The world of My Hero Academy is often filled with conflict, animosity, and characters who are sworn enemies. At the same time, though, there are a number of beautiful and admirable friendships portrayed alongside these less-than-friendly interactions. Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts and My Hero Academy Heroes and villains recognize the importance of connecting with others this way.
Some of these relationships are quite complicated and started with the two friends despising each other, like Bakugo and Deku. Other friendships were solid and strong from the first interactions, like Ochaco and Deku. By displaying so many different types of titles, My Hero Academy shows that there are so many different ways to be a friend and grow close to others.
10
Members of the League of Villains
This found family of villains share a close friendship and accept each other’s dangerous quirks
While the League of Villains is undoubtedly evil, they love each other like a familyfor the most part. Some members are more invested in the found family dynamic than others and for members like Spinner and Twice, the League is the only group that has accepted them. Within the League, there are also close individual friendships, such as the camaraderie and support seen between Twice and Toga.
When Magne was killed by the Overhaul, her companions mourned her death as if she were a member of the family. Although these characters may be twisted and cruel, they care for each other and share a unique bond. For many of the members, society kicked them out due to their uncontrollable quirksso they trust each other for the friendship and love they would never have otherwise.
9
Bakugo and Todoroki
These two strong but reserved UA high school students are able to relate to and trust each other
Bakugo and Todoroki might seem like an unlikely match. Bakugo is impetuous and hot-headed, while Todoroki tends to be calm, quiet, and reserved. As his time at UA High progressed, they went from rivals to genuine friends. They are two of the strongest members of the class and eventually began to respect each other’s power and talent.
When they both failed the Provisional Hero License Exam and were tasked with caring for rowdy children with out-of-control quirks, they bonded through the difficult experience and worked together to entertain the children. Their friendship only grew closer after that moment, with Bakugo eventually even defended Todoroki to his cruel father, Endeavor. Bakugo and Todoroki have a tendency to isolate themselves from others, but luckily they were able to trust and depend on each other.
8
All Might and Gran Torino
Gran Torino helped All Might become the #1 hero by carefully training him for years
By the time All Might was studying at UA as a student, he had an influential teacher who shaped him into the hero he is today. Gran Torino trained All Might consistently, encouraging him to hone his Quirk and learn to control it. The relationship between All Might and Gran Torino mirrors the later bond between All Might and Deku in countless ways.
All Might deeply trusted Gran Torino and even after graduating, he remained in contact with his former mentor, fighting missions alongside him. Without Gran Torino’s advice and tough but effective way of teaching, All Might may never have become such a talented hero. All Might recognizes his deep respect for Gran Torino and even sent Deku to intern with him, hoping he would offer Deku the same wisdom he bestowed on All Might in his youth.
7
Todoroki and Deku
Deku supports Todoroki through difficult times, adding a source of kindness and positivity to his life
Because of Todoroki’s difficult childhood, filled with abuse from his father, Endeavour, he is understandably nervous about opening up to people. Deku’s kind and positive presence encouraged Todoroki to feel comfortable around him, fostering a relationship between the two. From working as a team during the Sports Festival to sharing a meal at Todoroki’s house, Todoroki and Deku enjoyed many happy momentsboth at UA and outside of school.
Deku also shows sympathy and love for Todoroki as he struggles with his family’s mistreatment. When Todoroki needed a caring friend most, Deku came into his life to uplift him in his darkest moments. These two powerful heroes also learn a lot from each other in training and classes, being inspired by each other’s incredible Quirk.
6
Ochaco and Deku
This duo offers each other endless support and encouragement, with a dash of romance mixed in.
Ochaco and Deku became fast friends from the moment they entered UA High School. They are two of the most cheerful and optimistic members of Class 1-A, and their cheerful dispositions always encourage each other. Their relationship is often flirtatious and borders on romantic, but despite never officially becoming a couple, it’s clear that they get along phenomenally well.
When Deku went off on his own as a vigilante, Ochaco encouraged him to return to UA, stating how deeply his classmates, including herself, care about him. Likewise, whenever Ochaco feels nervous and discouraged, she thinks of Deku’s resilience and heroic deeds to cheer herself up. Their friendship is a perfect example of a bond that is truly mutually beneficialsince being around each other brings happiness to both of them and motivates them to always do their best.
5
The Big Three: Mirio, Tamaki and Nejire
The Big Three could not have achieved their heroic status without the unwavering support they give each other
Every UA student is amazed by the group of friends called the Big Three, made up of Mirio, Tamaki and Nejire. These three friends are not just the main UA heroes, they work perfectly as a team due to their unbreakable friendship. For example, Tamaki used to feel insecure and inadequate, but Mirio told Tamaki that he “shines like the sun”, and these lovingly inspiring words helped Tamaki see the good in himself.
The trio are rarely separated, as they fight very well together. The Big Three still managed to face tough villains like Overhaul and Shigaraki and survive by protecting each other and synchronizing their attacks. Not only do they fight together, they also spend time together in more casual settings, enjoying each other’s friendship in your free time when no fighting is taking place.
4
Toga and Ochaco
Ochaco looked past Toga’s villainy and quirkiness and loved her as a person, which Toga deeply appreciated.
Toga and Ochaco’s friendship seemed quite unlikely. Although they were on opposite sides of the battlefield, this never stopped their growing friendship. Ochaco saw Toga for the person she is, instead of just focusing on her dangerous Transform Quirk like the rest of society did.
Ochaco was desperate to save Toga from the League of Villains and their pursuit of evil. She showed a willingness to get to know Toga and didn’t judge her harshly, which warmed Toga’s heart. Sadly, Toga died to save Ochaco’s life during a fight and the pair’s friendship never developed further, but they would have been best friends if Toga had survived.
3
All Might and Deku
Everyone can not only recognize Deku’s potential, but also dedicate years of their life to training him
Without All Might, Deku might have always been Quirkless. All Might gave Deku the greatest gift anyone could have given, allowing the young student to attend the school of his dreams, UA High. Not only did All Might pass on his Quirk and leave Deku alone, he continuously mentored and trained him for years.
When Deku struggled to use One For All without hurting himself, All Might was there to help. In all of Deku’s most discouraged and sad moments, All Might always appeared to offer words of encouragement or necessary advice. Deku definitely returned the favor making All Might proud and continuing his legacy. Although the former Symbol of Peace is technically Deku’s mentor, he is also one of the best friends Deku has ever had.
2
Bakugo and Kirishima
Kirishima offers Bakugo patience and much-needed criticism as Bakugo helps Kirishima become stronger
Bakugo can be abrasive and cruel, which has caused him to have few friendships in his life. Eijiro Kirishima is a true friend to Bakugo, showing him patience and love, even when Bakugo is difficult to deal with. Kirishima doesn’t allow Bakugo’s negative behavior to subside and isn’t afraid to scold him when necessary.
Bakugo has also helped Kirishima on many occasions. Thanks to Bakugo’s words of support, Kirishima has unlocked his ultimate move, Red Riot: Unbreakable. Their friendship is one of the best My Hero Academy and it really helps them both grow as heroes.
1
Bakugo and Deku
Bakugo used to be Deku’s bully, but later became one of his closest friends, even saving his life
At the beginning of My Hero Academia, a friendship between Bakugo and Deku seemed doomed to failure. Despite not wanting to admit it, Bakugo was very jealous of Deku and channeled his insecurity into rude comments towards Deku. In the 6th season of My Hero Academy, Bakugo gave Deku the apology he deserved for their harmful behavior.
After Bakugo changed his perception of Deku from sworn enemy to friend, their relationship grew. Deku helped Bakugo develop empathy for others and Bakugo inspired Deku with his powerful Explosion Quirk. Bakugo and Deku even saved each other’s lives; Deku saved Bakugo from the League of Villains when they kidnapped him, and Bakugo later took a hit from Shigaraki to protect Deku.