Even though it’s only just begun, one new anime is already being called the best of the year. The Winter 2026 anime season is looking particularly strong, with returning favorites like Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, and Hell’s Paradise Season 2. With so much attention on these established series, it would be easy for a new show to get lost in the crowd. But one recent debut has quickly risen above the rest, quickly becoming a top pick for the best new anime of the year.
I’ve been following the new anime Sentenced to Be a Hero, which is adapted from a popular web novel. It started airing on January 3rd, 2026, with a longer-than-usual first episode, and it’s really taken off! Fans are loving it – it currently has a 9.3 rating on IMDb and that number keeps going up. What’s impressive is it’s gaining popularity based on its strong production and captivating story, not through any shock value or trends. From the very beginning, Sentenced to Be a Hero stands out with its fresh and interesting spin on the classic hero story.
Sentenced to Be a Hero Proves to Be a Compelling New Anime From the Get-Go
Great animation is key to grabbing viewers’ attention in anime, and the first episode of Sentenced to Be a Hero immediately stands out as visually stunning – possibly the best work yet from Studio Kai. The consistently high-quality animation is enhanced by a perfectly matched soundtrack. But beautiful visuals aren’t enough; a good story is crucial too, and Sentenced to Be a Hero delivers. The story takes place in a world overrun by monsters and demons.
In a world protected by magically-powered Holy Knights, we meet Xylo Forbartz, a character who challenges the very definition of a hero. Here, the title of ‘hero’ is given to criminals—individuals cursed with eternal life and compelled to serve society. This unusual concept immediately grabs your attention, and as you watch Xylo’s genuinely heroic actions, you’re left wondering why he’s been branded a criminal in the first place.
As the story unfolds, exciting events and impressive fight scenes gradually reveal more about the world. The idea of goddesses giving power to knights becomes a key part of the plot, especially when Xylo becomes connected to a new goddess. This new power allows him to rebel against the Holy Knights, and a surprising reveal proves he was wrongly accused of his crimes. By the episode’s end, the series sets up a strong revenge story with a hero who is truly admirable. With its excellent story and animation quality, Sentenced to Be a Hero is shaping up to be one of the best anime of 2026 – if it keeps up this pace, it could easily become the top new series of the year.
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2026-01-05 16:22