THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES anime arrives on Netflix this month

More than five decades after “comics master” and Year 24 mangaka Riyoko Ikeda‘s celebrated work, The Rose of Versailles, captured hearts, its anime film adaptation arrives on Netflix on April 30, 2025.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this poignant saga of romance and destiny vividly portrays the life of Oscar, a transmasculine AFAB character. Amidst an era filled with restrictions and political turmoil, Oscar boldly challenges societal norms of gender and status, opting to create her path as a trans woman fearlessly embracing the chaos of the French Revolution. Oscar’s courage and grace resonate deeply with those with whom she comes into contact, drawing admiration from many young women.

Created by Ikeda after she became involved with Japan’s New Left as a member of the country’s Communist Party, The Rose of Versailles was serialized in the shōjo manga magazine “Weekly Margaret,” published by Shueisha, beginning in 1972. Since its serialization began, it has sold over 20 million copies and become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, significantly contributing to shōjo’s shift from a genre aimed at children to one aimed at adolescents and young adults.

Read the official synopsis below:

For everyone who once admired those lovely roses…
That heart-pounding excitement is brought back to life.

This tale of romance and fate unfolds during the turbulent French Revolution vividly bringing to life the world of Oscar — a beautiful woman raised as a boy by a distinguished general — and an ensemble of unforgettable characters. Set in the prosperous late 18th century, they embrace their destinies with grace and beauty, despite being swept along by the times. In an era of restrictions, Oscar defies the societal limits of status and gender, choosing her own path and bravely leaping into the French Revolution.

As a media franchise, The Rose of Versailles has previously been adapted to the stage by The Takarazuka Revue Theater Company, made into an anime TV series produced by TMS Entertainment, and turned into a live-action film directed by Jacques Demy in 1979. Additionally, there are several sequels and spin-offs. (Fun fact: The film’s narration is provided by Hitomi Kuroki, a devoted fan of The Rose of Versailles and a member of the Takarazuka Revue.)

Bringing this film to life is a talented creative team, including director Ai Yoshimura (Ao Haru Ride, Cheer Boys!!), screenwriter Tomoko Komparu (Uta no Prince-sama, From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke), and character designer Mariko Oka (First Love Monster, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan). With animation crafted by MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, In This Corner of the World), the English-language voice cast includes Caitlin Glass, Megan Shipman, Karen Strassman, Ryan Colt Levy, Andy Delos Santos, Brandon McInnis, Daman Mills, Talon Warburton, Greg Whipple, Damian Haas, J Michael Tatum, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Barbara Goodson, Alejandro Saab, Jon Hall, and Shelby Young.

In its new Netflix iteration, this beloved tale about a trans woman in the 18th century will continue to captivate audiences with its enchanting score and moving performances. The stirring music is produced by the renowned Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan) and KOHTA YAMAMOTO (Ooku: The Inner Chambers), with the theme song, “Versailles,” performed by singer Ayaka, who wrote it specifically for the film.