“Princess Utena becomes a duelist to rescue Rose Bride Anthy, guided by a childhood prince's promise.”
Revolutionary Girl Utena
少女革命ウテナ
Would You Love or Hate This?
AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Princess Utena becomes a duelist to rescue Rose Bride Anthy, guided by a childhood prince's promise.
Years ago, a tragic incident befell a young princess when both her parents died. Devastated, it seemed nothing would calm this poor soul. However, a prince traveling through the area came to see the princess, hoping to cheer her up. After wiping her sorrowful tears, the prince gave her a ring carrying a rose emblem and told her as long as she holds onto the ring, they are destined to meet again. The event leaves a deep impression on the girl, Utena Tenjou, leading her to become a prince herself. Years later, Utena attends Ootori Academy, recognized by the same rose emblem as her precious ring's. There, attracted by the scent of roses, she witnesses Anthy Himemiya tending the flowers, accompanied by the Student Council President Touga Kiryuu and Vice President Kyouichi Saionji, who seem to be arguing over Anthy. While Utena thinks nothing of the occurrence, the Student Council gathers to discuss an important matter. Subsequently, a misunderstanding leads to Utena being dragged into the world of Duelists—those with rings similar to her own. The Duelists fight for the ownership of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, who is said to possess great power. Wanting to prove her capabilities as a prince, and enraged that Anthy is being wronged and objectified, Utena resolves to fight against the Duelists to save her from the cruel fate.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 102 sampled reviews
What 102 viewers settled on.
Polarized
σ 2.21 · split reception
5.8 pts
Recommenders 9.0 · others 3.2
↓ 1.95
Running avg · Aug 2007 → Dec 2025
- 10 “Beautiful anime with a really interesting and complex story and lots of good characters!! The show is so well thought out and perfect in every way. And the feminist message!!!!! My favorite thing...”
- 10 “As this is my first 1990's anime, I am glad it is. The story was full of metaphors and symbols that you would not get until you rewatching it. The story is a strong point for each act had something...”
- 10 “One of the best animes ever written, no joke. This is an abstract anime, which may not be for everyone, it's a love letter to adolescence and growing up. I love how three-dimensional all characters...”
Watch Order & Related
Explore the Revolutionary Girl Utena universe
Cast
See all →Trailers & videos
See all →Gallery
See all →If you stay for this, you'll stay for these
See all →The community pairs this with
See all →Made by
See all credits →Production slate
- Format 39 × 23′ eps × min
- Total runtime 14h 57m all episodes
- Aired Apr 1997 – Dec 1997 Spring 1997
- Source Tv media type
- Rated PG 13 - Teens 13 or older
- Ref. BS-0413 catalog
Produced by
- TV Tokyo Producer
- Yomiko Advertising Producer
- SoftX Producer
- Audio Tanaka Producer
Licensed by
- Nozomi Entertainment Licensor
- Central Park Media Licensor