Anime Winter 2026 Weekly Ranking January 2nd to January 8th
Jan. 2, 2026
Ranking for anime episodes released Jan. 2, 2026 to Jan. 8, 2026
Happy New Years! Slow start as the start of the year has been busy but more to come!
S: Must Watch
Episodes I believe you must watch or are missing out on.
1. Sentenced to Be a Hero. Ep.1
SUMMARY
Hour long episode, you love to see it!
Let's get this out of the way, this was fantastic. The animation was brilliant, and I love the art style that reminds me of Mushoku Tensei's style. It's great as I believe it allows violence and the terrified expressions to really pop.
On the animation, this episode excelled in making the action have impact. The animation itself felt heavy, like the combat could shake the room I was in just as much as it did the area. As an anime, this was a spectacle, I have no complaints about anything done by Studio Kai, but the story itself also matters.
And so, to begin discussion of some of what we saw this episode, I'd like to say that I like the ideas of this anime so far. Xylo is interesting as he is facing the hero penalty after committing a grave sin, killing a goddess. The hero penalty forces them to be as such, helping keep knights alive and unable to die. Revival does have consequences, I believe we may see some of this in the future.
This episode concentrates on the battle against the 47th demon lord. As Xylo and Dotta are helping, they end up in pocession of a goddess named Teoritta. She awakens, declaring Xylo her knight, but Xylo wants nothing to do with any goddess.
Teoritta follows these two around as they help the knights against the swarms of monsters called Fairie. It seems the Faerie are created by corrupting other animals, or as spawn as we saw with the 47th demon lord who is facing off against a group of knights led by Kivia.
The entire episode is full of awesome action, Xylo is the star in using his abilities and seals to aid in the fight and is a powerhouse by himself. Even he is not powerful enough to beat the demon lord by himself however, and he accepts a accepts a pact with Teoritta after an incredible scene of him taking in the slaughter going in around him. That was jaw dropping.
The pact is created and Xylo beats the demon lord alongside Teoritta, and some help from Dotta's sticky hands. Victory ends with praise for the goddess, but Xylo will receive no such admiration from the knights who seem to hate penal offenders like Xylo.
We end with the trial that made Xylo a hero. It is clear that he was betrayed, though that reason remains a mystery. What is clear is that powers above him erased any record of what went on with Xylo's team at the time to prevent the information of a goddess being corrupted from spreading. A corrupted goddess would be terrifying, but no one believes Xylo. And so, we get the end with him swearing to kill those that betrayed his team.
This was just fantastic from start to finish and I can't wait to watch the rest of this season if the quality remains as it is now. I do hope we see more goddesses, and perhaps even a corrupted one, though that could be saved for deep into the story.
Whatever the case, I absolutely recommend this, 9.5/10
A: Very Good
Good episodes, anime I would recommend to someone looking for something to watch.
2. Digimon Beatbreak. Ep.13
SUMMARY
Five star meeting time baby.
From what I can tell, the five starts each have a an ultimate level digimon. I do hope to see a mega in the second cour, even if as an enemy to show that level of power.
There is talk about a plan at this meeting, but we don't get much other than Kanada being suspicious before returning to the crew for a celebratory feast.
Today's mission focuses on saving a mall from being blown up, but the thing sets off into fireworks before they can defuse it. The bomber is just outside with his accomplice Bombernanimon! Thees two are an excellent duo, it isn't all about power!
With the aid of our champion level partners, the crew succeeds in their mission, but the star of the episode had to be the killer soundtrack during the end of the fight. I was half expecting the battle to go longer so we could get more of it. Well, in a way we do.
Intro, Tactics Team Seven! It's the first meeting and the beef is immediate as they steal the glowing dawn's bounty. I'm sure they are bound to clash again, I'm very interested in seeing what a full 3v3 would look like, and if we can get an ultimate level digimon because of it.
8/10, give us a mega!
B: Good/Solid
3. There was a Cute Girl in the Hero's Party, so I Tried Confessing to Her. Ep.1
SUMMARY
Kudos to the heroes for never giving up, that's what Himmel would do. Still, it was messed up of them for leaving Cecelia in exchange for passage to the demon king, but it does give our main character, Yoki, the chance to shoot his shot.
Unfortunately, even powerful warriors of the demon king are not immune to rejection. Love at first is a powerful force, enough to have given Yoki the will to live. Cecilia offers him the chance to leave the confinement of the demon's castle, and we're off to the human world after some quick mutilation!
We're getting some sprinkles of Isekai here with Yoki being from another world and the usual guild rising, we even get some alluding to issues among the heroes party, delicious. Don't be scared by the initial visions of slop however, Cecelia drops by and gives us the scoop on the politics of the world and how Yoki could come into play within the new amassing of power since the fall of the demon lord.
Of course, Yoki has no desire to be recruited by anyone other than the one he is infatuated by. Those of the heroes group are receiving many offers including marriage proposals. Cecelia has rejected such offers, and Yoki rejects the opportunity to marry her at the mother's offer. This gets him on the mother's good graces, all that is left is to make Cecelia fall for him as well. Keep going for it Yoki!
7ish/10, lord have mercy, Cecilia's mom is hot
4. Chained Soldier Season 2. Ep.0
SUMMARY
Oh yea, you know we're watching this one. Now, the first season had a major issue in that is was animated by a studio that clearly was uncomfortable, or unwilling, to make an actual Ecchi. Passione has taken over however, and if you know some of their work, then I have high hopes for this season.
We're launched into Yuuki's daily life as part of the squad. Although he's great at chores, his abilities to be transformed under Kyouka's command is what keeps him as part of the defense force. Seeing the girls back in action is nice, they're a great team when need be.
While the group is out on the job, we are very blessed with an appearance from best girl, Tenka. I won't explain, if you've seen season one then you understand why she is best girl.
Speaking of season 1, the animation was never the problem. I do believe the animation may be better this season, but what matters is if we're finally allowing this anime to be what it is meant to be, an Ecchi. Well, maybe? This episode had a few moments where my hopes were raised, but that was it for this episode. I'll hold my judgment for now on the matter.
As for the rest of the episode, we get to see the rest of the commanders and most are nice on the eyes. Tenka is number one, but Pilipenko could put up a great case here.
Shuuki attack the meeting headquarters in great numbers. The captains make quick work of this, but it is Ren who displays just how powerful she is by attacking the reason for the attack. This was actually a great scene, the brutality of it shows off the power that stands at the top of the defense force. For anyone who has watched Black Clover, think of the Wizard King showing up to save Asta, this gave off the same insurmountable power.
7/10, the final scene was surprisingly good
C: It's ok/ Fine
These are shows I happen to pick up but struggle to finish. Still watchable, but not without a good break in between episodes.
D: Do Not Recommend
Shows I do not recommend you watch for various issues.
F: Bad
Anime with glaring issues that make them not only difficult to watch, but the watcher angry at times.