While more action and crazy plot twists are on the horizon for My Hero Academia fans, the current list of aired episodes already has many fantastic scenes for viewers to eagerly rewatch. Though the current 100+ episodes are all fantastically executed and important in the series overall, some stand out above the rest. These few are the most nail-biting, thrilling, passionate, and exhilarating, and all are definitely worth a rewatch.
Updated on January 23, 2023 by Ritwik Mitra: My Hero Academia’s sixth season has proven to be nothing short of a massive treat, dropping hit after hit with the Paranormal Liberation War arc easily being one of the highlights in the entire series.
The entire arc is an unputdownable experience, and waiting weekly for these episodes is nothing short of torture. In a series that is full to the brim with amazing content, here are some of the best episodes of My Hero Academia that left fans on the edge of their seats time and time again.
WARNING: MAJOR ANIME SPOILERS AHEAD!
20 Katsuki Bakugo: Rising (S6, Episode 9)
The relationship between Bakugo and Deku has slowly flourished over time after hitting a rough patch for the longest time. After all, viewers need only look at the sacrifice that Bakugo made for Deku when the latter was about to be pierced by one of All for One’s stolen Quirks.
Of course, this is far from the only highlight of this incredible episode. It also features Aizawa cutting off his leg in a bid to prevent his Quirk from being taken away and also sees Deku unlock another Quirk during his fight against Shigaraki.
19 Lemillion (S4, Episode 11)
This is the episode that showed what Mirio was all about. Not only was he a happy-go-lucky hero who had a powerful Quirk, but he had absolutely no reservations about putting his body on the line to save innocent people.
While he lost his Quirk in this episode, he still didn’t and fought Overhaul until his body simply couldn’t handle the strain. Fans of this character were glad to see him make a comeback during the Paranormal Liberation War arc!
18 Tenko Shimura: Origin (S5, Episode 23)
Shigaraki Tomura is one of the most interesting characters in My Hero Academia, and a major reason for this is his twisted backstory that is revealed near the end of Season 5. His inability to control his Quirk coupled with the abuse dished out by his father pushed him over the edge in this scintillating episode.
Watching Shigaraki accidentally kill the members of his family before succumbing to his rage and violently killing his father is still one of the most disturbing moments in My Hero Academia. Tenko Shimura was a disturbed child, and it was his inability to deal with his trauma that led him down the path to becoming Shigaraki Tomura.
17 Symbol Of Peace (S3, Episode 10)
It was clear that All Might didn’t have too much power in his tank, and his showdown against All for One would really test the hero to his very limits. Of course, rescuing Bakugo took priority over this matchup, and this was deftly taken care of in this episode.
After the mission was a success, All Might set his eyes on All for One, with their battle being truly bombastic indeed. The episode ends with a powerful punch that breaks All for One’s mask, giving viewers their first ever glimpse of what All for One really looks like.
16 Dabi’s Dance (S6, Episode 11)
Dabi has quickly become one of the most interesting villains in the series, and this is in no small part due to the revelations that came out in this episode. After Gigantomachia and the rest of the villains appeared on the battlefield where Shigaraki was fighting the heroes, Dabi made his presence known in a definitive fashion.
He revealed himself to be the long-lost son of Endeavor, Toya Todoroki. This revelation shocks both his father and Shoto to their very core, with the latter clashing with Dabi as their fiery powers reached new heights.
15 Tomura Shigaraki: Origin (S5, Episode 24)
In this heart-pounding episode at the climax of season 5, the final part of Shigaraki’s backstory is revealed. He faced a traumatic childhood and was groomed by One For All to become a murderous, evil person.
One For All gives Tenko his new name, as we all know him now. “Tomura” comes from the word that means to mourn over death and “Shigaraki” is OFA’s last name. At the end of this game-changing episode, Shigaraki unleashes a new ability and destroys Re-Destro’s army and home base, before he surrenders.
14 Sad Man’s Parade (S5, Episode 22)
The name of this episode is after the super attack of Twice, or Jin Bubaigawara, which involves him creating endless clones of himself to overwhelm and take down his opponents. Like some of the other villains, his quick was cool, but not being utilized enough to really threaten the heroes.
After awakening his power when his friend Toga is attacked by the Meta Liberation warriors, Jin shows that he is an incredible villain who can really make a difference in the war between hero society and “liberation.”
13 My Hero (S3, Episode 4)
As the League of Villains is attacking the UA summer camp, Midoriya is faced with his toughest villain encounter yet. Muscular, a villain whose quirk allows him to grow his muscles and strength at an insane pace, was instructed to torture and kill Midoriya by his boss.
All Midoriya can think about is saving young Kota, so he puts in every ounce of power into his fight, resulting in him releasing a 1,000,000% Detroit Delaware Smash… this episode deserves a top spot for that attack move alone. Kota changes his mind about heroes and calls Midoriya “My Hero.”
12 Shoto Todoroki: Origin (S2, Episode 10)
This episode in season 2 takes place during the final round of the U.A. Sports Festival. Todoroki and Midoriya are up against each other in a battle to either knock the other out of the ring or render them unable to fight.
Midoriya shows his willpower to control his power by breaking each finger to defend against Todoroki’s ice attacks, and Todoroki has his ultimate breakthrough to use his fire attacks after Midoriya gives him an inspiring speech. This battle is the start of their growing friendship and trust with one another.
11 Early Bird! (S5, Episode 9)
If anyone still needed convincing that Bakugo is a true hero with incredible wits, intellect, and teamwork skills, this episode would definitely make them believe it. It’s the fourth round of the battles between Class 1-A and 1-B, and Bakugo, Jirou, Sero, and Sato are put on a team together.
They use their coordinating quirks to outthink their opponents and take them down in a structured and awesome fashion. Bakugo proves he is a true leader who cares about his fellow heroes in training, even if he’s dealing with teenage angst.
10 His Start (S4, Episode 25)
The final episode of season 4 highlights the struggles Endeavor must face replacing his rival as the Number 1 Pro-Hero. He must stop an intelligent Nomu from destroying the city and harming himself and the town’s civilians.
His ultimate move, Plus Ultra Prominence Burn, completely incinerates the Nomu, and it is amazing to watch onscreen. Even though Endeavor is an awful father, he is a very strong and capable hero, especially when backed up by the talented and beloved hero Hawks.
9 All Might (S1, Episode 12)
First season All Might is not one to mess around with, as fans see in this exciting episode where he fights off the League of Villains. The incredible, powerful, beefy hero pushes himself past his physical limits to protect each and every person in Class 1A, and it’s amazing to watch.
Viewers also get to witness the impossible regenerating strength of the Nomu, a foe that will soon become a major weapon of the villains. All Might deserves all the praise in the world for his impressive save in this episode.
8 Katsuki Bakugo: Origin (S2, Episode 24)
In their final test exam, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo are paired up to take down their all-time favorite hero, All Might. However, they don’t quite get off on the right footing.
The two boys fight over how to win the match, while All Might just prays the two will get over their quarrel with each other. In the end, Deku and Bakugo are able to take the pro hero by surprise — they win their match by actually working together. It’s such a delight seeing All Might smack down these two rivals until they eventually outwit him.
7 That Which Is Inherited (S5, Episode 10)
This amazing season 5 episode reveals the jaw-dropping twist behind Deku’s inherited quirk. After accidentally releasing his predecessor’s quirk Blackwhip, Deku spirals wildly out of control. Once Shinsou is able to stop him, Deku is met with a previous user of One For All and learns about the details of his shared quirk.
The plot twist is so unexpected and blew audiences’ minds far and wide. The thought of the crybaby protagonist having six different quirks is unbelievable and made for an interesting choice in the story’s direction.
6 Let It Flow! School Festival! (S4, Episode 23)
After a somewhat annoying battle against the wannabe major villain Gentle and his partner, La Brava, Deku is able to head back to UA to take part in the school festival. Due to its lighthearted atmosphere, the episode surrounding this event is a stellar one.
The band performance is truly immaculate, way better than any manga reader was expecting. Seeing all of the students having a blast in their band is one of the happiest and silliest moments in the entire series. The song is absolutely one for fans to play on repeat.
5 Climax (S2, Episode 17)
The serial hero killer Stain finally falls in this episode. The UA Class 1A trio Deku, Shoto, and Iida are stuck in a bleak place against the villain until they manage to gather the strength to beat him down together.
After his defeat, Stain makes the unpredictable move of saving Deku from a Nomu, stating that he was a true hero who doesn’t deserve to die. It makes for an interesting twist in the already fast-paced, action-packed episode.
4 Red Riot (S4, Episode 9)
Everyone’s favorite redhead gets some well-deserved time in the spotlight in season 4. He is a part of the team that will help take down the Shie Hassaikai, alongside his mentors Suneater and Fatgum.
Players get to see Kirishima’s backstory in a detailed flashback. They learn why he wanted to become a hero, and how he uses this motivation to conquer his foes. Kirishima proves in this episode that his unbreakable move is not one to mess with.
3 Deku Vs Kacchan, Part 2 (S3, Episode 23)
In this fantastic episode, Kacchan has to let out his feelings in the only way he can: through violence and screaming. What’s more, Deku is all here for it. The two lifelong rivals sneak out from their dorms and fight in the empty training grounds, testing to see who is stronger than who.
Katsuki reveals the emotional trauma he recently experienced, and Deku can finally trust him with his ultimate secret. It’s powerful, touching, and fun to watch several times over.
2 Infinite 100% (S4, Episode 13)
In this episode, Deku is the final hero to face off against the evil Shie Hassaikai leader, Overhaul. Deku isn’t used to using One For All at 100%; however, charges his power up to the highest extent with the help of Eri, who can reverse the damage done on his body for a limited time.
The final showdown is fierce, thrilling, and incredibly cinematic. Deku’s movements and colors are visually stunning and make for a memorable battle. It’s one of the best fight scenes the anime has seen so far.
1 One For All (S3, Episode 11)
The epic conclusion to the Hideout Raid Arc had every viewer on the edge of their seats. All Might swooped in to save the day, and face his lifelong nemesis and sworn enemy, All For One. The battle is just as intense as viewers could have hoped.
All Might lands an incredible last blow on a villain before One For All leaves his body for good. He goes on to say the iconic line that the show references again and again: “It’s your turn next.” It’s the perfect ending to All Might’s hero career.
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