Anime fan for 15 years. Covers shonen, seasonal previews, and the occasional deep dive.
My Hero Academia has a surprisingly low filler rate for a long-running shonen — around 6%. But there are still a handful of episodes you can skip without missing anything important. Here's the complete breakdown.
The quick answer
MHA has very little filler. The main skippable episodes are: 39, 58, 64, 68, 104, and the recap episodes (1 recap per season). That's it. Almost everything else is canon or canon-adjacent.
What counts as filler in My Hero Academia?
MHA filler is different from Naruto or Bleach filler. Most "filler" episodes in MHA are anime-original character moments or training scenes that don't contradict the manga but weren't in it. Some fans argue these episodes improve the anime by giving side characters more development.
Strictly speaking, the filler rate is about 6% — one of the lowest in shonen anime.
The complete My Hero Academia episode guide
| Season | Episodes | Filler Episodes | Notes |
|--------|----------|-----------------|-------|
| Season 1 | 1–13 | None | All canon, tight pacing |
| Season 2 | 14–38 | Ep 39 (recap) | Sports Festival + Hero Killer arcs |
| Season 3 | 39–63 | Ep 39 (recap), 58 | Training Camp + All For One |
| Season 4 | 64–88 | Ep 64 (recap), 68 | Overhaul arc |
| Season 5 | 89–113 | Ep 104 | Joint Training + My Villain Academia |
| Season 6 | 114–138 | Recap only | Paranormal Liberation War |
| Season 7 | 139–158 | Recap only | Star and Stripe, Final War begins |
Episodes worth watching even if "filler"
Episode 58 — "Special Episode: Save the World with Love!" is technically filler but it's a fun, lighthearted break before a heavy arc. Most fans enjoy it.
Episode 68 — A filler episode set at a school festival. It's character-focused and charming, even if non-essential.
The recap episodes at the start of each season can safely be skipped if you're binge-watching.
Where to watch My Hero Academia
- Crunchyroll — All seasons (subbed and dubbed, simulcast)
- Hulu — All seasons (US)
- Netflix — Select regions
- Funimation — Merged with Crunchyroll
How long will this take?
| Route | Episodes | Time |
|-------|----------|------|
| Canon only | ~150 episodes | ~60 hours |
| Including all filler | ~158 episodes | ~63 hours |
The difference is negligible — MHA is worth watching in full.
Frequently asked questions
Is My Hero Academia finished?
The manga is complete. The anime is in its final season as of 2026. The story reaches a definitive conclusion.
Can I skip Season 5 of MHA?
No. Season 5 adapts the My Villain Academia arc, which is essential for the final war. The first half (Joint Training) is slower, but the second half is crucial.
Is My Hero Academia good?
At its best (Seasons 2–3, Season 6), MHA is exceptional. The Hero Killer arc, All Might vs All For One, and the Paranormal Liberation War are some of shonen anime's finest moments.
Should I read the manga instead?
The manga is complete and the ending is generally well-received. If you're impatient for the anime to finish, the manga is a great option. The anime adds excellent animation to key fights that the manga can't replicate.
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Looking for similar shows? Check out [anime like Jujutsu Kaisen](/blog/anime-like-jujutsu-kaisen) for more modern shonen with great fights.