My Hero Academia: You're Next – Worth the hype or should you skip it?

Since its debut in 2014, My Hero Academia has maintained its hype with the audience. With a compelling mix of action, heartfelt character arcs, and superhero spectacle, the series has evolved from being just another shonen anime to redefining what modern anime is supposed to be. So when the new movie My Hero Academia: You’re Next was announced, fans globally started having sky-high expectations for it. But does this film live up to the hype, or is it a forgettable detour in the ever-expanding MHA universe?

My Hero Academia: You’re Next is set in the later arcs of the anime timeline. Without giving major spoilers, the story is about a mysterious villain named Dark Might, who is terrifyingly similar to the Symbol of Peace, All Might. Dark Might’s appearance and ideology also match his, and his emergence causes a crisis not only for Izuku Midoriya but also challenges society’s understanding of heroism itself.

The plot revolves around Deku and his Class 1-A peers being dispatched to investigate strange villain activity. They reach a place called Otheon City, which is technologically advanced. Things escalate rapidly when Dark Might appears and chaos spreads. Moreover, the narrative follows a typical My Hero Academia style: emotional tension, high-stakes battles, and an explosive finale.

What sets this film apart from earlier entries (Two Heroes, Heroes: Rising) is its heavy focus on Deku’s internal struggle with bearing the responsibility passed down from All Might. In a sense, this film is about character introspection as much as it is about action.

Also, fans who have watched the film have been largely positive, with many praising the film’s mature tone and villain concept. However, some fans feel the movie plays it too safe in terms of storytelling and structure. Twitter (X) is filled with reviews like:

Final Verdict: The movie My Hero Academia: You’re Next is absolutely worth watching.

What Works (and What Doesn’t) in My Hero Academia: You’re Next movie

What fell short about this movie is that its structure sticks closely to the familiar MHA movie formula, so fans did not get anything new or daring that would shake up the narrative a little. Also, there is a slight issue with film continuity because it tries to exist somewhere between the anime’s later arcs, but its exact placement is fuzzy. Furthermore, there’s no long-term consequence from the film, meaning it’s largely a self-contained adventure, which limits its overall impact on the broader story.

The standout of the film is undeniably Dark Might. He is not a villain who wants to take over the world. His presence was similar to Hero Killer: Stain. Additionally, his resemblance to All Might, combined with a warped interpretation of justice, creates a villain that makes audiences uncomfortable in the best way.

Another strong aspect of this film is that Studio Bones knocks it out of the park with the animation. The visual style of You’re Next is noticeably darker and more grounded than the main series. Finally, the soundtrack by Yuki Hayashi blends seamlessly and elevates the movie’s darker tones. Overall, it is safe to say the movie succeeds in delivering solid entertainment.

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In conclusion, if someone is a fan of the My Hero Academia franchise and is invested in witnessing Deku’s growth and All Might’s legacy, they should give this movie a shot. It offers some of the franchise’s most emotionally resonant moments and a villain who could rival the main series’ best. Finally, as it explores darker themes, it is refreshing to watch some more mature superhero narratives, as these themes are not often talked about in the main series.

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