Top Action Anime Picks After My Hero Academia S8

When the latest season of My Hero Academia wraps up, plenty of fans will be on the hunt for something new to fill the gap. While some folks reckon superhero stories are getting a bit tired, this anime has shown there’s still plenty of life in the genre. The tale follows Izuku Midoriya, a determined bloke who’s always wanted a superpower—known as a ‘quirk’—in a world where nearly everyone’s got one. After scoring the abilities of his idol, All Might, Midoriya heads off to UA High to train up as a hero. Over eight seasons, the show’s become a standout, poking fun at superhero tropes with sharp animation and clever storytelling.

If you’re keen for more action and a bit of that school setting, here are ten cracking anime series to check out once you’ve finished My Hero Academia’s eighth season.

Heroes, Sorcerers, and Unlikely Champions

First up is Tiger & Bunny, which actually beat My Hero Academia to the punch with its world of heroes chasing sponsorships on a reality TV show. The cast is a bit older, and the dynamic between the main duo will remind you of Midoriya and Bakugo’s back-and-forth.

Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori as he learns the ropes of jujutsu sorcery to deal with a demon living inside him. It’s known for its gritty, intense battles and has earned heaps of praise, with a third season on the way.

Blue Exorcist centres on Rin Okumura, who’s got the unenviable title of Satan’s son. He trains at a school for exorcists, aiming to take down his old man. It’s a bit darker than My Hero Academia but still focuses on students and their struggles.

Rivalries, Training, and Unusual Schools

Hunter x Hunter tracks Gon and his mates as they tackle the Hunter Exam. It starts off light but doesn’t shy away from heavier themes, echoing some of the emotional beats you’ll find in My Hero Academia.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles introduces Mash Burnedead, a bloke with no magic in a world where it’s everything. He gets by on sheer muscle and a deadpan attitude, offering a different take from Midoriya’s earnestness.

Black Clover is all about Asta, who’s born without magic but finds a way to power up and sets his sights on becoming the Wizard King. His rivalry with Yuno will feel familiar to anyone who’s watched Midoriya and Bakugo go at it.

Unconventional Teachers and Superpowered Worlds

Assassination Classroom flips the script, with students training to take out their alien teacher before he blows up the planet. The set-up is wild, and the fight scenes are anything but ordinary.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has smashed records with its story of a young swordsman battling demons. The animation is top-notch, and the focus on mateship and community is strong throughout.

One-Punch Man stars Saitama, who’s so powerful he ends every fight with a single punch, leaving him bored out of his mind. It takes the mickey out of superhero stories in its own way, but you’ll spot some familiar themes.

Rounding out the list is the 2011 X-Men anime, which brings Marvel’s mutants to Japan with a fresh style. It shines a light on some lesser-known characters and gives the classic story a new spin.

If you’re after more recommendations, keep an eye out for the latest releases and guides to classic series.