The final season of My Hero Academia is on the horizon, and fan anticipation is at an all-time high. The series is preparing for the epic conclusion of the Final War Arc, particularly Deku’s battle against Shigaraki and All Might’s fight against All For One. Promising tension, high-stakes action, and an emotional ending, the finale will provide a satisfying payoff.
However, while the upcoming season will deliver on this epic finale, My Hero Academia arguably peaked long before this moment. The franchise’s strongest and most emotionally charged chapter was a result of one of its best films, My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising. This film alone captured everything the series strived to achieve and did so with a legendary conclusion.
My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising Is the Series’ Best Film
Released in 2019, My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising was the second film in the franchise, set roughly during the middle of Season 5, during a brief moment of peace. The film follows Class 1-A as they participate in the Hero Work Recommendation Project, where they are given the opportunity to gain real-world experience as local heroes on Nabu Island.
What starts as a normal training assignment turns into a full-scale crisis when the villain Nine arrives on the island. With the power to steal and use multiple quirks, Nine’s goal was to obtain the Cell Activation quirk from a young boy on the island named Katsuma Shimano to cure his body, which was being destroyed by the stolen quirks.
Nine’s ultimate goal was to establish a society where the strong rule over the weak, and to do this, he aimed to dismantle the current hero society. With the absence of teachers and pro heroes, Class 1-A stepped up on their own to put a stop to the threat, gaining real-world experience and proving their growth as true heroes.
Aside from the premise, Heroes Rising was a visually stunning addition to the franchise and easily ranks among its most impressive achievements. The animation and sound design added to the viewing experience, raising the bar for what fans could expect from the series. With high-stakes action and an emotionally driven finale, Heroes Rising became one of the franchise’s best creations.
Heroes Rising Delivered the Most Satisfying Payoff
My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising stands out most for capturing what makes the series beloved by fans. With a focus on growth, teamwork, and the true meaning of heroism, every member of Class 1-A delivers in the film and its final act. The film successfully offers a thrilling story while developing its characters and showcasing their growth.
At the heart of the film is the rivalry and teamwork between Deku and Bakugo. When faced with overwhelming odds, Deku makes a seemingly impossible choice by sacrificing his power so he and Bakugo can combine their abilities in a moment that completely redefines their relationship. It was a payoff that was both shocking and satisfying by the film’s end.
The finale of Heroes Rising felt complete and rewarding with a perfect balance between heart and action. It was more than an unforgettable climactic battle, as it captured the true spirit of My Hero Academia through its exploration and growth between Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo, and the true meaning of heroism.
- Movie(s)
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My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018), My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019), My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021)
- First Film
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My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018)
- Cast
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Daiki Yamashita, Kenta Miyake, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Ayane Sakura, Yûki Kaji, Aoi Yuki, Kaito Ishikawa, Toshiki Masuda, Marina Inoue, Yoshimasa Hosoya
- TV Show(s)
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My Hero Academia
- Video Game(s)
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My Hero Academia: Battle for All, My Hero One’s Justice, My Hero One’s Justice 2
- Character(s)
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Izuku Midoriya, All Might, Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka, Shoto Todoroki, Tsuyu Asui, Tenya Iida, Eijiro Kirishima, Momo Yaoyorozu, Fumikage Tokoyami
