10 Best Ecchi Anime of All Time

Anime has always been a world of diverse genres, and among them, ecchi stands out for its playful, cheeky, and often risqué elements. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, ecchi anime has its own charm that draws a dedicated fan base, and over the years, several have risen to prominence as the best of the best. In this article, we’ll delve into the most iconic ecchi anime titles of all time, ranked for your convenience. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned fan, there’s something here for everyone.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated on October 10, 2023, to include the latest releases and seasons in ecchi anime.

1. ‘Food Wars: Shokugeki No Soma’

At the heart of “Food Wars: Shokugeki No Soma” is the fierce culinary battleground known as Totsuki Culinary Academy. Soma Yukihira, a talented young chef with aspirations to surpass his father’s culinary skills, enrolls in this prestigious academy, only to find himself in the middle of intense cooking duels known as “shokugeki.”

With its vivid portrayal of ingredients and innovative recipes, the anime masterfully combines the art of cooking with competitive drama. The depiction of food is so tantalizingly detailed that viewers can almost taste the dishes, accompanied by exaggerated, often sensual reactions of characters when they taste a dish.

What makes “Food Wars” stand out in the realm of ecchi anime is its ingenious blend of culinary arts with the ecchi genre. Instead of relying purely on suggestive content, it utilizes the passion and intensity of cooking to create moments that are both titillating and relevant to the story. The dishes, often metaphorically likened to the characters’ emotions and growth, form the crux of the ecchi appeal, making it a truly unique experience for fans of the genre.

2. ‘High School DxD’

Issei Hyoudou’s life takes an unexpected turn in “High School DxD.” The once normal high school student is killed by his first date, only to be resurrected as a devil by Rias Gremory, a beautiful devil who also happens to be his senior. As Issei navigates the complexities of the underworld and deals with the challenges of being a devil, he’s also surrounded by a bevy of beauties, leading to numerous ecchi moments.

“High School DxD” is not just another ecchi anime. It masterfully blends its ecchi content with strong plot development, character arcs, and intense battles. While the anime is undeniably abundant in fanservice, it does not sacrifice its storyline for mere titillation. The well-structured narrative, interspersed with the perfectly timed ecchi scenes, makes it an absolute delight for those seeking a deeper story alongside their ecchi content.

3. ‘Seitokai Yakuindomo’

Ousai Academy’s shift from an all-girls school to a co-ed institution sets the stage for “Seitokai Yakuindomo.” Takatoshi Tsuda, who joins the school looking for a normal high school life, unexpectedly becomes the vice president of the student council. His daily life, surrounded by unique and quirky female student council members, becomes a series of comedic events primarily centered on sexual innuendos and misunderstandings.

The charm of “Seitokai Yakuindomo” as an ecchi anime lies in its wit and humor. Instead of focusing on visual ecchi content, the series employs verbal jokes and innuendos, making it distinctively hilarious. It’s a testament to the fact that ecchi doesn’t always need to be visually suggestive; sometimes, clever dialogue can be just as impactful. This blend of smart humor with light ecchi elements positions it as one of the genre’s must-watches.

4. ‘Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai’

Also known as “Haganai,” “Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai” revolves around Kodaka Hasegawa, who, due to his intimidating looks, finds it hard to make friends. When he crosses paths with Yozora Mikazuki, another loner, they decide to form the “Neighbor’s Club” with the sole objective of learning social skills and making friends. As more eccentric members join the club, the dynamics lead to numerous hilarious and ecchi moments.

The beauty of “Haganai” in the ecchi landscape is its portrayal of genuine human relationships infused with light-hearted ecchi content. The anime beautifully showcases the awkwardness and challenges of teenage relationships, making it relatable to many. Its ecchi scenes are woven naturally into the narrative, serving as a reflection of the characters’ struggles and growth rather than mere fanservice. With its heartwarming moments and genuine portrayal of friendship, it stands out as a top contender in the ecchi category.

5. ‘Prison School’

Set in Hachimitsu Academy, which was once an all-girls high school, “Prison School” follows five boys who are among the first male students to enroll. When these boys attempt to spy on their female classmates, they’re caught and sentenced to the school’s underground prison. As they serve their time, they undergo a series of rigorous, often humiliating punishments administered by the powerful student council’s Underground Student Council. Each episode is filled with comedic moments, often tipping into the realm of the risqué.

The unapologetic embrace of its genre solidifies “Prison School” in the ecchi Hall of fame. While it’s brimming with fanservice and overtly sexual humor, the anime’s strength lies in its impeccable comedic timing and over-the-top scenarios. It doesn’t shy away from its ecchi roots but instead celebrates them, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre who also appreciate comedy.

6. ‘Fairy Tail’

At its core, “Fairy Tail” is an epic tale of wizards, dragons, and the power of friendship. Following Natsu Dragneel and his companions from the Fairy Tail guild, the anime encompasses thrilling battles, magical adventures, and the challenges and triumphs of camaraderie. While primarily an action-adventure series, “Fairy Tail” does incorporate ecchi moments, especially with characters like Lucy and her celestial spirits.

The reason “Fairy Tail” is regarded among the best ecchi anime isn’t because of the sheer quantity of ecchi content but because of its seamless integration. Often light-hearted and comedic, these moments fit naturally into the broader storyline. They provide levity during intense arcs and endear the characters further to the audience. In “Fairy Tail,” ecchi isn’t just for titillation – it adds depth and dimension to a richly woven narrative.

7. ‘Shinmai Maou no Testament’

The life of Basara Toujou takes a sudden turn in “Shinmai Maou no Testament.” After his father remarries, Basara is surprised to find himself with two new stepsisters. However, he soon discovers that his siblings are actually members of the demon clan, setting the stage for a series of supernatural conflicts and ecchi scenarios.

“Shinmai Maou no Testament” is not your regular ecchi anime. While it does have a generous amount of fanservice, the anime also delivers a solid plot, engaging battles, and intricate character dynamics. The relationship between Basara and his stepsisters provides much of the ecchi content, but it also serves as a foundation for character growth and development. This perfect blend of action, drama, and ecchi makes it a notable mention in the genre.

8. ‘Kuzu no Honkai’

“Kuzu no Honkai,” also known as “Scum’s Wish,” delves into the intricate web of unrequited love. It tells the story of Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya, two students who share a painful secret: they’re both in love with someone they can’t have. To cope, they form a pact to provide each other with solace, leading to intimate moments filled with pain and longing.

“Kuzu no Honkai” stands out for its emotional depth among ecchi titles. Instead of focusing on light-hearted fanservice, the anime uses its ecchi elements to portray its characters’ raw pain and vulnerability. The intimate scenes are not merely for visual appeal; they serve as a lens into the character’s deepest desires and insecurities. It explores love, loss, and the lengths people go to mask their pain, making it a unique and compelling watch in the ecchi category.

9. ‘To LOVE-Ru’

“To LOVE-Ru” introduces us to the rather ordinary life of Rito Yuki, which takes an unexpected twist when the alien princess Lala Satalin Deviluke teleports into his bathroom. Intent on marrying Rito to avoid a political marriage back on her home planet, Lala’s presence introduces many extraterrestrial challenges, comedic scenarios, and plenty of ecchi moments. As Rito grapples with his growing feelings for Lala and the challenges of extraterrestrial politics, he often finds himself in unintentionally lewd situations with various characters.

The allure of “To LOVE-Ru” in the ecchi realm is its delightful blend of science fiction, comedy, and romantic elements. It’s brimming with classic ecchi situations, often stemming from Lala’s alien technology or the cultural differences between Earth and her planet. The anime does commendably integrate its ecchi content into the story without overshadowing the central plot. Its charm lies in its lighthearted approach to romance and the comedic scenarios in which Rito invariably finds himself, making “To LOVE-Ru” a favorite among ecchi enthusiasts.

10. ‘Kiss X Sis’

Keita Suminoe’s life becomes increasingly complicated in “Kiss X Sis” as he navigates the affections of his two older step-sisters, Ako and Riko. As Keita prepares for his high school entrance exams, he is caught between the romantic and often overtly sensual advances of Ako and Riko. With every episode, viewers are treated to the twins’ unabashed affection towards Keita, resulting in numerous comedic and ecchi situations.

Its bold approach to taboo themes sets “Kiss X Sis” apart in the ecchi genre. The series does not shy away from exploring the complicated emotions and physical attractions between the step-siblings. While the premise may be controversial for some, the anime artfully balances its risqué content with humor and genuine character development. The portrayal of Ako and Riko, with their contrasting personalities yet shared affection for Keita, adds depth to the narrative. The anime skillfully distinguishes between romance and ecchi, making “Kiss X Sis” a standout in its category.

Have anime to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!