Ecchi is one of my the most interesting genres in manga because it’s fun, comedic, and brimming with a sense of whimsy. It’s interesting how often critics of ecchi take it too seriously, when ironically one of the genre’s biggest strengths is that it doesn’t take itself seriously at all. Despite all the racy content and playful chaos, there’s usually more to these stories than meets the eye — especially the series featured on this list.
So what exactly is ecchi? Ecchi manga leans into fan service, innuendos, and intimate themes, but always in a lighthearted, comedic, or playful way. Many of the best ecchi manga recommendations also fall under comedy, so you’ll see some of these pop up on our best comedy manga list too.
Some stories dive deeper into risqué territory, while others just sprinkle in a few fan service moments for laughs. You’ll also find plenty of romantic ecchi manga that balance steamy antics with surprisingly sweet relationships. And even though not every series here is strictly classified as ecchi, many have those unmistakable spicy manga elements that fans love.
Ecchi often blends with other genres — romance, fantasy, action, drama — which means there’s a lot of variety and plenty of wild, memorable series to explore.
That all being said, here are the best ecchi manga you need to check out now!
The Legendary Hero Is Dead! – An Ecchi Fantasy Where a Farmer Becomes the Hero
The Legendary Hero Is Dead! is an action-packed, adventure-filled, and ecchi fantasy manga by Subaruichi that follows Touka, an ordinary farmer in the village of Cheza who dreams of becoming a hero. One day, in a ridiculous twist of fate, he accidentally kills the legendary hero Sion. Panicked and unsure what to do, he buries the body to hide the evidence. The next morning, he wakes up in Sion’s body — and suddenly, his dream of becoming a hero comes true in the most comedic and unexpected way.
This is easily one of the most well-balanced ecchi manga series on this list. It’s set in a rich, medieval-style fantasy world full of demons and larger-than-life threats. The story is packed with well-written backstories that make you genuinely care about the characters. Touka is flawed but lovable, and his awkward fantasies bring plenty of classic ecchi manga moments, while the world itself offers so much more to get lost in. The villains are memorable, the conflict is compelling, and even the side characters are fleshed out in a way that makes the entire cast shine.
Tenjho Tenge – An Over-the-Top Ecchi Action Brawl
Tenjho Tenge is an ecchi action manga series that doesn’t get nearly enough credit and stands as one of Oh! Great’s most underrated works. It was first published in English by CMX, though those volumes are now out of print. The license later moved to Viz, which released the series in 2-in-1 Full Contact Editions, making it much easier to collect.
This is a must-read for fans of over-the-top ecchi manga. That signature intensity can be found throughout Oh! Great’s catalog, but Tenjho Tenge pushes it to the extreme, delivering brutal violence, high-octane battles, and more fanservice than most series in the genre.
As a fighting manga, Tenjho Tenge stands out with its premise. It follows two high school friends, Souichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, who transfer to Toudou Academy with plans to dominate the school by force. However, Toudou is anything but typical—it was founded to teach and blend different martial arts disciplines, and many students possess supernatural abilities like superhuman strength and pyrokinesis. Their path to the top quickly becomes a chaotic challenge.
This manga offers everything expected from a spicy action series, and more. It features some of the most detailed art and dynamic fight scenes in manga, paired with a story that stays engaging from start to finish. For these reasons, Tenjho Tenge ranks among the best ecchi manga recommendations available.
Rosario Vampire – A Monster School Ecchi With Action and Heart
Rosario Vampire is not only one of the best ecchi manga, but also a great vampire series. It has all kinds of monsters, which makes it interesting, with one of the main characters, Moka Akashiya, being a vampire.
It’s set in a world where monsters like vampires, werewolves, and many others exist. A human named Tsukune Aono stumbles into this world and ends up going to school with them, which makes for a story that’s funny but also keeps you hooked.
Moka first takes an interest in Tsukune because of his sweet blood, but their connection grows as things go on. At the start, Rosario Vampire feels like a comedy, but as the stakes get higher and the fights take center stage, it turns more serious. Even then, it doesn’t lose its sense of humor, and there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Rosario Vampire is available as single volumes or in the Rosario Vampire Complete Manga Box Set.
Sankarea Undying Love – A Zombie Romance With Top-Tier Ecchi Moments
Sankarea Undying Love is a unique entry in the ecchi category because it’s one of the few ecchi zombie manga worth picking up. The story follows Chihiro, a guy who’s been obsessed with zombie movies since he was little. But instead of feeling bad for the people trying to survive the zombie apocalypse, he feels bad for the zombie girls they take down.
After his beloved pet dies, he decides to secretly brew a resurrection potion. He’s discovered by Sanka Rea, a popular girl and local heiress whose life isn’t as perfect as it seems. Furuya jokingly suggests she could be his test subject, setting off an original and unexpected story that easily stands out on this list.
It’s also a romantic ecchi manga, despite all the horror elements. The love story is surprisingly sweet, and the interactions between Chihiro and Rea are genuinely adorable. Whether it’s the creepy undertones or the heartwarming romance that draws you in, Sankarea Undying Love is one of the best ecchi manga out there. The ecchi moments are top-notch too.
Air Gear – High-Speed Action With Wild Ecchi Style
Air Gear is a manga series that earns a spot on more than one top list — it’s not only one of the best sports manga released so far, but also one of the best ecchi manga to dive into. For anyone searching for more ecchi manga, Oh! Great’s other works are worth exploring as well.
Air Gear stands out among his series, alongside Tenjo Tenge (also featured here) and Bakemonogatari. While Bakemonogatari isn’t technically an ecchi manga, it still includes moments that nod to the genre. Oh! Great is widely recognized as one of the best manga artists, with some of the most impressive panels and character designs in the medium.
This series is action-packed and full of thrilling scenes, thanks to a premise that follows Itsuki and his dive into the world of Air Treks — an evolved, more intense form of inline skating. Oh! Great is not a creator who follows the idea of “less is more.” Instead, excess is exactly what makes his work shine. Everything in Air Gear, from the fan service to the action, is completely over-the-top, which only adds to the excitement.
Where Air Gear truly stands out is its cast. The series is packed with unique, colorful characters who manage to be both cool and genuinely lovable.
Triage X – Guns, Bikes, and Over-the-Top Ecchi Action
Triage X, from the artist behind Highschool of the Dead (also featured on this list), is another ecchi manga not to be missed. Packed with thrilling action, badass characters, and an arsenal of weapons and motorcycles, Triage X delivers so much yet always leaves you wanting more.
Much like Highschool of the Dead, this series is loaded with fan service and stands out as one of the best-drawn ecchi titles here. Its artwork is one of its strongest points, featuring highly detailed, striking panels that stand among the best in the genre. Beyond the visuals, Triage X also offers a story that keeps things interesting.
The series centers on Mochizuki General Hospital, home to some of the most skilled (and undeniably well-endowed) nurses around. While they spend their days treating patients, after hours they take on a very different kind of mission. Under the direction of the hospital chairman, a select group of staff members and local teens form a team of mercenary assassins, eliminating the “cancers” of society before their corruption can spread.
Triage X delivers action and ecchi at its best. It may get cheesy at times, but that only adds to its charm. For anyone after a manga that’s entertaining and never lets off the gas, Triage X is a must-read.
My Dress Up Darling – A Wholesome Cosplay Romance With Tasteful Ecchi
My Dress Up Darling by Shinichi Fukuda isn’t a full-fledged ecchi manga, but it does include ecchi themes. Thanks to the anime adaptation’s huge success, manga sales have soared — and rightfully so. It’s one of the best manga series to release in recent years. The ecchi moments here are more tasteful than most. They aren’t just tossed in for cheap appeal; they actually serve a purpose, especially with the budding romance at the story’s center. This gives the series a perfect balance of comedic and heartwarming moments.
The story follows Marin Kitagawa, a confident girl who loves to cosplay, and Wakana Gojou, an introverted guy passionate about making hina dolls. When Marin finds Gojou in the school’s sewing room and discovers his talent, she asks him to create her next cosplay outfit. This pulls Gojou far out of his comfort zone and slowly out of his shell.
What makes My Dress Up Darling stand out is that it isn’t just about romance. It’s about people who are passionate about their hobbies and naturally bond over them, with romance growing from that connection. While there’s been some criticism of Marin, with some claiming she’s an idealized version of what men hope for in a girlfriend, she simply comes across as comfortable in her own skin and unbothered by what others think about her or her interests. That’s refreshing, and she feels far more real than many other female characters in anime or manga.
The messages in My Dress Up Darling are beautiful. It constantly encourages believing in yourself and staying true to who you are, no matter what anyone else thinks. Because of that and more, it’s one of the most wholesome and best ecchi manga series on this list.
Monster Musume – A Monster Girl Harem With Comedy and Plenty of Fan Service
Monster Musume by Okayado follows Kimihito Kurusu, a high school student who suddenly finds himself thrown into a world of monster girls after becoming part of a government exchange program. He ends up hosting a wide range of monster girls, including a lamia named Miia, a harpy named Papi, and a centaur named Centorea, all while dealing with his own problems and insecurities. The story may be fairly simple, but it’s executed well.
Monster Musume stands out as one of the best ecchi harem manga available right now, mainly because it takes a different approach by featuring a harem of monster girls instead of human girls like most series. It’s consistently funny, but also manages to get serious at times, especially with its setting in a world where humans and monsters live side by side.
The ecchi moments in Monster Musume are tasteful and thoughtfully woven throughout the chapters. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read with great comedic timing, a fun sense of humor, and a wonderful cast of characters.
History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi – Martial Arts, Comedy, and Light Ecchi
For anyone into martial arts manga as well as ecchi, History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi by Syun Matsuena is a must-read. The story follows Kenichi Shirahama, a kind-hearted boy constantly picked on by his classmates. Tired of being bullied, he decides to get stronger and joins his school’s karate club, only to be targeted yet again by the upperclassmen. That’s when martial artist Miu Furinji steps in and introduces him to Ryozanpaku dojo, where Kenichi meets six masters who take him on as their disciple.
While the premise might sound like many other martial arts manga, this series stands out as one of the most entertaining and enjoyable. Even though Kenichi starts off as a pretty typical underdog, he’s relatable, likable, and hard not to root for. The ecchi moments here are mainly added for comedy, which makes it a fun read. With Kenichi training under six masters, each specializing in a different martial art, the story stays interesting and full of exciting moments.
Tsugumomo – Ecchi Comedy With Surprising Action and Big Payoffs
Tsugumomo by Yoshikadu Hamada follows Kazuya Kagami, who treasures his mother’s memento, “Fukurobi,” above all else. One day he meets the beautiful, kimono-clad Kiriha, and his life changes forever. For certain reasons, she ends up living with him in his room. Alongside Kiriha is Kazuya’s childhood friend Chisato, who loves to meddle in his life, plus an overprotective older sister, a big-breasted priestess, and a stunning sorceress named Kokuyoura who all later find their way to his house. Kazuya suddenly finds himself leading a complicated but fulfilling life surrounded by these beautiful girls.
At first glance, this might sound like a simple, typical ecchi setup, but Tsugumomo has plenty of surprises. It’s packed with ecchi moments added mainly for comedy, yet it offers so much more. The manga is full of action and delivers some of the best, most rewarding twists and turns in the genre.
While the first few volumes move a bit slowly, the later chapters pick up significantly, and the fight scenes are incredible. It’s worth the patience, paying off massively as the story progresses. The artwork is consistently strong, especially during the battles, making this one of the best ecchi manga series to pick up right now.
To Love Ru – Classic Harem Chaos With Aliens and Ecchi Comedy
To Love Ru is a comedy, romance, ecchi, and harem manga by Kentarou Yabuki (Black Cat, Darling in the Franxx) and Saki Hasemi. For those who get into To Love Ru and enjoy it, the continuation series To Love Ru Darkness is a must-read as well.
The story follows Yuuki Rito, an average high school student who’s awkward, shy, and completely hopeless when it comes to confessing his feelings to the girl of his dreams. That all changes when an alien princess on the run suddenly appears in his bathtub.
After a misunderstanding leaves Rito engaged to the beautiful Lala, he’s thrown into the chaos of extraterrestrial politics, rival alien suitors, and nonstop harem antics. The story picks up even more in To Love Ru Darkness, when Lala’s younger sister Momo starts scheming to marry Rito. But this can only happen if he becomes king of their interstellar empire, which would allow him to marry as many women as he wants.
To Love Ru’s biggest strength is its cast of characters, but it’s also simply one of the most fun and entertaining reads on this list. With great comedic timing and a quirky premise, it stands out as one of the best ecchi manga to release to date.
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You – Harem Chaos Turned Up to 100
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You is harem manga taken to the extreme. Not just because the main character, thanks to a mistake by God, has not one but 100 soulmates, but also because it stands out with its unconventional protagonist and endearing cast. This isn’t a typical harem manga with ecchi themes; it’s so much more. The series is packed with outrageous, over-the-top humor that guarantees plenty of laughs, yet it still manages to resonate on a deeper level thanks to how relatable its characters are.
The girls all come with their own insecurities and struggles that feel genuine. Rentaro also isn’t the usual type of main character. There’s nothing creepy about him; he genuinely cares for his girlfriends and appreciates each of them for who they are. He celebrates what makes them unique and sees them as beautiful in their own ways. Watching him try to keep harmony among all these girls is hilarious, but it’s also surprisingly heartwarming.
What stands out even more are the interactions between the girls themselves. Many of them didn’t have close friends before, so seeing them form bonds and open up to the idea that it’s okay to let others in is incredibly satisfying.
There are plenty of ecchi and fan service moments sprinkled throughout the series. While volume 1 keeps it fairly light, these moments pick up in volume 2 and beyond. They’re mostly added for comedy, but somehow still manage to come across as wholesome. There are countless times throughout this manga that it’s hard not to wonder, “What the hell is going on?,” but that’s exactly what gives The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You its undeniable charm.
High School DxD – A Devilish Mix of Battles, Humor, and Ecchi
High School DxD is the manga adaptation of the popular light novel series. It follows Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student who ends up entangled with Rias Gremory, a high-class devil he inadvertently signs a contract with. From that point on, Issei’s life grows far more complicated, especially now that he’s become a pawn in the ongoing war between demons, angels, and fallen angels.
High School DxD stands out as one of the best ecchi manga around. While the manga has some differences from the light novel and moves at a slightly faster pace, it still is an entertaining read. It features a great cast of characters, an engaging plot full of battles between demons, fallen angels, and angels, a strong sense of humor, and a well-balanced mix of action and ecchi elements. The art style and fight scenes in High School DxD are also top-notch, making it well worth picking up.
Gantz – Dark Sci-Fi with Ecchi and Gore
While Gantz leans more into erotica, it often feels like an ecchi manga, though with a much darker edge. Unlike other ecchi series that keep things fun and lighthearted, Gantz is intense and unflinching. Much of its appeal comes from being pure, relentless entertainment, making it a fast-paced read that’s hard to put down.
Because of its speed, some elements aren’t fully fleshed out, but that seems intentional. These characters are caught in a situation where they never know when they’ll be pulled back into the Gantz room. Where their lives were once slow and predictable, everything now feels like a runaway train, constantly on the verge of spiraling out of control. That unpredictability keeps the story gripping, with tension around every corner.
The panels in Gantz practically burst off the page. Explosions boom, giant alien feet crash into the ground, buildings collapse, and weapons roar — all so vividly drawn it almost feels cinematic. It’s easy to sense Oku’s love of film here, paying homage to the movies that clearly inspired him. Out of all manga, Gantz arguably has the most blockbuster potential.
Even with all its blood and gore, Gantz isn’t without heart. While much of it delivers a pure adrenaline rush, there are moments that hit hard emotionally, scenes that can bring tears, moments that spark awe, and small interactions that genuinely touch on deeper connections.
It stands out as one of the best sci-fi manga with ecchi themes to pick up. While the original Dark Horse singles are out of print, the series is now being released in omnibus editions.
Highschool of the Dead – Ecchi Zombie Survival
Highschool of the Dead blends zombie horror and ecchi in a way that feels effortless, making it the best of both worlds. The series was first released in English as singles, but the Full Color Editions from Yen Press are the best way to experience it. Seeing Shouji Sato’s incredibly detailed panels in full color adds a whole new layer to the story.
For those new to Highschool of the Dead, it follows a group of high school students working together to survive the zombie apocalypse and all the obstacles that come with their terrifying new reality. It takes a close look at how these teenagers quickly adapt to the circumstances and how this dangerous world shapes who they become.
Naturally, a situation like a zombie outbreak brings out both the best and worst in people. Highschool of the Dead does an excellent job showing how such events push people to either come together and rise above the chaos or sink deeper into darkness. More than anything, it explores the gray areas where most of these characters exist, making it just as much about human nature as it is about surviving the undead.
Darling in the Franxx – Mecha and Ecchi With Real Weight
Darling in the Franxx is a manga adaptation of the anime, set in a divergent timeline. Created by Code:000 and illustrated by Kentaro Yabuki (To Love Ru, Black Cat), it’s backed by an impressive team that delivers both story and visuals.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, humanity now lives in mobile fortress cities called Plantations. Children are raised apart from adults and trained to protect humanity by piloting Franxx — humanoid robots used to fight giant creatures known as Klaxosaurs.
This series stands out for blending mecha and ecchi. The fan service feels natural to the story, never forced, and Yabuki’s detailed art makes the ecchi moments top-notch. Beyond that, Darling in the Franxx has real substance, exploring how young pilots are used by adults to protect society, similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion and Iron-Blooded Orphans.
Seven Seas is currently releasing the manga in 2-in-1 omnibuses, making it easy to collect.
Food Wars – Over-the-Top Cooking Battles and Ecchi Comedy
Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma takes the concept of a foodgasm to a whole new level. In this world, a single bite of incredible food can send someone into such bliss that their clothes practically explode off. It’s over-the-top, comedic, and dramatic all at once.
The story follows students at an elite cooking school who face off in Shokugeki — intense, one-on-one cooking battles — to prove who’s truly the best. It’s a clever way to make cooking high-stakes and thrilling, blending adrenaline-pumping challenges with a tournament-style format.
Food Wars is undeniably spicy, packed with ecchi moments, but it’s sweet too, thanks to the character dynamics and their relationships. It’s also one of the funniest manga out there, guaranteed to get a laugh.
Sun-Ken Rock – Seinen Grit With Wild Ecchi and Stunning Art
Sun-Ken Rock is a series by Boichi, best known as the artist behind Dr. Stone. Alongside Riichiro Inagaki, the writer of Dr. Stone and Eyeshield 21, Boichi has worked on several standout series worth exploring. While Sun-Ken Rock has yet to be officially released in English, it remains a fan favorite and deserves a proper translation.
The story follows Ken, an orphan whose family ties to the Yakuza left him growing up as a high school delinquent who loved picking fights. Though he seems directionless, he’s driven by one clear motivation: his classmate Yumi, who he’s completely fallen for.
When Yumi moves to Korea to become a police officer, Ken follows her. Through a series of unexpected events, he ends up leading a local gang, which eventually becomes the Sun-Ken Rock Group. He’s forced to keep this double life hidden from Yumi while still trying to win her heart.
The art and character designs in Sun-Ken Rock are stunning, exactly what’s come to be expected from Boichi. No matter the genre, his work stands out, but it truly shines in more mature, seinen stories like this one. It’s easily among the best seinen manga with ecchi elements, combining intense action, striking visuals, and moments that push boundaries.
Prison School – Outrageous Ecchi Comedy With Unmatched Art
Prison School by Akira Hiramoto is one of those series that’s impossible not to love — it’s also easily one of the most hilarious manga out there. It’s meant to be outrageous and absolutely doesn’t take itself seriously, which is exactly what makes it so entertaining. Going in with that mindset makes the ride even better.
The story follows five boys who enroll at an all-girls boarding school. At first, they’re thrilled by the situation, until they’re caught peeping and punished in ways they never expected.
Prison School might be shocking for readers new to ecchi since it’s far more graphic than most series in the genre. But for anyone with a strong sense of humor, it’s an experience not to miss. It also stands as one of the best ecchi manga ever released, paired with some of the most impressive artwork in not just ecchi, but manga as a whole.
Hiramoto’s realistic, highly detailed art style sets him apart, and he’s a master at balancing absurd comedy with sharp dramatic moments. Some might see his stories as over-the-top, but that’s exactly what gives them so much charm. Prison School is the kind of series that will have readers constantly asking, “What the hell am I reading?” — but it’s impossible to put down.
Fans of Prison School may also want to check out RaW Hero, another ecchi manga by Akira Hiramoto.
GTO – Ecchi Comedy With Heart and Life Lessons
GTO or Great Teacher Onizuka by Toru Fujisawa is arguably the best ecchi manga, and even beyond that, one of the best manga of all time. It’s an absolute classic that still holds up today, going toe-to-toe with newer series despite its age. Many ‘90s titles have done the same, including Initial D by Shuichi Shigeno.
The story follows Eikichi Onizuka, a former gang member turned teacher. Rough around the edges and often brash, Onizuka is determined to win over his class of delinquents — students who are notoriously difficult to reach, let alone impress. Through his unorthodox teaching style, he manages to connect with them on a deeper level, earning their trust and respect one by one.
GTO is as funny as it is inspiring. It’s a testament to how a series with a simple premise can be just as, if not more, impactful than something overly complex. More than anything, GTO has heart, making it one of the most wholesome ecchi manga ever released. While the original singles are out of print, it’s a series that absolutely deserves a reprint.
Ecchi manga might seem all about fan service at first, but there’s way more to it. These stories are fun, a little wild, and sometimes even pretty heartfelt. If you’ve been on the fence about the genre, hopefully this list shows why it’s worth checking out.
Want more? Be sure to look at the best seinen manga guide for even more amazing series, especially if you like stories that go a little deeper.
