s standout episode – and one of the best of the entire show – features Eri and Deku combining their abilities to overcome Overhaul. In the episode “Infinite 100%”, the battle reaches its peak, with Deku finally unlocking 100% of his power, aided by Eri’s ability to instantly heal him.

The fight between Deku and Overhaul is exciting and stands out from his other battles, especially since Deku never quite reaches that power level again. While Mirio’s fight with Overhaul had some issues, Deku’s confrontation feels appropriately epic. However, because the story didn’t build towards it over a long period, it doesn’t have the same emotional impact as some of the series’ biggest fights.

7) “Light Fades to Rain” (Season 7, Episode 11)

The seventh season of My Hero Academia, specifically the episode “Light Fades to Rain,” is remarkably shocking, largely due to a daring decision made during the battle with Shigaraki. Throughout the episode, the heroes are clearly losing, creating intense suspense. The tone shifts dramatically when Shigaraki seemingly defeats Bakugo. While it’s later revealed that Bakugo isn’t actually dead, the episode convincingly portrays his demise. From Bakugo’s last thoughts about Deku to the heartbreaking image of his damaged All Might card, the scene is powerfully emotional.

The animation in this scene, and leading up to it, is some of the best the series has offered, especially considering all the strong character development. The older students at U.A. High really shine, finally getting a significant role to play. Overall, it’s a fantastic episode, although it feels a little sad on its own – and doesn’t quite have the same impact knowing what comes next.

6) “A Girl’s Ego” (Season 7, Episode 20)

Season 7 of My Hero Academia has some pacing issues, but it really shines in its final episodes, which are highlights of the Final War arc. The episode “A Girl’s Ego” is easily one of the best the anime has ever produced. Uraraka’s battle with Toga is incredibly moving and beautifully animated. Throughout the first six seasons, a complex connection develops between them, where Uraraka wants to both redeem and stop Toga. Their final fight captures the nuances of their relationship and gives Toga a memorable, heartbreaking conclusion.

The fight between Uraraka and Toga, like much of the Final War arc, is visually stunning thanks to excellent animation. Both the subtitled and dubbed versions feature strong voice acting, and the script effectively supports these performances. While other conflicts in the series pack a bigger punch, this episode, “A Girl’s Ego,” is nearly among the best five.

5) “I Am Here” (Season 7, Episode 19)

Episode “I Am Here” from My Hero Academia Season 7, part of the Final War arc, is a deeply emotional experience focused on the Todoroki family. The episode depicts a final confrontation between Endeavor, Rei, and their children against Dabi. It’s a heartbreaking battle, made even more intense by the family’s complicated history, but ultimately reveals the strong love they share despite everything.

The highlight of “I Am Here” is Todoroki rescuing his family and everyone nearby, demonstrating his strength as a top hero in Class A. This scene is wonderfully animated and performed, providing a strong finish to Season 7. However, the episodes focusing on Deku, Bakugo, and All Might are generally even better, as they usually involve more significant plot developments and higher stakes.

4) “Deku vs Kacchan, Part 2” (Season 3, Episode 23)

It’s easy to forget how much conflict there was between Deku and Bakugo, especially after they started cooperating later in My Hero Academia. Their initial rivalry created some of the most intense scenes in the anime, and Season 3’s “Deku vs. Kacchan, Part 2” perfectly showcases this. The episode features Bakugo challenging Deku about a hidden part of his past, leading to an unforgettable fight.

The rematch between Deku and Bakugo is a pivotal moment, especially for Bakugo, revealing a vulnerable side to his character. It’s also a significant episode for Deku, demonstrating how much he’s improved with One For All and almost winning against his rival. The fight is powerfully driven by their emotions and features some of the anime’s best animation, making it a standout experience. However, while incredibly impactful, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of overall stakes as some of the series’ most intense episodes.

3) “The Final Boss!!” (Season 8, Episode 3)

Season 8 of My Hero Academia is packed with powerful moments and impressive action, and the episode “The Final Boss!!” is a prime example. It’s one of the best episodes of the series, featuring Bakugo’s return and a heroic save of All Might. The episode beautifully completes Bakugo’s character arc and demonstrates that both he and Deku have the power to create the future Nighteye foresaw. It reinforces the show’s themes of victory and rescue, and it’s thrilling to see the two rivals team up to defeat the main villains.

Watching the latest chapter of My Hero Academia, “The Final Boss!!”, really hit me with how much these characters have grown. It had a few more flashbacks than I usually prefer during a fight scene, but it was still amazing and easily ranks among the best episodes so far. There’s one episode from Season 8 that I think is even more impactful, but honestly, it’s pretty predictable which one it is.

2) Izuku Midoriya Rising (Season 8, Episode 8)

Considering My Hero Academia focuses on Deku’s journey to become the top hero, it’s no surprise that the episode “Izuku Midoriya Rising” is a standout. This episode from Season 8 shows Deku finally defeating All for One, a victory made possible by the sacrifices he and his friends made earlier in the series. The episode features several memorable scenes, including a heroic arrival of other heroes reminiscent of Avengers: Endgame, and Deku powerfully charging towards All for One as his allies create a clear path.

These scenes really capture the main idea of the series: heroes work best as a team. The final talk between Deku and Shigaraki is also heartfelt, giving the villain a satisfying conclusion. The episode doesn’t quite reach the top spot, though, because some details about how One for All was transferred and the villains were defeated feel rushed and confusing. While the ending is appropriate, it relies on a lot of explanation at the very end to make sense. In comparison, the strongest chapter of My Hero flowed much more naturally with the rest of the story.

1) “One for All” (Season 3, Episode 11)

While Season 8 of My Hero Academia has some great episodes, the fight between All Might and All for One in Season 3’s finale remains the most memorable. Many fans consider it a perfect anime battle. The episode, titled “One for All,” is beautifully animated and deeply moving, especially for All Might. It also brilliantly shows the passing of the hero’s legacy to Deku and the next generation.

Even though All Might exhausted the last of his power, this episode is ultimately uplifting. Seeing him stand strong after such a difficult battle is truly inspiring, and the crowd’s support always gets me emotional. The episode also captures the core ideas of the series and sets up future events perfectly.

I’m curious to know what everyone’s favorite episode of My Hero Academia is! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and head over to the ComicBook Forum to discuss it with other fans!

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2025-12-16 06:13