My Hero Academia (MHA), created by Kohei Horikoshi, has grown into one of the most popular modern shonen anime and manga franchises. With its vibrant cast of heroes, villains, and action-packed arcs, fans are constantly debating the best way to experience the series. But because the anime and manga don’t always line up perfectly — and with several movies thrown into the mix — new fans often find themselves asking: What is the correct MHA story timeline, and in what order should I watch or read it?
This guide will break down the My Hero Academia story timeline, explain the differences between the manga and anime, and help you follow the chronological order of arcs, seasons, and movies. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to experience MHA in the most complete and accurate way possible. Will Deku Unlock a New Quirk?
MHA Story Timeline Basics
Unlike some long-running shonen series that are notorious for filler arcs, My Hero Academia is relatively faithful to the manga. Most episodes are canon, with only a few filler specials sprinkled in. The story follows protagonist Izuku Midoriya (nicknamed Deku) on his journey from a quirkless boy to the Symbol of Peace’s successor.
Here’s what you need to know before diving into the timeline:
- Manga vs. Anime: The manga is the original source material, while the anime adapts it into seasonal episodes. The anime often condenses or skips minor details.
- Arcs: The MHA story is divided into arcs, each focusing on specific battles, training, or major events in hero society.
- Movies: The movies are generally considered semi-canon. They don’t affect the main storyline but fit into specific points in the anime timeline.
Manga Order Guide
If you want the most authentic My Hero Academia experience, reading the manga is the way to go. The manga includes every detail of the story and is ahead of the anime. Below is the complete chronological arc order:
1. Entrance Exam Arc
- Deku meets All Might and inherits One For All.
- He enrolls at U.A. High School after passing the entrance exam.
2. Quirk Apprehension Test Arc
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Aizawa (Eraser Head) tests Class 1-A’s quirks in their first training session.
3. Battle Trial Arc
- Students are paired up for mock battles inside U.A.
- Deku faces Bakugo for the first time in official training.
4. USJ Arc (Unforeseen Simulation Joint)
- League of Villains attacks U.A.
- All Might fights Nomu in a major showcase of his power.
5. Sports Festival Arc
- Class 1-A competes in the U.A. Sports Festival.
- Deku vs. Todoroki becomes a turning point in the series.
6. Vs. Hero Killer Arc
- Stain, the Hero Killer, makes his move.
- Iida, Deku, and Todoroki fight against him.
7. Final Exams Arc
- Students face teachers in practical exams.
- Deku and Bakugo team up against All Might.
8. Forest Training Camp Arc
- Students train in the forest to strengthen quirks.
- League of Villains kidnaps Bakugo.
9. Hideout Raid Arc
- Heroes launch a rescue operation to save Bakugo.
- All Might’s final battle against All For One takes place.
10. Provisional Hero License Exam Arc
- Students attempt to earn provisional hero licenses.
- Deku meets new characters like Camie and Inasa.
11. Shie Hassaikai Arc (Overhaul Arc)
- Deku and Mirio team up to save Eri from Overhaul.
- One of the most emotional arcs in MHA.
12. Pro Hero Arc
- Focuses on Endeavor’s rise as the new Number One Hero.
- Hawks is introduced.
13. Joint Training Arc
- Class 1-A vs. Class 1-B training battles.
- Deku unlocks Blackwhip, a new ability of One For All.
14. Endeavor Agency Arc
- Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki intern under Endeavor.
- Development of teamwork and growth.
15. Paranormal Liberation War Arc
- The largest battle in MHA so far.
- Heroes vs. villains in an all-out war.
- Gigantomachia and Shigaraki wreak havoc.
16. Tartarus Escapees Arc
- Villains escape from prison after Shigaraki and All For One’s power surge.
- Society begins to crumble.
17. Dark Hero Arc
- Deku goes solo as a vigilante.
- His body weakens as he tries to protect others.
18. Star and Stripe Arc
- America’s strongest hero, Star and Stripe, faces Shigaraki.
- A critical battle with global implications.
19. Final War Arc
- Heroes and villains face off in the ultimate showdown.
- The fate of One For All and All For One will be decided.
Anime Order Guide
The anime follows the same story arcs, but organized into seasons. Here’s how the arcs align with each anime season:
Season 1 (Episodes 1–13)
- Entrance Exam Arc
- Quirk Apprehension Test Arc
- Battle Trial Arc
- USJ Arc
Season 2 (Episodes 14–38)
- Sports Festival Arc
- Vs. Hero Killer Arc
- Final Exams Arc
Season 3 (Episodes 39–63)
- Forest Training Camp Arc
- Hideout Raid Arc
- Provisional Hero License Exam Arc
Season 4 (Episodes 64–88)
- Shie Hassaikai Arc (Overhaul)
- Pro Hero Arc
Season 5 (Episodes 89–113)
- Joint Training Arc
- Endeavor Agency Arc
- Meta Liberation Army Arc (My Villain Academia)
Season 6 (Episodes 114–138)
- Paranormal Liberation War Arc
- Dark Hero Arc
Season 7 (2024–2025, ongoing)
- Star and Stripe Arc
- Final War Arc (currently being adapted).
MHA Movies Timeline Placement
The three movies are fun additions but not essential to the main story. Here’s where they fit:
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My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)
- Takes place between Season 2 and Season 3.
- Focuses on Deku and All Might’s trip to I-Island.
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My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising (2019)
- Fits after Season 4.
- Class 1-A battles a powerful villain named Nine.
- While technically non-canon, it’s beloved for showcasing Deku and Bakugo’s teamwork.
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My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021)
- Occurs during Season 5.
- Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki are sent on a global mission.
Differences Between Anime & Manga
While the anime stays true to the manga, here are some key differences:
- Detail: The manga contains more dialogue, explanations, and backstory.
- Pacing: The anime occasionally speeds up scenes to fit seasonal episode counts.
- Filler: Very minimal, but some OVA episodes and specials are not in the manga.
- Movies: Manga readers won’t find movie events since they’re anime-original.
For purists, the manga is the “true” timeline. But the anime remains faithful and adds motion, music, and emotional weight.
Recommended Watching/Reading Order
Here are three possible ways to experience My Hero Academia:
1. For Newcomers (Balanced Order)
- Watch the anime from Season 1 onward.
- Insert the movies in their proper placements.
- Once you catch up, switch to the manga for the latest chapters.
2. Manga-First Fans
- Read the manga from Chapter 1 in order.
- Watch anime seasons afterward for fights and visuals.
- Skip filler specials unless you’re curious.
3. Anime-Only Fans
- Watch in season order.
- Add movies between Seasons 2–5.
- If you want extra lore, consider reading manga arcs skipped or shortened in the anime.
Conclusion
The My Hero Academia timeline is surprisingly straightforward compared to other long-running shonen series, but differences between anime, manga, and movies can confuse fans. By following the proper arc order, you can experience Deku’s full journey — from quirkless boy to future Symbol of Peace.
For the most complete story, the manga is the best option since it includes every detail and is ahead of the anime. However, the anime adaptation delivers emotional weight and action that makes the battles unforgettable. Movies, while not strictly canon, add exciting side adventures that flesh out the world even more.
FAQs – MHA Story Timeline
Q1: Should I watch or read My Hero Academia first?
If you want the full detailed story, start with the manga. But if you prefer action and visuals, the anime is great — then catch up with the manga later.
Q2: Are the MHA movies canon?
Not fully. They are semi-canon side stories that fit between anime seasons but don’t impact the main plot.
Q3: Does the anime skip important arcs?
No, the anime adapts all major arcs, but some details and minor scenes are shortened or skipped.
Q4: What order should I watch the anime and movies?
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Season 1 → Season 2 → Two Heroes → Season 3 → Season 4 → Heroes: Rising → Season 5 → World Heroes’ Mission → Season 6 → Season 7.
Q5: Is the manga finished?
Not yet. The manga is currently in its Final War Arc, which is nearing the conclusion of the story.
