get ready to relive the most explosive, emotionally charged, and downright scene-stealing moments from one of anime’s most complex antiheroes. Katsuki Bakugo, the human grenade with a temper to match his Quirk, has never been a background character. Whether he’s blasting his way through battles or silently revealing layers of vulnerability, Bakugo knows how to steal the spotlight in My Hero Academia. These are the top 10 times he did just that.
#10: Bakugo vs. Ochaco Uraraka – U.A. Sports Festival
In a moment that shocked both the audience in-universe and viewers at home, Bakugo faces Ochaco during the U.A. Sports Festival, and instead of holding back, he treats her like a worthy opponent. Many expected a blowout, but what unfolded was a surprisingly nuanced clash. Bakugo’s raw power was on full display, sure, but what really stole the scene was his restraint—yes, restraint—from being the typical bully. He reads Ochaco’s strategy, counters her meteor-style debris attack with explosive precision, and still doesn’t let the crowd’s jeering or her status as a “weak girl” change his fighting style. Bakugo doesn’t condescend; he respects the fight. This moment shattered assumptions about his character. Behind the explosions and shouting, there’s a sense of honor and tactical awareness. Even Midnight and Aizawa defend him for how seriously he took the match. It’s not just about winning—it’s about doing so without underestimating someone, which is a level of growth Bakugo hadn’t shown before. Fans began to see that while he wasn’t a conventional hero, he was certainly more than just a rage-filled rival. The battle helped peel back the first real layer of depth, giving Bakugo a defining early moment as someone who could elevate a scene even when the spotlight wasn’t entirely his.
#9: Winning First Place in the U.A. Entrance Exam
When Bakugo aced the U.A. Entrance Exam, it wasn’t just about scoring the most villain points—it was a declaration of his elite potential. While the anime doesn’t linger long on this flashback, the fact that he outperformed everyone else, including prodigies like Todoroki and Iida, speaks volumes. What makes this a show-stealing moment is how it reframes the narrative. Up to this point, Izuku Midoriya is the scrappy underdog, and Bakugo is the antagonistic hothead. But this win cements Bakugo’s raw talent and killer instinct. He didn’t just scrape by—he demolished the competition with explosive dominance. This detail is easy to forget amid the chaos of later seasons, but it’s crucial to understanding why so many pros and teachers keep an eye on him. He’s not just loud and angry—he’s legitimately one of the most capable students in the entire school. His victory here isn’t just a stat—it’s a foundation for everything that follows. It explains why All Might keeps tabs on him, why the League of Villains wants him, and why his classmates often rally or react so strongly around him. In a world where powers define potential, Bakugo made it clear from day one: he’s a force to be reckoned with. And that force is rarely ignored.
#8: The Rescue Attempt from the League of Villains
When Bakugo is kidnapped by the League of Villains after the forest training camp arc, fans expected him to be rattled or lured to the dark side. What we got instead was peak Bakugo—a stubborn, defiant, grenade-armed symbol of heroism. Chained and surrounded by villains trying to win him over, Bakugo does the most Bakugo thing imaginable: he blasts them with a resounding “HELL NO!” and fights back. It’s a moment of clarity for both the audience and the series. Up until now, some believed Bakugo could easily turn villain with his violent outbursts and ego. But here, his conviction shines. He doesn’t want chaos—he wants to be the best hero. This moment draws a thick line between being aggressive and being evil, and Bakugo stands firmly on the side of good. It also triggers one of the most epic rescue missions in MHA history, involving a covert ops team of Class 1-A students and the dynamic debut of All Might’s United States of Smash. Bakugo’s refusal to give in was the spark that lit that fuse. And for once, he didn’t have to be the strongest in the scene to be the emotional anchor. His presence reminded viewers that heroism isn’t always loud speeches—it’s sometimes just yelling “no” in the face of darkness and refusing to move an inch.
#7: Bakugo’s Emotional Breakdown After All Might’s Retirement
This moment doesn’t involve a battlefield or explosions, but it might be Bakugo’s most powerful scene. After All Might’s climactic fight against All for One and his public retirement, the series shifts to a quieter, more emotional confrontation: Bakugo and Midoriya alone at Ground Beta. What begins as a physical brawl turns into a full-blown emotional breakdown as Bakugo reveals the guilt he’s been carrying. He believes he’s responsible for All Might’s fall—from getting captured by villains to needing rescue. This admission completely rewrites how audiences see him. Bakugo, who usually bottles everything up in explosions and insults, breaks down in tears. Not out of weakness, but because of his burden. The guilt, the expectations, the pressure of being “the best”—it all comes pouring out. And what’s even more impactful is how Midoriya doesn’t win the fight but offers understanding. The moment is raw, deeply human, and a turning point for their relationship. It transforms Bakugo from a rival to a tragic mirror of Midoriya’s struggles. He doesn’t just want to be strong—he wants to protect, to earn admiration, to live up to his idol’s legacy. This moment didn’t just steal the show; it rewired the entire emotional fabric of My Hero Academia.
#6: Bakugo’s Hero Name Reveal – “Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight”
Leave it to Bakugo to choose a name as extra as his personality. When Class 1-A is asked to officially register their hero names, Bakugo refuses—until much later in the series when he finally reveals his self-appointed title: “Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.” It’s absurd, theatrical, and 100% Bakugo. But this moment does more than make fans laugh—it underscores the duality of his character. On the surface, the name screams edgelord energy. But beneath that is someone who cares deeply about how he’s perceived. He wants the world to recognize both his explosive strength and his heroic intent. The fact that he finally chooses a name shows progress. He’s starting to define his identity not just in opposition to Midoriya, but on his own terms. And as silly as the name might sound, it instantly becomes iconic—because it’s his. No one else in Class 1-A could pull off “Dynamight,” and everyone knows it. This was the moment where Bakugo fully stepped into his own as a pro hero-in-training. It made fans laugh, sure, but it also made them proud. He’s no longer just an angry teen with talent—he’s a hero with branding, vision, and personality.
#5: The Joint Training Battle – Bakugo’s Perfect Team Victory
In the joint training arc between Class 1-A and Class 1-B, Bakugo shocks everyone—not by yelling, but by being a competent and caring team leader. Teaming up with Jirou, Sero, and Sato, Bakugo displays a level of strategic thinking and cooperation that no one saw coming. He promises a perfect victory—and delivers. What’s amazing about this battle is how it flips the narrative of Bakugo being a lone wolf. He saves teammates, listens to their suggestions, and coordinates flawlessly. It’s one of the first times he shows he can lead without barking orders or blowing things up for the sake of dominance. He genuinely values his allies, even if he still refuses to admit it with soft words. And in true Bakugo fashion, he does it all while looking like an absolute beast in combat—his mobility, firepower, and adaptability are top-tier. This moment proved that Bakugo isn’t just changing—he’s growing in ways even his teachers weren’t expecting. For a character known for being unpredictable, this might’ve been the biggest twist of all: Bakugo, the team player. A rare, satisfying moment that combined character growth with tactical brilliance.
#4: Bakugo’s Reaction to Deku’s Departure
When Midoriya leaves U.A. to protect his friends from villain attacks, Bakugo’s reaction is more heartfelt than anyone expects. The class initially learns that Deku’s gone via a letter, but Bakugo takes it the hardest. He doesn’t just accept it—he pushes the class to take action. In a speech that’s both explosive and emotional, he admits he understands Deku’s burden and refuses to let him carry it alone. This scene hits hard because it shows just how much Bakugo has changed. He no longer views Midoriya as a rival to crush but as a friend to protect. He rallies the class not out of pride, but out of genuine care. It’s also one of the clearest signs that Bakugo has finally internalized what being a hero really means. It’s not just about power or proving yourself—it’s about standing beside others. His words inspire the entire class to move, and that collective push is what eventually leads them to find Deku again. In a series filled with grand battles, this moment of raw leadership and emotional honesty stood out just as much.
#3: Bakugo’s Apology to Midoriya
It took years, but when Bakugo finally apologizes to Midoriya, it sends emotional shockwaves through the fanbase. This is the same Bakugo who once bullied and belittled Izuku, who refused to acknowledge his growth or efforts. But now, after countless battles and soul-searching, Bakugo bows his head and admits that he was wrong. Not only that—he expresses admiration for Midoriya’s selflessness and acknowledges that he’s been trying to catch up. The apology isn’t just for one moment of cruelty—it’s for years of pain. This is character development at its finest. The scene is quiet, heartfelt, and entirely without flair—which is what makes it even more powerful. For someone like Bakugo, words mean more than explosions. Fans had waited for this emotional catharsis for a long time, and the payoff didn’t disappoint. It was a turning point for their relationship, solidifying a bond of mutual respect and understanding. After this, Bakugo wasn’t just a rival—he was a true friend. This moment didn’t just steal the show; it redefined it.
#2: The Provisional Hero License Exam – Bakugo vs. Todoroki (Unofficial)
Though Bakugo didn’t pass the Provisional Hero License Exam on his first try, he still found a way to make the moment his own. His brief but intense clash with Todoroki during the exam’s aftermath served as a reminder of the simmering tension between these two powerhouses. The fight wasn’t even official, but it gave fans a raw, unfiltered look at Bakugo’s internal conflict. He’s frustrated—not just at the system, but at himself. He’s angry he failed, but more than that, he’s furious that he’s not yet where he wants to be. The tension between Bakugo and Todoroki is rooted in pride, legacy, and unspoken respect. While the clash is short, it encapsulates everything Bakugo is about—passion, drive, and a relentless desire to improve. It also reinforces his complexity. Even in failure, he commands attention. His intensity, combined with the vulnerability just beneath the surface, reminds us why he’s so compelling. This unofficial face-off spoke volumes without needing a full arc to explain it.
#1: Bakugo vs. Midoriya – Training Battle Round 2
The second major battle between Bakugo and Midoriya, during their supervised training under All Might, is a masterclass in character resolution. Unlike their first fight, which was pure chaos, this battle is about emotions, ideologies, and the burden of being chosen. Bakugo confronts Midoriya about One for All—he knows the truth now, and he’s furious. Not just because of the secret, but because he sees Midoriya growing into the kind of hero Bakugo always wanted to be. The fight is explosive, intense, and technically brilliant, but it’s the emotional beats that steal the show. Bakugo finally vocalizes his inferiority complex and self-hatred, admitting he feels responsible for All Might’s fall. Midoriya, in turn, fights not to win, but to reach Bakugo on an emotional level. All Might watches, unable to interfere, knowing this battle is something they both need. It ends in mutual understanding and an unspoken truce. For fans, it was the final evolution of a rivalry that began in childhood. Bakugo doesn’t just win or lose—he transforms. And in doing so, he steals not just the show, but the series’ emotional core.
Bakugo isn’t your typical anime hero. He’s volatile, prideful, and prone to explosions—in more ways than one. But that’s exactly why his journey in My Hero Academia is so compelling. Over time, he’s grown from a one-note rival to one of the most layered and beloved characters in the series. These 10 moments show that when Bakugo steals the show, he doesn’t just dominate the screen with action—he does it with heart, growth, and intensity. Whether he’s screaming mid-fight or finally whispering words of apology, Bakugo proves over and over that he’s not just a blast-happy background character. He’s the soul of the series’ redemption arc—and when he shines, it’s impossible to look away.
