Anime That Gave Us a Dark Knight Who Saves the Princess

The archetype of the dark knight protecting royalty is a staple in anime storytelling that consistently captivates audiences. These characters often wear black armor or clothing and operate as anti-heroes while protecting a princess or a female figure of high importance. This dynamic frequently contrasts the purity of the royal figure with the gritty resolve of their protector. From literal knights in fantasy worlds to modern interpretations of the bodyguard trope, these figures redefine chivalry with a darker edge. Here are fifteen anime series featuring a black knight figure who saves the princess.

‘Berserk’ (1997)

Guts is widely known as the Black Swordsman and serves as one of the most iconic examples of this archetype in anime history. The Golden Age arc features his pivotal mission to rescue Princess Charlotte from the Tower of Rebirth after she is imprisoned by her father. Guts cuts through countless enemies with his massive sword to ensure the safety of the princess and his mercenary commander Griffith. His brutal fighting style and dark armor contrast sharply with the noble setting of the rescue mission. This storyline sets the stage for the tragic events that follow and cements Guts as a legendary protector.

‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2007)

Lelouch Lamperouge adopts the masked persona of Zero and forms a resistance group explicitly named the Black Knights. His primary motivation throughout the series involves creating a safer world for his younger sister Nunnally who is a princess of the Britannian Empire. Lelouch navigates a complex political landscape and uses his power of Geass to protect her from the chaos of war. The series explores the heavy burden of leadership as Zero becomes a symbol of justice while employing ruthless methods. His dual life as a student and a revolutionary leader creates a compelling narrative about sacrifice and sibling love.

‘Sword Art Online’ (2012)

Kirito earns the nickname of the Black Swordsman due to his preference for wearing black clothing and wielding a black blade. During the Fairy Dance arc he ventures into the world of ALfheim Online to rescue Asuna Yuuki. Asuna is trapped in a birdcage by the antagonist Oberon and forced to play the role of Titania the Fairy Queen. Kirito fights through impossible odds and climbs the World Tree to save her from eternal imprisonment. This arc highlights his dedication and establishes him as a hero willing to defy the game mechanics for the woman he loves.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997)

Tuxedo Mask serves as the primary protector for Sailor Moon who is the reincarnation of Princess Serenity. He wears a black tuxedo and a cape while throwing red roses to intervene during dangerous battles against the forces of evil. His mysterious appearances often provide the Sailor Guardians with the opening they need to defeat their enemies. Mamoru Chiba eventually reveals his true identity as Prince Endymion and solidifies his eternal bond with the princess. The character established a blueprint for the mysterious savior trope that influenced generations of anime.

‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ (2014)

Meliodas is the captain of the Seven Deadly Sins and bears the title of the Dragon Sin of Wrath. He dedicates his immortal life to protecting Princess Elizabeth Liones after she seeks his help to save her kingdom. His powers are darkness-based and he often struggles to contain his demonic nature while fighting for her safety. The story reveals a deep and ancient connection between the two characters that spans multiple lifetimes. Meliodas consistently puts himself in harm’s way to shield Elizabeth from holy knights and demons alike.

‘Overlord’ (2015)

Ainz Ooal Gown creates the persona of Momon the Dark Hero to gather information and operate freely within the new world. Momon wears full jet-black armor and wields two massive greatswords as he takes on high-ranked quests. He becomes involved in the political intrigues of the Re-Estize Kingdom and interacts with Princess Renner during the demonic invasion turmoil. The character of Momon allows Ainz to play the role of a legendary human warrior who saves the innocent populace. This roleplay serves his greater goal of strengthening the Great Tomb of Nazarick while maintaining a heroic public image.

‘The Rising of the Shield Hero’ (2019)

Naofumi Iwatani is summoned to another world as the Shield Hero but is quickly ostracized and framed for crimes he did not commit. He adopts a darker aesthetic and ruthless demeanor to survive in a kingdom that despises him. Naofumi eventually becomes the sworn protector of Princess Melty Q Melromarc after saving her from an assassination attempt orchestrated by her own sister. His defensive capabilities and magical shield prove essential in keeping the young princess safe from corrupt nobles. The series focuses on his journey from a hated outcast to a true guardian of the realm.

‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ (2000)

The legendary dhampir known only as D is hired to rescue Charlotte Elbourne from the vampire Meier Link. D wears a black wide-brimmed hat and a long black coat while riding a mechanical horse across a post-apocalyptic landscape. The daughter of a wealthy family finds herself the target of various bounty hunters and demons. D silently eliminates threats with his graceful swordsmanship and protects Charlotte despite the moral ambiguity of her situation. This film showcases the quintessential dark hero who saves the damsel while remaining an enigmatic outsider.

‘The Eminence in Shadow’ (2022)

Cid Kagenou lives out his fantasy of being a mastermind in the shadows by operating as the entity known as Shadow. He dons a black slime bodysuit and leads the organization Shadow Garden to fight the Cult of Diablos. Shadow intervenes to save Princess Alexia Midgar and later Princess Rose Oriana from political conspiracies and monster attacks. His actions are often driven by his desire to look cool rather than genuine altruism but the results remain the same. The show parodies many tropes while delivering high-stakes action where the black-clad anti-hero saves royalty.

‘Yona of the Dawn’ (2014)

Hak is the former general of the Wind Tribe and serves as the personal bodyguard to Princess Yona. He is known as the Thunder Beast and wears dark blue and black traditional robes while wielding a massive guandao. Hak saves Yona from a coup that kills her father and forces them to flee the palace into the wilderness. He remains her steadfast shield as she grows from a sheltered princess into a capable warrior. His loyalty and combat prowess define his role as the dark knight protecting the exiled royal.

‘Chivalry of a Failed Knight’ (2015)

Ikki Kurogane is an F-rank blazer known as the Worst One who faces constant discrimination from his family and the magical society. He wears a black school uniform and utilizes a high-risk combat technique called Itto Shura to defeat stronger opponents. Ikki forms a close partnership with Stella Vermillion who is the Second Princess of the Vermillion Kingdom. He repeatedly pushes his body to the limit to protect Stella from powerful rivals and assassins. Their relationship develops from rivalry to romance as he proves his worth as her knight.

‘Black Clover’ (2017–2021)

Asta is a boy born without magic who joins the Black Bulls squad of Magic Knights. He wields anti-magic swords that are black and rusty and eventually taps into a demonic form known as Black Asta. He frequently fights alongside Noelle Silva who is a royal of the Clover Kingdom and a member of the same squad. Asta protects Noelle and encourages her to control her immense magical power when her own family rejects her. His determination and dark powers make him an unconventional knight who saves the royal figure from despair.

‘How Not to Summon a Demon Lord’ (2018)

Takuma Sakamoto is summoned into a game world as his character Diablo who is a powerful Demon Lord. He maintains a menacing roleplay persona and wears a distinct black outfit with horns. Diablo ends up saving Shera L. Greenwood who is an Elf Princess fleeing from her kingdom to avoid an arranged marriage. He uses his overwhelming magic to obliterate anyone who tries to capture or harm her. The series mixes comedy with action as the terrifying Demon Lord acts as the ultimate guardian for the runaway princess.

‘Vampire Knight’ (2008)

Zero Kiryu is a vampire hunter who serves as a school guardian alongside Yuki Cross. He wears a black school uniform and harbors a deep hatred for pureblood vampires due to his tragic past. Zero protects Yuki from the dangerous vampire society even as he struggles with his own transformation into a vampire. Yuki is later revealed to be the Pureblood Princess of the Kuran family which complicates their relationship. Zero remains a brooding and protective figure who is willing to turn his gun on his own kind to keep her safe.

‘Bleach’ (2004–2012)

Ichigo Kurosaki invades the Soul Society to save Rukia Kuchiki from her scheduled execution. Rukia is an adopted member of the noble Kuchiki clan and serves as the catalyst for Ichigo gaining his powers. Ichigo achieves his Bankai which condenses his power into a sleek black katana and changes his outfit into a black coat. He battles powerful captains and defies the laws of the Soul Reapers to rescue the noblewoman from the execution tower. This arc defines Ichigo as a substitute soul reaper clad in black who challenges the heavens to save his friend.

Tell us which of these dark protectors is your favorite in the comments.