All 7 My Hero Academia Anime Seasons, Ranked from Most Hated to Loved

The My Hero Academia anime has experienced significant fluctuations in quality throughout its six completed seasons and the currently airing seventh season. As the television adaptation of Kohei Horikoshi’s manga series, the show has shown stark differences in its overall execution in recent seasons.

Similarly, there are certain My Hero Academia anime seasons that are favored by fans due to noticeable discrepancies in quality. Although some seasons are favored for their objectively superior content, the most beloved ones often possess subtle elements in their production that surpass other high-quality seasons.

My Hero Academia: Examining the Recent Issues BONES has Faced with Adaptation in the Lowest Ranked Seasons

7) Season Five

Tomura Shigaraki as seen in season 5 (Image via BONES)

Without a doubt, the fifth season of My Hero Academia is widely considered the most disliked among fans, primarily for a few distinct reasons. One of the main factors is the poor animation quality, or more accurately, the absence of it, which was evident in season 5. Due to BONES focusing on the production of the franchise’s third film, the fifth season was left with subpar animation, described by many as stiff and lacking in vitality.

The ‘My Villain Academia’ arc, which was highly anticipated by fans, was unfortunately hindered by rushed pacing and poor placement within season 5 by BONES. This was the second biggest issue in the season. Additionally, the lack of character development and unremarkable soundtrack contributed to the overall disappointment of the season, as the pacing was uneven and either dragged on or felt rushed.

6) Season 6

Izuku "Deku" Midoriya as seen in the sixth of the seven My Hero Academia anime seasons (Image via BONES) — Izuku “Deku” Midoriya as seen in the sixth of the seven My Hero Academia anime seasons (Image via BONES)

Despite being one of the most hated seasons of My Hero Academia, season 6 sparked controversy due to its use of a bright and clear blue sky throughout the two adapted arcs. Fans argued that this choice by BONES diminished the impact of the events and compromised the dark tones portrayed in the source material.

Despite receiving heavy criticism, some of the censorship choices made by the creators of the series were particularly noteworthy. One major aspect that faced backlash was the absence of the graphic violence that the source material was famous for, as seen in Bakugo’s sacrifice and Mirko’s epic battle against the Nomu. Another major point of contention was the limited involvement of supporting characters and the lack of focus on the school-life aspect that had been a defining feature of the series.

Season 7

A key visual for the seventh and latest of the My Hero Academia anime seasons (Image via BONES)

The seventh season of the My Hero Academia anime is currently airing and is proving to be the most challenging to evaluate, as it has just begun. However, the initial episodes have already shown an improvement over the previous two seasons, mainly due to the exceptional animation. Fans have also welcomed this change, as it indicates that BONES has taken note of the issues in season 5 and is not neglecting season 7 in favor of the franchise’s fourth film.

The most recent episode has not only met, but exceeded fans’ expectations for the season thus far. BONES has once again delivered an exceptional animation, leaving viewers in anticipation for what will undoubtedly be one of the most dramatic moments of the season. In addition, the opening and ending theme songs have received much praise from fans, surpassing their satisfaction with the previous two seasons. The return to the series’ school life roots has only further captivated fans and solidified their love for the current content.

Season 1

Despite lacking any notable flaws, the first season of My Hero Academia does not particularly stand out compared to others. Its slower pace, being the only one-cour season, and introductory nature make it the shortest of the seven seasons. Nevertheless, it still manages to meet expectations in all aspects and elicits an average response.

The OST had a significant impact on fans during its time, particularly with the song “You See Run”standing out as the most memorable example of the anime’s musical impact. The storyline was well-received by fans, and many of its major elements were considered original and interesting at the time of its premiere. This was also the point in the series where it was most focused and grounded, saving major plot twists and developments for later on and avoiding overwhelming fans with excessive information.

Season 4

Despite some controversy surrounding the ‘School Festival’ arc and its portrayal of Gentle Criminal as an antagonist, the majority of viewers still consider season 4 to be one of the strongest in the My Hero Academia anime. What sets this season apart is the ‘Shie Hassaikai’ arc, which showcases Izuku Midoriya and his peers as professional heroes participating in their first major operation.

In addition to its standout plot, season 4 was praised for its exceptional animation, which many consider to be the best in the series thus far. The pacing was also masterfully done, shifting focus to where it was necessary and giving more attention to important scenes and plot developments. Furthermore, the season featured a particularly “human”storyline centered around Deku and Mirio Togata’s mission to save Eri from the notorious yakuza group known as the Shie Hassaikai.

Season 3

The third season of My Hero Academia is often considered more beloved than the fourth due to its ‘Hideout Raid’ arc. This arc marks the moment when All Might fully passes the torch to Deku, a pivotal moment in the series. The animation of this scene and the preceding fight are also noteworthy, but it is the significance of this development that truly stands out as the highlight of the season.

Despite this, the third season was successful in winning over fans. The soundtrack was excellent, as with previous seasons, and the animation was highly praised, coming in second only to the fourth season for many viewers. The only major criticism of the third season was the slow pacing of the Forest Training Camp arc, but this was primarily during the setup and buildup rather than the overall quality of the arc.

Season 2

Without a doubt, the second season of the My Hero Academia anime holds a special place in the hearts of fans. This is largely due to the inclusion of three of the most beloved arcs in the series – the U.A. Sports Festival, Vs. Hero Killer, and Final Exams arcs. For many, this trio of arcs represents the pinnacle of the series, and it’s difficult to dispute this given their exceptional animation, rich character development, and more.

The first two arcs excel in introducing new characters and showcasing the abilities of U.A. students. This ultimately leads to a challenging test where they must use their Quirks against their teachers in the final arc. In addition to expanding the series’ narrative, season 2’s animation is top-notch and the soundtrack features memorable opening and ending themes that enhance the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion

Despite each season of My Hero Academia having its own strengths, there are certain seasons that stand out as being more highly praised and enjoyable overall.

Despite the recent trend of the My Hero Academia anime seasons being heavily criticized, there is hope that season 7 will be able to rectify this and bring the series back on course as it approaches its ultimate finale.