Who are the best My Hero Academia characters? Over six seasons and three films, the superhero anime has been enchanting fans of all ages. Like the unassuming students of Class 1-A, My Hero Academia can surprise you with its depth, nuance, and brilliant protagonists if you give it half a chance.
Set in a world full of people with strange, wonderous powers and more than a few with the ability to do untold damage with the flick of a wrist, My Hero Academia boasts a diverse cast that’s full of surprises. Throughout the years, it has become recognized as one of the best anime series around. And with each new installment and anime movie, we get even more insight into this intriguing band of animated misfits.
There are no Quirks in the real world; however, our knowledge of My Hero Academia could definitely be considered a superpower. We’ve listed the best anime characters and anime villains among everyone who’s passed through the show. We suspect you’ll disagree, but just hear us out first because our other Quirk is in making solid arguments on hot takes, so here are the best My Hero Academia characters.
13. Tenya Ida
Tenya is one of the most underrated My Hero Academia characters around. He is often pushed to the sidelines when it comes to the spotlight, which is a real shame since he has one of the best arcs and character backstories in the entire show. At first glance, Tenya seems to be your typical nerd who takes his classes way too seriously and has a habit of getting on his peers’ nerves.
However, the more you get to know Tenya, the more you love him. He is a focused teen who is desperate to form his own identity and make his family proud. Not only is he fighting bad guys in the anime, but he is also fighting to escape from the shadow of his older brother, the famous Pro Hero Ingenium. Throughout the series, we’ve seen him battle personal demons and finally reach a level of acceptance. It’s a beautiful journey, and Tenya deserves all our attention for it.
12. Momo Yaoyorozu
Momo Yaoyorozu may be incredibly wealthy, but she isn’t a malicious snob. Despite all her privileges, she is a hard worker with a dedication to heroism as a whole. Although she can be blunt at times, she is still a team player and will often join in on silly misadventures with her friends. Having a character who is confident and quick-witted, also being caring and weak to her friend’s suggestions, is always a winning combo for a likable anime character.
So it’s understandable why Momo has won the hearts of the fandom time and time again and has rightfully earned a spot on our list, too. Also, let’s remember that she is a genius who has immense power, and her Quirk is Creation – meaning she has the ability to create any non-living object from her exposed skin.
11. All for One
The most dangerous villain in the history of the My Hero Academia world, All For One, the eternal rival of All Might and those who possess One For All is a character you can’t help but love to hate.
With his incredibly powerful quirk, which allows him to steal the superpowers of others, and his larger-than-life personality, it’s easier to see why so many fans can’t get enough of this would de Demon Lord. Just ignore the fact his head kind of looks like a… well, you know what it looks like.
10. Shoto Todoroki
There’s an argument to be made for Shoto being the true protagonist of My Hero Academia. His backstory as a child from an abusive household who overcomes his father’s shadow has made for riveting viewing throughout his time in Class 1-A.
The son of number two hero Endeavour, Shoto wields a powerful mix of ice and fire powers. However, his resentment towards his father caused him to struggle with mastering all his strengths. Only when he starts to become his own person does he really shine, making his journey one of the most nuanced and captivating.
9. Eraser Head
Besides being named after David Lynch’s best movie, Shota ‘Eraser Head’ Aizawa is a resourceful hero and one of the hardest teachers to please in UA High School.
However, his lofty methods are all about making students recognize the high standards they should have for themselves. His Quirk is one of the more strategic, quelling someone else’s power with his eyes. He complements it with a special cloth that ensnares opponents to maximize usage.
During an attack on the school from the League of Villains, he takes on many tens of baddies and demonstrates just how well-trained he is and exactly how far he’ll go to defend his students.
8. Tsuyu Asui
What if Toad from X-Men was the least bit likable? Tsuyu’s Quirk of turning her body frog-like might sound strange, but in practice, it makes her one of the most powerful in Class 1-A. Her agility, strength, and slippery moves have gotten her through some very intense encounters.
Besides all that, she’s someone who was forced to grow up quickly, thanks to absentee parents – a theme among the children of My Hero Academia. She’s empathetic, decisive, and bold, making her a great potential leader and a wonderful addition to the cast.
7. Eri
Oh, Eri. You’ve always deserved better. As if accidentally evaporating her father due to her unwieldy Quirk isn’t bad enough, her mother scorns her, and then she’s gaslighted by a member of the Yakuza to make Anti-Quirk serum. How’s that for tragic?
All’s well that ends well, though, thanks to Izuku Midoriya and his heroic classmates. When Eri is rescued, she’s timid and shy. Learning more about her powers and making friends has her believing better days are possible. Aw!
6. Enji Todoroki
Shoto’s father and one of the best anime characters in the entire series. Driven to a fault, Enji ‘Endeavour’ Todoroki will try anything to usurp All Might as the number one hero. This has meant hurting his family in some profound ways.
The hierarchy of My Hero Academia can inspire some fanatical competition. Enji is the opposite of Izuku, absolutely consumed by the numbers and ratings rather than doing good where he can, as a superhero should. His faults give him a certain humanity because if there’s one Quirk that brings us together, it’s our ability to toxify anything, even heroism.
5. Ochaco Uraraka
The figurative healer of the list, Ochaco Uraraka, is a gravity-bending hero who prefers to rescue people rather than go for big fights. Her charisma and confidence make her easy to like and an obvious fit for getting victims out of harm’s way – you could say people gravitate toward her. Eh, eh!?
Though not the greatest when it comes to straight battles, she’s exactly who you’d want on any squad for an important mission. She’s selfless, collaborative, and has an intense faith in who she works with.
4. Tomura Shigaraki
The heir to All For One’s throne as leader of the League of Villains, with the power to disintegrate everything you love. Tomura Shigaraki is a complete nihilist who, upon reaching the conclusion that destroying All Might may be too lofty, decides that bringing about the degradation of society is an easier target. Let it never be said he isn’t realistic!
Tomura doesn’t care about anyone, including himself, which is what makes him so dangerous. His first Quirk allowed him to melt any solid matter he touches on an atomic level, leading to some worrying close-knit showdowns. His second is All For One, hosting his former master’s consciousness. Yeah, things get weird on My Hero Academia, not least with this guy.
3. Dabi
Shoto’s brother and a walking-talking monument to Enji’s desperation to outdo All Might. Where Shoto became alienated by their father’s drive, Dabi trained so hard that his body started giving out, leaving him with some intense scarring.
His blue flames are among the most damaging of any Quirks, and his intelligence and physical prowess are not to be underestimated. It’s no accident he moved to the forefront of the Vanguard Action Squad, a consistent reminder of Enji’s failures as a parent.
2. All Might
This universe’s Superman. A straight-laced personification of optimism. As the holder of the One For All Quirk, he’s managed to stop All For One and the League of Villains twice, a feat that’s still unrivaled.
It isn’t just his incredible strength, speed, and relentlessly personable personality that makes him great, either. He understands that it’s all about the next generation, passing the buck to Izuku Midoriya to become the new best hero.
1. Izuku Midoriya
Speaking of – there’s no best My Hero Academia characters list without acknowledging sweet, wee Izuku Midoriya. If anyone can convince you there’s hope for humanity, it’s Izuku and his steadfast positive attitude. He’s such an advocate for positivity that All Might gave him his powers, knowing a people’s champion when he sees one.
From then on, Izuku stands for what’s good, working with his best friends to challenge evil. He’s an inspiration, time and again proving that a little faith and willingness to do the hard work can pay off dividends when the chips are down. Those are the best My Hero Academia characters.
If you want to know more about upcoming anime, we’ve got guides breaking down everything you need to know about the One Punch Man season 3 release date, the Demon Slayer season 4 release date, the Dragon Ball Super season 2 release date, and a potential My Hero Academia season 7.
We’ve also got a list of all the new anime coming this month as well. For more anime hot takes, check out our guides to the best One Piece characters, the best Naruto characters, and the best Dragon Ball Z characters.
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