Top 20 My Hero Academia Fanfictions That You Must Read
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Best My Hero Academia Fanfictions on AO3
Fanfiction has become a key part of fandom culture across a wide range of media, and My Hero Academia (MHA) is no exception. With its rich world-building and diverse cast of characters, MHA has sparked the creativity of countless fans, resulting in over 152,000 fanfics on Archive of Our Own (AO3), a major platform for fan-generated content. The number of fics continues to grow every day, a testament to the deep love fans have for the series.
Fanfictions can be found for every type of fan: from action-packed adventures and romantic pairings to deep character explorations and alternate universes (AUs). Here, we take a look at the top 20 My Hero Academia fanfictions on AO3, ranked by the number of kudos (likes) they have received. These stories stand out for their popularity, quality, and the creative ways they expand upon the My Hero Academia universe.
20. Viridian: The Green Guide by myheadinthecoudsnotcomingdown
Kudos: 15,300+
This fanfic is the third part of For the Want of A Nail series. It explores an alternate world where Midoriya Izuku realizes that without a quirk, he cannot become a hero. Despite this, he refuses to give up on his dream and becomes a vigilante. However, the story includes sensitive themes such as depression and suicidal thoughts, so readers are cautioned to read the tags before diving in.
Current Chapter: 56 (as of February 1, 2021)
19. Looking Glass by twistedthicket1
Kudos: 15,400+
Looking Glass delves into the psychological trauma and PTSD experienced by Midoriya, who was kidnapped as a child. The story provides an intense exploration of the long-lasting effects of such experiences. Currently, it’s still ongoing, with 52 out of 53 chapters published.
Word Count: 219,000+
18. My First One And Only by BlackBarBooks
Kudos: 15,500+
This fanfiction focuses on the slash pairing of Bakugou Katsuki and Kirishima Eijirou (KiriBaku). After Kirishima’s accidental confession, both boys face the struggles of navigating their awkward new relationship. The fic is lighthearted, with comedic moments and plenty of angst. It also includes NSFW scenes, so be sure to read the tags before proceeding.
Word Count: Varies
17. Bluebird by EtherealBeing
Kudos: 15,800+
Bluebird is a charming slash fic between Bakugou Katsuki and Midoriya Izuku. In this alternate universe, the story begins with a wrong number dialed by Bakugou and leads to one of the sweetest epilogues. It’s humorous, with moments of angst and adult themes.
This unique fanfic tells the story of Midoriya Izuku, who has a quirk that allows his ghost to dissociate from his body. Despite the spooky nature of his ability, he remains determined to become a hero. The story spans 40 chapters and offers a fresh twist on the My Hero Academia universe.
Word Count: 283,000+
15. Burn Your Wings by Crowbird
Kudos: 16,500+
This canon-divergent fanfiction follows Midoriya Izuku, who is born with his parents’ quirks but learns at a young age how destructive his power can be. Swearing never to use his quirk again, he finds solace and healing in his relationship with Todoroki, who shares a similar struggle.
Word Count: 179,000+
Chapters: 24
14. Journey to the Past by aloneintherain
Kudos: 17,000+
In this fanfiction, the Class 1-A students travel back in time to save young Midoriya Izuku from villains. This shorter story, with just three chapters, is filled with warmth as the grown-up heroes shower Midoriya with affection and protection.
Word Count: 44,000+
Chapters: 3
13. The Darker Sides of Deku by OnlyRoomForHope, serenawitchwriter, ViperFang, and others
Kudos: 18,000+
This intense fanfiction dives deep into dark themes like PTSD, anxiety, violence, panic attacks, and torture. It is a raw and emotional exploration of the reality behind Midoriya’s smiles, showing the mental toll that being a hero can take on him.
Word Count: 137,000+
Chapters: 35
Last Update: October 23, 2019
12. Quote Love Unquote by newamsterdam
Kudos: 19,000+
This is another fanfiction exploring the popular KiriBaku (Bakugou x Kirishima) ship, where Kirishima, a musician, and Bakugou, an actor, pretend to date for a publicity stunt. As the story progresses, real feelings begin to form, complicating their situation.
Word Count: Varies
Chapters: Ongoing
11. 2am Knows All Secrets by Unbreakable_Red_Riot
Kudos: 15,000+
A short, humorous slash story between Bakugou and Kirishima, this fanfiction centers around a curious and disgruntled Bakugou testing the flammability of his sheets. Kirishima, naturally, is concerned and annoyed.
Word Count: 59,000+
Chapters: 15
10. Erased Potential by theslytherinpaladin
Kudos: 19,500+
This story follows Midoriya’s unwavering determination to become a hero, but instead of meeting All Might, he finds a mentor in Aizawa Shouta (Eraserhead). The relationship between Midoriya and Aizawa adds a fresh and complex layer to the plot, as Midoriya strives to reach his goal without a quirk.
Word Count: 180,000+
Chapters: 54
Status: Ongoing
09. U.A. Unsolved by handcrusher (ameliafromafairytale)
Kudos: 21,000+
In this unique fanfiction, Izuku can see dead people, which adds an intriguing supernatural element to the My Hero Academia universe. This work serves as an accompaniment to PitViperOfDoom‘s Yesterday Upon the Stair, so it is recommended to read that story first.
A short and sweet soulmate AU fanfiction between Todoroki Shouto and Midoriya Izuku. Although Todoroki might not want to have anything to do with his soulmate, Midoriya is determined to protect his. This emotional one-shot is impactful, with a lot packed into its 11,000+ words.
Word Count: 11,000+
Chapters: 1
Status: Complete
07. Quiet Rapture by lalazee
Kudos: 21,800+
This fanfiction uses an A/B/O setting where Alpha Katsuki is trying to win over Omega Izuku, who is unable to smell, adding an interesting twist to the typical dynamics of such fanfictions. With 42 chapters and a large following, this ongoing story has gained much praise for its deep emotional exploration and character development.
Word Count: 250,000+
Chapters: 42
Status: Ongoing
Warnings: Contains adult and potentially triggering content.
06. A Beacon in the Dark by NohaIjiachi
Kudos: 22,000+
Midoriya Izuku is blind in this fanfiction, but his blindness does not hold him back. Instead, he surprises All Might with his precise and quick attacks, showing his hidden potential. The concept of blind Izuku as a hero adds a fresh perspective to his character. However, the story has been on hiatus since February 2019.
Word Count: 150,000+
Chapters: 41
Status: Hiatus (since February 2019)
05. Summer Stars by PitViperOfDoom
Kudos: 25,000+
Summary: This fanfiction centers on a slash pairing between Midoriya Izuku and Todoroki Shouto. When the U.A. students are given a summer vacation, Todoroki is less than excited to go home due to the toxic family environment. Midoriya steps in to offer support, and the story delves into the unhealthy family dynamics of the Todoroki household, with Midoriya’s mother, Inko, being a sweet and supportive presence.
Word Count: 60,000+
Chapters: 1
Status: Complete
04. Deku? I think he’s some pro… by myheadinthecoudsnotcomingdown
Kudos: 25,400+
Summary: This fanfiction explores an alternate universe where All Might never passes on the One For All quirk to Midoriya. Without the quirk, Midoriya relies on his wits and analytical skills to assist the heroes and save the day. The story explores Midoriya’s development as a hero in a world that doesn’t know his full potential.
03. Hero Class Civil Warfare by RogueDruid (Icarius51)
Kudos: 32,300+
Summary: A fanfiction that takes the Villain Midoriya trope to the extreme. In a joint simulation similar to the one in the canon storyline, the U.A. students are divided into heroes and villains. Midoriya is in charge of the villain team, and he takes the role very seriously. In just three days, his leadership makes everyone reconsider the consequences of his potential as a villain.
Word Count: 85,000+
Chapters: 33
Status: Complete
02. Count Your Blessings, Not Your Flaws by PitViperOfDoom
Kudos: 37,800+
Summary: In this fanfiction, Midoriya Izuku and Todoroki Shouto are the central characters. Todoroki, who has trouble expressing his feelings, is thrown for a loop when Midoriya’s attention challenges his own ability to connect. The story takes a humorous and emotional dive into their relationship, with Midoriya possibly being the one to hinder his own happiness.
Word Count: 7,000+
Chapters: 1
Status: Complete
01. Yesterday Upon The Stair by PitViperOfDoom
Kudos: 60,000+
Summary: Sitting at the top of the list is Yesterday Upon The Stair, which tells the story of Midoriya Izuku, born with a quirk that allows him to see dead people. As Izuku navigates life with this unique ability, the narrative weaves a rich and intricate world, filled with supernatural elements and emotional depth. This fanfiction is a massive 424,000+ words long, and with its gripping plot and immersive world-building, it has captured the hearts of fans.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
