Fire Force has a lot going for it, pyrotechnic superpowers, high-stakes battles, and a fire-fighting crew with surprising depth. But for some viewers, the constant fanservice, especially one running gag involving Tamaki’s “lucky lewd syndrome,” can seriously get in the way of enjoying what’s otherwise a gripping shonen anime.
If you’re one of those fans who love the premise but could do without the oversexualization, you’re not alone. Here are six lesser-known anime that capture the spirit of Fire Force without letting fanservice dominate the screen.
1. Blood Blockade Battlefront (Kekkai Sensen)
Why it works: Urban chaos, wildly creative powers, and a tight-knit crew.
Hell’salem’s Lot is a city where the supernatural blends with the mundane, thanks to a dimensional rift that makes NYC look tame by comparison. The members of Libra, our team of misfit fighters, don’t share a unified power system like Fire Force’s generational pyrokinesis. Instead, each has their own wildly unique ability, often subtle, weird, or highly specific.
Episodes are episodic but constantly creative. The show leans into absurdity with confidence but never loses sight of its core appeal: teamwork, strange powers, and style. And best of all, little to no fanservice.
2. Twin Star Exorcists
Why it works: Magic-based power dynamics, teamwork with destiny, minimal distractions.
Two reluctant heroes, Rokuro and Benio, are paired together as the “Twin Star Exorcists,” destined to defeat monstrous impurities. Sound familiar? That forced partnership blossoms into mutual trust over time, and their strength grows in tandem with their relationship.
Like Fire Force, this anime has clearly defined power rules (based on onmyodo magic), intense battles, and world-threatening stakes. It’s action-heavy but keeps fanservice to a minimum, staying focused on character development and supernatural showdowns.
3. Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange
Why it works: Grounded realism, real-world “powers,” and zero fanservice.
This is what happens when you take the heroism of Fire Force and strip away the fantasy. Firefighter Daigo focuses on elite rescue workers who use training, gear, and raw courage to run into burning buildings. Their superpowers? Discipline and teamwork.
It’s intense in a different way, rooted in reality, but just as thrilling. The lack of supernatural elements doesn’t make it any less edge-of-your-seat, and best of all, there’s no fanservice. Just brave people doing difficult, life-saving work.
4. Undead Unluck
Why it works: Wild abilities, high-concept action, and a growing focus on plot over cheesecake.
At first glance, Undead Unluck might raise some eyebrows. The main duo includes Fuko, who causes disastrous misfortune with a touch, and Andy, who literally cannot die. The early episodes flirt with typical shonen fanservice, Fuko’s powers often trigger by physical contact, but stick around.
As the story progresses, Undead Unluck shifts into a more plot-driven, ensemble-focused series. The introduction of other “Negators,” people who reject aspects of reality like luck or gravity, adds complexity and compelling team dynamics. Early missteps aside, it’s quickly maturing into a smart and action-packed show.
5. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Why it works: A strong, stoic protagonist, a rich world, and zero cheap shots.
Moribito is the most mature entry on this list, and possibly the most underrated. It trades flashy fights for grounded, beautifully animated action, and instead of a hot-headed teen protagonist, we get Balsa, a spear-wielding bodyguard protecting a prince with a mysterious spirit inside him.
The fantasy is subtle, the world-building is top-notch, and the characters are driven by personal motivations instead of destiny clichés. It’s a slower burn, but if you want intelligent storytelling with actual emotional stakes, and none of the exploitative fluff, this one delivers.
6. D.Gray-Man
Why it works: Gothic style, inventive power systems, and consistently low on fanservice.
Set in a dark, post-industrial world, D.Gray-Man introduces exorcists who wield “Innocence,” a mystical substance that grants unique powers, to battle demonic enemies called Akuma. The vibe? Dark fantasy meets intense shonen action.
Every exorcist has a different ability, and they all operate under the Black Order, a global organization not unlike Fire Force’s Special Companies. The team dynamics, mission structure, and serious stakes mirror what Fire Force fans love, but without the same level of visual objectification.
Why Not Just Recommend My Hero Academia or Demon Slayer? Simple: Everyone already knows about them. The post was all about spotlighting underrated titles, shows with loyal fanbases that aren’t constantly dominating the trending tabs. This list goes beyond the usual suspects, giving fans something a little fresher and a little more focused.
