Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Whether Princess Knight (also known as Ribbon no Kishi) is “finished” depends on which version you are watching. The series has seen multiple adaptations over the decades, including a classic 1967 series and a 1999 version. While the core story based on Osamu Tezuka’s original work provides a conclusion, the franchise is far from dormant.
If you are looking for the most current content, keep your eyes on 2026. Netflix and Twin Engine are producing a new anime film titled Ribbon Hero, based on Princess Knight, which is scheduled for debut on August 8, 2026. Because there are multiple manga sequels and retellings, those who want the absolute complete story may find that the anime alone only scratches the surface of the available lore.
If you want to dive deeper into the origins of this story, you can buy the Princess Knight manga to see how the source material compares to the animations.
What is Princess Knight About?#
Princess Knight is a blend of adventure and fantasy that draws heavily on the atmosphere of fairy tales. One of its most distinctive themes is crossdressing, weaving a narrative that challenges traditional roles within a fantastical setting.
This series is best suited for viewers who:
- Enjoy classic, foundational anime and manga.
- Are fans of fairy-tale-inspired world-building.
- Appreciate themes of identity and adventure.
Because of its status as a timeless classic, you can often find Princess Knight merchandise to commemorate your journey through this magical kingdom.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Navigating the Princess Knight universe can be tricky because of the gap between the original manga and its various adaptations. You can refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual breakdown, but here are our recommended paths:
The Release Order#
For those who want to experience the franchise as the world did, follow the chronological release of the animation:
- Princess Knight (1967 Anime)
- Princess Knight (1999 Anime)
- Ribbon Hero (Upcoming 2026 Anime Film)
The Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of the puzzle, including the written works and alternate takes, we recommend this path:
- Princess Knight (Original Manga, 1953)
- Princess Knight (1967 Anime)
- Twin Knights (Sequel Manga)
- Princess Knight (1999 Anime)
- Re:Born: The Masked Man and Princess Knight (Alternate Retelling Manga)
- Ribbon Hero (2026 Anime Film)
The “Source First” Order#
For viewers who don’t mind reading to get the full context before watching, start with the original manga and its sequel, Twin Knights, before moving into the anime adaptations. This ensures you have the full narrative arc before seeing the stylized versions on screen.
If you’re looking for a place to start streaming, you can watch the anime on Prime Video (available via Crunchyroll collaborations in some regions).
Useful Tips for New Viewers#
- Alternative Titles: When searching for the series, you might see it listed as Ribbon no Kishi, La Princesa Caballero, or Princesse Saphir. These are all the same beloved story!
- Modern Accessibility: In recent years, the series has become more accessible through platforms like RetroCrush and Funimation, making it easier than ever to catch up before the 2026 film arrives.
If you find our research helpful in deciding what to watch, consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep the blog running!
Princess Knight • manga • 1953-01 to 1956-01 (Shoujo Club)
└─(adaptation)→ Princess Knight • anime • 1967-04-02 to 1968-04-07
└─(adaptation)→ Princess Knight • anime • 1999-12-04
└─(sequel)→ Twin Knights • manga • 1958-01 to 1959-06 (serialized in Nakayoshi as "Ribbon no Kishi")
└─(adaptation)→ Ribbon Hero • anime • 2026-08-08
└─(alternate retelling)→ Re:Born: The Masked Man and Princess Knight • manga • 2013-07-19 to 2014-10-10 (serialized in Puratto Home)
