10 Most Thought Provoking My Hero Academia Quotes of All Time Ranked

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Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has become a huge hit in anime and manga over the last ten years. The anime recently finished its run, bringing the story to a close after nine years with a mix of happy and sad moments. It follows a young boy who dreams of becoming a hero and unexpectedly gains incredible powers from the hero he admires most. But he soon discovers a troubling side to the hero world, and realizes his newfound abilities come with a difficult and overwhelming responsibility.

Throughout the series, My Hero Academia consistently highlights how fragile the world is. While heroes risk everything to protect peace, villains challenge whether that peace is worth saving. Since the end of season five, the story has centered on the breakdown of society following the Paranormal Liberation Arc. Here are some of the most impactful quotes from the show.

10) I Smile to Hide The Fear Inside (Season 1 Episode 2)

The initial episodes expertly establish the story’s core idea, hint at future events, and reveal the heavy responsibility of being a top hero. Everyone saw All Might’s cheerful face and thought his strength made him fearless. But that famous smile was just a mask, concealing the constant fear he secretly carried.

People expect me to always be cheerful and project an image of peace and fearlessness. But the truth is, my smile is often a mask. It’s how I cope with the stress and pressure of this challenging job. It’s not easy being in the public eye and maintaining that facade.

– All Might

He struggled for a long time as his strength and abilities diminished, but he always tried to appear strong and confident. He hoped his positive attitude would reassure people that everything was okay as long as he was present.

9) The World Is Full of Unfairness (Season 1 Episode 5)

Aizawa’s early characterization included a surprisingly insightful quote, especially considering most fans hadn’t gotten to know him yet. Initially, he seemed like a harsh and demanding teacher, immediately challenging his students. But even then, it was clear he genuinely cared about them and was dedicated to preparing them for the difficulties they’d face as professional heroes.

So, are natural disasters fair? What about ruthless villains, or terrible accidents that destroy entire cities? Of course not. The world is inherently unfair, and it’s a hero’s responsibility to fight against that injustice.

– Shota Aizawa

Becoming a hero is incredibly difficult, and the students face new obstacles every day. Aizawa emphasizes this by reminding them that the world won’t be easy on them, and it’s up to them to fight for fairness and improve society.

8) Be Sure to Smile (Season 4 Episode 14)

Nighteye’s death is one of the most emotionally impactful moments in the series. In his final moments, he encouraged his student, Mirio Togata, to remain optimistic, even after losing his powers. Though he often seemed serious, Nighteye truly valued happiness and even fostered a cheerful atmosphere at the agency, teaching Mirio and his team to always find joy.

“You’ll be okay. You’re going to become the finest hero the world has ever seen. That’s one part of the future that shouldn’t be changed. Work hard and be sure to smile. After all, without joy and laughter to balance the sorrow, this world cannot hope to have a bright future.”

– Sir Nighteye

Nighteye deeply admired All Might, having served as his sidekick and biggest fan. This admiration clearly shaped his own heroic personality. Even after All Might retired, Nighteye believed it was crucial for heroes to remain cheerful, arguing that the world already had enough sadness. He felt heroes had a responsibility to balance out sorrow with hope and happiness when rescuing people, and their smiles were essential to that.

7) A World Where Heroes Have Too Much Time on Their Hands (Season 4 Episode 24)

In a world filled with ambitious heroes all vying for the top spot, Hawks simply wanted a normal, uneventful life. Having been trained as a hero by the Hero Public Safety Commission for most of his life, he’d witnessed the dark side of the glamorous hero world that others only saw as bright and admirable.

I just want a relaxed life where I can enjoy myself. I imagine going on slow, easy patrols, jokingly complaining about the lack of action, and then getting a good night’s sleep. Wouldn’t that be ideal? I want to create a world where heroes have all the time in the world to simply live their lives.

– Hawks

I noticed Hawks wasn’t interested in being famous or getting praise. He just wanted to take down the really dangerous villains, like those in the League of Villains. He believed if he did that, it would make the world a much safer place, and heroes wouldn’t have to push themselves so hard.

6) Who Protects The Heroes? (Season 5 Episode 10)

Ochako was the first person Izuku met at U.A.’s entrance exam, and also the first person he rescued. She’s been a dedicated friend and admirer of his from the start. But watching him push himself so relentlessly, even to the point of pain, made her think about the difficult sacrifices heroes make to protect others.

I began wanting to help people when they were struggling. However, even good intentions can be difficult to realize. Seeing Deku constantly strive to save others made me think: who looks after the heroes when they need help?

– Ochako Uraraka

It’s easy to forget, but heroes are still people, and they feel pain when they fight to protect others. Ochako worries about this – that while heroes save everyone else, there’s often no one to protect them. That’s why she did everything she could to help Izuku when he lost control of his powers during the training exercise.

5) Fought to Destroy (Season 8 Episode 8)

Tomura Shigaraki is undeniably a terrible villain, responsible for the deaths of many. That’s why heroes were so determined to stop him. However, his villainy also stems from a deeply troubled past and a difficult upbringing. All For One offered him a lifeline when he felt abandoned and hopeless, preventing him from a life of destitution.

I remember someone saying, if Spinner is out there somewhere, to let him know that Tomura Shigaraki fought relentlessly, right up to the very last moment, determined to tear everything down.

– Tomura Shigaraki

As he died, Tomura finally understood he was responsible for his own fate, lamenting the unfairness of life but ultimately accomplishing nothing. After Deku separated him from All For One’s influence, Tomura appeared peaceful – a feeling he’d never known before. He left a final message for a comrade who had come to witness the world’s destruction. In a way, that destruction was true, as Tomura consistently fought against everything – the world, the heroes, and even All For One, who had taken control of his body.

4) This Is All Might’s Legacy (Season 6 Episode 25)

Though Stain was a dangerous criminal, he held strong beliefs that deeply impacted society. During his time in prison, he was cut off from the outside world and unaware of events like All Might’s retirement and the conflict with the Paranormal Liberation Front. He didn’t fail to recognize the hero before him because of any physical changes, but because All Might had lost the inner strength and unique spirit that defined him.

There’s no doubt this is what All Might left behind. The hope he inspired won’t fade quickly – it lives on in the people who strive to be like him. Soon, their efforts will create a powerful, new force. The key is to keep that spirit alive.

– Stain

All Might’s courage and strong beliefs inspired many, positively impacting countless lives. Though All Might felt responsible for the world’s problems, Stain believed those problems were actually the first signs of a new era ignited by the greatest hero of all time.

3) The Strength of Weakness (Season 8 Episode 8)

In the climactic fight against All For One, Izuku had lost his Quirk, but a spark of power remained. Surrounded by the encouragement of his friends, pro heroes, and people worldwide, Izuku faced his enemy. All For One came to understand that what he saw as Izuku’s vulnerability – his deep compassion, much like All Might’s – was actually his greatest asset, and he attempted to use it against him.

Now I understand. Your vulnerability, Izuku Midoriya, is what makes you special. All Might didn’t have this. It’s a strength born from weakness, and it’s what keeps these villains getting back up. They won’t give up as long as you keep fighting.

– All For One

He finally understood, though a bit too late, that Deku’s true strength wasn’t his quirk, but his natural heroic spirit. Simply by bravely fighting, Deku motivated others, and they, in turn, gave him strength. While Deku ultimately defeated All For One, it was the collective support and encouragement of everyone around him that allowed him to reach his full potential.

2) Hey Izuku, Can I Still Catch Up to You? (Season 7 Episode 11)

Katsuki had always sensed a strength in Izuku that he didn’t have in himself, and it frightened him, leading him to distance himself from his friend. Their relationship had been strained for years due to Katsuki’s past behavior, but he’s grown a lot since then. When All For One took control of Tomura, Katsuki was among the students who bravely fought on the front lines.

It hurts all over, even fighting. It’s hard to read your opponents when you’re in pain. You’ve been doing this a long time, haven’t you? Izuku, do you think I can still keep up?

– Katsuki Bakugo

The villain’s immense strength terrified him, but the young hero kept battling without hesitation. Even as he suffered serious injuries and felt death approaching, Katsuki’s only concern was whether he could become strong enough to rival Izuku before a fatal blow ended his life.

1) To Break the Chain of Sorrow (Season 8 Episode 8)

One For All began with a villain, All For One, who only wanted to create trouble. But the power was then passed down through generations of heroes who all dreamed of protecting people and finally stopping him. That’s why Izuku, also known as Deku, wanted to use One For All to save everyone, even Tomura, who had hurt so many. Deku never gave up, and his determination allowed him to rescue Tomura from All For One’s control.

“I can never forgive the pain you caused. That’s why we had to fight. I wanted to stop you, and for you to stop yourself. To break the chain of sorrow.”

– Izuku Midoriya

Although Tomura’s life couldn’t be saved, Izuku brought him peace and released him from a lifetime of deep sadness. Their final conversation was brief, but both left without regrets as Tomura faded away.

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2025-12-18 06:13