Ranking My Hero Academia Story Arcs

When it comes to My Hero Academia, each arc immerses you in a rollercoaster of emotions. From intimate friendships to significant conflicts, every arc teaches you lessons about sacrifice, heroism, and the complexities of good and evil.

The stakes keep mounting, keeping fans interested, whether it's Deku testing his limitations, All Might's ultimate fight, or Shigaraki emerging as a more severe threat.

But not all arcs hit the same—some capture our hearts while others build slow momentum toward bigger payoffs. So, what makes one arc stand out over the rest? With the stakes rising through every chapter, ranking these arcs is no easy task. 

This guide ranks the most unforgettable My Hero Academia arcs, highlighting the thrilling clashes and major moments that left us cheering, crying, or in stunned silence.

Which arc is truly Plus Ultra? Let’s find out!

A Guide to My Hero Academia Arcs

My Hero Academia is a popular anime and manga series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling blend of superhero action and coming-of-age drama. 

The series follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without a Quirk, a common superpower-like ability.  

Understanding the various story arcs that make up My Hero Academia is essential to fully appreciating the series' depth and complexity. 

Each arc introduces new challenges, villains, and character developments, propelling the narrative forward.

The series is divided into several story arcs, each with its own unique plot and character development. Let's dive into some of the most significant arcs:  

Early Arcs

• Entrance Exam Arc: Izuku's journey begins with the intense entrance exam for U.A. High School, a prestigious institution for aspiring heroes.  
• U.S.J. Arc: A sudden villain attack on the U.A. tests the students' abilities and forces them to confront their fears.
• Sports Festival Arc: The annual U.A. Sports Festival showcases the students' skills and rivalries, pushing them to their limits.

Darker Turns and Villainous Plots

• Hero Killer Stain Arc: A mysterious villain known as Stain challenges the very concept of heroism, forcing Izuku and his classmates to re-evaluate their ideals.
• Forest Training Camp Arc: The students undergo intense training in the wilderness, but their peace is interrupted by a surprise attack from the League of Villains.
• Kamino Incident Arc: All Might faces his greatest challenge yet as he confronts All For One, the ultimate villain and the source of all Quirks.
• Shie Hassaikai Arc: Izuku and his classmates team up with pro heroes to infiltrate a dangerous villain organization and rescue a young girl named Eri.

The Climax

• Pro Hero Arc: As Izuku continues his training, he faces new challenges and responsibilities as a hero.
• Paranormal Liberation War Arc: The League of Villains and the Meta Liberation Army unite, threatening to plunge the world into chaos.
• Final War Arc: The ultimate showdown between heroes and villains begins as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

These are just a few of the many exciting arcs that make up the My Hero Academia universe. As the series continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the next thrilling chapter in Izuku Midoriya's heroic journey.

Websites like Dashtoon and Comic Book Herald also provide reviews, comments, and suggestions to help you discover your next favorite series.

Top My Hero Academia Arcs Ranked

My Hero Academia is packed with heart-pounding action, emotional growth, and intense battles between heroes and villains. With so many arcs to choose from, it’s time to rank the best of the best. 

This list will jump into the most memorable moments, providing a detailed analysis of why each arc stands out in the series.

12. Joint Training Arc

• Chapters: 194–217
• Episodes: 91–100

While the Joint Training Arc might not be the most action-packed or plot-heavy, it's a significant milestone in the series for several reasons:

• Character Development: This arc delves deeper into the personalities and quirks of Class 1-A and Class 1-B students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and rivalry between them.
• Strategic Thinking: The training battles require strategic thinking and teamwork, pushing the students to think outside the box.
• Introduction of Shinso: This arc introduces Shinso Hitoshi, a unique character with a brainwashing quirk, adding a new layer of complexity to the series.
• Building the World: The arc hints at the broader world of heroes and villains, setting the stage for future conflicts.

However, while it's an enjoyable arc, it doesn't have the same level of emotional impact or world-shaking consequences as some of the later arcs.

11. U.A. Sports Festival Arc

• Chapters: 22–44
• Episodes: 14–25

The U.A. Sports Festival Arc is a thrilling introduction to the diverse range of quirks and abilities possessed by the students of U.A. High. It's a fun and exciting event that showcases each character's competitive spirit and individual strengths.

Key highlights of this arc include:

• Midoriya vs. Todoroki: This iconic battle highlights the personal struggles of both characters and their growth as heroes.
• Character Introductions: We learn more about characters like Bakugo, Todoroki, and Uraraka and their motivations.
• Quirks and Strategies: The various events in the Sports Festival showcase a wide array of creative and powerful quirks, as well as the strategic thinking required to use them effectively.

While the Sports Festival is a great way to introduce the characters and their abilities, it lacks the intense drama and emotional depth of later arcs.

10. Provisional Hero License Exam Arc

• Chapters: 98–121
• Episodes: 53–61

The Provisional Hero License Exam Arc is a crucial step in the heroes' journey as they face the challenges of real-world hero work. This arc tests their skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in high-stakes situations.

Key points of this arc:

• Real-World Application: The exam scenarios simulate real-world hero challenges, forcing the students to adapt and overcome obstacles.
• Character Growth: The students learn valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and the responsibility of being a hero.
• Rivalries and Alliances: The arc highlights the growing rivalry between Inasa Yoarashi and Todoroki, as well as the strengthening of bonds between classmates.

While the arc offers exciting challenges and character development, it doesn't delve as deeply into the overarching plot or emotional stakes as some of the later arcs.

9. Meta Liberation Army Threat Arc

• Chapters: 218–240
• Episodes: 101–107

The Meta Liberation Army Threat Arc is a significant turning point in the series. It introduces a powerful new villain organization and sets the stage for the final war. This arc explores the villains' complex motivations and plans for world domination.

Key aspects of this arc:

• Villain Backstory: We learn more about the origins of the Meta Liberation Army and the character of Shigaraki Tomura.
• Rising Stakes: The arc raises the stakes for the heroes as they face a formidable threat that could change the world.
• Strategic Warfare: The arc showcases the strategic thinking and planning required to combat a large-scale villain organization.

While the arc is necessary for the overall plot, it doesn't have the same level of emotional impact or character-driven storytelling as some of the other arcs.

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8. Forest Training Camp Arc

• Chapters: 70–83
• Episodes: 39–45

The Forest Training Camp Arc is a pivotal point in the series, serving as a transition from the carefree school life to the harsh realities of the hero world. Key points of this arc include:

• Character Development: The students are pushed to their limits, both physically and mentally, leading to significant character growth.
• Villain Introduction: The League of Villains' attack introduces a significant threat and sets the stage for future conflicts.
• Midoriya's Growth: The fight between Midoriya and Muscular showcases his determination and the immense power of One For All.

However, the arc's pacing can be uneven, and the villain's attack, while impactful, doesn't have the same intensity as later arcs.

7. Shie Hassaikai Arc

• Chapters: 122–162
• Episodes: 64–77

The Shie Hassaikai Arc is a dark and gritty exploration of the Yakuza underworld. It delves into themes of child abuse, exploitation, and the corrupting influence of power. Key aspects of this arc include:

• Emotional Depth: The arc is filled with heartbreaking moments, particularly involving Eri and Overhaul.
• Character Development: Midoriya's growth in this arc is significant as he learns to control his powers and make difficult decisions.
• Complex Villainy: Overhaul is a fascinating villain driven by a twisted sense of justice.

While the arc is emotionally impactful, its pacing can be slow at times, especially during the exposition and world-building.

6. Final Exams Arc

• Chapters: 45–59
• Episodes: 25–38

The Final Exams Arc is a fun and exciting showcase of the student's skills and teamwork. It highlights the friendly rivalry between Midoriya and Bakugo, as well as the growing bond between the class. Key points of this arc include:

• Character Dynamics: The interactions between the characters are heartwarming and humorous.
• Power Displays: The students demonstrate their unique abilities and strategic thinking.
• All Might's Legacy: The fight between All Might and the combined power of Midoriya and Bakugo symbolizes the passing of the torch.

While the arc is enjoyable, it lacks the high stakes and intense action of later arcs.

5. Endeavor Agency Arc

• Chapters: 241–252
• Episodes: 87–90

The Endeavor Agency Arc is a significant turning point for Endeavor as he strives to redeem himself and become a better hero and father. Key points of this arc include:

• Character Redemption: Endeavor's journey of self-improvement is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
• Mentor-Student Relationship: The dynamic between Endeavor and Midoriya is complex and compelling.
• High-Stakes Battle: The fight against the High-End Nomu is intense and showcases the raw power of both heroes and villains.

While the arc is emotionally resonant, it doesn't have the same level of world-shaking impact as some of the other arcs.

4. Hideout Raid Arc

• Chapters: 83–97
• Episodes: 45–48

The Hideout Raid Arc is a climactic event that marks the end of an era. It features intense battles, shocking revelations, and heartbreaking sacrifices. Key points of this arc include:

• All Might's Final Battle: The showdown between All Might and All For One is an epic conclusion to a legendary hero's career.
• Character Deaths: The tragic loss of beloved characters adds to the emotional weight of the arc.
• Shifting Power Dynamics: The defeat of All For One signals a new era for the hero world.

While the arc is emotionally powerful, its pacing can be uneven, with some slower moments.

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3. Dark Hero Arc

• Chapters: 307–328
• Episodes: (Pending)

The Dark Hero Arc is a bold departure from the traditional superhero formula, as Midoriya takes on the role of a vigilante. It explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of power. Key points of this arc include:

• Dark Tone: The arc's bleak and gritty atmosphere is a refreshing change of pace.
• Character Development: Midoriya's transformation into a dark hero is both fascinating and disturbing.
• Social Commentary: The arc touches on real-world issues like social injustice and the abuse of power.

While the arc is innovative and thought-provoking, it can be emotionally draining and may not appeal to all viewers.

2. War Arc (Paranormal Liberation War)

• Chapters: 253–306
• Episodes: 107–119

The War Arc is a massive, all-out war between heroes and villains. It features epic battles, shocking twists, and heartbreaking sacrifices. Key points of this arc include:

• Large-Scale Conflict: The war involves a vast number of characters, both heroes and villains.
• Character Development: The arc showcases the growth of both established and new characters.
• Emotional Impact: The tragic deaths of beloved characters and the destruction of the hero society are deeply affecting.

While the arc is exciting and action-packed, its sheer scale can be overwhelming at times.

1. Kamino Ward Arc

• Chapters: 97–121
• Episodes: 48–50

The Kamino Ward Arc is the culmination of years of build-up and character development. It features an epic battle between All Might and All For One, which decides the fate of the hero world. Key points of this arc include:

• Emotional Impact: The battle is filled with nostalgia, hope, and despair.
• Symbolism: The clash between All Might and All For One represents the battle between good and evil.
• Legacy: The arc sets the stage for the next generation of heroes.

The Kamino Ward Arc is the most iconic and influential arc in the series, and it will be remembered for years to come.

The Final Line

My Hero Academia consistently delivers high-quality storytelling and character development. The arcs listed above are some of the most impactful in the series, and they have left a lasting impression on fans. As the series continues, we can only expect more thrilling and emotional arcs to come.

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