In a world where nearly every person is born with a unique superpower known as a Quirk, a boy without any power dreams of becoming the greatest hero. That premise drives My Hero Academia, a Japanese media franchise that began as a manga by Kohei Horikoshi and has grown into one of the most popular anime series of the past decade. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless teenager who inherits the legendary power One For All from the world’s top hero, All Might, and enrolls at U.A. High School to train alongside other aspiring heroes. As of mid-2025, the anime is in its eighth and final season, with Season 7 having aired in 2024.
The franchise has expanded well beyond the original manga, which concluded in 2024 with 430 chapters. Several movies, OVAs, and a spin-off series called My Hero Academia: Vigilantes now exist within the same universe. For newcomers and longtime fans alike, keeping track of seasons, episodes, characters, and where to watch can be challenging. This guide compiles the essential facts, clarifies what is confirmed versus speculative, and provides a clear watch order based on the latest information.
What Is My Hero Academia About?
Set in a world where superpowers (Quirks) are the norm, the series explores what it truly means to be a hero. Society relies on licensed heroes to maintain order, while villains use their Quirks for destruction. The core narrative follows Izuku Midoriya—nicknamed Deku—as he learns to control One For All, faces powerful enemies, and grows alongside his classmates at U.A. High School.
Key Insights
- My Hero Academia is among the most influential shonen anime of the 2010s, with a massive global fanbase.
- The series is known for its unique power system (Quirks) and themes of heroism, perseverance, and social inequality.
- Season 7, which aired in 2024, led directly into the climactic final season (Season 8).
- The franchise includes spin-offs like Vigilantes and multiple theatrical movies.
- The manga concluded in 2024, providing a complete story for the anime to adapt.
- Critical reception for later seasons has been especially strong, with many praising the darker tone and animation quality.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 3, 2016 |
| Number of seasons | 8 (as of mid-2025) |
| Total episodes | 138+ (through Season 6; Season 7 added ~21, Season 8 ongoing) |
| IMDb rating | 8.4/10 |
| Streaming on | Crunchyroll, Netflix (select regions), Hulu, Funimation |
| Manga debut | 2014 in Weekly Shonen Jump |
| Manga conclusion | 2024 (Chapter 430) |
| Primary protagonist | Izuku Midoriya (One For All) |
| Core villain | Tomura Shigaraki / All For One |
How Many Seasons and Episodes of My Hero Academia Are There?
As of July 2026, eight seasons of the anime have been produced. Season 8, confirmed as the final season, is currently airing or has recently concluded its broadcast run. The exact episode count for the final season has not been officially announced, but earlier seasons ranged from 13 to 25 episodes each.
Season-by-Season Breakdown
- Season 1 (13 episodes) – 2016
- Season 2 (25 episodes) – 2017
- Season 3 (25 episodes) – 2018
- Season 4 (25 episodes) – 2019–2020
- Season 5 (25 episodes) – 2021
- Season 6 (25 episodes) – 2022–2023
- Season 7 (~21 episodes) – 2024 (includes four “Memories” recap episodes at the start)
- Season 8 (episode count TBD) – 2025–2026 (final season)
The total episode count through Season 6 is 138. Adding Season 7’s 21 episodes brings the total to around 159, with more to come from Season 8.
Complete Watch Order (Including Movies and OVAs)
For the most coherent experience, follow this chronological sequence:
- Season 1
- OVA: Save! Rescue Training!
- Season 2
- OVA: Training of the Dead
- Season 3
- Movie: Two Heroes
- OVA: All Might Rising
- Season 4
- Movie: Heroes Rising
- OVA: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training
- Season 5
- Movie: World Heroes’ Mission
- OVAs: Departure, Hero League Baseball, Laugh! As If You Are in Hell
- Season 6
- Season 7 (including Memories recap episodes 1–4)
- Movie: You’re Next
- Season 8 (Final Season)
This order integrates all official anime content, including OVAs and movies, into the main storyline. The spin-off Vigilantes is not part of this watch order; it follows a separate set of characters.
For a deeper look at the complete viewing experience, see our guide on the My Hero Academia Complete Watch Order & Guide (available on this site).
The My Hero Academia: Vigilantes anime is a separate series with its own continuity. Only 13 episodes (one season) are currently available. It is recommended for fans who want to explore side stories set in the same world, but it is not required for understanding the main plot.
When Is My Hero Academia Season 7 Release Date?
Season 7 of My Hero Academia actually aired in 2024—not 2025 as some early announcements suggested. The season premiered with four recap episodes titled Memories before launching into the new story arc. In total, Season 7 contains approximately 21 episodes, making it slightly shorter than the standard 25-episode seasons that preceded it.
The season adapted the “Darker Than Black” arc, which received critical acclaim for its intense animation and weighty narrative. It served as the lead-in to the story’s conclusion, which is now being told in Season 8.
Current status: The series has moved into Season 8 (Final Season), which is airing or has recently concluded as of mid-2025/2026. No official episode count has been released, but it is expected to cover the remaining chapters of the manga, which ended in 2024.
Crunchyroll is the primary streaming platform that offers all seasons, including Season 7 and the currently airing Season 8, in both subbed and dubbed English formats. Netflix carries older seasons in some regions but may not have the latest episodes.
Who Are the Main Characters in My Hero Academia?
The series boasts a vast cast of over 100 named characters, but the core group centers around Izuku Midoriya and his classmates at U.A. High School. Below are the most prominent figures across different categories.
Protagonists (U.A. Students)
- Izuku Midoriya (Deku) – The Quirkless boy who inherits One For All and becomes the main hero.
- Katsuki Bakugo – Explosive-tempered rival with the Quirk Explosion.
- Ochaco Uraraka – Cheerful classmate whose Quirk Zero Gravity allows her to make objects weightless.
- Shoto Todoroki – Son of the No. 1 hero Endeavor, wielding Half-Cold Half-Hot powers.
- Tenya Iida – Class representative with Engine Quirk in his legs.
- Tsuyu Asui – Frog-like Quirk grants her swimming and tongue abilities.
- Denki Kaminari – Electrification Quirk, but his brain shorts out under heavy use.
- Eijiro Kirishima – Good-natured friend with Hardening Quirk.
Pro Heroes
- All Might – The former No. 1 hero and mentor to Deku.
- Endeavor (Hellflame) – The current No. 1 hero after All Might’s retirement.
- Mirko – Rabbit-like hero known for fierce combat.
- Best Jeanist – Fiber-controlling hero.
- Foldabody – Ranked No. 4 hero.
- Rabbit – Ranked No. 5 hero (note: often confused with Mirko, but separate character).
Villains
- All For One – The ultimate antagonist, capable of stealing and granting Quirks.
- Tomura Shigaraki – All For One’s protégé with Decay Quirk.
- Dabi – Later revealed to be Shoto Todoroki’s older brother, Touya.
- Himiko Toga – Blood-obsessed shapeshifter.
Vigilantes Cast (Spin-off)
- Koichi Haimawari (The Crawler) – The main protagonist of Vigilantes, distinct from Deku’s story.
For a complete character list covering all seasons (1–5 and beyond), many fans rely on resources like the My Hero Academia Wiki and CBR’s character guides.
Where Can I Watch My Hero Academia?
The series is widely available on several streaming platforms, but availability varies by region and season. Crunchyroll is the most comprehensive source, offering all eight seasons, movies, OVAs, and the Vigilantes spin-off in both subbed and dubbed English. You can stream directly on their Crunchyroll page.
Netflix includes My Hero Academia in certain countries, such as the United Kingdom and Japan, but the selection is often limited to older seasons (1–5). Netflix Japan has exclusive OVAs that may require a VPN to access. Check your local Netflix listing for availability.
Other platforms: Hulu and Funimation (now part of Crunchyroll) also carry the series in some regions. For physical copies, Seasons 1–6 are available on DVD and Blu-ray; Season 8 is currently streaming-only and not yet on disc.
If you want the latest episodes the moment they air, Crunchyroll is your best bet. Netflix often adds new seasons months after they finish broadcasting, so fans following the final season should rely on Crunchyroll for real-time updates.
What Is My Hero Academia: Vigilantes?
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a spin-off manga and anime series set in the same universe as the main show. It focuses on unauthorized heroes—vigilantes—who operate outside the official hero system. The story takes place a few years before the main series and features characters like Koichi Haimawari (The Crawler) and several familiar faces from the original series as side characters.
Only one season (13 episodes) has been produced as of mid-2025. It is available on Crunchyroll. The spin-off is not required viewing for the main storyline, but it offers additional world-building and is well-regarded among fans for its lighter tone and character development. The manga run concluded in 2022, and no second anime season has been announced.
Regarding movies, the main franchise has released four theatrical films: Two Heroes (2018), Heroes Rising (2019), World Heroes’ Mission (2021), and You’re Next (2024). All are considered canon and fit into the watch order listed earlier.
What Is the Release Timeline of My Hero Academia?
The following chronological list marks the major milestones of the franchise, from the manga’s debut to the final season.
- 2014 – My Hero Academia manga debuts in Weekly Shonen Jump.
- April 2016 – Anime Season 1 premieres.
- 2017 – Season 2 airs.
- 2018 – Season 3 airs.
- 2019 – Season 4 airs; first movie Two Heroes released.
- 2020–2021 – Season 5 airs; movie Heroes Rising released.
- 2022–2023 – Season 6 airs; movie World Heroes’ Mission released.
- 2024 – Manga ends (Chapter 430); Season 7 airs (~21 episodes); movie You’re Next released.
- 2025–2026 – Season 8 (Final Season) airs.
Sources for this timeline include Wikipedia’s episode list and Crunchyroll’s arc guide.
Will There Be a Season 8 of My Hero Academia?
Yes, Season 8 is already in progress. It was officially announced as the final season and is currently airing or has recently concluded its broadcast run as of mid-2025/2026. The season is expected to adapt the concluding chapters of the manga. No exact episode count has been confirmed by the production committee.
The following table clarifies what is known versus what remains uncertain:
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Season 7 aired in 2024 with ~21 episodes. | Exact number of episodes for Season 8. |
| Season 8 is the final season. | Whether there will be additional movies after the series ends. |
| Manga concluded in 2024. | Any plans for a Season 9 or beyond (none announced). |
| Vigilantes spin-off anime has only 13 episodes. | If more seasons of Vigilantes will be produced. |
What Makes My Hero Academia Stand Out?
Beyond its action and character design, My Hero Academia has been praised for its exploration of societal issues. The concept of Quirks serves as a metaphor for inequality—people born with weak or dangerous Quirks face discrimination, and heroes come from all backgrounds. This thematic depth sets it apart from other shonen titles.
Critical reception has been particularly high for Seasons 6 and 7, where the story takes a darker turn. The animation during the “Darker Than Black” arc is frequently cited as the series’ peak. According to anime reviewers, the weight of the plot and the stakes for the characters elevate it above many contemporaries.
Comparisons to other long-running shonen such as Naruto, One Piece, and Jujutsu Kaisen are common. My Hero Academia offers a more structured power system and a shorter, more focused narrative (the manga ended in 2024, unlike many older series that stretch for decades).
What Do Official Sources Say About My Hero Academia?
Kohei Horikoshi has stated in interviews that his goal was to “create a story about what it truly means to be a hero.” Official announcements from the anime’s production committee confirmed the final season via Crunchyroll. Reviews on IMDb and MyAnimeList consistently rank the series among the top superhero anime.
The Wikipedia entry for the series provides a comprehensive overview of its development, while the My Hero Academia Wiki catalogues every character in detail.
What’s Next for My Hero Academia?
With the manga complete and the anime entering its final season, the franchise appears to be winding down its main story. However, possibilities for the future include more movies, potential adaptations of the Vigilantes spin-off, or a sequel series. Fans should monitor official channels like Crunchyroll News for announcements.
For a deeper look at the complete viewing experience, see our My Hero Academia Complete Watch Order & Guide (available on this site).
Frequently Asked Questions About My Hero Academia
Is My Hero Academia on Netflix?
Yes, but only in select regions (e.g., UK, Japan) and usually only older seasons (1–5). For the latest episodes, use Crunchyroll.
What is the IMDb rating of My Hero Academia?
The series has an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 as of 2025.
How many episodes does My Hero Academia have?
Through Season 6, there are 138 episodes. Season 7 added approximately 21, and Season 8 is ongoing.
Will there be a Season 9?
No official announcement has been made. Season 8 is confirmed as the final season.
What is My Hero Academia: Vigilantes?
A spin-off manga and 13-episode anime about unlicensed heroes, set before the main series. Available on Crunchyroll.
Are the movies canon?
Yes, the four theatrical movies (Two Heroes, Heroes Rising, World Heroes’ Mission, You’re Next) are considered canon and fit into the chronological watch order.
Where can I watch the final season?
Crunchyroll streams Season 8 as it airs. Netflix may add it later in some regions.
Who is the main villain in My Hero Academia?
Tomura Shigaraki, guided by the ancient villain All For One, is the primary antagonist.
Is the manga different from the anime?
The anime closely follows the manga, with minor filler and extended fight scenes. The manga concluded in 2024; the anime’s final season adapts the remaining chapters.
Do I need to watch the OVAs?
OVAs are optional but add character moments. They are included in the watch order above.
Daniel Mercer is Consumer Finance Editor at MarketUK.uk, covering personal finance, household costs, banking, mortgages, insurance, pensions and consumer rights.