My Hero Academia Movie Timeline Where Does It Fit In The Series

The *My Hero Academia* anime and manga series has captivated fans worldwide with its compelling characters, intense battles, and evolving themes of heroism and legacy. Alongside the main storyline, several theatrical films have expanded the universe, offering new adventures, emotional depth, and high-stakes action. However, a common question among fans—especially newcomers—is: Where do these movies fit into the overall timeline?

Unlike standalone anime films that exist outside continuity, the *My Hero Academia* movies are canon and integrated into the series’ narrative. But their placement isn’t always obvious. Understanding when each film occurs relative to key manga and anime arcs enhances appreciation for character development and foreshadowing. This guide breaks down the chronological order of the movies, their canonical placement, and how they enrich the overarching story.

Understanding Canon vs. Non-Canon in Anime Films

In many long-running anime series, movies often serve as filler—fun but non-essential side stories. *My Hero Academia*, however, takes a different approach. Creator Kōhei Horikoshi is directly involved in the production of the films, ensuring they align with the tone, progression, and future plans of the main series. As a result, all three major *My Hero Academia* films are considered canon.

This means events from the movies impact character relationships, abilities, and even plot developments later in the manga. For example, certain techniques introduced in the films appear in later battles, and character growth during movie arcs reflects changes seen in subsequent seasons.

“While the movies don’t replace any manga chapters, they offer meaningful glimpses into what the characters are feeling at specific points in time.” — Kōhei Horikoshi, in a 2021 Shueisha interview

Knowing this, it's essential to watch the films in context—not just for spectacle, but for deeper insight into Deku, Bakugo, Todoroki, and others during pivotal moments in their journeys.

Chronological Timeline of My Hero Academia Movies

There are currently three official theatrical films in the *My Hero Academia* franchise. Each one slots into a specific gap between major story arcs. Below is a detailed breakdown of where each movie fits, based on manga chapter references, anime episode placement, and creator commentary.

1. My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)

Placement: Between Season 2 and Season 3 of the anime.
Manga Equivalent: After Chapter 76 (\"All Might’s Lesson\"), before the Joint Training Arc (Chapter 80).

The first film introduces Melissa Shield and her father David, scientists living on I-Island, a floating research hub. Izuku Midoriya, Ochaco Uraraka, and Tenya Iida accompany All Might on a trip there, only to face a terrorist attack led by villains seeking a powerful device known as the \"Quirk Amplification Device.\"

This movie explores All Might’s past and his relationship with the Shield family, adding emotional weight to his declining health. It also marks one of the last times he operates fully as a hero, making it a poignant transition before the Dark Hero arc begins.

Tip: Watch \"Two Heroes\" right after Episode 25 of Season 2 (anime) or after reading Manga Chapter 76. It sets up All Might’s vulnerability, which becomes central in Season 3.

2. My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)

Placement: Between Season 4 and Season 5 of the anime.
Manga Equivalent: After the Shie Hassaikai Arc (Chapter 160), before the Endeavor Agency Arc (Chapter 161).

Set on the remote Nabu Island, this film follows Class 1-A as they complete a hero internship under the supervision of All Might’s former rival, Nine. The students face off against two powerful villains, Nine and his sister, who possess stolen Quirks and seek to exploit the island’s isolation.

Critically, this movie shows Deku pushing his One For All quirk beyond 100%, unlocking a new transformation with physical markings resembling All Might. This foreshadows the \"Deku Smash\" iterations seen later in the manga and hints at the toll Overhaul’s fight took on his body.

More importantly, *Heroes Rising* serves as an emotional climax for the Deku-Bakugo rivalry. In a pivotal moment, Bakugo hands Deku his gauntlets, symbolizing trust and acknowledgment. Given that this occurs before the Paranormal Liberation War arc—where their bond is tested like never before—the film adds crucial subtext to their evolving dynamic.

3. My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission (2021)

Placement: During Season 6 of the anime.
Manga Equivalent: Interlude period during the Paranormal Liberation War aftermath (after Chapter 222).

This global-scale film departs from Japan, following Deku, Bakugo, and Kirishima as they travel to a fictional Eastern European country, Otheon. There, they team up with a foreign Pro Hero named Rody Soul to stop a doomsday cult called Humarise, which seeks to eradicate all Quirk users.

Unlike the previous films, *World Heroes' Mission* features minimal Class 1-A involvement and focuses heavily on Deku’s internal struggle. Having recently learned about the curse of One For All and the deaths of past wielders, he grapples with guilt and responsibility. The film forces him to confront whether saving everyone is truly possible—a theme that echoes throughout the final saga.

Crucially, the movie includes post-credits scenes that tie directly into the manga’s “Star and Stripe” arc, confirming its canonicity and narrative importance.

Detailed Movie Placement Table

Movie	Anime Placement	Manga Chapters	Key Story Impact
Two Heroes	After Season 2, before Season 3	Ch. 76–80	Deepens All Might’s legacy; highlights mentorship
Heroes Rising	After Season 4, before Season 5	Ch. 160–161	Shows Deku’s power evolution; strengthens Deku-Bakugo bond
World Heroes' Mission	During Season 6 (post-P.L.W.)	Ch. 222+	Explores Deku’s moral crisis; introduces global Quirk conflict

How the Movies Enhance Character Development

Each film targets a specific phase in the protagonists’ emotional and heroic growth. They aren’t just action spectacles—they’re narrative milestones.

• Izuku Midoriya: From fanboy admiration in *Two Heroes* to reluctant leadership in *Heroes Rising*, and existential doubt in *World Heroes' Mission*, the films chart his transformation from student to true successor.
• Katsuki Bakugo: His arc shifts dramatically—from refusing help in *Two Heroes* to entrusting Deku with his gear in *Heroes Rising*. This moment is arguably more impactful than many anime episodes because it’s unscripted by teachers or simulations.
• All Might: Though retired by *Heroes Rising*, his ideals live on. The films reinforce that heroism isn’t about strength, but sacrifice and inspiration.

These developments aren't retconned or ignored. In the manga, Horikoshi references the island mission and Deku’s overseas experience subtly, confirming their integration into the world’s history.

Fan Checklist: When to Watch the Movies

To get the most out of the *My Hero Academia* viewing experience, follow this checklist:

1. Finish Season 2 of the anime (Episode 25: “The Top”).
2. Watch Two Heroes to explore All Might’s past and see early signs of Deku’s burden.
3. Proceed to Season 3 and 4 (through the Shie Hassaikai Arc).
4. Watch Heroes Rising before Season 5—it emotionally prepares viewers for the war arc.
5. Continue through Season 6 (Paranormal Liberation War).
6. Watch World Heroes' Mission during or immediately after Episode 23 of Season 6.
7. Resume Season 6 and proceed to the Final War arc.

Tip: Don’t skip the post-credits scenes. Each film includes teases or confirmations relevant to upcoming arcs.

Mini Case Study: How Watching Movies in Order Changed a Fan’s Perspective

Diego, a college student and longtime anime viewer, initially watched the *My Hero Academia* films out of order—starting with *World Heroes' Mission* because of its trailers. While he enjoyed the action, he found Deku’s guilt over One For All confusing and Bakugo’s sudden cooperation jarring.

After rewatching the entire series—including the films in chronological order—he noticed subtle shifts. In *Heroes Rising*, Bakugo’s line, “You’re the number one hero now,” carried far more weight. The gauntlet handoff wasn’t just dramatic—it was earned. Diego later wrote on a fan forum: “I didn’t realize how much emotional groundwork the movies laid until I saw them in sequence. Now the final battle hits harder.”

This illustrates how proper viewing order deepens engagement. The films aren’t distractions—they’re emotional bridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the My Hero Academia movies canon?

Yes. Creator Kōhei Horikoshi oversees the scripts, and events from the films are referenced in the manga. Techniques, character dynamics, and emotional beats established in the movies carry forward into the main story.

Can I skip the movies and still understand the series?

You won’t miss critical plot points needed to follow the main arc, but you’ll lose valuable character insights. Skipping them is like missing key diary entries from the protagonist’s journey—technically possible, but less fulfilling.

Is there going to be another My Hero Academia movie?

As of 2024, no official announcement has been made. However, given the success of previous films and the conclusion of the manga, a farewell film or epilogue project is widely speculated among fans and industry analysts.

Conclusion: Integrating the Films for a Fuller Experience

The *My Hero Academia* movies are not side quests—they are integral chapters in the heroes’ journey. Each one captures a turning point: the passing of a torch, the forging of trust, and the questioning of purpose. Watching them in timeline order doesn’t just clarify “when” they happen—it reveals “why” they matter.

Whether you're a new viewer or a seasoned fan revisiting the series, take the time to place each film where it belongs. You’ll gain a richer understanding of Deku’s burden, Bakugo’s pride, and what it truly means to be a symbol of peace.

💬 Have you watched the My Hero Academia movies in order? Share your thoughts on how they impacted your view of the characters—especially the Deku-Bakugo dynamic—in the comments below.