10 Most Heartbreaking Moments in My Hero Academia

Heartbreaking moments from My Hero Academia
Heartbreaking moments from My Hero Academia (Image Source: Shueisha)

My Hero Academia shatters hearts with surgical precision, exerting cataclysm like a weapon against unsuspecting souls. Behind the multicolored costumes and thriving battles lies a twilight that cuts deep.

The most heartbreaking moments in the series aren't found in villain defeats or training montages. They're found in sacrifice, loss, and the cruel price of heroism. This moment in My Hero Academia showed that real heroism goes beyond having special powers.


1. Mirio’s Permeation Quirk Sacrifice

Lemillion protects Eri even after losing his quirk (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Lemillion protects Eri even after losing his quirk (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Mirio Togata's journey to master his challenging Permeation Quirk made him one of U.A.'s most promising heroes. Years of relentless training transformed his seemingly useless ability into something extraordinary, earning him recognition as a top student. However, his heroic nature became his downfall when he shielded young Eri from Overhaul's quirk-destroying bullet.

Despite losing everything he worked for, Mirio continued fighting quirkless to protect Eri, maintaining his cheerful demeanor even as his world crumbled. This moment in My Hero Academia proved that genuine heroism goes beyond having extraordinary powers.


2. Nighteye's Peaceful Departure

All Might's last meeting with Nighteye (Image Source: Studio Bones)
All Might's last meeting with Nighteye (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Sir Nighteye initially questioned Midoriya’s potential and doubted if he truly deserved One For All. The seasoned hero considered Mirio deserved All Might's power more than the seemingly impromptu teenager. However, the Overhaul mission thoroughly changed Nighteye's stance as he witnessed Midoriya's heroic spirit.

In his final moments, Nighteye conveyed complete trust in Midoriya's potential to hold All Might's legacy. The veteran hero's soft smile as he passed away, finally seeing the future he had hoped for, assembled one of My Hero Academia's most bittersweet scenes.


3. Hawks' Impossible Choice in My Hero Academia

Hawkeye kills Twice (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Hawkeye kills Twice (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Hawks found himself in an impossible situation when he realized that Twice's loyalty to the League of Villains remained unshakeable. Despite constructing an actual bond with the troubled villain, Hawks couldn't overlook the threat Twice posed to innocent lives.

The moment Hawks ended Twice's life became one of My Hero Academia's most controversial scenes. Twice's final mentions to save Toga and his full trust in someone who ultimately backstabbed him underlined the tragedy of misplaced belief.


4. Dabi's Flames of Truth

Toya Todoroki, aka Dabi, as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Toya Todoroki, aka Dabi, as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Bones)

The revelation that Endeavor’s presumed-dead son Toya had become one of the League's most perilous villains obliterated everything Endeavor thought he knew. Years of imprudence and abuse had converted his child into an avenging monster.

The face-off between father and son became a clarifying moment in the series. Dabi’s twisted grin while revealing who he was stood in stark contrast to Endeavor’s shocked reaction.


5. Eri Learning to Smile Again

Eri is overjoyed  (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Eri is overjoyed (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Eri's inability to smile expressed one of the most heartbreaking parts of her character arc. Years of abuse at Overhaul's hands had deprived her of childhood purity and capacity for enjoyment. The young girl couldn't even recollect what it felt like to partake in joy or laughter.

Eri’s smile during the school festival became a powerful symbol of recovery and new beginnings in My Hero Academia. It even made Mirio cry, seeing Eri smiling.


6. Shigaraki's Tragic Origin

Shigaraki or Tenko as seen in his childhood (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Shigaraki or Tenko as seen in his childhood (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Tomura Shigaraki's backstory exposed the devastating truth behind his villainous nature. As a young Tenko Shimura, he accidentally eradicated his entire family when his dangerous Decay quirk manifested suddenly. The horror of watching his loved ones being pulverized to dust while being helpless to stop it.

The scene where Shigaraki strolled the streets seeking help, only to be shunned by everyone, depicted society's negligence in protecting its most vulnerable members. The series used this backstory to probe how neglect and concussion can make monsters.


7. Bakugo's Ultimate Sacrifice

Shigaraki pierces Bakugo's heart (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Shigaraki pierces Bakugo's heart (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Bakugo's character maturation surpassed its peak during his despairing battle against Shigaraki. The explosive hero forced himself beyond his limits, using every ounce of strength to cover everyone and prove his excellence. Choosing to fight beside Midoriya as an equal pushed him to lay down his life in the end.

When Shigaraki’s strike appeared to kill Bakugo, My Hero Academia fans were left stunned and heartbroken. Seeing the proud hero's unmoving body on the battlefield produced one of the series' most emotionally devastating scenes. Although Edgeshot's intervention eventually saved him, the initial blow was huge.


8. Toga's Final Act of Love

Ochaco and Toga as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Ochaco and Toga as seen in the series (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Himiko Toga's complicated relationship with Ochaco Uraraka reachedthe highest act of selflessness. Despite being on opposing sides of the clash, Toga genuinely cared for Ochaco and saw her as the friend she never had. When Ochaco faced death from blood loss, Toga made the utmost sacrifice to save her.

The scene where Toga gave her life to save Ochaco became one of My Hero Academia's most poignant moments. Her last act demonstrated that even villains are capable of actual love and heroism.


9. Midnight's Silent Goodbye

Midnight's last appearance in the series (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Midnight's last appearance in the series (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Midnight's death during the Paranormal Liberation War astounded fans due to its off-screen nature. The beloved U.A. teacher faced overwhelming odds when ambushed by Liberation Front villains following her tussle with Gigantomachia. Her fate remained uncertain until word came that she had died, probably at the hands of her assailants.

The tragedy of Midnight's death in My Hero Academia wasn't just her demise, but how it was handled. Unlike other character deaths that received melodramatic final moments, Midnight's sacrifice happened away from the spotlight.


10. Shigaraki's Final Words of Destruction

Midoriya and Shigaraki's last word exchange (Image Source: Shueisha)
Midoriya and Shigaraki's last word exchange (Image Source: Shueisha)

Shigaraki's final fight with Midoriya displayed the profundity of his tragic character. Even in his dying moments, the villain stayed engaged in his destructive dogma while showing peeks of the broken child he once was. His last words explained how completely All For One had rotted his worldview.

The scene where Shigaraki asked Midoriya to tell Spinner about his final stand became intensely touching for the series fanatics. His anguished need for recognition and assurance, even in death, stressed the tragic waste of his potential.


My Hero Academia magnificently directs that the best superhero sagas aren't just about grand battles and flamboyant powers. These painful and tragic moments remind us that real heroism often comes with a tremendous personal price. And even in a world of quirks and superpowers, the most mighty force is the human heart.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew