10 must-see animations if you want to be declared a hero

Winter 2026 has given fans several great anime to enjoy. Shows like Frieren and Jujutsu Kaisen stayed on every fan's weekly watch list. Oshi no Ko and Hell's Paradise also received notable attention. Among these big names Sentenced to become a hero He left a solid first impression in front of his fans.

The anime's great animation, engaging plot, and interesting characters gave fans a lot to look forward to. However, with the first season of the anime ending soon, it will be a while before we see more of Xylo's journey. While they wait, these 10 similar animations will keep them equally entertained. Each anime shares similarities with Sentenced To Be A Hero in terms of plot or theme.

relevant

The best must-have animation for solo leveling fans

If you're a fan of solo leveling, check out other action-packed anime that share similar themes and characters.

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works is the story of legendary warriors from the past being summoned to participate in the Holy Grail War. Every major character summons some type of warrior to support them in battle, defend them, and fight alongside them. Plot-wise, it's very different from being sentenced to become a hero. The concept of a summoned warrior is similar to that of a goddess.

Goddesses aid the knights, as do summoned warriors. They often have unique and powerful abilities and skills that make them an overwhelming force in battle. This can already be seen in Episode 1, where the sword goddess Theorita summons a considerable number of swords to aid Xylo.

Then I was reincarnated with a smile

At that time, I was reincarnated as a slime.

That Time I Was Reincarnated has become a long-loved series today. This is an isekai where a middle-aged man is stabbed and then turns into slime and is reincarnated into a new magical world. After befriending an almighty dragon, he sets off on a journey to understand the world and help others.

On the surface, Rimuru's story doesn't seem to be remotely close to Xylo's. But as the anime continues, similarities begin to emerge. Both anime have religious institutions working in the background for their own benefit. These agencies manipulate various organizations to serve their own needs and undermine any perceived threat to their power.

a cautious hero

Cautious Hero is a comedic fantasy in which the protagonist rarely faces real danger. But on the other hand, Sentenced To Be A Hero has a very serious tone, with people's lives often being put at risk. Despite these fundamental differences, the two share similarities in their main duo.

In Sentenced To Be A Hero, Xylo is accompanied by a goddess-like figure named Teoritta. Likewise, in Cautious Hero, Seiya is accompanied by a goddess named Ristarte. Both main characters are quiet and mostly let their actions do the talking. While the goddesses cheerfully and seriously guide their respective heroes. Additionally, a hero's attitude is greatly influenced by his past.

attack on titan

Attack on Titan is probably one of the most popular anime of the last decade. With a very diverse plot and cast, there are many elements that will make this a great watch for fans of Condemned to Become a Hero. First, the theme of discrimination is present in both anime. In Attack on Titan, the Eldians are ignored by the rest of the world. Likewise, heroes like Xylo are immediately dismissed without any further thought.

Additionally, just as Marley often views warrior units as mere tools/weapons, the Church treats goddesses the same way. They were willing to abandon Teorita if she proved useless to them. Eren and Xylo also share similar feelings of seeking revenge on something or someone.

The executioner and her way of life

Despite the obvious differences in plot, both anime are thematically similar. In The Executioner and Her Way of Life, heroes are summoned from another world by royalty. However, because of the disasters they caused in the past, they are considered a threat by the church and are executed. Both anime hate their heroes. Additionally, the appearance of a threatening hero is similar to that of a fairy threatening the world.

Reply: zero

Subaru's story begins with him being transported to a fantasy world. A mysterious girl helps him, and he ends up making a request to her. But when two people are tragically murdered, he goes back in time to solve the problem. Although there are distinct differences, Xylo and the other heroes have similar powers.

Even if they die, they don't die. Instead, they are resurrected and forced to continue the hero's difficult life. But this power comes at a cost, as Xylo suggests in Episode 1. They lose a part of themselves each time they are reborn. Eventually they lose their mind and identity.

Kill Akame!

Akame ga Kill's Night Raid is an assassination squad rebelling against the ruling party. Despite their righteous intentions, they are portrayed as dangerous and evil. Likewise, a hero is an individual who receives the hero penalty. Society sees them as the worst criminals, but in reality, they are just individuals who pose a threat to the church.

The Church places these individuals in dangerous situations to protect itself. The two anime also share some tragic character deaths. The morality and righteousness of the protagonists, who initially appear to be villains, lead to a change of heart in the various characters they interact with.

86

The world of 1986 contains stories of discrimination, identity, and war. Similar to hero sentencing, the ruling party enforces propaganda at the expense of some people. These men were sent to war with little regard for their own lives. Both anime are closer to the truth and also have characters who directly cooperate with the discriminated against. In 86, that character is Vladilena Milize, and the character sentenced to become a hero is Patausche Kivia.

hell's paradise

Hell in Paradise depicts the story of Gabimaru, who has lived a life of crime. His hopes for death are interrupted when he joins other criminals on a mission to forgive them for their sins. Both protagonists are haunted by their past actions, compared to their condemnation to become heroes. They seem unfazed by death. There is an element of immortality, and the ‘criminals’ are used as tools to achieve greater ends.

Resurrection of the Shield Hero

Rising of the Shield Hero is the best anime to watch after finishing Sentenced to Be a Hero. Both shows have protagonists who are seen as villains around the world. They are trapped in a situation where they must fight for those they despise, but eventually they hope to break through this facade and seek revenge for the wrongs they have faced. They also have close colleagues who see them for who they are and support them. Xylo's protective and growing care for Teoritta is also similar to Naofumi's care for Raphtalia.