Ecchi by definition is a trashy genre. The term translates to “pervert”. It’s not the most well received genre…
Kill La Kill being a top don and a unique example when it comes to that.
Few Ecchi anime comes close as far as ratings, popularity, success or creativity. It’s an original piece of work.
The genre itself though is seen as bad (especially by outsiders) for a lot of obvious reasons on the surface. But it goes beyond that.
Let’s talk about it.
Ecchi as a genre
Ecchi as a genre is surprisingly better than genres like HAREM. But it can still be considered average across the board.
Why? Because of the clichés and lack of creativity.
It’s a genre that’s a few steps away from Hentai, and can be considered “diet” Hentai without the tentacles and other extremes.
The main themes in Ecchi is:
- Fan service.
- Booty shots.
- Panty shots.
- Tiddies.
- Half naked guys and girls.
- Sexually suggestive.
- Clichés like having a harem or falling into a girls tiddies.
- Dense main characters.
And basically content that appeals to our sexual desires and fantasy. It’s one big strip tease that leaves you wanting more, so to speak.
You can already see from the bullet points why Ecchi as a genre is considered bad by some, and why it lends itself well to SJW’S and outrage.
As much as I enjoy the outrage (remember Uzaki Chan?) there’s a reason why it happens so often.
Moving on…
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Reviews and ratings
It’s not like there aren’t good Ecchi anime I enjoy. There are plenty. And many can say the same thing.
If we wanna get objective and look at the genre from a statistical point of view, it’s not too bad.
Some anime are bottom of the barrel, but some aren’t.
Ecchi shows (on sites like MAL) usually have ratings like:
- 8/10 (barely)
- 7/10
- 6/10
It’s rare to see an Ecchi anime have ratings higher than 8 or 9. In fact I don’t think there’s a single Ecchi with a rating of 9/10.
Some hit the 8 range like Kill La Kill, No Game No Life, Monogatari, etc. Few reach 8 though.
Even though ratings aren’t the holy grail, it’s easy to see why ratings hover around 7/10.
The genre does little to push the boundaries of what “Ecchi” can do, and relies too heavily on clichés, copy n paste protagonists, and textbook comedy.
Not as much as Harem in comparison.
Ecchi as a genre isn’t the problem by itself, it’s the overuse and abuse of tactics and a lack of effort on the creators part.
Too much pandering and not enough thought goes into it at times.
Fan service
This is at the heart of Ecchi. The word is basically short for “erotic” after all. But fan service isn’t inherently bad.
Using an example like Shimoneta, the anime is full of fan service, dirty jokes, perversion, and all types of “extremes”. And yet It’s funny as F.
Fan service is used in context and not at random. And the creators turned it into an art, rather than something to “check off” a list of clichés.
I feel the same way about Kill La Kill, which I’ve already mentioned.
The anime is brilliant with its use of fan service, Ecchi, and other extremes it lays out.
Not once do you watch the anime and think “what’s the point in all of this” because it’s creative, intentional, and unique about the way it does it.
The concept of wearing clothing and how it’s perceived, plus the role of “anime’s charm.
It’s why certain elements of fan service are relevant and needed.
But for the Ecchi genre in general, it seems like its been trapped by its own selling point.
Fan service is the appeal, and yet that’s the same thing that’s held it back because of how it’s used.
Creators, studios, authors and so on have gotten too comfortable with these clichés and usual antics you see in Ecchi.
This is why statistically, the genre is about average. And it’s why Ecchi is “bad” or at least considered bad as a genre.
There’s not enough Ecchi anime trying or doing something new.
I’d say that’s why its become an easy target over the years for cancel culture, SJW’S, and anyone standing on a soapbox to criticize anime as an industry. Usually with a self righteous, pompous attitude about it.
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Characters
Characters in Ecchi are similar to Harem because both genres compliment each other. But…
One stand out element of Ecchi characters is:
- Brainless female characters.
- Dense male characters.
- Air headed girls.
- Basic personality.
And no sign of intelligence, smart characters, or characters with a decent overall profile.
I get it.
It’s Ecchi, so who needs characteristics like these when all you want is some eye candy. But that’s why Kill La Kill’s such a stand out Ecchi anime.
The characters aren’t objects (depending on the anime) but it can be like that with some. I say this because it’s an element that brings down the genre, in the eyes of many.
The lack of variety or the checklist types of characters in Ecchi doesn’t help either (with the genre’s reputation).
Being the “diet” hentai that it is, or I should say “eye candy” type of anime genre, this gives it room to create GREAT characters regardless.
Hentai has less need for creating great characters because of what it represents (I’m sure there’s an argument for that). But in Ecchi, that potential isn’t explored as often as it could be.
Does Ecchi Anime have any “good” points?
- Eye candy.
- Temporary escapism.
- Dumb comedy that gives you a good laugh.
The good points in Ecchi are more about the actual anime than the genre itself. It’s more subjective than other genres for its “good” points.
After all, it’s just fan service, erotic, and things that appeal to sexual desire and fantasy.
What you “take” from it, good or bad, is up to you.
anime isn’t inherently bad, it’s more about where the genre has taken itself thanks to clichés and laziness.
With over 700+ Ecchi anime, there are some diamonds if you look hard enough.
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Recommended Next:
14+ Of The Best Ecchi Anime That Are Worth Considering
20+ Of The Greatest Hentai Anime Series To Help Get Your Fill
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