Top 10 Most Intense Rivalries in My Hero Academia, Ranked

My Hero Academia includes many of the classic tropes found in shōnen anime & manga, with one of the standout themes being rivalries. Rivalries in the series involve characters pushing each other to improve and become stronger in order to come out on top. These relationships are often the most captivating dynamics in the story.

Whether it's a heated rivalry between a hero and a villain, or a friendly competition between classmates, one thing is clear: These intense rivalries add depth to the characters and make My Hero Academia even more engaging for fans.

Mirio Togata & Tamaki Amajiki

The “Sun” & the “Suneater”

A Young Mirio cheer ups a Young Tamaki. - The “Sun” & the “Suneater” - Mirio Togata & Tamaki Amajiki

These two members from U.A’s “Big Three” have been friends for a very long time. Mirio is a cheerful guy who can befriend everyone, while Tamaki is an introvert who is afraid to talk to other people. Their strong bond and dynamic friendship is truly endearing.

Momo Yaoyorozu & Itsuka Kendo

Momo Yaoyorozu and Itsuka Kendo share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect. Momo greatly admires Itsuka for her determination and leadership skills, while Itsuka always knows how to encourage Momo and boost her confidence, especially during tough times at the Academy. Their relationship can be likened to a supportive and friendly rivalry, similar to the dynamic between Deku and Bakugo.

The Leaders From Class 1-A & Class 1-B

Momo accepts Kendo's challenge during the Joint Training Arc. - The Leaders From Class 1-A & Class 1-B - Momo Yaoyorozu & Itsuka Kendo

Momo and Itsuka are two girls with different strengths: Momo is academically gifted, while Itsuka excels in physical abilities. Despite these differences, they are both respected leaders in their classes.

During their internship under Uwabami, the public constantly compared Momo and Itsuka. This made Itsuka feel inadequate, as she believed Momo was superior. Their rivalry came to a head during the Joint Training Battle, where Itsuka defeated Momo in a hand-to-hand combat. Despite this competition, the girls developed a mutual admiration and grew closer as friends.

Eijiro Kirishima & Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

Hardening & Steel

Tetsutetsu and Kirishima greet each other at Fourth Kind's office. - Hardening & Steel - Eijiro Kirishima & Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

The rivalry between Kirishima and Tetsutetsu in My Hero Academia is both hilarious and surprisingly motivating. These two characters were designed to be nearly identical, both possessing a quirk that allows them to harden their skin. However, Tetsutetsu's quirk specifically transforms his body into steel.

Izuku Midoriya & Shoto Todoroki

Their relationship started off a bit rough due to their similarities, but over time and a few disagreements, they began to value each other like brothers. Now, they are always there to support and encourage one another. The Joint Training Battle helped them understand and appreciate the unique qualities of their quirks, deepening their connection even more.

All Might’s Protégé & Endeavor’s Protégé

Shoto Todoroki and Deku clash during the Sports Festival. - All Might’s Protégé & Endeavor’s Protégé - Izuku Midoriya & Shoto Todoroki

During the earlier arcs of the series, Shoto used to be more hostile and distant, especially towards Deku. This was because of his connection to All Might, whom his father, Endeavor, strongly disliked.

It wasn't until their intense match at the Sports Festival that these two boys truly challenged their rivalry. Deku encouraged Shoto to embrace the fire aspect of his quirk and release his anger towards his father. This led to an epic battle and, even better, helped Shoto overcome his personal struggles and forge a strong friendship with Deku.

Hawks & Dabi

A Spy & An Assassin

Hawks and Dabi distrust each other. - A Spy & An Assassin - Hawks & Dabi

During Hawks' infiltration of the League of Villains, Dabi had the least trust in him, creating tension between the two. Even as the league transformed into the Paranormal Liberation Front and Hawks became part of the inner circle, Dabi continued to show distrust towards him.

Ochaco Uraraka & Himiko Toga

During the first war, Hawks confessed to being a spy, and it was Dabi who confronted him, revealing his suspicions all along. This confrontation escalated into a violent fight, leaving Hawks severely injured by Dabi's flames. It marked the brutal end to a fierce rivalry between a hero and a villain.

A Kind Girl & A Feared Girl

A sketch of Himiko Toga and Ochaco Uraraka by Kohei Horikoshi, - A Kind Girl & A Feared Girl - Ochaco Uraraka & Himiko Toga

Ochaco, a kindhearted girl, always wanted to use her quirk to help her parents and improve hero society. On the other hand, Toga was condemned by society for her scary quirk, leading her to become an outcast and a villain. In a way, these girls are two sides of the same coin.

As a result, Toga grew strangely attached to Ochaco. Initially resentful, the young hero's perspective changed after learning about Toga's difficult life. In a final intense encounter, both girls reached their full potential. Ochaco, finally helping Toga accept herself, and Toga ultimately sacrificing her life for her newfound friend.

Endeavor & All Might

The No. 2 Hero & The No. 1 Hero

Endeavor asks All Might for advice after becoming the No. 1 Pro Hero. - The No. 2 Hero & The No. 1 Hero - Endeavor & All Might

Toshinori Yagi, also known as All Might, held the prestigious title of No. 1 Hero in Japan for a long time, eventually becoming a Symbol of Peace for the entire nation. As a result, there had to be a No. 2 Hero, which was Enji Todoroki, also known as Endeavor. Despite his relentless efforts over the years to surpass All Might, Endeavor continuously fell short of achieving his goal.

Shoto Todoroki & Dabi

The tension between the two heroes increased when All Might retired, causing a strain on their relationship. Endeavor, who became the No. 1 Hero due to a technicality, felt unworthy of the title. Fortunately, he was able to have a conversation with his long-time rival and gained valuable insights into the challenges of being the top hero.

Endeavor’s Success vs. Endeavor’s Failure

Shoto confronts Dabi in the cover of Volume 36. - Endeavor’s Success vs. Endeavor’s Failure - Shoto Todoroki & Dabi

In one of the most pivotal moments in My Hero Academia, Dabi shocks everyone by revealing that he is actually Toya Todoroki, the son of Endeavor who was believed to be dead. When Endeavor couldn't bring himself to face the son he had failed, it was Shoto who stepped in to confront his brother's cruelty.

Both Shoto and Toya grew up in the shadow of Endeavor's abusive ways, but Shoto was able to break free from his father's influence and become a better hero with the help of his friends and mentors. In contrast, Toya was manipulated onto a dark path by All For One and the League of Villains. This complex dynamic between the siblings reached its peak during their intense final battle in the Final War Arc.

All Might & All For One

The Symbol Of Peace & The Symbol Of Evil

All For One and the villains vs. All Might and the heroes. - The Symbol Of Peace & The Symbol Of Evil - All Might & All For One

All For One is known as one of the main villains in the series, causing harm to many individuals, including numerous heroes who attempted to defeat him. It wasn't until the appearance of All Might, the No. 1 Hero, that someone was able to successfully stand up to him and even temporarily defeat him.

Izuku Midoriya & Katsuki Bakugo

From that point onward, All For One's actions were solely focused on taking down All Might. He groomed Shigaraki and formed the League of Villains. However, in their final showdown, All Might emerged victorious once more. Even in retirement, All Might's influence on his students, like Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo, continues to thwart All For One's schemes.

A Quirkless Kid & A Quirk Prodigy

Deku and Bakugo's second battle. - A Quirkless Kid & A Quirk Prodigy - Izuku Midoriya & Katsuki Bakugo

Since they were kids, Izuku looked up to his friend for his powerful quirk, but Bakugo would often tease him for being quirkless. Despite their rocky relationship, both boys shared the same dream: to become the No. 1 Hero, like All Might.

The tension between them intensified when Deku gained the One For All quirk and joined U.A. High School with Bakugo. Their rivalry pushed them to become stronger, until Deku revealed the truth about his quirk to Bakugo. This event brought them closer, and they now support each other in many ways. The rivalry between Deku and Bakugo is at the core of My Hero Academia.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the captivating rivalries in "My Hero Academia," highlighting how they drive character development and enhance the overall narrative. The dynamic relationships between the characters, ranging from friendly competitions to intense hero-villain clashes, add depth to their personalities and motivations. These rivalries not only create thrilling confrontations but also foster unexpected bonds and inspire personal growth.

The article effectively showcases the diverse nature of rivalries in the series, from the supportive and playful banter between Mirio and Tamaki to the fierce and transformative rivalry between Deku and Bakugo. Each rivalry is unique and contributes to the rich tapestry of the story, making "My Hero Academia" an engaging and unforgettable anime experience.