My Hero Academia is a well-known Japanese anime and manga series that has captured the attention of fans around the world. Many people who are newly introduced to the franchise often wonder: is My Hero Academia a movie, or is it a TV series? The answer is that it is both. My Hero Academia began as a manga and was later adapted into a successful anime television series, which then expanded into a number of animated movies. Understanding the full scope of this franchise means exploring both its televised and cinematic elements, as each plays a different but important role in the overall My Hero Academia universe.
Origin of My Hero Academia
The franchise began as a manga written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi. It was first published in Weekly ShÅnen Jump in 2014. The manga tells the story of a world where nearly every human has some kind of superpower known as a ‘quirk.’ The protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, is one of the few born without a quirk but dreams of becoming a hero.
Due to its growing popularity, My Hero Academia was adapted into an anime series by the animation studio Bones. The first season aired in 2016 and covered the early chapters of the manga. Since then, the anime has released multiple seasons, each building on the intense narrative, character development, and action that made the manga a hit.
The Anime Series
The television anime is the main format for My Hero Academia. It follows a linear story progression and is broken into seasons that follow specific arcs from the manga. As of now, the anime consists of multiple seasons, each focusing on the journey of Midoriya and his classmates at U.A. High School as they train to become professional heroes.
The anime covers major story arcs like the U.S.J. attack, the Sports Festival, the Hero License Exam, the Pro Hero arc, and the Paranormal Liberation War. The series is well-received for its emotional storytelling, well-choreographed battles, and character development. For fans who want to follow the original story closely, the anime series is the best place to start.
Main Elements Covered in the Anime:
- The development of Deku’s power, One For All
- Relationships between students and their mentors
- Rising threats from villains such as Shigaraki and All For One
- The evolution of hero society
My Hero Academia Movies
In addition to the anime series, My Hero Academia has been adapted into several feature-length animated movies. These films are usually produced between seasons and serve either as side stories or bonus adventures. While they are not always essential to the main plot, they often add depth to the characters and showcase unique situations not found in the manga.
List of My Hero Academia Movies:
- My Hero Academia: Two Heroes(2018) – Set between Season 2 and Season 3, this movie focuses on a villain attack during a hero technology expo on I-Island. It offers more background into All Might’s past.
- My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising(2019) – Set after the events of Season 4, this film features the students of Class 1-A facing off against a new villain named Nine on a remote island.
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission(2021) – In this film, the heroes go global as they fight against a doomsday cult planning to eliminate all quirk users.
These films typically feature high-quality animation and action scenes that rival or even surpass the TV series. They allow fans to experience new aspects of the My Hero Academia universe and often highlight teamwork, heroism, and emotional stakes.
Are the Movies Canon?
One of the most common questions among fans is whether the My Hero Academia movies are considered canon, meaning part of the official storyline. The answer varies depending on the film.
For example, Two Heroes and World Heroes’ Mission are generally considered non-canon, although they are supervised by the manga’s creator and feature familiar characters. However, Heroes Rising includes elements that were intended to be used in the manga’s finale, suggesting that it holds more weight in the overall narrative.
Regardless of canon status, the films are highly entertaining and offer additional context and character development that enrich the viewing experience.
Where to Start Watching
If you’re new to My Hero Academia and wondering where to begin, it’s recommended to start with the anime series. Watching the show in order of release allows for better understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit. The movies should be watched between the seasons they align with, but they are not required to understand the main plot.
Suggested Viewing Order:
- Season 1
- Season 2
- My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
- Season 3
- Season 4
- My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
- Season 5
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
- Season 6 and beyond
Impact and Popularity
My Hero Academia has grown into one of the most successful anime franchises of its generation. Its compelling blend of action, emotion, and superhero themes has earned it a place among modern anime classics. The addition of movies has only enhanced its reach, bringing theatrical-level excitement to fans.
The movies often serve as a bridge for new viewers who may not be familiar with the entire series. At the same time, long-time fans appreciate the chance to see their favorite characters in new situations, often with higher production values and dramatic stakes.
So, is My Hero Academia a movie? The answer is that it’s much more than just a movie it’s a wide-ranging franchise that spans manga, TV anime, and feature films. Each part contributes to a greater understanding of the characters and world, whether you follow the series for the emotional character arcs, the high-energy battles, or the inspiring message of becoming a hero. Whether you watch the anime series or enjoy the theatrical releases, My Hero Academia offers a rich and engaging experience for viewers of all ages.