Every My Hero Academia Opening Theme, Ranked

I’ve been watching My Hero Academia for eight seasons now – each season is usually split into two parts – and I’ve noticed they’ve had 14 different opening themes. Each one does a good job of showing what’s happening in that part of the story with some really memorable music and animation. But the best openings do more than that – they really connect with what’s come before. Considering the anime has 170 episodes across those eight seasons, it’s great to see little nods and references to earlier moments in the later openings.

The show’s earlier opening themes often feel nostalgic, particularly those that came before popular story arcs. While none of the My Hero Academia openings are truly bad—which is rare for an anime—some are definitely more captivating and stick with you longer than others. Interestingly, the best openings become even more impactful when you revisit them after the series has ended.

14) “No. 1” by DISH// (Season 5, Opening 1)

The first part of My Hero Academia Season 5 isn’t the strongest, even though the Joint Training arc – and Deku learning to use the powers within One for All – is crucial to the overall story. It’s perhaps no surprise then, that the opening theme for this arc ranks lowest on our list. While “No. 1” is a memorable tune, it doesn’t stand out as much as the other openings. The visuals don’t help either; although the brief look at past One for All users is neat, the scenes of Class 1-A feel too similar to previous openings, making it feel a bit repetitive.

13) “Merry-Go-Round” by MAN WITH A MISSION (Season 5, Opening 2)

Okay, so Man With a Mission’s “Merry-Go-Round” is super catchy – seriously, it’s been stuck in my head! I think, musically, it might even be better than some of the other openings from the anime. But honestly, the visuals don’t quite hit the same level as a lot of the other opening sequences. I think it’s a little unfair to judge it too harshly though, because it comes before an arc that’s mostly just setting things up, so there wasn’t a ton to work with. They did do a good job focusing on Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki as a team, which I appreciated! There are definitely other openings that showcase their dynamic better, though. And while the shots of the villains and supporting characters are a little more interesting than in “No. 1”, they still don’t really do much for me.

12) “Starmaker” by KANA-BOON (Season 4, Opening 2)

The second opening theme for My Hero Academia Season 4, “Starmaker,” is energetic and memorable, but it appears right before a less exciting part of the anime, which many viewers didn’t appreciate. Coming after the intense Shie Hassaikai arc, it feels unusually bright and cheerful. While the animation is vibrant and enjoyable, and it’s good to see some of the supporting characters featured, “Starmaker” doesn’t have the same action-packed energy as other openings, which affects its popularity. Still, it includes some sweet moments, like Class 1-A finally getting Eri a candy apple, and it’s better than the openings from Season 5.

11) “Sora ni Utaeba” by Amazarashi (Season 2, Opening 2)

While My Hero Academia is known for its amazing opening themes, “Sora ni Utaeba” often gets overlooked. It’s a really catchy song with great visuals, especially showcasing Deku, All Might, and moments from the Hero Killer arc in Season 2. Once you revisit it, you’ll likely enjoy it – it’s more action-packed than some of the later openings and features a lot of important characters like Ochaco, Ida, and Momo. It just doesn’t quite have the same impact as the openings tied to the show’s most dramatic story arcs.

10) “Make My Story” by Lenny code fiction (Season 3, Opening 2)

The third season’s second theme, “Make My Story,” starts strong with catchy music and animation, much like “Sora ni Utaeba.” It primarily focuses on the Provisional Hero License Exam arc, offering an exciting look at new characters from other schools and the increasing strength of the main heroes in My Hero Academia. Honestly, “Make My Story” and “Sora ni Utaeba” are very close in quality. However, “Make My Story” edges slightly ahead due to a subtle detail in its final scene – a hint that two characters will ultimately fail, which shows a remarkable attention to detail.

9) “Polaris” by BLUE ENCOUNT (Season 4, Opening 1)

Season 4 of My Hero Academia, specifically the Shie Hassaikai arc, is a particularly exciting part of the series and a key moment in Deku’s development. The arc’s opening theme, “Polaris,” is very effective, building energy as it progresses to match the intensity of the final battle against Overhaul. The visuals do the same, starting by showing Deku’s progress and then focusing on the characters and action of the conflict. While it’s a fantastic theme, it doesn’t evoke the same feeling of nostalgia as some of the earlier openings, and because Overhaul isn’t the main villain of the entire series, it doesn’t have quite the same impact as the themes built around the Deku versus Shigaraki rivalry.

8) “Peace Sign” by Kenshi Yonezu (Season 2, Opening 1)

When it comes to memorable anime openings, Season 2 of My Hero Academia‘s “Peace Sign” is a standout. It mainly shows the students of Class 1-A warming up for the Sports Festival, and that’s a big part of why it’s so well-remembered. Plus, it’s a really catchy song! Even years later, it’s hard to forget. The opening also builds excitement by showcasing moments from the Sports Festival itself, making it feel even more energetic. While it doesn’t quite reach the intensity of later, more dramatic openings, it’s still a great addition to the anime’s collection.

7) “Bokurano” by Eve (Season 6, Opening 2)

The early seasons of My Hero Academia are known for being bright and optimistic, which makes the second opening theme of Season 6 particularly impactful. This opening, tied to the ‘Dark Hero’ storyline, reflects Deku’s sadness and frustration following the defeats of the Pro Heroes. The song, “Bokurano,” perfectly captures this somber mood with its visuals and tone. However, it doesn’t stay gloomy; as the song progresses, it becomes more energetic and exciting, mirroring the increasing action in the second half of Season 6. While it builds on the strengths of My Hero Academia‘s other openings, it’s unique enough to stand out from the weaker ones, making it deserving of a high ranking. Though the animation isn’t quite as spectacular as the openings that introduced the anime’s biggest battles.

6) “Curtain Call” by Yuuri (Season 7, Opening 2)

Similar to the anime “Bokurano,” My Hero Academia Season 7’s “Curtain Call” opening takes a more serious and somber approach, using darker imagery. This sets it apart from many other openings in the series. What really makes it stand out, though, is its strong emphasis on the connections between the heroes and villains, which is especially relevant considering the focus of Seasons 7 and 8 on whether villains can be redeemed. It also hints at some truly epic battles to come in the Final War arc. The only reason it doesn’t rank among the top five openings is that others are slightly better at capturing the overall feeling of the story – and that’s high praise.

5) “ODD FUTURE” by UVERworld (Season 3, Opening 1)

Season 3 of My Hero Academia is a pivotal point in the series, marking the end of All Might’s era and the full emergence of Deku as the next hero. The opening theme perfectly captures this transition, emphasizing the strong bonds between All Might, Deku, and All Might’s mentor, Nana Shimura. The animation powerfully showcases key moments like the battles between All Might and All for One, Deku and Muscular, and the League of Villains’ kidnapping of Bakugo. The music effectively enhances the emotional impact of these scenes, and the opening theme song, “Odd Future,” is exceptionally good – strong enough to place this season among the best, even considering later, more polished animation.

4) “Hitamuki” by SUPER BEAVER (Season 6, Opening 1)

As a huge fan, I have to say the opening theme for My Hero Academia Season 6 is a fantastic way to kick off the Paranormal Liberation War arc! The song, “Hitamuki,” is packed with energy and the visuals are just as exciting. It might seem a little cheerful considering all the intense stuff happening, but it really captures the arc’s frantic pace. I especially loved how the animation clearly took inspiration from the manga – a really cool detail! Plus, it’s so satisfying to see Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki teaming up, because it feels like a payoff for everything we’ve seen with those characters so far. Honestly, I think it builds on their stories even better than the previous opening, “Merry-Go-Round,” and I adore both of them!

3) “Tagatame” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure (Season 7, Opening 1)

The opening theme, “Tagatame,” is a strong start to My Hero Academia Season 7, perfectly setting the somber mood of the Final War arc. The animation uses muted, gray colors to reflect the conflict, but the gradual appearance of sunlight offers a glimmer of hope. The initial shots of the heroes feel peaceful, hinting at the intense battles to come. The opening culminates in exciting action sequences, and its ending – showing Class 1-A united on the battlefield under a brighter sky – emphasizes the series’ themes of teamwork and connection. It’s a fantastic representation of the show, with a memorable song, though two other openings arguably capture the anime’s spirit even more effectively.

2) “The Day” by Porno Graffitti (Season 1)

It’s hard to top the first opening theme of My Hero Academia, “The Day” by Porno Graffitti – and that’s saying something after ten years of other themes! The Season 1 opening is incredibly nostalgic and really captures the essence of the show. It focuses on Deku striving for his dream and his admiration for All Might. It makes perfect sense that Deku, All Might, and Bakugo are featured so prominently, as they are central to the entire series. While the animation isn’t as flashy as in later openings, it doesn’t even matter. This opening still deserves the top spot. In fact, the only one that’s better is the final opening… which cleverly references this one.

1) “THE REVO” by Porno Graffitti (Season 8)

The opening sequence for My Hero Academia Season 8 is a fantastic tribute to the entire series. It’s arguably the best opening the show has ever done, cleverly referencing the lyrics and visuals from the very first opening theme, brought to life again by the band Porno Graffitti. The sequence beautifully connects the show’s past and present, featuring key characters and exciting action. A particularly moving moment shows Deku aging backwards, reminding viewers of how far he’s come since the beginning of his journey. It’s a truly emotional and satisfying sequence that will resonate with any fan.

What’s your favorite opening theme from My Hero Academia? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-09 06:43