15 Dark Fantasy Anime Where the Queer Characters Survive the Bloodbath

Dark fantasy anime is known for its intense and often tragic storylines, and LGBTQ+ characters are sometimes relegated to harmful tropes or unfortunate endings. However, there are compelling stories where queer characters face challenges in fantastical worlds and ultimately survive. Here are some series that feature LGBTQ+ main characters or significant roles who overcome danger and live to see another day.

‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ (1997)

Utena Tenjou finds herself in a strange dueling world at Ohtori Academy, determined to protect Anthy Himemiya. The story uses these symbolic battles to examine how people can overcome harmful patterns of abuse and control. Utena and Anthy develop a strong connection, rising above the roles assigned to them by powerful, manipulative figures. By the end of the series and film, they manage to escape the damaging atmosphere of the academy, symbolizing their victory over the forces that tried to trap them.

‘The Case Study of Vanitas’ (2021–2022)

Noe, an archivist, journeys to Paris and teams up with a doctor named Vanitas, who believes he can heal vampires. Their partnership is complicated by both friction and a strong connection as they work to break the curse affecting vampires. The series also includes other LGBTQ+ characters, such as Dominique de Sade, who endures dangerous supernatural events. Noe and Vanitas repeatedly rescue each other from both physical danger and emotional turmoil, allowing their intricate relationship to develop despite hints of a dark future.

‘No. 6’ (2011)

Shion and Nezumi first become friends as children and reconnect years later, uncovering widespread corruption in the seemingly perfect city of No. 6. They face danger from a deadly conspiracy involving strange insects and a controlling government, depending on each other to stay alive. The story centers on their growing bond and the difficult choices they make. Nezumi helps Shion flee the city, and together they work to dismantle the barriers between the wealthy and the impoverished. Though the city eventually falls, both Shion and Nezumi survive and promise to find their way back to each other.

‘Otherside Picnic’ (2021)

Sorawo Kamikoshi and Toriko Nishina venture into a perilous alternate world where scary urban legends are real. They use their intelligence and guns to fight off terrifying creatures that twist reality. As they face these dangers together in this strange place called the Otherside, they become close friends. Each life-or-death situation strengthens their bond, and they continue to investigate the mysteries of this world together.

‘High-Rise Invasion’ (2021)

Yuri Honjo is stranded in a dangerous city of skyscrapers and bridges, where masked killers are after her. She joins forces with Mayuko Nise, and the two become very close as they struggle to survive. Mayuko is openly attracted to Yuri and fiercely protects her from the many dangers around them, including both deranged killers and fallen angels. Together, they try to find a way to escape the deadly game they’re trapped in. Both girls make it through the first season and are still committed to finding a way to win.

‘Izetta: The Last Witch’ (2016)

I’ve been following Izetta’s story, and it’s incredible. She’s the last witch, and she dedicated all her magic to protecting Princess Fine and their country, Eylstadt. Their bond is so strong – it’s what pushed Izetta to become even more powerful during the war. They were up against impossible odds, huge armies and other magic users who wanted to tear their nation apart. It was heartbreaking seeing Izetta seemingly sacrifice everything at the end, but she did survive! Though she lost her magic, she finally got to live a peaceful life with Fine after everything was over.

‘Simoun’ (2006)

Aer and Neviril are pilots in a unique society where everyone is born female and later decides their gender. They fly ancient aircraft called Simouns, which require a kiss between two priestesses to function. As they fight in a war, Aer and Neviril grapple with their responsibilities and feelings for each other. Ultimately, they rebel against the pressure to conform to a single gender and leave their home behind. They survive the conflict and begin a new life together in a different world.

‘Princess Principal’ (2017)

In a steampunk London split by a huge wall, Ange and Princess Charlotte are secret agents with a shared history. They often disguise themselves as each other as they deal with dangerous political schemes and spying. Throughout the first season and in later films, they face threats from enemies and traitors within their own government, but Ange always puts Charlotte’s safety first, and their bond remains strong as they continue their secret work.

‘Flip Flappers’ (2016)

Cocona and Papika embark on a fantastical journey through a strange and dreamlike world to gather enigmatic pieces of a puzzle. Along the way, they’re forced to face their inner demons and uncover the hidden, troubling intentions of a group trying to dominate this world. Their strong connection to each other is what gives them strength and helps them fight against enemies who can twist reality. They break free from the control of their overbearing parents and forge their own destinies. Ultimately, they overcome the organization threatening everything and find a way to stay together in the real world.

‘Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka’ (2019)

I’m really hooked on this series! It follows Asuka Otori, a former magical girl trying to escape a really tough past, but she gets pulled back into fighting when new dangers appear. She teams up with Kurumi Mugen, who’s got a serious crush on Asuka and is a surprisingly brutal fighter. Honestly, it’s a pretty dark take on the magical girl genre – these girls aren’t just fighting villains, they’re basically soldiers facing some seriously horrific stuff, including torture and death. The story follows Asuka and Kurumi as they battle these incredibly dangerous enemies, like the Babel Brigade and these creatures called the Disas, and they keep fighting as part of an elite magical forces unit to protect everyone.

‘The Betrayal Knows My Name’ (2010)

Yuki Sakurai learns he’s the reborn version of the partner to Luka Crosszeria, a very powerful being. Luka has been waiting hundreds of years for Yuki’s return and promises him unwavering loyalty and love. Together, they battle dangerous demons called Duras that are endangering humanity and the people Yuki cares about. The story centers on their growing connection and how Luka constantly protects Yuki from supernatural attacks. Through all the challenges, both Yuki and Luka survive and remain together, ready to face whatever comes next.

‘Black Butler’ (2008)

Ciel Phantomhive makes a deal with the demon Sebastian Michaelis to get revenge on those who ruined his family. Sebastian works as Ciel’s butler and bodyguard, destroying the souls of their enemies. The story explores dark, supernatural elements and features intense battles with angels and reapers. Although their agreement suggests Ciel will eventually die, the second season of the anime ends with Ciel transforming into a demon himself, allowing him and Sebastian to live on as an immortal, eternal duo.

‘K’ (2012)

Saruhiko Fushimi and Misaki Yata used to be close friends, but their friendship fell apart when Fushimi betrayed their group. Now on opposite sides of a conflict between two powerful leaders, they struggle with old feelings while fighting each other. Over time, they work through their issues and ultimately join forces to defeat a common enemy, the Green Clan. Both survive the fighting and rebuild their bond.

‘Loveless’ (2005)

Ritsuka Aoyagi’s life changes when he meets Soubi Agatsuma, a fighter who used to partner with Ritsuka’s late brother. Soubi becomes Ritsuka’s new fighting partner, introducing him to a world where battles are fought with spoken commands. As they investigate the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death, their complicated relationship deepens, and they face constant threats from rival pairs sent by a mysterious group called Septimal Moon. Despite the dangers, Ritsuka and Soubi make it through the challenges and continue working together to uncover the truth.

‘Assault Lily: Bouquet’ (2020)

Riri Hitotsuyanagi joins a military academy to become a Lily, a warrior who fights enormous monsters known as Huge. She’s paired with Yuyu Shirai, a soldier still struggling with the loss of her former partner. Through their battles together on the front lines, Riri’s determination helps Yuyu overcome her trauma. The two girls fight using heavy weaponry against these giant creatures in dangerous situations. Ultimately, both Riri and Yuyu survive the war and become even closer as partners.

Have you seen any of these shows? Or do you know of any other series where the main couple survives? Let us know your suggestions in the comments below!

2025-12-09 02:16