8 fan service anime with an actual decent plot

Fan service anime has long been a phenomenon in the industry, taking a distinct approach to storytelling and catering to a specific target audience. Several anime fans have criticized these series for their excessively graphic representations.

Nevertheless, despite the heavy focus on s*xual content, some series in this category have managed to present meaningful and respectable themes. This list highlights a few fan service anime that, despite their explicit elements, feature solid plots and have grown in popularity among fans.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s opinions and contains sensitive topics. Reader discretion is advised.

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Sekirei, Prison School, and 6 other fan service anime with decent plot

1) High School DxD

High School DxD is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via TNK)

When discussing fan service, fans often point to the Studio TNK anime series, High School DxD. Known for its large roster of female characters within a harem storyline, the series features numerous scenes with nudity and occasionally explores adult themes.

However, the plot of the series is inspired by the real-life game of chess, with devils, fallen angels, and angels battling among themselves. Furthermore, the anime includes some of the best action sequences, featuring magical power-ups that fans will enjoy, along with a compelling and engaging plot.

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2) High School of the Dead

High School of the Dead is one of the fan service anime that has a decent plot (Image via Madhouse)

The High School of the Dead anime series was adapted from the manga by the late mangaka Daisuke Sato and produced by Studio Madhouse in 2010. While the series was left unfinished by the studio due to the tragic passing of the mangaka, the one season it has is full of adult themes as well as s*xual imagery.

The plot of the series is quite compelling, portraying a group of high school students struggling to survive in a zombie apocalypse. While the adult themes and graphic imagery may seem unnecessary to some, they serve to highlight human nature within the extreme scenario.

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3) Sekirei

Sekirei is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via Seven Arcs)

Sekirei is a classic harem anime produced by Studio Seven Arcs in 2008, featuring multiple scenes of n*dity. The series revolves around a single male protagonist who attracts several female characters, who join him to form a larger group. However, the plot takes a turn when the origins of the girls are revealed.

Musubi and the other girls are actually part of an experiment known as the "Sekirei Plan," which forces them to fight among themselves alongside their Ashikabi partners until only one remains. The anime includes well-choreographed fight sequences and an intriguing narrative that keeps viewers engaged.

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4) My Dress-Up Darling

My Dress-Up Darling is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via CloverWorks)

The My Dress-Up Darling anime series by Studio CloverWorks is one of the most popular shōjo anime series currently. While the series avoids n*dity, it includes subtle fan service imagery, presented more delicately than in many other series on this list.

The story focuses on a shy high schooler obsessed with making Hina dolls, Wakana Gojo, and a popular, energetic cosplayer, Marin Kitagawa. After discovering Gojo’s talents, Marin enlists him to create costumes for her. This collaboration eventually develops into a romantic relationship built on their shared passion for craftsmanship.

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5) Prison School

Prison School is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via J.C. Staff)

The Studio J.C. Staff anime series from 2015, Prison School, is one of the few anime where fan service elements, such as n*dity and explicit imagery, actually serve the plot. While it does not feature excessive graphic content, it includes enough to earn a place on this list.

The story begins when five male students are transferred to the formerly all-girls Hachimitsu Academy. One night, after being caught peeping in the girls' bathroom, they are imprisoned within the school by the ruthless Underground Council. The plot follows the boys’ intense antics and the strategies they use to achieve their freedom.

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6) Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via J.C. Staff)

The Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma series is a fan service anime that gradually sneaks up on its unsuspecting viewers. As the title suggests, the anime is centered entirely on cooking, featuring dramatic animation effects.

However, the series also includes numerous s*xual innuendos that elevate the food-eating scenes to a different level. Despite this, the anime has a solid plot and provides an in-depth visualization of the culinary world.

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7) Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via Trigger)

The Kill la Kill anime series by Studio Trigger is a fan service anime that uses graphic n*dity and s*xualization as a narrative tool, exploring themes of societal views on s*xuality and the empowering aspects of embracing one's body. The story follows Ryuko Matoi, a transfer student seeking her father's killer, who wields half a scissor blade.

During her investigation, Ryuko discovers that Satsuki Kiryuin, the student council president, and her mother, Ragyo, are somehow connected to her father’s death. Ryuko gains her own power through a sentient sailor uniform named Senketsu, and together they fight to uncover the truth and liberate the school.

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8) Kakegurui: Compulsive Gambler

Kakegurui is one of the fan service anime with a decent plot (Image via MAPPA)

While there is no direct n*dity in the series, the Kakegurui anime series features numerous s*xual innuendos and thematic representations, which earn it a spot on this list. The anime revolves around the controversial topic of gambling.

The protagonist, Yumeko Jabami, is a new transfer student at the prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy, where student hierarchy is determined not by academics but by a gambling system. Despite her seemingly normal appearance, Yumeko is addicted to the thrill of high-stakes gambling, causing chaos and upending the established social order.

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Final thoughts

While fan service anime often has the reputation of being entirely focused on s*xualizing characters for a specific audience, the series discussed here offers more than just eye candy. There are many other anime that include explicit content but also demonstrate that s*xuality can be balanced with a compelling plot.

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