Space Pirates: The Ultimate Watch List! You Won't Believe #7!

Space pirates are commonly seen in science fiction stories as their exploits take place not on Earth’s seas but among the stars. Instead of sailing ships, they navigate through space aboard spaceships. Their main objectives involve seizing cargo spaceships, plundering, and sometimes even making off with entire vessels. However, unlike traditional pirates on Earth, these interstellar outlaws can differ significantly in appearance and language, as their depiction is often influenced by an author’s unique vision of the future rather than being based on historical pirate counterparts.

In this piece, we’ll guide you through an exciting selection of 15 top-notch space pirate tales, categorized into three sections – movies, television series, and outstanding anime.

1. Treasure Planet

Original Release: November 6, 2002
Running Time: 95 minutes

Jim Hawkins, a young man with a lifelong yearning for excitement, finds himself thrust into an unexpected adventure. A critically wounded creature resembling a reptile, unlike any he had ever seen, collapses near his mother’s tavern and passes him a peculiar, spherical artifact before expiring. Not long after, a band of pirates arrive, causing Jim, his mother, and Dr. Doppler – an inn guest and their trusted friend – to quickly evacuate. Regrettably, the tavern is razed in the ensuing chaos.

After finding out that the orb is known as “The Boot of a Thousand Universes,” a map once possessed by the legendary pirate Captain Nathaniel Flint, Doctor Doppler plans an expedition to locate this celestial body. The day for setting sail finally comes. Jim, serving as a cabin boy, embarks on Captain Amelia’s vessel named Heritage RLS. He is tasked with helping out the cook, John Silver, who happens to be a cyborg, during their voyage.

The bond between these two characters, Jim Hawkins and another, will develop into a surrogate paternal relationship as he fills an emotional void left by his absent father. However, it won’t be long before Jim recognizes that he’s orchestrating a rebellion – a mutiny, if you will – to retrieve the treasure hidden aboard their ship.

2. The Ice Pirates

Original Release: March 16, 1984
Running Time: 91 minutes

In the years to come, long after humanity’s epic interstellar conflicts, water – once abundant – has become an exceptionally precious resource. Its distribution is solely controlled by the mysterious Space Templars stationed on Mithras. Despite this, I, along with a few defiant space pirates, have managed to eke out a living by pilfering the ice stored in the vessels of our oppressors.

Jason and his band of pirates subsequently launch an attack on the Meterak, seeking to pilfer the water it holds, frozen into ice cubes. In the course of these raids, they abduct Princess Karina, which swiftly prompts a pursuit by one of Zorn’s vessels, ruler of the Templars. Upon rescuing the Princess, Zorn retaliates by imprisoning them among the slaves and exiling them to the planet Mithras.

3. Harlock: Space Pirate

Original Release: September 7, 2013
Running Time: 111 minutes

By the year 2907, the universe was inhabited by approximately 500 billion people, descendants from those expelled from Earth. The planet Earth, universally recognized as our homeland, is now governed by the Gaia Coalition – a decadent and corrupt supernational power that rules mankind in an autocratic manner.

In a future scenario, the enigmatic Captain Harlock commands the vessel Arcadia, our last beacon in the fight against GAIA: the Coalition. Consequently, the Coalition initiates a daring plan to penetrate this spaceship with the objective of eliminating Captain Harlock. The mission falls upon Yama, the youthful brother of the relentless and power-hungry Commander Ezra, who must overcome this arduous assignment.

On a certain planet known for its rocky terrain, a quartet of explorers, among them Yama, request to embark on the Arcadia. However, they’re told that due to limited space, only one of them can actually board the ship.

4. Space Raiders

Original Release: July 1983
Running Time: 84 minutes

A 10-year-old boy is accidentally kidnapped by a spaceship full of a crew of space pirates.

5. Solo: A Star Wars Story

Original Release: May 10, 2018
Running Time: 135 minutes

The movie, titled “Han Solo: A Star Wars Story“, primarily focuses on the character Han Solo and his spacecraft, the Millennium Falcon. It follows a sequence of perilous journeys in a treacherous criminal network. During these escapades, Han Solo forges friendships with Chewbacca, who later becomes his copilot, and encounters the cunning gambler Lando Calrissian. The narrative takes place slightly prior to Han’s encounter with Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in “A New Hope“, as well as the occurrences depicted in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story“.

6. Blakes7

Original Release: January 2, 1978 – December 21, 1981
Episodes: 52

In the “Third Century of the Second Calendar”, the narrative unfolds around the adventures of revolutionary Roj Blake, spearheading a group of rebels in their struggle against the oppressive regime of the “Terran Federation”. This powerful entity governs Earth and numerous other planets through tactics such as surveillance, mind control, and drug use.

7. Space Precinct

Original Release: October 3, 1994 – July 24, 1995
Episodes: 24

By the year 2040, NYPD officer Patrick Brogan is reassigned to the police headquarters in Demeter City, the capital of planet Altor. This shift represents a significant adjustment for his family, comprising wife Sally, daughter Liz, and son Matt. Alongside his partner Jack Haldane and predominantly alien comrades hailing from the Tarn and Creon species, he tackles organized crime on this new world.

8. Firefly

Original Release: September 20 – December 20, 2002
Episodes: 14

After the Alliance emerges victorious in the civil war, gaining full control over the star system where the narrative takes place, Sergeant Malcolm Raynolds (portrayed by Nathan Fillion) – who had previously opposed planetary unification – and his fellow soldier Zoe Washburne (Gina Torres), embark on a new life as traders/smugglers aboard their Firefly-class transport ship, Serenity (the title of the pilot episode). Their objective is to maintain minimal involvement with the society established by the new rulers.

The team aboard the ship is headed by Captain Malcolm Raynolds and First Mate Zoe Washburne. Kaylee Frye, our mechanic, treats the vessel as if it were a living being. Pilot Hoban “Wash” Washburne handles navigation, who’s married to Zoe. Mercenary Jayne Cobb is in charge of security, while Inara Serra, a chaperone and high-profile prostitute, resides and works within one of the Serenity support shuttles.

In the world depicted on the show, Inara’s profession holds great esteem, echoing the sacred role of ancient prostitutes. She is officially registered within a professional guild and this is why Captain Raynolds maintains a certain distance towards her, even though his own respect may not fully extend to her job description.

9. Lost in Space

Original Release: September 15, 1965 – March 6, 1968
Episodes: 83

The Robinson family and Major West were placed in a state of hibernation prior to the voyage, ahead of takeoff. However, unbeknownst to them, Dr. Zachary Smith (played by Jonathan Harris), a scientist involved with the “Jupiter 2” project, secretly infiltrated the spaceship for a sabotage mission. He was acting on behalf of an adversarial power that aimed to halt the journey from commencing.

Instead of quietly reprogramming the B9 robot on the spaceship “Jupiter 2” to self-destruct shortly after leaving Earth, he did so while being unintentionally trapped within the ship during liftoff. Unfortunately, Smith’s presence added extra weight to the spacecraft, causing it to veer off its intended course and hurtle into a meteor storm in outer space. The collision with the meteors was inevitable.

After the robot launched its following assault, it finished the task of leaving the crew stranded amidst the vast emptiness of space. Upon awakening from their suspended slumber, the Robinson family and Major West discovered themselves drifting aimlessly, much like the show “Lost in Space.

10. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

Original Release: February 13, 2011 – February 19, 2012
Episodes: 51

In the debut of the series, our protagonist – the 34th Super Sentai known as Gokaiger – is initially challenged by the formidable Zangyack Space Empire, a dangerous new adversary that threatens Earth more than any enemy before. Moved by this peril, the 33 previous Super Sentais emerge from retirement to join forces with the new team in their battle against this common foe.

The triumph will come from uniting the forces of the 34 Super Sentai, by annihilating the Zangyack armada. However, this victory brought tragic consequences: every member of the Super Sentai lost their powers during the last phase of the attack, and these powers vanished into space forever in the shape of keys. This conflict became renowned as the “Legendary War”.

One day, as the Gokaiger space pirates voyage through the cosmos, they spot Earth; suspecting that the most valuable prize in the universe might reside on this planet, they decide to dock there. However, the return of the Zangyack Empire will compel them to make a critical choice. Employing the keys to the 34 Super Sentai teams they have discovered scattered across the cosmos, they prepare to battle the Zangyack Empire in their quest for their treasure. Each member of the Gokaigers has a personal vendetta against the empire.

11. Outlaw Star

Original Run: January 8, 1998 – June 25, 1998
Episodes: 26

In the coming “Age Among the Stars,” numerous solar systems become accessible for interstellar travel. Within these nomadic communities, a select few have chosen the path of bounty hunting – apprehending criminals for substantial rewards. Gene Starwind and his companion, James “Jim” Hawking, are two such bounty hunters who find themselves tasked with the protection of Captain Hilda, who possesses an android.

Melfina is the sole pilot of the spaceship known as “XGP-15A II,” often referred to as “Outlaw Star.” This vessel attracts the attention of the ruthless Kei Pirates as well. Following Hilda’s demise, Melfina teams up with two space bounty hunters, along with Aisha Clanclan, a feline-eared companion, and Suzuka, a deadly samurai known as “Twilight.”

In this revised version, I aimed to maintain the original’s clarity while using more natural language that flows well.

12. Bodacious Space Pirates

Original Run: January 8, 2012 – June 30, 2012
Episodes: 26

In a time when space exploration is routine, since the War for Independence, harmony prevails in the Whale constellation’s star system. This modest settlement gained freedom from the Galactic Empire due to a brutal fight, and its administration has successfully preserved peace through alliances with space outlaws.

Marika Kato, a youthful college student, lives an unremarkable life by being part of the space sailing club and working at a vintage maid cafe in her spare time. However, she discovers that her father was not just an ordinary man but a space pirate with a letter of marque (a corsair). This revelation makes Marika the rightful captain of her father’s ship, “The bentenmaru.” Now, Marika juggles her responsibilities as a corsair captain and her academic pursuits.

13. Sol Bianca

Original Release: March 21, 1990 – May 17, 1991
Episodes: 2 (OVA)

In the vaguely familiar yet undeniably distant future, I find myself captivated by a tale that unfolds aboard a unique spaceship. The crew, a quintet of girls, each with distinct personalities and ages reminiscent of springtime – Febu, April, Janny, June, and May. They’re the commanders of this vessel, engaging in daring raids against the cargo ships of Emperor Badros, a ruler known for his tyranny across at least two planets within Galaxy F63, Uno and Tres.

During one such raid, an unexpected passenger stows away – a chatty boy named Rim. Despite their initial resistance, Rim manages to convince them to venture towards Tres, promising unforeseen adventures that await them there. The journey promises to be filled with intrigue, as these girls navigate the treacherous waters of space and the complexities of their own camaraderie. Buckle up for this thrilling ride!

In contrast to the television series, the OVA reveals at its climax that the roots of civilization stem from Earth, specifically our species, the Homo Genus. This enlightenment comes about when our heroines retrieve a “videodisc” from the ship of the Emperor. This disc is essentially a recording sent into space centuries ago by Earth’s civilization, serving as a sort of instruction manual for the creation and development of civilization elsewhere.

14. Sol Bianca: The Legacy

Original Release: September 24, 1999 – May 25, 2000
Episodes: 6

The narrative unfolds in a time far ahead, four centuries beyond the era known as the “Frontier Age”. This was when humans boldly stepped out of our solar system to conquer the universe. Now, after a period of joy and exploration, Earth, our ancestral home, is becoming more myth than memory. Our characters, April, Jany, Jun, and Feb, are like interstellar rogues, navigating the cosmos aboard their advanced spaceship, “Sol Bianca”.

The narrative unfolds as the four friends stumble upon Mayo, a youthful girl who’s fled her home in search of her missing parents. Moved by compassion, the team aboard the “Sol Bianca” vows to aid her and embarks on a lengthy voyage that will eventually lead them to Earth, uncovering an astounding truth about the planet believed to be the birthplace of humans.

15. Space Pirate Captain Harlock

Original Release: March 14, 1978 – February 13, 1979
Episodes: 42

The series unfolds in a future where humanity has abandoned its quest for expansion across the cosmos. Instead, they focus on relaxation and numerous forms of entertainment, finding their lives too light without responsibilities. Yet, there are those who, disillusioned with an Earth devoid of ambition, once again board spaceships to journey through the universe.

1. The earthly authorities, disapproving of their actions, label them as space pirates and outlaws. This is where the legend of the cosmic pirates originated, who, at the turn of the third millennium, traversed through space. It begins when a massive dark orb collides on Earth. Professor Daiba, accompanied by his son Tadashi, find that this artifact was dispatched by the Amazons, an alien race, with the intention of conquering Earth.

2. The earthly administration, frowning upon their actions, designates them as interstellar outlaws and pirates. This is how the myth of the space-roving pirates emerged, who, toward the end of the third millennium, journeyed through space. Everything kicks off when a huge black sphere impacts Earth. Professor Daiba and his son Tadashi determine that this object hails from the Amazons, an extraterrestrial civilization, intent on invading Earth.

3. The earthly leadership, displeased by their actions, classifies them as interstellar pirates and lawbreakers. This is the birth of the cosmic pirate legend, who, at the end of the third millennium, plied the stars. It all commences when a massive black sphere smashes onto Earth. Professor Daiba with his son Tadashi deduce that this object was dispatched by the Amazons, an alien race, seeking to conquer Earth.

4. The earthly powers-that-be, disapproving of their behavior, deem them as cosmic pirates and malefactors. This is where the tale of the star-sailing pirates sprang up, who, at the turn of the third millennium, navigated through space. It all starts when a large black sphere collides on Earth. Professor Daiba together with his son Tadashi figure out that this object was sent by the Amazons, an extraterrestrial species, aiming to invade Earth.

5. The earthly authorities, disliking their actions, tag them as cosmic pirates and miscreants. This is how the lore of the space-traveling pirates came into existence, who, at the end of the third millennium, sailed through space. It all begins when a massive dark orb crashes onto Earth. Professor Daiba along with his son Tadashi discover that this object was dispatched by the Amazons, an alien race, planning to conquer Earth.

6. The earthly government, condemning their actions, labels them as space pirates and felons. This is where the yarn of the cosmic voyagers originated, who, at the turn of the third millennium, traversed through space. It all starts when a huge black sphere collides on Earth. Professor Daiba with his son Tadashi determine that this object was sent by the Amazons, an extraterrestrial civilization, intent on invading Earth.

7. The earthly regime, frowning upon their behavior, brands them as interstellar pirates and criminals. This is where the legend of the space-roving pirates emerged, who, at the end of the third millennium, journeyed through space. It all commences when a massive black sphere smashes onto Earth. Professor Daiba together with his son Tadashi deduce that this object was dispatched by the Amazons, an alien race, seeking to conquer Earth.

Nevertheless, no one in government acknowledges these facts, instead treating them as trivial or unimportant. Even after Professor Daiba’s murder, there is no response. This enrages Tadashi, who decides that the only way to seek justice for his father is by joining the Arcadia, appealing to Captain Harlock for assistance, and together, they plan to confront the Amazons in battle.

Gradually, Tadashi realizes that each member of the crew, including Harlock himself, has personal motives for their battle, and so does Raflesia, the Amazon Queen. This war, therefore, isn’t merely about protecting or conquering Earth, but also about uncovering the truth behind these actions.

2025-05-22 09:50

Space Pirates: The Ultimate Watch List! You Won’t Believe #7!