My Hero Academia (2016)

Kernel Score: 90% · 5,211 ratings

Genres: Action & Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

First aired: 2016-04-03

Seasons: 8 · 170 episodes

Is My Hero Academia worth watching?

Must-watch. A boy with no powers inherits one in a world full of superheroes. The anime takes the superhero school idea seriously and delivers action and feeling, with viewers rating it very highly.

Watch it if you

  • like anime action with heart
  • enjoy training and underdog stories
  • want a long series to settle into

Skip it if you

  • dislike anime or subtitles/dubs
  • want something short

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch My Hero Academia

  • Stream: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Rakuten Viki
  • Free with ads: Rakuten Viki
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

After he saves a bully from a Villain, a normal student is granted a superpower that allows him to attend a high school training academy for Heroes.

My Hero Academia parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that My Hero Academia is a TV-14 superhero anime with frequent action fighting, bullying themes, and an abusive-parent subplot.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Frequent superpowered fighting and tournament battles typical of shounen action anime.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like My Hero Academia

If you liked My Hero Academia, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Hunter x Hunter (2011) — 90%: Underdog adventure with well-liked fights and friendship.
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019) — 91%: Emotional action anime with a determined young hero.
  • Attack on Titan (2013) — 91%: Higher-stakes anime that rewards a long commitment.
  • Invincible (2021) — 100%: Superhero story with real consequences and a young hero.
  • Dr. STONE (2019) — 90%: Fun, energetic anime built on a gifted team.
  • Haikyu!! (2014) — 88%: Underdog team anime with strong character growth.

Cast

My Hero Academia FAQ

Is My Hero Academia worth watching?

Must-watch. A boy with no powers inherits one in a world full of superheroes. The anime takes the superhero school idea seriously and delivers action and feeling, with viewers rating it very highly.

Where can I watch My Hero Academia?

In the US you can stream My Hero Academia on Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll and Rakuten Viki, watch it free with ads on Rakuten Viki and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.

Is My Hero Academia OK for kids?

My Hero Academia is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that My Hero Academia is a TV-14 superhero anime with frequent action fighting, bullying themes, and an abusive-parent subplot.

What shows are like My Hero Academia?

If you liked My Hero Academia, try Hunter x Hunter, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Attack on Titan and Invincible.