Without a doubt, Shonen anime stands out as the most prevalent type of anime today, and it’s not difficult to understand why. These shows offer captivating plots, deeply etched characters, and thought-provoking themes that resonate with audiences on an emotional level without being overly complex. Among the current crop of anime that excel in this formula, Kohei Horikoshi’s masterwork, “My Hero Academia,” truly stands out. This anime transcends a simple story about trainee superheroes; it offers much more than that.
The global fanbase adores it for its thrilling action scenes, but what truly sets it apart is its thoughtful examination of heroism, delving into themes such as sacrifice, self-discovery, persistence, and the grey areas between right and wrong. Although the fights are impressive, the dialogue from heroes, villains, and everyone in between resonates most deeply. Here are the top 10 quotes from My Hero Academia that fans will treasure forever.
1) A Goal With No Plan Is Called a Delusion (My Hero Academia, Episode 65)
When the League of Villains attempts to enlist Overhaul, events unfold differently than anticipated. Rather than expressing any inclination towards joining, Overhaul swiftly deconstructs their recruitment strategy in a matter of seconds. He outright refuses their proposal and voices his disapproval by pointing out their flaws.
“A goal with no plan is called a delusion. You need a plan in order to achieve your goal.”
-Kai Chisaki
Despite being known for his ruthless villainy in the series, Overhaul’s words carry a depth that extends beyond the realm of his malevolent plans. These insights provide a glimpse into his character – calculating, cunning, and perpetually one step ahead. He revels in exposing others’ vulnerabilities while emphasizing his own strengths. Interestingly, this villain imparts some of life’s most profound lessons, even though they come from an unlikely source. It’s quite ironic, but sometimes the teachings we value the most come from antagonists.
2) Show the World How Pitiful You Really Are (My Hero Academia, Episode 49)
In their long-standing rivalry, All For One and All Might have been adversaries, but when they clash once more in Season 3, it escalates into one of the series’ most intense battles. Throughout the confrontation, All For One persistently assaults All Might, who, despite his best efforts, becomes so weakened that he can no longer maintain his powerful form. Taking advantage of the situation, All For One taunts:
“In all our past battles, you’ve always managed to come out on top, but today… today, it’s my turn.
“Show the world how pitiful you really are, Symbol of Peace.”
-All For One
All For One delivers this harsh discourse with the intention of tarnishing All Might’s reputation and causing people to doubt their faith in superheroes. He is aware that All Might has long been known as the “Symbol of Peace,” a figure of trust and belief for the public, ensuring their safety. However, now that everyone can witness how vulnerable All Might appears, All For One exploits
3) What Heroes Do (My Hero Academia, Episode 37)
In the hands-on test, Bakugo stubbornly refuses to collaborate with Deku. To him, true heroes don’t depend on others and must prevail by themselves. Persisting in his attempt to confront All Might solo, he declares:
“Stop talking. I will win. That’s… what heroes do.”
-Katsuki Bakugo
For Bakugo, becoming a hero is straightforward: you must emerge victorious, regardless of the circumstances. The episode stands out due to its portrayal of Bakugo gradually understanding that teamwork doesn’t equate to weakness. When he eventually consents to work with Deku, he remains resolute in his desire to win, yet comes to acknowledge that there are times when one needs assistance to achieve success.
4) Recognize Your Own Weaknesses (My Hero Academia, Episode 80)
After failing the Provisional License Exam, Bakugo, along with others, is forced into taking an additional exam that involves babysitting some really difficult kids with powerful Quirks. These kids keep attacking the aspiring heroes with their Quirks, thinking they are better than the adults around them. In response, Bakugo takes a moment and gives the kids some real advice:
“If all you do is look down on people, you won’t be able to recognize your own weaknesses.”
-Katsuki Bakugo
This is a significant event for Bakugo, as it demonstrates his personal growth. Essentially, he’s repeating an attitude that was once characteristic of him. It’s quite ironic – a quote typically associated with a character from “My Hero Academia” who often looked down on others. However, this is what makes it so impactful because it comes from someone who has historically held such a viewpoint.
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5) Learning From Your Experience (My Hero Academia, Episode 17)
In my observation, as the embodiment of peace, the formidable hero known as All Might has engaged in countless fierce battles. Yet, amongst them all, his initial clash with All For One stands out as one of his most grueling encounters. This battle left him with a debilitating injury that significantly diminished his power potential. However, All Might refuses to let this defeat shatter his indomitable spirit, proclaiming:
“Whether you win or lose, looking back and learning from your experience is a part of life.”
-All Might
Rather than dwelling on self-pity, All Might decides to view his difficult encounter as an opportunity for growth and learning. He recognizes that both favorable and challenging situations offer significant lessons that contribute to our personal development. This quote from “My Hero Academia” underscores the fact that despite losing much during the battle against All For One, he acquired something priceless: insight into what it truly means to be a genuine hero.
6) Who Protects the Heroes? (My Hero Academia, Episode 98)
In Episode 98’s training exercise, Izuku unintentionally wreaked havoc with his newly acquired power, Blackwhip, causing black ropes to erupt in all directions and demolishing structures. As Izuku cried out in agony and terror, Ochaco reminisced about her childhood when heroes appeared invincible as they rescued people. In her thoughts, she mused:
“During a training session in Episode 98, Izuku unleashed his new power, Blackwhip, resulting in black ropes being fired everywhere, causing buildings to crumble. Watching Izuku suffer in pain and fear, Ochaco recalled her early years when heroes seemed indestructible as they saved people. In her mind, she pondered:
“In the 98th episode’s training, Izuku accidentally unleashed his new power, Blackwhip, causing black ropes to scatter and buildings to collapse. As Izuku screamed in distress, Ochaco remembered her childhood when heroes seemed untouchable while rescuing people. In her mental dialogue, she reflected:
“In episode 98’s training, Izuku released his new power, Blackwhip, causing black ropes to fly everywhere and buildings to be destroyed. Seeing Izuku in agony and terror, Ochaco was reminded of her youth when heroes appeared invincible as they saved people. In her mental conversation, she contemplated:
Each sentence maintains the original meaning while using slightly different phrasing to avoid repetition.
“Who protects the heroes when they are hurting?”
-Ochaco Uraraka
In this quote from “My Hero Academia,” it delivers a powerful message by reversing the typical scenario. Typically, heroes are the ones who rescue others, but who is there to save them? This instance holds great significance for Ochaco as she comes to understand that heroes aren’t only those with extraordinary strength capable of saving everyone else; they can also be ordinary individuals who experience fear, pain, and require assistance at times.
7) Hero Who Saves Everyone (My Hero Academia, Episode 76)
Perceiving himself as the sole comprehender of Eri’s unique Quirk, Rewind, Overhaul insists on claiming her physical form. It was at this moment that Izuku underwent a sort of enlightenment, understanding that no matter how much training or power one possesses, they are worthless if they can’t protect the person standing before them in the present. This revelation prompted him to declare:
If I don’t manage to rescue this one young girl standing before me… How could I ever dream to become a hero capable of saving all people?
-Izuku Midoriya
Following the speech, Deku launches a flurry of attacks, leaving Overhaul with no opportunity to recuperate and ultimately vanquishing him. This encounter, however, teaches Deku that regardless of the circumstances, a genuine hero never abandons someone in distress. Such valor may even require putting everything at stake.
8) I Am Here (My Hero Academia, Episode 1)
16-year-old Izuku Midoriya experiences the most dismal day ever when his tormentor, Katsuki, wreaks havoc on Izuku’s notebook and belittles him for aspiring to become a hero without powers. Matters only get worse as an evil Sludge villain assaults him, imprisoning him in a suffocating trap. However, when Izuku believes his last moments are near, a powerful gust of wind sends the villain flying away, and as the debris subsides, there stands All Might, grinning and announcing:
“It’s fine now. Why? Because I am here!”
-All Might
Listening to this quote from his role model, almost on the brink of death, had a profound impact on Izuku. All Might’s famous saying wasn’t just empty rhetoric – it was a vow that as long as he lived, evil would never prevail. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Izuku’s life, sparking the inspiration for his own heroic journey.
9) Greatest Hero (My Hero Academia, Chapter 422)
In the climactic clash against All For One, Deku advances, with his schoolmates and fellow heroes making self-sacrifices to pave the way for him. From a distance, All Might recalls a moment from the past – a timid, Quirkless Izuku rushing out to save Bakugo from a Sludge Villain. With a sense of pride in his tone, he reminisces: “I remember a young boy named Deku, afraid yet determined, who saved Bakugo.
“Yes, ever since that day… you’ve been my greatest hero.”
-Izuku Midoriya
Witnessing Deku rally a legion of heroes to stand against the greatest evil, All Might at last acknowledges the truth he’s long harbored. He observes the boy who once idolized him transform into the hero that the world requires. The quote from “My Hero Academia” underscores the climactic moment that the series has been gradually leading to for quite some time now.
10) All Men Are Not Created Equal (My Hero Academia, Episode 1)
In a world where most people possess unique abilities, Izuku Midoriya was born without one. In a memory from his past, young Izuku can be seen bravely standing up against Bakugo to shield another child, but instead of recognition, he faced ridicule due to his lack of superpower. Fast forwarding to the present, at 14 years old, Izuku candidly acknowledges the harsh reality of his life.
“All men are not created equal.”
-Izuku Midoriya
This quote isn’t just empty rhetoric; it encapsulates Deku’s introspection about the world he inhabits. Feeling inferior to others, Izuku doubted his ability to fulfill the aspirations he had nurtured. At that juncture, he genuinely thought people weren’t equal in potential. However, throughout his journey, he realized that although not everyone begins with the same advantages, everyone deserves an opportunity to carve their unique path.
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2025-06-23 04:10