My Hero Academia is currently one of the most popular anime series, especially in the West. Like many successful anime, My Hero Academia has spawned several movies that have resonated with fans worldwide. These films, produced with higher budgets, offer stories that complement the main series while remaining canon, making them a joy to watch, particularly on the big screen.
The My Hero Academia films have consistently been among the most successful anime movies released over the years. With Season 8 set to premiere this October, many fans may wish to revisit the movies before experiencing the final arc of this beloved series. They are quite iconic, and what better way to showcase that than by examining their rankings on Letterboxd, the latest movie review platform that has attracted film enthusiasts. So, how do viewers rate these films? Let’s find out.
4
‘My Hero Academia: You’re Next’ (2024)
3.3/5.0 (155 Reviews)
The latest My Hero Academia movie released was My Hero Academia: You’re Next, which came out last year. Set between My Hero Academia Season 7, Episode 4, “The Story of How We All Became Heroes” and the beginning of the Final War Arc, this film takes place during a brief period of downtime for Class 1-A before the climax begins. The plot follows a man impersonating All-Might (Kenta Miyaki and Christopher Sabat) during his prime as he uses his powers to trap the city in a chaotic world that Class 1-A must escape from. This movie focuses on the main trio of Izuku “Deku” Midoriya (Daiki Yamashita and Justin Briner), Katsuki Bakugo (Nobuhiko Okamoto and Clifford Chapin), and Shoto Todoroki (Yuki Kaji and David Matranga)—the three heroes who idolize All-Might—leading to their confrontation with the new villain, Dark Might (Kenta Miyaki and Christopher Sabat), also known as Valdo Gollini.
The film has an average rating of 3.3/5.0 stars based on 155 reviews, making it the lowest-rated My Hero Academia movie. However, it remains a favorite among many fans. The animation quality is some of the best in the series. The storyline featuring Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki battling an evil version of All-Might is particularly thematic as it leads into the final arc of the series. These three heroes unite to defeat him in what is arguably one of the best animated fight scenes in the franchise. Deku also achieves his second-greatest feat in the series when he finally defeats Dark Might. Despite being the lowest-rated film, My Hero Academia: You’re Next is definitely worth watching.
3
‘My Hero Academia: Two Heroes’ (2018)
3.3/5.0 (174 Reviews)
Image via Toho
The first film adaptation of My Hero Academia, titled My Hero Academia: Two Heroes, marked a fantastic beginning for the series in cinema. While there was always a strong chance of success given its popularity, a failure could have jeopardized future movie opportunities. However, this first film excels at demonstrating how well My Hero Academia creates canon stories that fit seamlessly within its universe without disrupting its established lore. Notably, an item introduced in this film reappears later in the anime, enhancing Deku’s abilities without causing harm to himself during the Dark Hero Arc.
A unique aspect of My Hero Academia: Two Heroes is that it allows Deku and All-Might to team up for battles—something rarely seen in the main series. This film offers a fun and lighthearted adventure while expanding on All-Might’s backstory and lore within the universe. The climactic final battle features clips that are still shared widely online today, showcasing a fast-paced and impactful fight between mentor and mentee.
2
‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ (2021)
3.3/5.0 (207 Reviews)
After two outstanding films, it was crucial for studios and creative teams to deliver with My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission. This third installment occurs between the Endeavor Agency Training Arc and the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, indicating that Deku and his friends have become significantly stronger since previous films. The narrative centers around Deku teaming up with a new character named Rody Soul (Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryan Colt Levy) as they attempt to thwart a new villain leading a group called Humanize—believers in the Quirk Singularity Doomsday theory which posits that evolving quirks will ultimately end civilization as we know it. Their extreme actions include launching a chemical attack on an innocent city, which Deku and Class 1-A cannot ignore.
Deku’s relationship with Rody throughout this film is significant as Rody possesses a pessimistic view of life that contrasts sharply with Deku’s optimistic nature. This dynamic allows Deku an opportunity to positively influence Rody’s outlook. Moreover, My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission boasts some of the best cinematography among all four films. A standout moment occurs during an action sequence where Rody performs impressive parkour while being chased by Deku—captured dynamically by camera work throughout the scene. Another highlight comes during the third act when Bakugo and Todoroki assist Deku and Rody in one of the most visually stunning showcases of power seen in any installment—featuring an extended single shot where Todoroki freezes enemies while saving Rody, allowing Bakugo to take down an attacking helicopter. This film contains numerous such sequences showcasing some of the franchise’s finest camera work.
1
‘My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising’ (2019)
3.6 /5 .0 (431 Reviews)
No doubt exists regarding whether or not My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising stands as the best film within the franchise. This second installment effectively encapsulates everything necessary for an anime movie—particularly one from such a beloved series like My Hero Academia . The pacing is exceptional from start to finish without feeling rushed—utilizing flashbacks effectively to establish context after commencing with action sequences . Additionally , it successfully addresses one common issue faced by many anime films , including other entries within this franchise : newcomers can jump into this story without confusion . It provides sufficient context while avoiding excessive reliance on anime-specific elements , aside from some backstory related to its villain , which remains accessible for new audiences . The plot itself is straightforward , ensuring no time is wasted on filler content while maintaining focus throughout its runtime .
The animation quality remains phenomenal , as expected from any entry within this franchise . Ultimately , however , it’s clear thatthe story takes center stage here . It’s beautifully written , allowing for both deeply emotional moments alongside some of franchise’s most thrilling action sequences . The third act stands out as perhaps best among all films , culminating when Deku shares One For All with Bakugo at full power—“Double One For All”—to confront Nine (Yoshio Inoue andJohnny Yong Bosch). This moment ranks among greatest scenes throughout entire series due not only its epic nature but also thematic weight behind it . The quote Deku shares with Bakugo—“We’ve always tried to be same hero , so if it’s you…”—paired with flashbacks highlighting their childhood together evokes goosebumps while holding significant meaning for both characters . My Hero Academia : Heroes Rising has cemented itself within history as one best pieces ever produced within franchise , with little chance anything will change regarding its status .
